Jesus didn’t call people to simply believe in Him, but to follow Him.

Many believers know the language of faith, attend church regularly, and affirm sound doctrine, yet still wonder whether they are truly living as Christ’s disciples. 

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany examine three marks of true discipleship: remaining in God’s Word, bearing spiritual fruit, and loving others as Christ loves. This thoughtful conversation challenges listeners to consider not just what they believe, but how they live as followers of Jesus.

What We Discussed: 

02:30 Following Jesus Is More Than Intellectual Agreement
Jesus’ call to “follow Me” is examined as a call to obedience and transformation, not just believing the right doctrine.

03:15 #1 - Abiding in God’s Word 

True disciples remain in Christ’s Word. Abiding means staying, dwelling, and allowing Scripture to shape decisions, priorities, and worldview.

07:05 Bearing Spiritual Fruit as Evidence of a Living Faith
True disciples bear fruit over time. Spiritual fruit shows up in character, patience, humility, love, and meaningful impact on others, not in curated appearances or spiritual performance.

09:30 Fruit Grows Through Faithfulness, Not Speed
Discipleship is described as a slow, faithful process. Jesus never calls for instant fruit.

11:10 Loving as Jesus Loves
Jesus identifies love as the clearest mark of discipleship. This love goes beyond affection and includes sacrifice, commitment, and concern for others.

12:40 Love Our Enemies
The episode addresses the hard call to love enemies, even those who oppose the gospel or disrupt the church, grounding this command in Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5:44.

14:20 Love is Action, Not Feeling
Biblical love is an action and commitment rather than emotion. True love shows itself through sacrifice, concern, and obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit.

16:00 Why Love Is the Visible Badge of Discipleship

While sound doctrine matters deeply, love is the evidence of discipleship the unbelieving world recognizes most clearly.

18:45 Direction, Not Perfection
The episode closes with a call to honest self-examination, reminding listeners that discipleship is about direction, not perfection, and that Jesus always meets His followers where they are.

“ Discipleship isn't about hustle. It's about faithfulness.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ.

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Many people followed Jesus. Not all of them were truly His disciples.

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany Coker walk through John chapter 6 to examine one of the most challenging truths of the Christian life: discipleship is more than separation from sin. It requires active devotion to Christ.

As many followers walked away from Jesus when His teaching became difficult, Scripture reveals three distinct types of disciples: nominal disciples, real disciples, and false disciples. This conversation explores how each group responds to Jesus, why separation without devotion can be spiritually dangerous, and how believers today can honestly examine their own hearts.

What We Discussed

02:26 Why Biblical Separation Is Misunderstood
Biblical separation is not about isolation or moral superiority. Scripture calls believers to holiness through repentance and obedience, not excuse or compromise, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15–16 and Romans 6.

05:22 Separation from Personal Sin
Christians are called to deal honestly with their own sin through repentance, confession, and intentional turning away, rather than minimizing or justifying sinful patterns.

08:20 Why Small Sins Are Spiritually Dangerous
Hidden or “small” sins do not remain contained. Like poison in a well, personal sin affects prayer, spiritual sensitivity, relationships, and a believer’s witness.

09:54 Separation from Unrepentant Believers
Scripture teaches that fellowship should be withheld from those who profess Christ yet persist in unrepentant sin, both to protect the church and to call the individual to repentance, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 5:11.

12:41 Why the Church Must Take Sin Seriously
Unaddressed sin spreads within the church like yeast through dough 1 Corinthians 5:6.

13:42 Separation from False Teachers

Believers are commanded to test teaching against Scripture and separate from those who distort the gospel or deny its truth, following the warning of 1 John 4:1.

18:31 Separation from the World System
Scripture calls believers to resist the values and priorities of the world that oppose God, choosing spiritual transformation over conformity, as taught in 1 John 2:15 and Romans 12:2.

19:43 Set Apart, Not Isolated
Biblical separation doesn’t mean withdrawing from people. It means living with distinct loves, loyalties, and standards while remaining engaged, compassionate, and Christlike.

“Discipleship is not about perfection. It is about bringing every area of life under the Lordship of Christ.”  – Pastor Jeff Cranston

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

What does it mean for Christians to be “set apart”? 

Biblical separation is often misunderstood as isolation or spiritual superiority, but Scripture presents it as a call to holiness, faithfulness, and love for Christ.

In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue their Practical Theology series by walking through four specific ways Scripture calls believers to live distinct lives while remaining engaged in the world.

What We Discussed

02:26 Why Biblical Separation Is Often Misunderstood
Scripture calls believers to pursue holiness by dealing honestly with personal sin through repentance and obedience, not excuse or compromise (1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 6:1–2, 12).

05:22 Separation from Personal Sin
Christians are called to deal honestly with their own sin through repentance, confession, and mortification, not excuses or compromise.

08:20 Why Small Sins Are Spiritually Dangerous
Personal sin spreads like poison in a well. Even hidden or private sin affects prayer, witness, relationships, and sensitivity to God’s Word.

09:54 Separation from Unrepentant Believers
Scripture teaches that fellowship should be withheld from those who claim Christ yet persist in unrepentant sin, both to protect the church and to call the believer to repentance (1 Corinthians 5:11).

12:41 Why the Church Must Take Sin Seriously
Unaddressed sin spreads within the body like yeast through dough, affecting truth, holiness, and the church’s witness (1 Corinthians 5:6).

13:42 Separation from False Teachers
Believers are commanded to test teaching against Scripture and separate from those who distort the gospel (1 John 4:1).

17:11 How Separation from False Teachers Works Practically
Christians should not endorse, platform, or partner with ministries that deny Scripture, compromise the gospel, or reject Christ’s exclusivity.

18:31 Separation from the World System
Scripture calls believers to resist the values and priorities of the world that oppose God, choosing transformation over conformity (1 John 2:15; Romans 12:2).

19:43 Set Apart, Not Isolated
Biblical separation does not mean withdrawal from people. It means distinct loves, loyalties, and standards that reflect Christ while remaining engaged and compassionate.

Book: Practical Christian Theology: Examining the Great Doctrines of the Faith by Floyd H. Barackman

“Biblical separation is not about pride or fear or withdrawing from the world. It’s about holiness, faithfulness, and love for the Lord.”  – Pastor Jeff Cranston

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Pastor Jeff and Tiffany are taking the month of December off to rest, spend time with family, and prepare a fresh round of Kitchen Table Theology episodes for the new year. 

We’ll be back on Sunday, January 4 with new episodes that help you not only understand theology but live it out in everyday life. 

Until then, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas season with those you love! 

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. 

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Life is full of crossroads. Jobs. Moves. Relationships. Direction. Many Christians stress over decision-making because they fear missing God’s will. 

Pastor Jeff and Tiffany discuss how Scripture shows God guiding His people through everyday decisions with wisdom and steadiness. They discuss the four steps that bring clarity and peace, and the five “landing lights” that help believers discern God’s voice with confidence. 

What We Discussed

04:11 Double-Mindedness and Spiritual Instability
James 1 describes wavering between decisions as “double-mindedness.” He compares it to staggering like a drunk; anxious, unsure, and unstable.

05:08 The Wrong Ways We Try to Find God’s Will
Common but misguided approaches people use are waiting for emotional tingles, relying on formulas, or looking for mystical signs written in the sky. These methods don’t reflect how God normally guides His people.

07:00 Four Steps for Discerning God’s Will

Admit you need a guide; God leads the humble, not the self-reliant. Ask in faith for direction and listen for God’s response. Trust God when you don’t understand

14:19 The Five Landing Lights of God’s Guidance
Pastor Jeff walks through the five markers that help confirm God’s direction:

• Landing Light #1: A Multitude of Godly Counselors
• Landing Light #2: Personal Desires
• Landing Light #3: The Peace of the Holy Spirit
• Landing Light #4: External Circumstances
• Landing Light #5: The Word of God

22:14 Step 4: Trust God When You Don’t Understand
God rarely shows the full plan. He often gives light only for the next step. Trust becomes essential when the future is unclear. 

23:41 God’s Will Is Not Hidden

God delights in guiding His people. The same Shepherd who leads is the One who laid down His life, so His guidance can be trusted fully

Book: Making Life Decisions: Journey in Discernment by Geoff Pound

“The Shepherd who directs your steps is the same Shepherd who laid down His life for you. He can be trusted with your next decision.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Christians hear the phrase “separation from the world” and picture isolation, legalism, or withdrawing from culture. 

In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany explore the true biblical meaning. Separation is not retreat. It is holiness, devotion, and living distinctly for Christ while remaining present in the world He has sent us into. They walk through Scripture from the Old and New Testaments, and offer practical ways believers can stay spiritually grounded in a world saturated with temptation to sin.

What We Discussed

02:55 In the World but Not of It
Tiffany highlights Romans 12:2 and Jesus’ prayer in John 17, showing that the call is spiritual distinction, not physical withdrawal.

04:12 Misunderstanding Separation
Some believers interpret separation as total isolation, which does not reflect Jesus’ example of engaging tax collectors and sinners.

05:45 Holiness in the Old Testament
Pastor Jeff explains how Israel was called to be set apart in character, worship, and conduct as a reflection of God’s holiness.

07:44 Unequally Yoked and Influence
Pastor Jeff clarifies that separation does not forbid friendships with unbelievers. It warns against partnerships that compromise faith or witness.

09:02 Insulation, Not Isolation
They address two errors. Isolation from the world and superiority toward unbelievers, both of which distort true holiness.

12:27 The Cost of Being Set Apart
Separation requires evaluating what we consume and participate in, using prayer and Scripture to guard the heart. Unfortunately, rejection and misunderstanding is a reality when choosing biblical truth. 

19:37 Scripture and Accountability
Pastor Jeff highlights Psalm 119:11 and the role of Christian community in encouraging holiness and calling out compromise.

20:45 Remembering Our True Citizenship
They reflect on Philippians 3 and the call to live with eternity in view. We are pilgrims passing through this world.

“The issue isn’t being in the world. It’s the world being in us. The boat is meant to be in the water, but the water is not meant to be in the boat.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Many believers wrestle with one of the most common questions in the Christian life: How do I know God’s will for me?

In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany begin a new mini-series on Learning and Discerning God’s Will. Pastor Jeff shares five key ways God reveals His will: Through Scripture, prayer, circumstances, other believers, and His direct leading. God’s will is not hidden from His people but revealed to those who walk closely with Him.

What We Discussed

01:09 Discerning God’s Will
Pastor Jeff explains why many Christians view God’s will as something difficult to find, and how it’s often simpler than we think when our hearts are in the right place.

03:30 Two Approaches to God’s Will
Some believers wait passively for God to act, while others move forward and trust Him to guide or redirect. Pastor Jeff discusses finding a healthy balance between the two.

05:12 Preparing the Heart
Before learning and discerning God’s will, our hearts must be right with God. There are four steps of preparation: Yield fully to God, be willing to obey, confess known sin, and ask for His guidance.

07:04 God Desires to Reveal His Will
Tiffany reads Colossians 1:9 and 1 John 5:14-15, reminding listeners that God wants His children to know His will and equips them with spiritual wisdom and understanding.

09:11 Five Ways to Learn and Discern God’s Will
Pastor Jeff outlines five ways God reveals His will: through Scripture, prayer, life circumstances, the counsel of other believers, and His direct leading.

18:02 God’s Direct Leading
While rare, God sometimes provides clear direction through His Word or the Holy Spirit. Pastor Jeff cautions believers to test every message against Scripture and seek wise counsel.

19:21 Living in God’s Will
Discerning God’s will starts with the heart. When we are yielded, prayerful, and obedient, we can trust that we are already walking in His will.

“If you want to know what God wants, you have to want what God wants.” – Steve Brown

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Every October 31st, the Church commemorates Reformation Day. In this episode, Pastor Jeff discusses the most pivotal moments in church history: the Protestant Reformation and the bold faith of Martin Luther.

Pastor Jeff explores the story behind Luther’s 95 Theses, his struggle for assurance, and how his discovery of justification by faith alone reshaped the course of Christianity. This episode is a reminder that the Church must always return to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture because God’s Word is never peripheral; it’s central.

What We Discussed

00:19 Reformation Day and Its Importance
Pastor Jeff explains why October 31st should be remembered not only as Halloween but as Reformation Day, a turning point in church history.

03:11 What Was the Protestant Reformation?

Pastor Jeff explains how reformers Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and John Knox led a movement to return the Church to the gospel and the authority of Scripture, standing against corruption and unbiblical practices.

05:22 The Spark: Luther’s 95 Theses
Pastor Jeff recounts the moment Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517, igniting a movement that shook Europe.

06:49 The Story Behind Luther’s Conviction
From a near-death lightning storm to entering the monastery, Luther’s personal journey reveals how God led him to grace through faith.

08:20 The Breakthrough in Romans
Luther’s study of Romans opened his eyes to the truth of “the just shall live by faith” and transformed his understanding of salvation.

10:17 The Selling of Indulgences
Pastor Jeff explains how the Church’s corrupt sale of indulgences for profit sparked Luther’s outrage and his call for reform.

12:23 Rome’s Response and Luther’s Trial
After the Pope condemned his views, Luther was summoned to the Diet of Worms to defend his faith and refused to recant.

14:31 Luther’s Legacy
Luther’s defiance and devotion to Scripture changed the Church forever. Pastor Jeff recommends Here I Stand by Roland Bainton for those who want to learn more about his life and faith.

Read Here I Stand by Roland Bainton: https://lionandlambapologetics.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Here-I-Stand-A-Life-of-Martin-Luther-Bainton.pdf

“I pray that you'll never forget those who have gone before us to ensure that we hear and heard the gospel in its purest and simplest forms.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

When life gets challenging, it’s easy to question whether God will truly keep His word. But Scripture reminds us that His promises never fail. This week’s episode is a throwback to a past episode with Pastor Jeff and Jen Denton on the steadfast faithfulness of God, why we can trust Him completely, how His promises endure through every trial, and what it means to experience His presence even in seasons of affliction.

What We Discussed

02:47 Old Faithful and the Faithful God
Jen compares Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser to God’s unwavering dependability, sharing its history and why its regular eruption reflects the idea of faithfulness in creation.

05:27 Defining God’s Faithfulness
Pastor Jeff defines faithfulness as God’s unchanging reliability to do what He has said and fulfill what He has promised: An essential attribute of His perfect character.

07:04 Faithfulness in Action through Scripture
They explore biblical examples showing God’s faithfulness in His promises (Hebrews 10:23), protection (1 Corinthians 10:13), answered prayer (Psalm 143:1), and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

09:29 Faithful Even in Affliction
Pastor Jeff and Jen discuss Psalm 119:75. “In faithfulness You have afflicted me” and how God uses suffering to strengthen our faith and teach obedience.

11:02 Called by a Faithful God
Pastor Jeff shares how Jeremiah 1 and Joshua 1:9 shaped his calling to ministry as a teenager, and how God proved faithful through fear and uncertainty.

14:30 Daily Mercies and God’s Provision
Jen reflects on how God’s mercies are new every morning and how He draws near to those who seek Him, especially in times of uncertainty.

15:13 Faithfulness Beyond Presence
Pastor Jeff clarifies that God’s faithfulness is not merely being present but acting to keep every promise He has made.

16:13 The Greatest Promise: Salvation in Christ
Pastor Jeff closes with Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God’s ultimate faithfulness is seen in our salvation through Jesus Christ.

“God’s faithfulness isn’t just that He’s there, it’s that He keeps His word every single time.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Every Christian wrestles with temptation, but the Bible outlines a clear plan for victory.

By submitting to God, fleeing from sin, and choosing holiness daily, we can live in freedom and strength. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany explore why we face temptation and how believers can overcome it. They unpack practical steps from Scripture to stay steadfast in faith and restore fellowship with God when we fall short.

What We Discussed

[00:00] Introduction: Spiritual Victory and Temptation
Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue their series on practical theology, turning to the topic of temptation and how believers can live in victory through Christ.

[01:18] The Story of José Rivera
Pastor Jeff shares a humorous story originally told by Ravi Zacharias that illustrates how easily temptation can win when we give in to selfish desires.

[04:30] What Is Temptation?
Temptation is the invitation to act against God’s will. It can come from the sin nature within us, from Satan, or from the world around us.

[05:19] Step 1: Decide Not to Yield
Victory begins with a firm choice to resist. James 4:7 reminds us to “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

[06:33] Step 2: Submit to God Immediately
The first move in any moment of temptation is to surrender control to God. Submission gives Him command of our hearts and strength to resist.

[07:21] Step 3: Resist in God’s Strength
We cannot fight temptation in our own power. We must rely on God’s strength and, when possible, remove ourselves from the situation, just as Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39.

[08:16] Step 4: Do the Holy Alternative
Instead of focusing only on what to avoid, believers are called to do the holy alternative, to obey God and walk in His will.

[10:16] Step 5: Avoid What Tempts You
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:17 call believers to “come out from among them and be separate.” Avoid people, places, and influences that stir temptation.

[13:00] Step 6: Deal with Sin Immediately
When we fall, we must confess and repent quickly. Sin breaks fellowship with God, but confession restores intimacy and peace.

[14:04] What Happens When Fellowship Breaks
Sin doesn’t destroy salvation, but it creates a barrier in our relationship with God. Like conflict in a family, the bond remains, but the closeness is lost until forgiveness is sought.

[16:00] Restoring Fellowship through Repentance
Repentance is turning 180 degrees back toward God. 1 John 1:9 assures us that when we confess, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. Even after failure, repentance brings victory.

[17:37] The Real Victory
No victory over temptation is permanent in this life, but every defeat can become victory when it leads us back to repentance and renewal in Christ.

“Defeat can become victory when repentance leads us back to God.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. 

Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston

Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!