The goal of Christianity is Christlikeness. Spiritual growth is the fruit of our faith; evidence that we are connected to the vine. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany unpack what spiritual growth really is, why it matters, and how believers partner with the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ.

They explain the nature of growth, the role of discipline and refinement, and the daily practices that help Christians mature in their faith.

What We Discussed

01:17 – Growth and Maturity in Scripture
Practical Theology connects doctrine to daily life. Examples from Corinth and Hebrews show how believers can remain spiritually immature. The Christian life involves either progressing or regressing—there is no standing still.

03:42 – Defining Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a progressive development in key areas of life: spiritual character, knowledge of God, faith, and an appreciation of Christ’s work.

05:00 – The Nature of Spiritual Growth
Growth is a partnership between the Holy Spirit and believers. The Spirit empowers us to live out God’s truth, producing behavioral growth expressed in love, patience, and obedience.

07:05 – Lifelong Learning and Refinement
Spiritual growth is not linear. God refines believers through discipline and correction. 

09:40 – The Goal of Growth
The ultimate outcome is to become more like Christ. The fruits of the Spirit shape believers into His likeness.

12:00 – Practicing Spiritual Growth Daily
Spiritual disciplines mirror physical habits. Believers need daily nourishment from God’s Word, obedience to His commands, and rest in His promises. 

14:33 – A Call to Ongoing Growth
Spiritual growth has infinite capacity. Christians should never be satisfied with their current condition but continually press forward in maturity.

Key Quote

“Although we’ll never attain absolute spiritual maturity in this world, we can be relatively mature for our spiritual age as we give ourselves daily to the means God uses to grow us.” – 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!

Have you ever wondered why your faith sometimes feels more like a checklist than a living relationship?

Pastor Jeff and Tiffany kick off our Practical Theology series with an introduction to Zoëlogy; The study of the Christian life. We learn why beliefs must shape our behavior, how assurance of salvation lays the foundation for growth, and why active involvement in the church is essential to the Christian walk.

What We Discussed: 

00:00 - Intro 

Practical Theology, also called Applied Theology, is the study of how Christian doctrine shapes everyday life. Practical theology asks: How should what I believe change how I live?

03:12 - What is “Zoëology”?
The word Zoëlogy comes from two Greek words: zoe (life) and logos (word, study, discourse). Put together, it means the doctrine of the Christian life. 

06:45 - Belief and Behavior
The key principle of zoëlogy is that belief determines behavior. A person who has been born again should display that new life in the way they live, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

09:16 - The Assurance of Salvation
Understanding that salvation is a gift through Christ’s finished work, not through human effort, is foundational. This confidence in being divinely forgiven lays the groundwork for spiritual growth and daily victory in the Christian life.

12:22 - The Role of the Church
Ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church, teaches that Christians are called into fellowship and service within the body of Christ. Believers are “fellow workers” with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9) in building His church. Active participation, worship, service, and fellowship with other Christians are essential parts of living out practical theology.

Key Quote

“Practical theology is simply asking: how does what I know of God change how I live for Him?” – 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!

It’s the shortest book in the Old Testament (only 21 verses) yet the prophecy of Obadiah carries a message of justice, humility, and hope.

Pastor Jeff Cranston revisits one of Kitchen Table Theology’s most unexpectedly popular episodes: an overview of the book of Obadiah. We’ll explore the historical conflict between Edom and Israel, the pride that led to Edom’s downfall, and how this ancient prophecy still speaks to our hearts today.

00:00 – Season Update and Introduction to Obadiah
Next week we begin our “Practical Theology” series. Remember to tune in! 

03:12 – Revisiting Obadiah & Historical Context 

Tracing the conflict between Edom (descendants of Esau) and Israel (descendants of Jacob), and how generations of hostility culminated in Edom’s betrayal during Jerusalem’s fall.

06:45 – The Central Message of Obadiah
How pride became Edom’s downfall, the certainty of God’s justice, and the “day of the Lord” as a theme of divine judgment on all nations.

11:02 – God’s Promise of Restoration
The shift in the final verses from judgment to hope, with God promising deliverance for Zion and the establishment of His kingdom.

14:28 – Lessons for Believers Today
Why pride is spiritually dangerous, how God’s justice ensures wrongs will be made right, and how Obadiah encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereign plan.

"Pride was the root of Edom’s downfall, and it’s still the root of so much sin today."  – 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!

Practical theology is the bridge between knowing God’s Word and living it out.. We’re getting ready to launch a brand-new series on how biblical truth shapes everyday life. 

🎉 But before we dive in, we’re looking back at one of our most listened-to episodes ever: Angelology: What Are Angels? Tune in and we can’t wait to see you when we start our new series this August 24! 

Here’s What We Discussed:
00:34 Four Branches of Christian Theology
Systematic, biblical, historical, and practical theology. How they connect and why the new season will focus on application.

03:19 Next Series: Practical Theology
Applying God’s sovereignty, the Trinity, justification, and more to daily life.

06:24 Angelology
Defining angels with Wayne Grudem’s description: created spiritual beings with moral judgment, high intelligence, but no physical bodies.

14:35 Different Kinds of Angelic Beings
Cherubim, seraphim, and “living creatures.” Their roles, appearances, and unique characteristics in Scripture.

26:17 Do Angels Have Ranks?
Michael the archangel’s leadership role and what the Bible says about angelic order.

29:14 The Truth About Guardian Angels
General protection from God’s heavenly host vs. the idea of a personal, 24/7 angelic bodyguard.

“Practical Theology aims to shape the believer's worldview and the believer's life in order to be in line with the word of 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!

With roots in 18th-century revivalism and a legacy of social action, the Wesleyan Church continues to model how deep theology fuels everyday ministry.

This is a milestone 250th episode! We wrap up the history of the Wesleyan Church. We discuss how a revival in the 1700s gave birth to a denomination known for social reform, global expansion, and a theology that empowers both clergy and laity. They explore what makes the Wesleyan Church distinct, how it’s structured, and what you might experience if you walked into a Wesleyan church today.

🎉 If you missed the interview with Dr. Bob Black, catch Episodes 248 and 249 for a deeper dive into Wesleyan history and theology.

Here’s What We Discussed:

02:48 A Quick History of the Wesleyan Church
From John Wesley’s Aldersgate conversion in 1738 to the 1968 merger that created today’s denomination, Wesleyans trace their roots through revival and reform.

05:53 Global Reach & Social Reform
Now in 99 countries, the Wesleyan Church has long championed social causes—from the Underground Railroad to ordaining the first woman pastor in U.S. history.

06:49 What You’ll Find in a Wesleyan Church Today
While worship styles may vary—traditional or modern—theology remains rooted in grace, holiness, and the empowerment of every believer.

08:53 Laity & Leadership
Wesleyans have always believed in lay involvement. From early days, the church gave significant leadership roles to non-clergy members.

10:48 How the Wesleyan Church Is Organized
More structured than independent churches but less hierarchical than others, Wesleyans operate through local boards, district superintendents, and a national office.

14:10 Distinctives That Set Them Apart
From multiple modes of baptism to the doctrine of entire sanctification, the Wesleyan Church holds unique views on salvation, maturity, and spiritual growth.

“They’ve always had a compassionate action-type of corporate heart—to reach people who were not being reached by anyone else.” — 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!

Step into a Wesleyan church on any given Sunday, and you might hear a Charles Wesley hymn followed by a modern worship chorus. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Bob Black, we explore how this fusion of tradition and modernity reflects the church’s core convictions. You’ll learn how Wesleyans approach grace, baptism, communion, leadership, and what it means to pursue holiness today.

🎉 If you missed Part 1 of our conversation on the history of the Wesleyan Church, be sure to listen to Episode 248!

Here’s What We Discussed:

00:18 What to Expect in a Wesleyan Worship Service
Wesleyan churches often blend traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting John Wesley’s love for both liturgical order and frontier freedom.

04:08 How Big Is the Wesleyan Church?
With nearly 2,000 churches in the U.S. and large congregations like 12Stone in Atlanta, the denomination punches above its weight in influence and size.

06:00 How the Wesleyan Church Is Governed
The denomination operates under a representative model. They balance local church autonomy with accountability to the district and general conferences.

09:37 Baptism & Communion in Wesleyan Churches
Wesleyans practice both infant and believer’s baptism, and offer open communion to all who follow Christ. Multiple modes of baptism are honored, including immersion, sprinkling, and pouring.

13:32 What Is Prevenient Grace?
A hallmark of Wesleyan theology, prevenient grace is the idea that God’s grace goes before salvation, preparing the heart to respond freely to Christ.

16:00 Can You Lose Your Salvation?
Wesleyan theology affirms free will throughout life, including after conversion. Believers can walk away from faith, though God provides keeping grace to sustain us.

19:41 Lay Empowerment & Women in Ministry
From its founding, the Wesleyan Church has insisted on lay equality, with voting power shared 50/50 between clergy and laity and full support for women in pastoral leadership.

Key Quote:

“Wesleyan theology wouldn’t work unless God is at work ahead of time in the heart of an unbeliever, not to make the decision for them, but to prepare them and give them the opportunity to respond.” – Dr. Robert Black

To learn more, visit: https://www.swu.edu/office-directory/member/903493/

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!

From abolitionist roots to women behind the pulpit, the Wesleyan Church stands as a significant case study in how theological conviction shapes a church. In this episode, Pastor Jeff sits down with Dr. Bob Black to unpack the history and theology of the Wesleyan denomination. They explore its stand against slavery, the legacy of John and Charles Wesley, and what sets Wesleyan churches apart today. 

🎉 Make sure to listen to Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Bob Black on the Wesleyan Church next week! 

Here’s What We Discussed:

02:00 How the Wesleyan Church Began
Born in 1843 from a group of abolitionist Methodists, the Wesleyan Church formed as a response to the Methodist church’s silence on slavery. 

04:24 Wesleyans and Women’s Ordination
Wesleyans were the first to ordain women in America, driven by a conviction rooted in Scripture, not modern feminism.

06:23 The Pilgrim Holiness Merger
The modern Wesleyan Church was formed in 1968, when the Wesleyan Methodists merged with the Pilgrim Holiness Church.

12:18 John Wesley & the Rise of Evangelicalism
John and Charles Wesley’s 1738 conversions sparked the Wesleyan Revival in England, shaping evangelicalism worldwide and influencing generations with their emphasis on holiness and Scripture.

16:29 – Other Notable Wesleyan Figures
From abolitionist leaders like Luther Lee to heroes like Sergeant Alvin York and innovators like the founder of Welch’s Grape Juice, the Wesleyan movement has impacted faith, culture, and history in unexpected ways.

Key Quote:
"The Wesleyan Church began as an anti-slavery movement—these were people who were willing to be arrested, mocked, even attacked, for what they believed Christ was calling them to do." – Dr. Robert Black

To learn more, visit: https://www.swu.edu/office-directory/member/903493/

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!

What do A.W. Tozer, global missions, and church planting have in common? They’re all part of the story of the Christian & Missionary Alliance. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany unpack the history, theology, and leadership structure of the CMA denomination. They explore the Alliance’s roots in 19th-century revivalism, the influence of A.B. Simpson, and why CMA churches are often more recognizable by their mission than by their name.

🎉 This is Part 3 of our series on the Christian & Missionary Alliance. If you missed it, be sure to check out Part 1-2: Our full interview with Pastor Jason Esposito of Crossway Church, and our other episodes in our denominational series covering traditions like Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, and more.

Here’s What We Discussed:

02:00 – How the CMA Began
The Christian & Missionary Alliance started as two separate societies focused on domestic and international missions, founded by A.B. Simpson in the late 1800s. It is larger internationally than in the U.S., a result of its early emphasis on global missions.

05:31 – Influential Figures: A.B. Simpson and A.W. Tozer
How these two leaders shaped CMA theology and left a legacy through teaching and writing that still influences the denomination today.

07:59 – Church Governance in the CMA
Local CMA churches operate under a district-based system, with authority structures that include district superintendents, elder boards, and national leadership.

10:46 – What a CMA Church Service Looks Like
Worship styles vary, but expect a strong emphasis on Scripture, music, prayer, and mission, whether the service is traditional or contemporary.

12:35 – The Fourfold Gospel
A summary of the CMA’s core theological framework: Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King.

14:54 – Sanctification in CMA Theology
The CMA teaches both positional and progressive sanctification, rooted in the Holiness Movement and grounded in Scripture.

16:39 – The CMA View on Healing
Belief in physical healing through Christ’s atonement is a distinctive teaching, with practices like prayer and anointing with oil.

17:57 – The Second Coming and Eternal Judgment
The CMA holds a premillennial view of Christ’s return and teaches eternal life for the saved and judgment for the lost.

Key Quote:

The Fourfold Gospel is Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King—and those four distinctives have remained central to the Alliance since the beginning.” – 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!

Pastor Jeff Cranston continues his conversation with Pastor Jason of Crossway Church as they dive deeper into what makes the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination distinct. They explore how the Alliance approaches communion and baptism, what a typical Sunday service looks like, and how its leadership structure supports both local autonomy and global mission.

🎉 P.S. This episode is part of our ongoing series exploring the major Protestant denominations. Be sure to check out previous episodes to learn more about traditions like Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, and more!

Here’s What We Discussed:

01:18 – What to Expect at a Typical CMA Church
There is no standard format for CMA churches. Each church may differ in size, style, and cultural background. What binds them is their core doctrine, the Fourfold Gospel, and their mission to reach the lost locally and globally.

03:32 – Worship at Crossway Church
Crossway’s Sunday service includes a warm welcome, coffee, live worship, a 35-minute Bible-centered message, and additional elements like baptisms, child dedications, or testimonies.

05:00 – How the CMA Practices Baptism
Baptism is offered to any believer able to articulate their faith. Immersion is preferred, but accommodations are made for health or personal reasons. Services are sometimes held outdoors with food and celebration.

06:00 – How Communion Is Practiced Today
Communion is held monthly, including special occasions like Good Friday. Post-COVID, sealed cups with wafers are used instead of passing a plate. The church sees communion as a powerful act of remembrance, mystery, and unity.

07:13 – CMA Church Governance Model
Churches are elder protected, leader directed, and congregation implemented. Elders provide oversight, staff lead ministries, and the congregation is encouraged to actively serve.

08:00 – The District and National Structure
Crossway belongs to the Western Great Lakes district, one of the smaller CMA districts in the U.S. Each church runs its own affairs but is connected to a district superintendent, national leadership, and global missions partners.

09:23 – Collaboration with Alliance and Non-Alliance Partners
CMA churches support both alliance-sponsored and outside ministries, participating in local revitalization, church planting, and global missions efforts.

10:58 – Final Encouragements and Resources
Pastor Jeff and Pastor Jason encourage listeners to explore writings by A.B. Simpson and A.W. Tozer for a deeper look into CMA theology and heart for mission.

Key Quote:

 “Once someone is of an age where they can generally articulate that they're a follower of Jesus Christ, child or adult, they can be baptized.”  –  Pastor Jason Esposito

Visit https://www.crosswayc.org to know more about our guest! 

______________________________

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, eamail 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!

Pastor Jeff Cranston is back! And sitting down with Pastor Jason Esposito of Crossway Church (a CMA congregation in Wisconsin) to discuss he heart behind the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. Founded by A.B. Simpson in the late 19th century, the CMA began not as a denomination but as a missions movement focused on bringing the gospel to the world. Pastor Jason unpacks the Fourfold Gospel (Jesus as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King) as well as the CMA’s global reach, spiritual emphasis, and governance model.

🎉 P.S. This episode is part of our ongoing series exploring the major Protestant denominations. Be sure to check out previous episodes to learn more about traditions like Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, and more!

Here’s What We Discussed:

01:18 – Pastor Jason’s background and journey
 Jason shares how he came to faith, studied theology, and eventually joined the CMA after exploring multiple Christian traditions.

06:19 – Founding of the CMA by A.B. Simpson
 A.B. Simpson left his Presbyterian church to reach unreached people in New York. His focus on marginalized groups and world missions led to the birth of the Alliance.

09:00 – Missions as local and global
 The CMA does not separate local evangelism and global missions. Churches are called to be active in both.

11:00 – Early missionary commitment
 Simpson’s vision included global outreach through sacrificial commitment. Missionaries served in difficult conditions with limited support.

12:33 – The Fourfold Gospel
 CMA theology centers on Jesus as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. This framework defines its approach to discipleship, worship, and mission.

15:00 – Global reach of the CMA
 While there are around 2,000 churches in the U.S., international churches in Africa, South America, and Asia now far outnumber them and operate autonomously.

16:05 – Healing and anointing in CMA practice
 The CMA teaches prayer for healing in accordance with James 5. Anointing with oil is practiced with faith and trust in God’s will.

18:06 – Evangelism and Christ’s return
 The CMA emphasizes urgency in global evangelism with the belief that widespread gospel proclamation prepares the way for Christ’s return.

Key Quote:

“We want to be a people empowered by the Spirit, grounded in the Word, and driven by the mission of Jesus.” – Pastor Jason Esposito

Visit https://www.crosswayc.org to know more about our guest! 

______________________________

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, eamail 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!