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. 

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!

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. 

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!

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. 

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!

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. 

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!

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. 

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!

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!

What does it look like to live out faith in real life?

In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue the Practical Theology Series with a discussion on practical faith. What does it mean to trust God daily, believe His promises, and hold on even when life feels uncertain? They explore how practical faith begins with need, grows through trust, and endures by believing in God’s character rather than emotions.

What We Discussed

[01:42] What Is Practical Faith?
Practical faith is trusting in God and His Word in daily life. It’s active obedience expressed through love and reliance on Him, even when life constantly throws challenges our way.

[03:17] Where Practical Faith Begins
Faith starts with recognizing our needs and choosing to trust God to meet them, as Philippians 4:19 reminds us that He supplies all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.

[04:33] Faith and Trust Go Hand in Hand
Psalm 37:5 gives us the formula for practical faith: Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Pastor Jeff shares a story about learning to trust doctors through his own health struggles.

[07:13] Believing the Promises of God
Practical faith also means believing in God’s promises. Pastor Jeff points to Paul’s faith in Acts 27 during a storm, reminding listeners that God’s “exceedingly great and precious promises” are reliable and real.

[09:26] Knowing God’s Promises
Tiffany emphasizes that we can’t believe what we don’t know. She shares Isaiah 41:10 and Proverbs 3:5-6 as examples of promises to hold on to when fear or confusion set in.

[10:57] Faith vs. Feelings
Faith is based on fact and God’s character, not personal feelings or preference.

[13:40] Trusting God’s Instructions
Faith requires obedience. Trusting God’s wisdom means accepting and following His Word even when we don’t understand His timing or ways.

[15:30] Trusting God for the Future
True faith includes confidence in both our earthly and eternal futures. Our times are in His hands, and we can rest knowing He is faithful and able to do more than we can imagine.

“Faith isn’t based on how we feel. It’s based on who God is.” - 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!

What should we think when our prayers don’t get answered the way we hoped?

In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue the series on Practical Theology and take a closer look at why some prayers seem to go unanswered. They explore biblical reasons, the role of timing, the reality of spiritual warfare, and how God’s will shapes His response to our requests.

What We Discussed

[01:33] Introduction to Unanswered Prayer
Prayer is essential, yet many believers struggle when their requests don’t seem to reach God.

[03:07] Placing Limits on God
How our expectations, deadlines, and demands can hinder the effectiveness of prayer.

[04:34] God’s Timing vs. Our Timing
Why God may delay in answering until hearts, circumstances, or other people are ready.

[05:37] Wrong Motives in Prayer
James 4:3 warns us that selfish or lustful motives can block God’s answers.

[08:01] The Role of the Holy Spirit
When we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, aligning our requests with God’s will (Romans 8:26).

[09:09] Spiritual Hindrances
Daniel 10 reveals how demonic forces can resist God’s messengers and delay answers to prayer.

[12:26] When It’s Not for Our Good
Sometimes God withholds what we ask because it would harm rather than help us.

[13:41] Examining Our Hearts
Why we should evaluate our motives, trust God’s wisdom, and remove anything that may hinder prayer.

[14:31] A Final Word on Prayer

 A.J. Gordon once said, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed.”

“God will only give us good things that are in keeping with His will and that contribute to our spiritual wellbeing.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Resources Mentioned:  

• Billy Graham. “Why Do Prayers Go Unanswered?” July 2013. Accessed 29 September 2025.

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 does the Bible really say about how we should pray?

Prayer is one of the most powerful gifts God has given us, but many believers still wonder if they’re doing it “right.” In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany discuss the biblical foundation of prayer. Together, they dive into who we pray to, whether posture or place matters, and three key “ingredients” that every believer should keep in mind when approaching God. 

What We Discussed

[03:28] What Is Prayer?
Prayer is “communicating with God by word, thought, or heavenward glance.” This reflects the heart of biblical teaching.

[05:35] Who Do We Pray To?
Prayer is directed to the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity participates (Psalm 5:2, Acts 7:59, Ephesians 5:20, Romans 8:26).

[11:23] Are There Rules for Prayer?
Does posture, time, or place matter in prayer?

[14:25] The Ingredients of Prayer
Pastor Jeff introduces three conditions for effective prayer: praying in Jesus’ name, making definite requests, and asking persistently.

[18:10] Persistent Prayer Explained
They explore Jesus’ teaching in Luke 11 about asking, seeking, and knocking, with practical parallels like tracking an Amazon delivery.

[22:17] God Is Ready to Do More
Pray boldly, trust God’s timing, and remember that God answers prayer for the glory of His name.

“To pray in Jesus’ name is more than sticking His name on the end of our prayers; it means praying according to His will and His interests.” - 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!

Spiritual growth is not only about knowing Scripture. It is about living it. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany share how the Bible moves from the page into our everyday choices. Scripture is essential to our fellowship with God; We learn how to see its treasures as inexhaustible and what it means to be a doer of the Word.

What We Discussed

01:25 - Why Scripture Is Essential
The Bible is described as a lamp, a guide, a weapon, and nourishment. Jeff emphasizes its power to teach, correct, and shape our lives (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12).

05:01 - Use the Bible in Fellowship With God
Scripture is the primary way God speaks to us, through conviction, encouragement, correction, and blessing. Psalm 19:7-11 highlights the richness of God’s Word.

07:20 - Regard the Bible’s Treasures as Inexhaustible
Pastor Jeff encourages believers to see Scripture as endlessly rich, meeting our needs day by day, even moment by moment.

09:05 - Acknowledge Your Spiritual Needs
Bring your struggles, failures, and desires to God’s Word, trusting it to minister to you in every circumstance.

09:47 - Be a Doer of the Word
Hearing is not enough. We must act on what Scripture teaches, responding to warnings, promises, instructions, and commands.

11:25 - C.S. Lewis on “Good Pretending”
C.S. Lewis described “good pretending” as practicing who we already are in Christ.

15:52 - Building a Fund of Doctrinal Knowledge
As Believers, we must systematically grow in our understanding of biblical truth.

17:06 - Returning Daily to Scripture
The Bible nourishes our souls, protects us from deception, and provides wisdom. 

“May we increasingly give His Word a larger place in our lives and look to it daily for spiritual guidance and understanding.” - 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!