Kitchen Table Theology

In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston explore the biblical figure of Melchizedek and his relation to Jesus Christ. Melchizedek means "king of righteousness" and is mentioned in Genesis and Psalms. They discuss why Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek and how David mentions him as a type of Christ in Psalm 1:10. They also talk about Christophanies and Theophanies, appearances of Christ or God respectively. Finally, they dive into the concept of prayer in relation to determinism and fatalism. This conversation provides an insightful look into Melchizedek's relationship to Jesus and God's plan for our lives.

[00:00 - 07:00] Unveiling the Enigma of Melchizedek and Jesus

• The Necessity of True Knowledge of God to Eradicate Error: Insights from John Calvin
• Deciphering the Identity of Melchizedek: Adam's Question
• The Majesty of Melchizedek: A King, Priest, and "King of Righteousness"
• Acknowledging Melchizedek's Superiority: Abraham's Tithe
• Melchizedek as a Foreshadow of Christ: Unpacking David's Messianic Psalm 

[07:01- 14:00] Was Jesus Pre-Incarnate as Melchizedek?

• Jesus is present in the Old Testament
• Melchizedek might be Jesus Christ pre-incarnate
• Hebrews 6:20 supports that Jesus became a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek
• Hebrews 7:3 describes Melchizedek as without beginning or end, resembling the Son of God

[14:01 - 26:42] Closing Segment  

• God predetermines all events, but it's not fatalistic
• Our choices and prayers impact the future
• Faith-fueled prayers elicit God's response
• God includes us in His work and purpose

Quotes:  

“Error can never be eradicated from the heart of man until true knowledge of God has been implanted in it.” - John Calvin 

Join the Conversation  

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!  

The Kitchen Table Theology Podcast's latest episode delves into how to incorporate faith into our work lives, introducing the concept of "workship" or worshipping during work. Hosts Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany Coker emphasize the importance of prayer and service to show love towards coworkers and customers, while also cultivating excellence in work as a form of respect 

[00:01 – 02:10] Opening Segment 

• The Bible is the foundation for all Christian doctrine and theology 
• This podcast aims to help listeners become strong in their faith, grow in their love for Jesus, and gain theological knowledge through the podcast 
• Columbia International University is the podcast partner and offers various academic programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels 

[02:11 – 11:04] Workship - Practical steps to make your work a place of worship 

• Transforming our outlook on work to glorify God is not an instant change like flipping a switch 
• Engaging in our work as an act of worship to God requires a mindset that needs to be cultivated over time 
• Three practical steps to make our work a place of worship: prayer, service, and excellence 
• Start with prayer and use two verses to pray and bring truth to work life to glorify God 

[16:59 - 20:41] Closing Segment  

• A heart of worship at work can lead to a better sense of purpose and the ability to serve and care for others. 
• Serving others and showing the love of Christ at work is an act of worship and a way to honor God 
• Pursuing excellence in the workplace builds a reputation that points to Jesus and earns the right to share faith with others 
• Cultivating a heart of worship requires intentionality, daily commitment, and a servant mindset 

Quotes:  

“The first factor in cultivating a worship at work mindset is the daily petition for it. The daily prayer for it.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston  

Join the Conversation  

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!  

In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany Coker dive into the theology of worship. They explore key terms like ordinances, sacraments, hallelujah, amen and prayer, aimed at helping listeners deepen their understanding of the Bible and strengthen their faith. They explain the differences between Roman Catholic sacraments and Protestant ordinances and their role as visual aids for appreciating Jesus' redemptive work. The origin and meaning of the words hallelujah and amen in worship is also explored. The discussion concludes with the importance of prayer in biblical worship - its significance during the apostolic period of the early church and its continued relevance in our corporate worship today. Join the engaging conversation and gain a deeper knowledge of God's word. 

[00:01 – 07:25] Understanding the Differences between Sacraments and Ordinances in Worship

• Sacrament and ordinance are terms used in religious context and are often used interchangeably.
• A sacrament is a rite through which God's grace is conveyed to an individual, usually through a ceremony
• Sacramento refers to priests and priestly functions, and it's a doctrine that ascribes spiritual or supernatural powers to priests
• An ordinance is an act of obedience to something that God has said, and grace is not given through rites or rituals.

[07:26 - 16:58] The Significance of Baptism and Communion in Protestantism

• Protestants and Evangelicals reject the idea of sacraments providing salvation and view them as signs of grace that have already been received
• They observe two ordinances, which are baptism and communion
• The two ordinances were determined by factors such as being instituted by Christ, taught by the apostles, and practiced by the early church
• Baptism and communion are symbolic reenactments of the gospel message and serve as visual aids to help understand Jesus' redemptive work

[16:59 - 20:41] Closing Segment 

• The early church was a praying church and prayer was an integral part of early Christian worship, reflecting the Jewish background of most early Christians
• Prayer is not only a spiritual discipline for private worship but also a public act of worship and should be a part of corporate worship

Quotes: 

“So in essence hallelujah is an exclamation of praise, meaning that we joyously praise and boast in God - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

“So rather than being a requirement for salvation, these ordinances are visual aids to help us better understand and appreciate what Jesus has accomplished for us in his redemptive work.” - Tiffany Coker 

Join the Conversation 

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! 

On this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany Coker dive into the topic of worship, exploring what it means to truly worship God and how it extends beyond just singing on Sunday mornings. They discuss the concept of liturgy and why scripture doesn't prescribe a specific way to worship. They also introduce their new partner, Columbia International University, which has been educating students with a biblical worldview for 100 years. Listen in to learn about the significance of preaching, offering contributions, praying, and singing as acts of glorifying God, and discover how true worshipers worship Him in spirit and truth, not just during a service, but anytime and anywhere. 

[00:01 – 05:02] Opening Segment 

• The goal of Kitchen Table Theology is to make theological concepts accessible and applicable to everyday life. 
• The purpose of theology is to deepen one's understanding and love for Jesus. 
• Kitchen Table Theology is excited to announce a partnership with Columbia International University 

[05:03 – 13:32] Exploring the Meaning of Worship 

• Liturgy refers to a church's custom of public worship, including the order and ingredients of a worship service 
• Worship is the act of praising and offering something of worth to God, and should not be limited to just singing 
• True worship is done in both spirit and truth, meaning it comes from a genuine and heartfelt connection with God 
• Worship should not be reduced to a mere performance or tradition, but rather a transformative and meaningful experience that changes the worshipper 

[13:33] The Importance of Preaching in Worship 

• Worship should be lived out every moment of every day, not just on Sundays 
• Preaching is a vital part of worship as it allows us to hear from God through his word. 
• The singing and preaching of worship go hand in hand, as singing prepares our hearts to hear the word of God 
• The preaching of the word is a means of grace that nourishes and builds the congregation, and brings people to repentance and faith 

Quotes: 

“True worship can only take place when the spirit of truth is pointing us back to the person of Jesus who is the truth” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

“We defined that liturgy and the actual word worship that it is more than just singing on Sunday mornings. It is a part of our daily life.” - Tiffany Coker 

Join the Conversation 

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 and Jordan Magelssen return to explore the theological implications of lyrics in contemporary Christian worship songs. Through their conversation, listeners are challenged to examine their own approach to worship and encouraged to ensure that it is rooted firmly in scripture. They discuss how some lyrics are focused on God's desire to save mankind rather than a more individualistic approach and how we must be careful of the balance between man-centered and Christ-centered lyrics. Using one particular lyric as an example, they emphasize how we can see ourselves within the gospel story. They also emphasize the importance of understanding the full context behind each song in order to properly communicate its message. Jordan encourages us to remember that without the word of God, you have nothing to say and without the spirit of God you have nothing to offer. Join Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jordan Magelssen as they discuss what it means for Christian worship to truly be centered on scripture.

[00:01 - 05:37] Examining the Theology of Worship

The importance of having God's word drive all of our theology in regard to music and singing and worship

The responsibility of people to take the character of God and put it into lyrics

The necessity to adhere to solid biblical theology when singing

The danger of getting caught up in the sights and sounds at the expense of singing solid theology

[05:38 - 16:01] Analyzing the Balance of Man-Centered and Christ-Centered Lyrics in Worship Music

• There is a danger in singing songs about how good God makes us feel, rather than singing worshipfully to bring God's glory
• We must be careful with the songs we sing, and understand the difference between want and need when it comes to God
• Context is key when interpreting lyrics and understanding our place in the story of God
• We should see ourselves in the context of the gospel, understanding that our sin was great but God's love is greater

[16:02 - 17:22] Closing Segment

• Cultivate a relationship with Christ and cultivate an expectant heart looking to know more about who He is

Quotes:

"Context is king." - Jordan Magelssen

"Without the word of God, you have nothing to say. And without the spirit of God you have nothing to offer." - Jordan Magelssen

“Remembering the starting place is the word of God to drive our desires into the heart of God.” - Jordan Magelssen

Join the Conversation

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 and special guest Jordan Magelssen discuss the importance of true worship. From Jordan's personal story of discovering faith as a 12-year-old, to his journey from high school through college and beyond, he shares how God was at work in his life, calling him to serve His kingdom. Hear about how Jordan felt a strong call to lead people in worship at a summer conference during his junior year of college, and the struggles he faced trying to pursue ministry while also supporting himself financially. This conversation highlights the importance of understanding who God is, rather than allowing tradition or function to take precedence over a relationship with Him - which can lead to empty worship.

[00:01 - 05:12] Exploring the Gravity of God's Passion for Glory: Jordan Magson Shares His Journey to Faith in Christ

• Welcoming Jordan to the show
• How Jordan got introduced to worship

[05:13 - 12:10] Following Jesus: The Insistence of True Religion and Conforming to God's Word

• Jordan’s journey to following Jesus
  • Decided to follow Jesus in the summer before 7th grade
  • Father and sister have birthdays on June 21st
  • Dreamed of becoming an architect
  • Sensed a strong call to kingdom work at a summer conference during junior year of high school
  • Changed major to missions in Bible college
  • Led a worship ministry at a church in Missouri
  • Got a call from LowCountry Community Church
• Jesus is insistent that any life led as a follower must conform to his word and his word alone

[12:11 - 16:10] Understanding Who God Is: The Key to Driving Our Worship and Pursuit of God

• Scripture should drive personal and corporate worship
• Worship is a response to who God is
• Without the word of God, there is nothing to say or offer
• Religion, tradition, form, and function should not take precedence over the relationship with God

Quotes:

“It all centers around understanding who God is. Understanding the heart of God, the gift that the word is to us, to reveal that worship is a response to who God is. ” - Jordan Magelssen

“Without the word of God, we have nothing to say. And without the spirit of God, we have nothing to offer. ” - Jordan Magelssen

Join the Conversation

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 returns to explore the topic of worship and the importance of building our understanding of this practice on scripture. Drawing from the works of Dr. Ron Mann, Dallas Willard, and William Nichols, Pastor Jeff explains why all life should be lived as an act of worship, guided by scripture, and driven by a desire to please God. Discover what it means to truly understand worship through a biblical theological lens and why it’s important for Christians around the world to have a unified understanding by tuning in!

[00:01 - 03:04] Opening Segment

• Next week's podcast will feature Jordan
• A new series will begin on the theology of worship

[03:05 - 13:33] The Importance of Studying the Theology of Worship

1. God’s word tells us who God is
2. God's word tells us what God wants
3. God's word is our guide in every area of life
4. God's word tells us that all of life is to be worship
5. God's word is our only unchanging standard
6. Only God's word can give us a unified understanding of worship

[13:34 - 15:05] Closing Segment

• Join us next time for more insights into Biblical Truth

Quotes:

“A biblical theology of worship is a biblical understanding of worship.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

“When it comes to worship, we better get this part of it right, and that's who I think we tend to focus; on the what and the how in our churches.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

“We've gotta take worship into what God wants. He's the object of our worship. Our desire is to please him. Our worship is for him. It's to him, it is toward him.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Resources Mentioned:

• Jesus, Our True Worship Leader by Dr. Ron Man
• The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Join the Conversation

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!

Everything has an end, and today is no exception. In today’s episode, Pastor Jeff and Jen announce Jen’s exit as the co-host of Kitchen Table Theology. Tune in to find out Jen’s thought process behind the exit, and the future of Kitchen Table Theology.

[00:01 - 03:21] Opening Segment

• The big announcement
• How Kitchen Table Theology started

[03:22 - 09:41] Jen’s Thought Process

• Opportunity to learn and grow
• Jen and Pastor Jeff discuss Jen's background and how they have learned a lot about each other
  • Jen’s first book
  • Jen’s family
• The future of Kitchen Table Theology
• Quick fun chat

[09:42 - 12:10] Closing Segment

• Express your gratitude to Jen by writing a review
• Final words

Quotes:

“Weird is the byproduct of awesome.” - Jen Denton

Join the Conversation

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!

Today is the last episode of the series “33 Things that Happened Instantaneously at the Moment of Salvation”! Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton continue their conversation on being complete in Christ. Tune in as they discuss Dawn Klinge’s blog on being complete in Christ, which includes receiving forgiveness and being made in the image of God. All the fullness of God lives permanently in Christ and we don't need anything extra from Him because we are fully complete in Him. 

[00:01 - 02:59] Opening Segment

• Listener feedback 
• What to expect on the next episode of Kitchen Table Theology

[03:00 - 13:28] Being Complete in Christ

• This is found in Paul's letter to the Colossians
• It’s wrong to believe that we alone are complete
  • We cannot escape God’s love
• We are nothing apart from Christ, but we are complete in Him
• Our fullness as believers come from Christfulness
• We don’t receive Christ in an installment plan
• “In Him” means to be in union with Jesus
• God’s estimation of you is equivalent to His estimation of Christ

[13:29 - 15:31] Closing Segment

• Final words

• Every child of God experiences salvation at the moment of faith in Jesus Christ.

• things take place at that moment, including being forgiven and saved from sin.

• This podcast is designed to help you understand and apply Biblical truths to your life.

Check out Dawn Klinge’s Blog, “4 Powerful Ways Christ Makes Us Complete In Him”

Join the Conversation

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!

“For you were once darkness, but now, you are light in the Lord.”

In today’s episode, Jen Denton and pastor Jeff Cranston discuss what it means to be light in the Lord, and how we are no longer in total darkness but still have much darkness due to our sinful nature. Thanks to Christ, we now know more about God and his plan for us. We are called to walk in the light and enlighten others as to what is true.

Tune in and live as children of light!

[00:01 - 02:57] Opening Segment

• Quick thanks to our listener review!
• Big announcement two episodes from now

[02:58 - 18:00] Light in the Lord

• Ephesians 5:8 - “You were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
• Those who practice a Christless lifestyle are not going to enter heaven
• Paul emphasizes the word "were" in verses 6 and 7, saying that those who were once darkness are now light in the Lord
• “You are light” shows our new spiritual state
• Darkness is contrasted with light in terms of position and experience
• 2 Corinthians 4:6
• The pursuit of the Hebrews was light, while the pursuit of the Greeks was knowledge, and the Romans pursued glory
• Christians are called to walk in the light, just to see themselves as in the light

[18:01 - 20:43]

• A brief summary of today’s episode
• Final words

Quotes:

“We are not in total darkness anymore. We know much of God, much of His grace, and much of His plan for us.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Join the Conversation

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!