Kitchen Table Theology

Jen and Pastor Jeff discuss how we were once far away from God, but now we have been united through the blood of Christ. This has changed our condition dramatically, from being lost and pagan to saints in Christ. Now we belong to the Lord and are under new ownership, having been transferred from darkness to light and from one kingdom to another. We are also united in Christ, meaning that we are partnered with him and are one. The cross is the instrument of reconciliation and we need to remember that it's finished the hostility and transformed us from enemies to friends.

[00:01 - 06:09] Opening Segment

• Brought near
• Quick fun chat

[06:10 - 19:10] Remembrance

• Remembering where we were before Christ redeemed us
• Ephesians 2:13
  • Brought near through the blood of Christ
• Faithful preaching reminds us of the glory of the resurrected Christ
• Things are dramatically different once we receive Christ
• Being united in Him
• Alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise
• We were once out of hope without God
• The cross is the instrument of reconciliation

[19:11 - 21:06]Closing Segment

• Final words

Quotes:

“Shallow theology produces shallow worship. We can’t worship a god that we don’t know.” - Jen Denton

“May we never forget, that we, through Christ’s blood, have been brought near and united to Christ.” - 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!

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

Darkness can be in every corner, but what does the term “darkness” really mean? In today’s episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss how darkness is portrayed in various scriptures, and what these signify in our daily lives. They also talk about how darkness can also serve as an effect of something, and how it can sway the lives of people. Tune in to learn how to be delivered from the power of darkness!

[00:01 - 05:06] Opening Segment

• Delivered from the power of darkness
• God has rescued Christians from Satan's dominion
• Colossians 1:13

[05:07 - 12:56] Delivering Us from the Kingdom of Darkness

• Luke 22:53
• 4 ways darkness is being used in the scripture
  • To signify ignorance
  • Darkness favors sin
  • Satan as the prince of darkness
  • Darkness is eternal misery

[12:57 - 18:47] The Power of Darkness is an Effect

• The power of darkness has life and death effects on people
• People who have been delivered from the power of darkness should have less and less of those effects in their lives
• When one empire overthrows another, the populace of the former is often transferred to the realm of the victor, subject to that government
• By being freed from the power of darkness, believers gain access to God's kingdom

[18:48 - 20:26] Closing Segment

• Final words

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 Jen Denton continue their discussion on the 33 things that happen instantaneously at salvation. In this episode, they focus on the believer being given entrance into a new kingdom. This isn’t a reference to Wizard of Oz or any fantasy works but refers to when a child of God is removed, translated, and brought, from the realm and sphere of Satan’s dominion to that of the dominion of Christ. There are three main Bible verses to help us with these, so tune in!

[00:01 - 03:58] Opening Segment

• The believer is given entrance into the new kingdom
• Translated into the kingdom
• 3 main bible verses

[03:59 - 06:04] Colossians 1:13

• The domain is power, authority, or strength
• Rescuing us from the power of darkness
• Transforming us from the power of sin

[06:04 - 08:58] 1 Thessalonians 2:12

• Believers have a special calling
• We’re called into His kingdom
• The kingdom is a sphere of behavior 
• A divine summon

[08:59 - 12:54] 2 Peter 1:11

• Christ is lord and savior
• Ambassadors need to give credit to Christ for their successes
• To have eternal life, we must be born again and submit to Jesus as our Lord and savior

[12:55 - 15:43] Closing Segment

• Final words

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!

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

Test what you’ve learned so far as Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton take a break from the series “33 Things that Happen at the Moment of Salvation” to give us a refreshing 18-item quiz! Jump in to test your knowledge of salvation!

[00:01 - 04:38] Opening Segment

• Listener review from Sarah
• Today’s quiz on salvation
• Prize for getting all questions correct

[04:38 - 21:34] Doctrine of Salvation Quiz: True or False

1. After Adam and Eve fell into sin, God immediately determined He would save sinners.
2. God’s work of salvation depends upon the 3 persons of the Trinity.
3. Every person has been born a sinner except Jesus.
4. Every person born, except Jesus, needs to be saved from the wrath of God
5. With sufficient time and effort, we can make ourselves worthy so God would save us from his wrath.
6. Because God is love, every sinner will be saved from his wrath.
7. A sinner must pray the sinner’s prayer to be saved.
8. Persuading the sinner to believe the good news, is primarily the work of the preacher.
9. A sinner must repent of their sins to be saved.
10. Saving faith can be lost if the sinner commits grievous sins.
11. For God to justify sinners, His just wrath against them must be satisfied.
12. Sinners are justified when they believe.
13. Those who believe are adopted by God and become His children.
14. After sinners are reborn and justified, the spirit continues to work within them to make them like Christ.
15. Becoming holy is a matter of letting go of all effort, and letting the spirit do his work within.
16. The presence of the holy spirit producing Christ-likeness within believers means it is possible for them to become perfectly righteous in this life.
17. The act of baptism is a guarantee of the believers' final salvation. 
18. God’s work of salvation will be completed when Christ comes again and all believers receive the resurrection bodies. 

[21:35 - 24:33] Closing Segment

• Find out more about today’s quiz by Tim Challies at www.challies.com.
• Final words

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Ephesians 1:3-14
• Romans 3:23
• Ephesians 2
• Matthew 25
• John 1:12
• Ephesians 4
• 2 Corinthians 

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!

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

Three Reasons We Should Sing Sound Theology with Ricky Alcantar
Our singing shapes our theology in many ways, and vice versa. In today’s special episode, pastor Jeff welcomes Ricky Alcantar, lead pastor at Cross of Grace Church, to discuss what our hymns tell us about our beliefs; It reveals, shapes, and doxologizes our theology. By understanding this connection, we can have a deeper understanding of our faith. Ricky also discusses that songs should be theologically sound, and they should appeal to us on an emotional level. The scripture is filled with songs, and it’s only appropriate for theologians to sing together in order to have a well-rounded understanding of God.

[00:01 - 05:29] Opening Segment

• Welcoming Pastor Ricky Alcantar to the show
• Ricky’s book, “Better News”
• The connection between theology and music

[07:33 - 14:08] How Our Singing Reveals Our Theology

• Songs often shape theology, with the theology being rooted in scripture
• How songs can reveal truths about us
• Emotion is always grounded in truth to who God is

[14:09 - 17:02] How Our Singing Shapes Our Theology

• Songs can shape our theology by revealing how we think about God and His character
• Our songs teach theology, and good theology results in praise
• They might not remember the sermon, but they remember the songs

[17:03 - 22:33] How Our Singing Doxologizes Our Theology

• Our singing should result in praise
• Scripture calls for us to live together
• We need both theologians and those who are able to sing

[22:06 - 25:49] Closing Segment

• The importance of good theology and doctrine is reflected in the songs we sing
• Bob Kauflin at Sovereign Grace Music
• See the links below to connect with Ricky

Quotes:

"Singing reveals, shapes, and doxologizes our theology." - Ricky Alcantar

“The songs we love and gravitate to and listen to, don’t always line up with that sound theology.” - Ricky Alcantar

“It’s unavoidable that your songs will teach theology. I think the question is, are they teaching good theology? ” - Ricky Alcantar

Check out Ricky’s blog post, Three Reasons We Should Sing Sound Theology, and his book, Better News.

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!

What does it mean to be chosen, royal, and holy? In this episode, pastor Jeff and Jen talk about the terms that describe our special relationship with God as Christians. They define who we are and what our place in the world is. As Christians, we should always remember that we're chosen people and we were entrusted with a unique set of responsibilities and privileges. They also talk about sacrifices, and how they can take many forms. If you’re feeling lost, then this episode is for you!

[00:01 - 04:47] Opening Segment

• Listener review
• Systematic Theology by Dr. Lewis Chafer

[04:48 - 09:12] Chosen, Royal, and Holy

• 1 Peter 2:7-9
• We are a spiritually chosen people regardless of ethnicity
• Chosen people refer to the people who have a special relationship with God
  • We belong exclusively to God
  • We belong to others who are part of these people

[09:13 - 14:44] Royal Priesthood

• Speaking to God through Moses
• The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God
• 1 Peter 2:5
• Sacrifices are spiritual and from the heart
• How the idea of being a priest has evolved to what we know today

[14:45 - 20:25] Holy Nation

• A multitude of people of the same nature
• Matthew 21:43
• Our nation is the kingdom of God and the church
  • Supra-national
• A community of believers who love one another

[20:26 - 22:56] Closing Segment

• See the links below to connect with us
• Final words

Quotes:

“The more we understand and see the depth of what Christ has accomplished for us, the better we can live for Him and worship Him.” - Jeff Cranston

“When you feel uncomfortable with the world, that’s how it ought to be because our nation is really the kingdom of God and the church.” - Jeff Cranston

“The world at its worst needs the church at its best.” - 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!

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

Being baptized grants us a myriad of things. In today’s episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss these things that come with baptism of the Holy Spirit such as what it means to have eternal life, imputed righteousness, and positional sanctification. They also discuss what it means to be perfected forever, be made accepted in the beloved one, and be made part of the inheritance. It’s an ongoing lifelong process in which a Christian gradually becomes more holy. Tune in to learn how being made perfect, holy, and accepted by God at the moment of salvation constitutes a measureless feature of the grace of God.

[00:08 - 04:01] Opening Segment

• Joining Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit
  • Eternal life
  • Imputed righteousness
  • Positional sanctification
  • Being perfected forever
  • Be made accepted in the beloved one
  • Be made part of the inheritance

[04:02 - 08:49] Eternal Life

• John 20:31
  • By believing in Him, we have life in His name
• Ephesians 1:6
• “Beloved” in the perfect tense

[08:50 - 14:06] Imputed Righteousness

• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• The reputation that is passed on or shared

[14:07 - 16:47] Positional Sanctification

• Sanctification is progressive
• Jude 24

[16:48 - 18:57] Forever Perfected

• Hebrews 10:14
• Being forever perfected in our position in God

[18:58 - 19:37] We Are Made Accepted in the Beloved One

• The word “made” is not brought by the believer to themselves
• The one who is saved is accepted constitutes another feature of the divine grace of God

[19:38 - 20:45] We Are Made Part of the Inheritance

• Colossians 1:12
• We are being fitted to live for eternity in celestial glory

[20:46 - 23:32] Closing Segment

• Quick recap
• Final words

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!

Jen and pastor Jeff discuss the idea of believers being God's gifts to Jesus. They emphasize that all of God's children have been kept except for one, which is you. Jesus prays that these gifts may be kept and not discarded. He thanks Father for all of the believers who have been kept, and reminds us that we are God's adopted children and brothers and sisters. This love prompts John to say, "Behold what manner of love is this!" Pastor Jeff and Jen also discuss the idea that people view them in different ways based on their beliefs. From the perspective of God, which is what defines us as believers, we are a beautiful and wondrous gift. This could be a part of your daily affirmations, so let’s jump right in!

[00:01 - 05:19] Opening Segment

• Listener review!
• At the moment of salvation, believers become a gift to Jesus from God the Father

[05:20 - 12:55] We as Believers are Gifts

• Believers are given as a gift to God the Son
• We are not a burden or responsibility
• This perspective shifts our view of ourselves and allows us to see ourselves in a more positive light

[12:56 - 20:12] What Defines Us as Believers? 

• Showing gratitude and appreciation
• Our relationship with God.

[20:13 - 21:34] Closing Segment

• Final words

Quotes:

"I have revealed your name to the people you gave me from the world. They were yours. You gave them to me and they have kept your word."

"So forget wondering how it happened that God the Father came into possession of us without us quite knowing or understanding it from God's perspective. That's just the shape of things. That's how we were his and he gave us as a gift to God the son."

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• John 17:24
• Peter 2:5
• Hebrews 2
• Peter 1:10-12
• 
  

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!

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

Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton are here to continue the discussion on the Five Solas of the Reformation. In this episode, we’ll learn the differences between the Roman and the Reformers’ scriptures, and how they tie in together. They will also share how these truths can be applied to our lives, so tune in to find out more!

[00:01 - 04:40] Opening Segment

• Brief recap from last week’s episode
• Salvation is the ultimate expression of grace

[04:41 - 12:42] Five Solas of Reformation

• Sola Fide
  • Salvation is through faith alone
• Soli Dio Gloria
  • The glory belongs solely to God alone
• These truths were taught by reformers who came out of the Roman Catholic church
• Reformers lost reputation and in many cases lost their lives for their beliefs.
• The doctrines we hold today can be traced back to the Protestant Reformation

[12:58 - 17:30] Closing Segment

• Here I stand by Rolan Bainton
• The Reformation for Armchair Theologians by Glenn Sunshine
• Final words and recap
• What to expect in next episode

Quotes:

"We should be grateful. We have copies of God's word. We can study it on our own." - Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Romans 3:28
• Romans 11:36
• Corinthians 10:31

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!

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

Sola is short for Sola Scriptura, or "Scripture alone." It's one of the Five Solas of the Reformation, which is a movement in Protestantism that aimed to return Christianity to its roots. The reformers believed that Scripture should be the only source of religious doctrine and practice, rejecting anything that was not found in Scripture. In this episode, pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton talk about the different views of salvation and how they differed from the Catholic church's teachings.

[00:01 - 03:56] Opening Segment

• Review from The Low Country LVG

[03:57 - 03:56] Five Solas of the Reformation

• The Five Solas of the reformation are Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Solo Christus, Sola Gratia, and Soli Deo Gloria
• John of Gaunt and John Wickliffe in the English Reformation.
• William Tyndale translated the first English Bible
• John Knox was a Scottish reformer who was imprisoned twice for going against the human doctrine of the Catholic church

[11:43 - 19:47] Sola Scriptura

• The reformers taught that scripture alone is the final authority in the church
  • Christ is the only savior.
• Sola Scriptura is the first of the five Solas
  • Christ is the only savior who's fully accomplished all of our salvation
• Sola Gratia - Grace Alone

[19:47 - 24:06] Closing Segment

• The Reformation for Armchair Theologians by Glenn Sunshine
• Final words

Quotes:

"Scripture teaches that Christ is the only savior who's fully accomplished all of our salvation. The reformers objected to the Roman Catholic doctrine of the mass as a perpetual re-sacrificing of Jesus.”

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!

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