Kitchen Table Theology

In the moment of salvation, a believer's separation from sinful nature and from any legalistic obligations to obey God's law is known as freedom from the law. This includes the freedom from condemnation and death that comes as a result of faith in Jesus Christ. The law was not evil, but it served as a mirror to reflect a person's condition in their heart. The law was given through grace and truth. Jesus embodied the perfect balance between grace and the law and he came to earth to fulfill the law. Once he established the new covenant, the sacrificial system was done. Now, grace is fully available to us through Jesus Christ. However, there are still people who cling to rules and regulations, believing that they are doing things 'the right way.' Tune in to learn how to prevent self-righteousness and harm to one's relationship with God!

[00:01 - 03:03] Opening Segment

• Thank you to our listeners!

[03:03 - 9:20] Freedom from the Law at the Moment of Salvation

• Believers are not under the law but under grace
• Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation
• Freedom from the law comes through faith in Jesus

[9:21 - 16:51] The Law Points Us to Our Need for Savior

• A sacrificial system to cover sin
• Jesus embodied the perfect balance between grace and the law
• Once Jesus established the new covenant, the sacrificial system was over
• Self-righteousness arises when people try to live up to standards that are not found in Scripture

[15:04 - 22:31] The Purpose of the Law: Grace Isn’t A Checkbox

• The conflict between grace and the law can arise in five different ways
• Grace is God's benevolence or mercy on the undeserving
• We are freed from the law by his wants for all sacrifice
• Grace has the power to save that which was previously without the impulse to be godly
• By living by scripture alone through grace alone and faith alone in Christ alone, we are brought into right standing before almighty God

[22:33 - 24:22] Closing Segment

• Final words

Quote/s:

"Rather than trust in the law to save us we trust in Christ. We were freed from that bondage of the law by his wants for all sacrifice. And once you have a proper understanding of that you see there really is no conflict between grace and the law Christ fulfilled the law on our behalf.” - Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Romans 6:14
• Galatians 5:1-4
• Exodus 20

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 do we have to do to be fully complete in Christ? In today’s episode, Pastor Jeff Cranson and Jen Denton discuss what it means to be whole when we inherit the kingdom of God. They will also talk about Gnosticism, and how its teachings create repercussions. People are not taught to look for spiritual truths outside of what can be learned through empirical observation and experimentation, which can lead to spiritual blindness. Being complete in Christ means that we have been set free from sin.

[00:01 - 04:52] Opening Segment

• What does it mean to be complete in Christ?

[04:53 - 11:17] Gnostic Teachings and its Premises

• Matter is fundamentally wicked and spirit is naturally good
  • Sins of the flesh are no longer sins
  • It’s all about the soul
• Higher level of truth that is only known by a select few

[11:18 - 21:26] You are complete in Christ

• Paul emphasizes that those who are in Christ have been completed in him
  • Regardless of being circumcised or being born of Jewish parents
• Circumcision without hands
• Those who are obedient to God's law have become part of the holy people of God
• There is nothing we can do to increase our standing with God

[21:27 - 23:14] Closing Segment

• Final words

Quotes:

"...at the moment of your salvation, you were declared complete in Christ." - Jeff Cranston

"Through Jesus's sacrificial death and his resurrection, all of the work has been done. And our justification is therefore by his grace through faith we can't try harder. We can't work more to obtain a right standing with God. He's done it all." - Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Colossians 2:10-12
• Romans 2:25-29

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 a child of God? Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss how being a child of God entails salvation and inheritance. They share how this spiritual reality gives a sense of certainty and peace and assures a relationship with God. Children of God are called to participate in all of God's actions and evangelize other people. They also talk about the different concepts of new birth and other nuances from the multiple accounts in the Bible. With that, tune in to learn more about being a child of God!

[00:01 - 03:25] Opening Segment

• What does it take to be a child of God?
  • Repentance and faith

[03:26 - 08:07] A Legitimate Child of God

• Being born again by the regenerating power of the holy spirit\
• We as Christians are born into the greatest family we could ever ask for
• Similarities between a royal family and a believer
• The different terms used to identify new birth
  • Born again
  • Regenerated
  • Quickened
  • Sons of God
  • New creation

[08:08 - 17:30] The Different Concepts of New Birth

• Born again
  • John 3: 1-3
  • How this has nothing to do with our natural birth
• Regenerated
  • Titus 3: 5
  • Being cleansed by God as we come in faith in Christ
• Quickened
  • Revival and preservation of life
  • Ephesians 2-4

[17:31 - 22:56] Sons of God and New Creation

• A descriptive phrase highlighting the genuine relationship between God and those who are saved by Christ
• "Sons of God" includes everyone, not just the males
  • 2 Corinthians 6:18
• What does it mean to be a new creation?
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 

[22:57 - 24:44] Closing Segment

• Final words

Quotes:

"When a person is born anew or born again by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit into a relationship with God the Father, that person who is saved is instantaneously declared a legitimate child of God." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

"He saved us not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with his mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Bible Verse/s:

• John 3: 1-3
• Titus 3: 5
• Ephesians 2-4
• 2 Corinthians 6:18
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 

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 is inheritance? This week, we're discussing the instantaneous salvation inheritance that believers receive. This includes forgiveness from our own transgressions, being adopted into God's family, and being a part of God's eternal plan. Pastor Jeff and Jen will talk about different stories that show that our inheritance in Christ is eternal, unchanging, and incredibly intense. This inheritance is not of this world, and so it will never fade. We’ll also talk about what inheritance is in the bible, so tune in and get a taste of heaven here on earth!

[00:01 - 06:10] Opening Segment

• A story about a Levi Strauss jeans
• A story about a waitress named Cara Wood
• At the moment of salvation, the believer is adopted into God's family and forgiven for their own transgressions
• Inheritance refers to the blessings God sends our way at this moment, including blessings from our ancestors

[06:11 - 13:54] What the Bible Says About Inheritance

• It's the sum of all God has promised us in salvation
• The word heritage is tied into the word inheritance
• The believer's inheritance is indestructible and unspoiled
  • Impervious to deterioration or corruption

[13:55 - 21:56] The Holy Spirit Being a Guarantee of Our Inheritance

• We talk about the inherent inheritance that we have in Christ
• This inheritance is preserved for us in paradise, and it is guaranteed or promised by the Holy Spirit
• Believers can experience a taste of heaven on Earth through the Holy Spirit
• Believers will receive their inheritance in heaven at the moment of their salvation

[21:57 - 23:25] Closing Segment

• Final words

Quotes:

"What we have in Christ, in other words, is impervious to deterioration or corruption." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

"Our inheritance, our birthright is not of this world." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

"We experience a little bit of heaven on Earth. And that helps us understand that heaven is real. There's this deep satisfaction that only God can bring, and we get to experience that." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Bible Verse/s:

• 2 Corinthians 4:17

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 are back for a Bonus Q&A Episode! They will answer questions on various topics, such as the spirit of judgment and the rapture. The Bible is all about context, so let’s jump right in and gain more clarity on salvation!

[00:10 - 01:36] Opening Segment

[01:37 - 04:44] When Christ Returns to Reign

• When Christ returns to reign, where will the believers be who have been in heaven?
  • As part of the Lord’s army

[04:45 - 11:01] The Babies When the Rapture Occurs

• When the rapture occurs, and Christ’s church is taken to heaven, will it include all children and unborn babies?
  • The Lord will take them along with the believers
  • Including the children of the non-believers

[11:02 - 17:05] The Spirit of Judgment and the Spirit of Burning

• The spirit of judgment
  • The influence of God where he is bringing judgment
• The spirit of burning
  • God’s wrath

[17:06 - 19:30] Closing Segment

• Watch out for our next episode about inheritance!
• Final words

Bible Verses:

• Isaiah 4:2 - 4:6

Quotes:

“We all know what burning does. Burning is a procedure that eliminates unworthy things while purifying the noble. Unworthy things to be free of all impurities. - 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 today’s episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss the two types of adoption in Christianity - positional and experiential. When we are saved, we become children of God. We are no longer dependent on our parents or anyone else for our salvation. We are in a position of responsibility and maturity just like an adult. Jen and Jeff discuss how adoption works differently in Christian life than it does in human life, and how adoptive parents do not have to be related to the child they adopt. They also discuss how positional theology is the idea that we become heirs of all that Christ and heaven have to offer.

[00:10 - 05:11] OpeningSegment

• Being adopted into the family of God at the moment of salvation
  •  Being forgiven for our transgressions

[05:13 - 09:06] Adoption in Christianity

• The difference between the Romans and how God adopted the Christians
  • Roman law did not recognize adoption of daughters
• An outsider becomes an insider
• Coming to faith is becoming a child of God
• Babes in Christ and matured Christians

[17:08 - 19:40] Closing Segment

• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen

Quotes:

"The Bible tells us that everyone who's accepted Christ's Savior has been adopted into the family of God, and it pleases God to make us a part of his family." - Jen Denton

"When we have a principle to live out, when we have a command to obey, if you're in Christ one day or you're in Christ 50 years, the command is exactly the same." - 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!

Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss the concept of instant Salvation. Christ's death on the cross was a complete and total atonement for our sins, which resulted in forgiveness being applied to us as a result. They also  talk about the fact that there are no conditions necessary to receive forgiveness, which includes being baptized in water. Finally, they encourage listeners to constantly remember God's amazing work in their lives and to live for Him completely.

[00:10 - 04:11] Opening Segment

• Being redeemed, reconciled to God, and forgiven
• The importance of forgiveness

[07:02 - 17:56] Forgiveness and Salvation

• Salvation comes as a free gift from God, and it is not based on anything we do or don't do
• Salvation for non-believers
  • Separated from God spiritually
  • The spiritually dead person cannot please God and has no capacity to know God
• The issue of non-Christians who have stepped across God's standards

[17:56 - 21:53] Closing Segment

• What to expect in the next episode
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen

Quotes:

"Among the many things that instantaneously occur, we are redeemed. We are reconciled to God through Christ and the shocking reality of propitiation is applied to us." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

"Before we received forgiveness in Christ, we were dead to God by existing in a state of violating his standards. That's where we live." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

• Colossians 2:13

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!

Welcome to Kitchen Table Theology! In this episode, we explore what Salvation is, what it means to be in a covenant relationship with God, and how we can experience eternal life. We discuss how we can understand that God has a plan for our lives and that that plan is good. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, God has a specific plan and destiny for us. And as we come to understand and appreciate that truth, it becomes a source of comfort and strength in our times of trial and heartache.

[00:10 - 06:50] Opening Segment

• Pastor Jeff talks about the next 100 episodes of Kitchen Table Theology
• 33 works of God that happened to the believer at the moment of Salvation

[06:51 - 13:26] The Family of god

• Restoring faith through the joy of salvation
• God has a sovereign purpose for every believer
• God made us for a reason
  • We discover that reason the moment we acquire our faith
• Parents were chosen for a reason

[13:26 - 18:02] Predetermined Life

• God has determined our appointed times and boundaries
• Accepting Jesus as our savior means we become part of God’s eternal plan

[18:03 - 21:02] Closing Segment

• Final words

Quotes:

"God made you for a reason. Your life has profound meaning." - Jeff Cranston

"God foreknew from all eternity, every step in the entire program of this universe down to its minutest detail." - 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 today’s episode, we welcome Lee Strobel to discuss Biblical Theology in a way that is engaging and detailed. 

Atheist-turned-Christian Lee Strobel, the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune, is a New York Times best-selling author of more than forty books and curricula that have sold fourteen million copies in total. He currently serves as Founding Director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University. 

[00:10 - 01:48] Opening Segment

• Lee talks about how he regained his fath
  • It would take more faith to maintain his atheism than to become a Christian. 
  • Going into Christianity focused journalism
  • How his family affected him in being a Christian

[07:33 - 18:45] The Afterlife

• “The Case for Heaven” book
• Lee shares his brush with death experience and how that affected his faith
• The evidence that people have an out of body experience after they have died
• The Afterlife Revealed by Michael Tymn
  • How science supports what Christianity teaches

[18:46 - 22:46] Spreading the Right Word

• How the pandemic has affected people’s viewpoint on death
• Colorado Christian University 
  • Fully online, accredited, and affordable
• The Lee Strobel Center
• A course by Dr. Melissa Travis
  • Understanding faith through science
• We talk about a “progressive movement” within the Church
  • The theological slippage in many evangelical churches in America
  • Protestant churches in America are struggling to keep up with the changing trends of society

[32:47 - 34:58] Final Words

• Be discerning when it comes to theology and to stay true to Scriptural doctrine
• Be involved in the solution, not the problem, by becoming educated in theology
• Final words

Quote:

 "We can live out our faith as best we can. We can pray for them. We can look for opportunities to share with them. But often we kind of plow the ground and someone else comes in which is great and leads them to the Lord." - Lee Strobel

Sources Mentioned:

• The Case for Heaven by Lee Strobel
• The Afterlife Revealed by Michael Tymn
• Science and the Mind of the Maker - Melissa Cain Travis

You can connect with Lee through Twitter, or you can visit his website at https://leestrobel.com.

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. 

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss one of the least understood passages in the New Testament. They shed light on the unpardonable sin is, what it is, how we know if we have committed it, and so much more! 

This is a re-broadcasting of one of Kitchen Table Theology’s most popular episodes. Stay tuned for a brand new season coming May 1st!  

[00:01 - 05:59] Opening Segment

• Jen talks about the topic of today’s episode.
  • The Unpardonable Sin
• Pastor Jeff talks about the fear and self-doubt of guilty feelings
• Breaking down the true meaning and the nature of unpardonable sin
  • Most believers have asked themselves whether they have done something unforgivable
• The debate about what unpardonable sin is amongst people

[06:00 - 13:54] The Unpardonable Sin

• Pastor Jeff breaks down what Jesus said in the scripture about the unpardonable sin
• The meaning of the word ‘Amen.’
• The definition of blasphemy
• The hope of forgiveness
  • Forgiveness was possible for those who despise Christ

 [13:55 - 18:34] Blasphemy Against The Holy Spirit

• What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? 
• The historical context of Jesus’s opponent 
  • Rejecting the witness of words and works of Christ 
• Can sin against the Holy Spirit be committed by Christians? 
  • The requirements to commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
• The Holy Spirit in us would never allow us to commit that sin
• Overcoming self-condemnation and doubt 

[18:35 - 20:37] Closing Segment

• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen

Tweetable Quotes:

“if you worry that you have committed the unpardonable sin that's a pretty reliable sign that you have not committed it.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

• Mark 3
• Matthew 12:32
• Luke 12:8
• Luke 23:34
• Acts 3:17
• Matthew 12:24

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!