Kitchen Table Theology

In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff, joined by Dr. Mark Smith, discuss the need for biblical literacy, especially among young people. They also tackle the future of the American Church and how people can tackle biblical illiteracy through modern resources that are available.  

Dr. Mark A. Smith is currently the President of Columbia International University with nearly two decades of experience as a Christian higher education administrator. Prior to his current position, Dr. Smith served as the President of Ohio Christian University for 11 years. In his time with OCU, he was able to increase the attendance of the university tenfold, from 400 students to 4,600. Dr. Smith was involved in funding over 20 million dollars for facilities at OCU. Even before the accomplishments he experienced at OCU, Dr. Mark Smith served as Dean and later Vice President for Adult and Graduate Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University. 

For over 20 years, Dr. Mark Smith's mission has been to help shape students into ministers, missionaries, and ministering professionals, determined to educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ. He has written and published numerous articles for educational and professional development and even co-authored 2 novels so far: "Leading Change in Your World" and "The Church Leader’s MBA," a management manual for church leaders.

[00:01] We Have an Announcement!

• Kitchen Table Theology is taking a break and will be back in May! 
• Introducing guest Dr. Mark Smith

[04:35] Christianity in America and  How To Combat Biblical Illiteracy

• Dr. Smith gives his thoughts on the state of the American church, regarding theology and doctrine
• How can Christian educators become more biblically literate?  
  • Reading through the Bible within a set period of time with accountability
  • https://www.shepherdsglobal.org offers free online bible study classes in 6 major languages 
  • https://www.ciu.edu can help you fulfill your calling to ministry!  

[16:27] The Future of the American Church

• What will happen if the young people of America continue to be Biblically Illiterate?
  • People will turn away from morals and values
  • God and His word will still be pursuing people

[20:39] Closing Up

• To know more, visit https://www.ciu.edu  
• Learn about Dr. Mark Smith by connecting with him on LinkedIn visit his website https://marksmithciu.com

Key Quotes

“We have to, with intentionality and with purposefulness, say the Word has to be taught today more than ever.” - Dr. Mark Smith

“Don't forget to tell people that great doctrine produces great lives lived out morally.” - Dr. Mark  Smith

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 drove [starting Kitchen Table Theology] was the increasing lack of biblical illiteracy that I see in the church, including our own church. And I wanted to try to do something to help people and their biblical knowledge in the area of theology and doctrine.“ - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

In this 100th Episode Special of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Jen celebrate the last 2 years of making the podcast, we learn more about the motivation and driver of the show and they talk about where the podcast is going and what we can expect.  

[00:01]  Getting to Know Kitchen Table Theology 

• What gave Pastor Jeff the idea to start Kitchen Table Theology 
• The meaning of the podcast’s tagline, “The real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it.”

[08:56] The Big Secret, Revealed 

• Is Kitchen Table Theology going to continue? 
• A big THANK YOU to Jen and Jen talks about why she wanted to do the podcast 
• The hardest part of the process of making each podcast episode 
• The difference between preparing for a sermon and the podcast 
• The most rewarding part of the last 100 episodes 

[19:00] Where the Podcast is Heading 

• Ideas for the future and what to expect 
• Continuing to cover the topics of doctrine and theology that hasn’t been covered yet 

[23:11] Closing Up 

• A big THANK YOU to the people who make this podcast possible 
• Enjoying this podcast? Help us out by leaving a rating and review! It really helps us get the word out 

Key Quotes

“The point of studying theology and doctrine is to have it do its work in you, and in your heart and in your walk with Christ.” -  Pastor Jeff Cranston 

“We note all of these contemporary authors, contemporary apologists, contemporary theologians, but we always go back to Scripture, we always go back to the Word.” -   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!

“Practical problems have theological answers. The question is not whether or not you are going to be a theologian, but what kind of theologian you're going to be.” - Michael Lawrence

Is the Mark of the Beast a computer chip?  Where will Christians be when the world experiences the outpouring of God’s wrath? In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss the third set of judgement – The seven bowls of God’s wrath

This is Part 2 of explaining the Three Series of Judgements.  Tune into last week’s episode if you missed it! Don’t forget to check our shownotes

[00:01]  A Review of Last Episode 

• What the Three Series of Judgement entails 
  • The First Set – The Seven Seals   
  • The Second Set – Seven Trumpet Blasts and Three Woes

[09:52] What is the Mark of the Beast? 

• What the Bible says on Mark of the Beast
  • Anyone who receives the Mark of the Beast is eternally condemned
  • It’s going to be instituted during the Tribulation, during the reign of the Antichrist (Revelation 13)
  • Revelation 13 tells us the Mark of the Beast will be required for anyone to be able to buy and sell
  • Some form of worship/allegiance to the Antichrist will be required to receive the Mark of the Beast
  • It will somehow relate to the number 666
  • Anyone who refuses to take the Mark will be killed
• The Bible doesn’t say that 666 is the mark of the beast, rather it is related somehow

[13:20] The Third Set – The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath 

• As a result of humanity's sin and rebellion, God pours out, through angels, seven bowls of fire on humanity in Revelation 16 on all who received the Mark of the Beast
• The Loathsome Sores - Revelation 16:2
• The Seas of Blood - Revelation 16:3 
• The River of Blood - Revelation 16:4
• The Scorching Sun - Revelation 16:8
• Darkness - Revelation 16:10
• War - Revelation 16:12
• God’s Fury - Revelation 16:17

[16:22] A Biblical Argument for Pre-Tribulation Rapture 

• God does not destine his children for wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9 )
• A timeline of Pre-Tribulation rapture 
  • Interspersed between the series of judgments, incredible things will take place in heaven
  • The seals occur during the seven-year tribulation period
  • This will all culminate in the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of our Reigning Christ

[20:57] Closing Up 

• Head over to https://www.jeffcranston.com for info on his books, sermons, leadership notes, and blog posts

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 the Bible mean when it talks about dispensing God’s judgment on the earth in the tribulation through seals, trumpets, and bowls? In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton talk about what each series signify and how the created earth and all beings will experience the Tribulation, God’s judgment, and wrath. 

This is Part 1 of explaining the Three Series of Judgements. Next episode we’ll cover the Seventh Trumpet blast and the Wrath of Seven Bowls.  

[00:01]  The Three Series of Judgments 

• During the Tribulation, there will be three series of judgments or divine wraths, and the majority of these will occur during the first three and a half years of the tribulation
  • Seven Seals
  • Seven Trumpet blasts and three woes 
  • Seven Wrath of Bowls

[07:14] The First Set – The Seven Seals   

• Seal One: A rider on a white horse (Daniel 7, 8, and 11)
• Seal Two: A rider on a red horse representing the conflict of war  
• Seal Three: A rider on a black horse which represents the famine due to the war
• Seal Four: A rider on a green or pale horse representing death due to the war (Matt 24) 
• Seal Five: The early martyrs 
• Seal Six: A vision of the time of their vengeance 
• Seal Seven: Silence in Heaven 
• 144,000 Jews will be kept safe from the wrath of the anti-Christ (Rev 7:4) 
  • their mission seems to be to evangelize the post-rapture world, the tribulation world, and proclaim the Gospel during the tribulation period

[15:27]  The Second Set – Seven Trumpet Blasts and Three Woes

• The first four trumpet blasts will take place on earth and the first half of the tribulation
  • One: Will destroy vegetation, fuel, and food 
  • Two: A volcanic eruption
  • Three: A meteorite collision with Earth
  • Four: The curtailment of celestial light 
• The last three trumpet judgments have accompanying woes affecting the entire Earth
  • Five: The torment of unsaved humans inflicted by demons (Rev 8:13)
  • Six: The slaughter of people 
  • Seven: Jesus rules and reigns forevermore

[21:21] Closing Up 

• Head over to https://www.jeffcranston.com for info on his books, sermons, leadership notes, and blog posts

Key Quotes

“Each of these three judgment series all have symbolism. They're used to describe God's judgment upon sinful, Christ-rejecting men and women of the Earth. Each judgment is progressively worse and they all culminate in the battle of Armageddon.” - 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!

The current situation in Russia and Ukraine has many people asking if we’re living in the end times. What role does Russia and Ukraine Play in eschatology? In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton continue our series on Eschatology and dive into the roles that Russia, Iran, and other northern countries play a role in the end times. 

[00:01]  Russia and the End Times 

• Does Russia’s unprovoked invasion into Ukraine play a significant role in the events of the end times
• Bible scholars often say Russia plays a big part in the end times 
  • The Battle of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38, 39)

[04:28]  The Battle of Gog ad Magog 

• Gog is a person and Magog is a place, territory, or nation 
  • Gog is from the land of Magog and is the leader of  Tubal and Meshech 
  • Gog will plan to attack Israel 
  • The Lord God is against Gog and will defeat Him 
• Why Russia is believed to be Magog 

[08:13]  Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Found in Prophesy of the End Times?

• Not Necessarily
  • The Bible does NOT prophecy Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 
  • Israel should always be aware of potential attacks from the north
• Where these events fit into the eschatological timeline 
  • The first half of the tribulation 

[12:26]  The Identities of Gog and Magog

• The origin of Magog, the grandson of Noah 
  • Magog’s descendants settled in the far north of Israel 
• Gog and Magog mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and in Revelation are different 

[18:59] Closing Up 

• Head over to https://www.jeffcranston.com for info on his books, sermons, leadership notes, and blog posts
• We’ve surpassed 25,000 downloads! Thank you for listening!  

Key Quotes

“Gog will attack and then be defeated by God Himself in the mountains of Israel. And the Bible says in Ezekiel 39, that slaughter will be so great, it will take seven months to bury all the dead.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

Resources Mentioned

• Got Questions: What are Gog and Magog?

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!

“The only proper Christian response to any Theology, Philosophy, Ideology, Psychology, or Sociology must be what does the Bible say?” - Dustin Bench

In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston tests Jen Denton’s Biblical knowledge of the end times. Will anyone depart from the faith in the end times? Is there going to be another flood? Follow along and see how many questions you get right! 

[00:01]  A Quiz on the End Times

• Jesus told his disciples, that famine, pestilence, and earthquakes would be signs that the end was near
  • True (Matt 24:7)
• The disciples were curious about Christ's second coming and the end times
  • True (Matt 24:3)
• The earth shall pass away, but not Heaven
  • True ( Luke 21:33)
•  There will be a time of restitution for all things
  • True (Acts 3:20-21)
• The earth and the works of man will be destroyed by another flood
  • False (2 Peter 3:10)
• Jesus explained that there would first be tribulation and then the heavens would be shaken
  • True (Matthew 24:29)
• We know we are in the last days because there are many antichrists in the world
  • True (1 John 2:18)
• Christians cannot be deceived by the false prophets and the false Christs
  • False (Matthew 24:24)
• The identity of the Antichrist will be revealed before the end
  • True (2 Thes 2:1-3)
• In the end times, no one will depart from the faith
  • False (1 Tim 4:1)
• In the last days, perilous times will come
  • True (2 Tim 3:1-5)
• Paul told Timothy, that a time would come when the church would not endure sound doctrine
  • True (2 Tim 4:3) 
• As the false prophets arise and deceive men, sin will increase and love will decrease
  • True ( Matthew 24:11-12)
• In the last days, the Lord will remove His Spirit
  • True (Acts 2:17-18)
• When Christ returns, He will find people taking part in normal daily functions
  • True (Matthew 24:37)
• The Gospel will be preached throughout the whole world, before the end will come
  • True (Matthew 24:14) 
• We are not to be watching for the end times, but living our lives one day at a time
  • False (Mark 13:35-37) 
• The end of all things is now at hand
  • True (1 Peter 4:7)

[23:40] Closing Up 

• If you got a 100% score email [email protected] or Instagram
• We’ve surpassed 25,000 downloads! Thank you for listening!  

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 happens when we die? Do I need to be a missionary in order to obey The Great Commission? On this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton take a break for a special bonus episode of answering your questions.

[00:01]  What Happens Immediately After a Believer Dies? 

• In a previous podcast, it was mentioned that at the rapture Jesus will raise the dead. So where are the dead right now? 
• When a believer dies they enter the intermediate state
  • The time in which the soul of that believer exists between physical death and the resurrection of the body
• What is the Intermediate State? 
  • Upon death, the spirit of the believer goes immediately to be with the Lord (Ecc 12:7) 
  • The believer goes to be with Christ at death. entering into Christ's presence (Luke 23:43, 2 Cor 5:8)
•   Believers are in a state of awareness and consciousness in the intermediate state (Mark 12:27) 
  • Not the believers' final reward (Revelation 6:9-10) 
  • After we die with the Lord, we are also blessed (Rev 14:13) 
  • A place of waiting and a place of activity (Rev 7:15) 
  • a state of holiness(Rev 7:14)
  • We will never truly know until we are there (2 Cor 12:2-4) 

[10:50] Is the Great Commission for Everyone? 

• In Matthew 28:19 Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. Is this only a call to the mission field to other nations? Or is this a call to each one as God has given the relevant gifts and the Holy Spirit to make disciples even in our local churches?
• In Matt 28: 16-20 Jesus tells His disciples to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey the commands of Christ
• What the early Christians did in obedience to this commandment 
•  The Great Commission is for all believers  

[19:25] Closing Up 

•  If you were stranded on an island, what 3 books would you want to have with you?
  • See the links below for books mentioned!  
• Tune in next week for our continuation of Eschatology 

Key Quotes

“Jesus never made the Great Commission and exclusive commission. It's for all of us.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Resources Mentioned

• Desiring God by John Piper 
• A History of the English-Speaking Peoples by Winston S. Churchill 
• Frank W. Boreham
• The Guardian: Growing as an Enneagram 6 by Elisabeth Bennett

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!

“The only proper Christian response to any theology, philosophy, ideology, psychology, or sociology must be, ‘Well, what does the Bible say?’” - Dr. Dustin Benge 

How will the Millenial Kingdom be governed? On this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton continue their discussion on the Millenial Kingdom. We dive into how Jesus will rule the Millenial kingdom by unifying the Church and State, what will happen to Israel and the Gentiles who choose to submit to God, and what else we can expect in the Millenial Kingdom.  

[00:01]  How Jesus Will Reign 

• Israel will be exalted above all other nations and Gentiles who follow God will be blessed 
• Nations will live together in perpetual peace and will enjoy unprecedented prosperity (Zechariah 13) 
•  The world will have only one ruler; when Jesus comes again, He will inherit all of the nations and peoples of the world 
• Everyone will enjoy physical blessings (Isaiah 33:24, 65:22, 4:5-6) 

[11:35] What About Animals in the Millenial Kingdoms? 

• Side tangent of the side tangent: What Jen will be doing with the dogs for Valentine’s day?
• Animals will be present but docile, no longer threatening to humans, and similar to their state in the garden of Eden (Isaiah 11:6-8) 

[16:01] The Ecclesiastical Aspect of the Millenial Kingdom 

• More physical aspects of the kingdom 
  • God will give us angels to watch over us
  • Sickness will not exist 
• There will be a union of church and state through one ruler the Messiah and King
• A short American history lesson of the separation of Church and State 

[22:04] Closing Up! 

• Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode!  

Key Quotes

“[In the Millenial KIngdom,] the Messiah will be the kingly priest on His throne. So this will be a union of Church and State, the exact opposite of the separation of Church and State that we too often hear about in America.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

“When Jesus comes again to earth He will inherit all of the nations and peoples of the world. And those that honor Him and submit to His Kingship are going to be blessed.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

Resources Mentioned

• Basic Theology by Dr. Charles C. Ryrie
• Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity by Dr. Roland McCune

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!

“Theology is not a luxury. It is the very foundation of the Christian life. And without this foundation, our efforts to impact the world for Christianity will miss their mark.” - R.C. Sproul

Welcome to Kitchen Table Theology! Pastor Jeff and Jen Denton continue our series on Eschatology. Previously we’ve covered the rapture, the tribulation, signs of the end times, and today we start our discussion on The Millennium. 

[00:01]  What is the Millennium? 

• In the next few podcasts, we’ll cover the Millennium’s length, its government, its characteristics, the role of Christ, and our role in it.
• If you have any questions about eschatology email them to us at [email protected] 
• The Millennium or the Millennial Kingdom is the rule and reign of Jesus Christ on earth, 1000 years following the tribulation.
• In Revelation 19:14, John describes the inauguration of the Millennial Kingdom 

[07:12] The Battle of Armageddon

• What is the Battle of Armageddon? ( Rev 21:1) 
• The Antichrist gathers kings or world leaders to a place called Armageddon (Rev 15:14, Rev 20:7-9)
•  Where will Armageddon be? 

[13:41] The Aspects of the Millennium

• The spiritual aspect: without the Millennium, there's no kingdom of God as the Bible describes it (Ezk 36:24-28)
• The ethical aspect: There will be a worldwide accepted, objective standard of what is right; True God-centered morality(Isaiah 32:5)
• The social aspect: Complete social equity will be restored (Isaiah 4:2, Micah 4:4)

[22:39] Closing Up! 

• Don’t forget to send your eschatology questions to [email protected] 

Key Quotes

“The citizens of the Millennial Kingdom will rebuild ancient ruins, raise up areas, places, cities that were formerly devastated… Every inhabitant in the Millennial Kingdom will enjoy the full potential of their intelligence, their industry, their initiative, and economic security.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

Resources Mentioned

• Basic Theology by Dr. Charles C. Ryrie
• Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity by Dr. Roland McCune

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, we live in God-time, we don't live on our time. God marks time differently than we do.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

Welcome to Kitchen Table Theology! Pastor Jeff and Jen Denton continue our series on Eschatology. Previously we’ve defined our terms, we’ve covered the rapture and the tribulation. Today we continue our discussion on the tribulation by tackling a common question of today: Is COVID-19 a sign of Jesus’ coming? 

[00:01]  What Are The Signs of The End Times?

• Covid has affected every aspect of our lives and has deeply negatively impacted the lives of millions, but is it a sign of the times? 
• Luke 21:11 warns us of natural disasters, famines, and pestilences 
  • Pestilence: a plague, or a disease
• Events or signs will become more frequent and severe, as the world needs Jesus’ second arrival

[09:07] Is Covid-19 a Signal of Jesus Second Coming?

• Covid-19 could be a partial sign of the times 
• There have been many plagues and pestilences throughout history
• Jesus warned us to watch for the increase in the frequency of these signs (Matthew 24)
• Other signs Jesus has warned us to watch for 
  • False prophets and teacher
  • Natural and national calamities
  • Persecution of believers 
  • The proclamation of the Gospel
  • Nation rising up against nation

[25:13] We Live On God-Time 

• According to Paul, the appointed time of this world’s passing has grown very short (1 Corinthians 7:29)
• How can we continue to be patient? 
  • God’s timing is never late (2 Peter 3:8)
  • We must redeem the time by sharing the Gospel 
• Closing words

Key Quotes

“In the sense of His return, He's a precious or a compassionate procrastinator. Because it's His will, The Bible says, that none should perish, but that all may have eternal life. So when people ask why He hasn’t come back, He's waiting on you to go tell somebody the Gospel.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

Resources Mentioned

• 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history
• Global Frontier Missions: Unreached People Groups 

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!