Kitchen Table Theology

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton will be answering some theological questions that have been submitted by our audience to wrap up the series on Christology.

If you are interested in learning about any specific theology topic to study, you can go back, check out the archive, and listen to previous episodes. 

[00:01 - 05:00] Opening Segment

• Jen talks about the topic of today’s episode.
• Question from Asher Auburn via Instagram: “ Is Jesus God? Did the biblical Jesus exist?”
  • Pastor Jeff suggests to check out episode 35, titled ‘The Deity of Christ’, where we discuss this exact topic to answer the first question.
• Jen reminds us of how to connect or send us any questions and comments.
  • See links below.

[05:01 - 14:59] The Archaeological and Extrabiblical Evidence of Jesus.

• Pastor Jeff talks about the sources that explain the existence of Jesus.
  • Check out the link to the article below.
• Pastor Jeff talks about the archaeological evidence about Jesus.
• Pastor Jeff shares some extra-biblical writings and passages from Jewish-Roman historians.
  • Flavius Josephus
  • Tacitus

 [15:00 - 21:59] Does the Cultural and Time Differences matter?

• Question from Matthew via Instagram: “Since Jesus was on the earth for such a short time years ago, how does He relate to today’s’ day and time?”
  • Time, culture, space, and ethnicity, or anything else that we have to deal with would not make any difference to Jesus; all of that would be superfluous to Him.

 [22:00 - 31:29] Jesus Physical Appearance

• Question from Jen: “What do you think Jesus’ physical appearance looks like?”
  • What he looked like is pretty elusive because the Bible doesn't describe Jesus physically.
• Pastor Jeff pieces together what we do know about Jesus.
  • Jewish Galilean 30 year old man that did not stand out in any particular way physically.

[31:30 - 33:23] Closing Segment

• Jen talks about the topic for the upcoming episode.
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen.

Tweetable Quotes:

“ Time, culture, space and ethnicity or anything else that we have to deal with would not make any difference to Jesus, all of that would be superfluous to Him. ” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

“What he looked like is pretty elusive because the Bible doesn't describe Jesus physically.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

• The Bible Says Jesus Was Real. What Other Proof Exists? By Christopher Klein
• Did Jesus Exist? Searching for Evidence Beyond the Bible by Lawrence Mykytiuk
• Did Jesus Exist? By Bart D. Ehrman
• 15 Things Jesus Would Say to You if You Met Him for Coffee by Donna Jones
• John 4
• Isaiah 53:2
• Revelation 1: 14-15
• 1 John 3:2

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 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!

“Do not look to sin for comfort and relief but focus on the finish line and the comfort you will receive when you cross that.”

In this episode, we are continuing our study on the Doctrine of Christology with Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton. Today we will be talking about The Return of Jesus Christ.  If you missed our previous episodes in this series, please go back and listen to episodes 35 to 39 on Christ's deity, His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

[00:01 - 05:29] Opening Segment

• We talk about why the particular topic of  ‘The Return of Jesus Christ’ is a topic on which Christians seem to be very divided.
• Pastor Jeff talks about the different stages of the Christian church on their focus of the second coming of Jesus.
• Pastor Jeff shares some fun facts about the book of Acts.

[05:30 - 11:34]  The Return of Jesus Christ 

• Pastor Jeff talks about the timing and people’s predictions of when Jesus Christ will return.
• Pastor Jeff talks about how we should respond when we run into teaching about the second coming that may not be biblical.
• If we ignore any teaching of this topic, we fail to keep at the forefront of our thinking that Christ could return at any moment. 
• Pastor Jeff talks about the stages of the return of Christ.

 [11:35 - 20:19] Being Prepared for The Return of Christ

• Pastor Jeff talks about why the return of Christ should be what matters.
• Be prepared and ready for the return of Christ.
• Keep the focus on living for Him until the second coming.
• Facing the persecution along the journey and finishing it well.
• Pastor Jeff talks about the lack of holiness in the church today.

[20:20 - 26:38] Closing Segment

• Where we stand in history related to the signpost of the return, which is significant, and it’s up to us to pick up the pace.
• Have a sense of anticipation to finish the race.
• Encourage one another with the Gospel concerning the return of Christ. 
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen.

Tweetable Quotes:

“There should be no need for radical changes in the life of the Christians if you are living in a state of readiness and preparation. ” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

“Do not look to sin for comfort and relief but focus on the finish line and the comfort you will receive when you cross that” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

“If we ignore any teaching of this topic, we fail to keep at the forefront of our thinking the imminent return of Christ.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

• Acts 1:7
• 1 Thessalonians 4: 16 -18
• Luke 12
• 1 Peter
• 1 Timothy 6:14
• 1 Peter 13
• Matthew 24:14
• Hebrew 10:25

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 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!

How would you answer if you were asked to explain the Ascension of Christ? Some people may argue that the Ascension, while it may not be THE foundational doctrine of our faith, is one of the anchors of our faith.  

This episode is the part 5 of the 6-episode series where we study the doctrine of Christology with Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton. Today we will be talking about The Ascension of Jesus Christ.  If you missed our previous episodes, please go back and listen to episodes 35 to 38 on Christ's Deity, His Incarnation, and the Crucifixion and Resurrection.

[00:01 - 05:03] Opening Segment

• We talk about each segment’s significant role in Christ deity’s doctrine, how they are tied together, and which doctrine is perhaps the most foundational of them all.
• Pastor Jeff gives us a brief introduction of The Ascension of Christ as the anchor of our faith.

[05:04 - 11:59] The Ascension of Jesus

• Pastor Jeff talks about the anchor concept of Christ’s ascension in the Apostle’s Creed.
• The importance of the ascension based on Luke's gospel.
• The visualization of Christ’s ascension, according to His disciples.
• Pastor Jeff elaborates on what the ascension is all about and why it was necessary.

 [12:00 - 18:55] Post-Resurrection Ministry 

• Pastor Jeff talks about the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus and His ascension.
• The ascension is the beginning of trinitarian worship.
• Pastor Jeff talks about commemorating the ascension and its celebration.
• Pastor Jeff shares a fun fact about the ascension day .

[18:56 - 23:15] Closing Segment

• Pastor Jeff talks about the second coming of Jesus and its correlation with the ascension.
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen.

Tweetable Quotes:

“ If Jesus had not ascended into heaven, He would not have sent the Holy Spirit to His followers ” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

“ The second coming of Jesus is rooted in the reality of His ascension into heaven” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

“ I find it most curious that the author of Hebrews regards the Ascension of Jesus as the anchor for our souls.” - Michael F. Bird. 

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

• The Apostles’ Creed
•  Timothy 3:16
• 1 Petter 3:22
• Hebrew 4:14
• Luke 24:51
• Acts 1:9
• John 14 :16-17, 26
• John 15:26
• John 16:7
• What Christians Ought to Believe: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine Through the Apostles’ Creed. By Michael F. Bird 

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 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!

“If Jesus Christ is alive, then there is hope for the world. If Jesus Christ is in the grave, then I don't see the slightest glimmer of hope on the horizon.” Konrad Adenauer. 

This episode is part 4 of 5 episode where we study the doctrine of Christology with Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton. Today we will be talking about one of the most important and foundational aspects of Christianity: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  If you missed our previous episode, please go back and listen to parts 1,2, and 3 on episodes 35 to 37, where we talk about the deity, the incarnation, and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

[00:01 - 05:19] Opening Segment

• We share the story of Konrad Adenauer’s strong declaration of faith when he had a conversation with Dr. Billy Graham about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

[05:20 - 15:17] The Key Components of the Resurrection

• The Resurrection means that Jesus is alive.
• The resurrection was the guarantee of the Father’s acceptance of the Sons’ work.
• Pastor Jeff talks about Jesus’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemani and the meaning of the cup.
• We talked about the resurrected body of Jesus Christ.
  • His resurrected body was an eternal body that never to die again.
• Pastor Jeff talks about how we shall all see Jesus Christ one day based on the book of revelation.

 [15:18 - 21:04] The Resurrection was essential in God’s overall program for us

• Pastor Jeff talks about the importance of His resurrection on God’s overall program for us
• The resurrection fulfilled the prophecies.
• Pastor Jeff talks about what will the resurrected bodies of believers look like.

[21:05 - 26:24] Closing Segment

• Pastor Jeff talks about the meaning of the resurrection of Christ for us today.
• “Jesus’s resurrection is the basis of our faith and victory over sins days by day.” - Dr. Dana Goodnough.
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen

Tweetable Quotes:

“ Within the framework of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the validity of the Christian faith is determined ” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

“If Jesus Christ is alive, then there is hope for the world. If Jesus Christ is in the grave, then I don't see the slightest glimmer of hope on the horizon.” Konrad Adenauer. 

“The resurrected body of Jesus serves as the prototype of the resurrected body of believers..” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

• 1 Corinthians 15:17
• Matthew 26:39
• Luke 24:39
• Revelation 1:12-16
• John 16:13
• Psalms 16:10
• Revelation 1:5
• 1 Corinthians 15: 35 - 41
• 1 John: 3
• Romans 4:25
• Ephesians 1: 19 - 20
• The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul P Enns
• Three-Minute Theology by Dana L. Goodnough

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 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!

“Very few of us have any understanding of the reason why Jesus Christ died. If sympathy is all that human beings need, then the Cross of Christ is a farce, there was no need for it. What the world needs is not “a little bit of love,” but a surgical operation.” - Oswald Chambers 

This episode is part 3 of 5 episodes where we study the doctrine of Christology with Pastor Jeff Cranston. Today we will tackle the question, “Why was Jesus’s death on the Cross so significant?.”  If you missed our previous episode, please go back and listen to parts 1 and 2 on episodes 35 and 36, where we talk about the deity and the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

[00:01 - 05:00] Opening Segment

• We talk about the Show Notes of all our episodes.
  • You can find scriptures referenced down below.
• We talk about a brief introduction of today’s topic, “The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.”
• The crucifixion is a means of showing extreme contempt for the condemned.

[05:01 - 11:00] The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ 

• Pastor Jeff shares the story of how the Romans used the crucifixion.
• Pastor Jeff explains and answers some questions about the reason why Jesus Christ’s death on the cross was so significant.
  • His death has to be viewed in His relation to the whole plan of salvation.
• Pastor Jeff talks about the word ‘vicarious’ and what it means.

 [11:01 - 19:00] Bearing The Cross

• Why some people and the devil wanted Jesus dead.
• Bearing your cross.
• What the Crucifixion means for us.
• The story of Joseph Damien.

[19:01 - 23:15] Closing Segment

• The cross of Jesus reminds us that He came and dearly paid the price for our failure.
• Pastor Jeff talks about the physician's summary of what crucifixion did to the human body.
• The crucifixion, as horrible as it was, is the only way that gives us salvation.
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen.

Tweetable Quotes:

“ The significance of His death has to be viewed in His relation of the whole plan of salvation .” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

“Jesus went to the cross willingly, with full knowledge of what it is going to cost Him, but He did it that our lives may be transformed and reformed” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

“The crucifixion, as horrible as it was, is the only way that gives us salvation.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

• Isaiah 53: 5-6
• Galatian 1:3-4
• John 10:7-8
• Matthew 16:25
• Galatians 2:20
• 1 Peter 3:18 
• My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
  • https://utmost.org/
  • You can download a Free 30 day Devotional of ‘My Utmost For His Highest’ on the YouVersion Bible App 
  • https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/792-my-utmost-for-his-highest 

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 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 Incarnation of Jesus Christ changes everything..

This episode is part 2 of 5 episodes where we study the doctrine of Christology with Pastor Jeff Cranston. If you missed our previous episode, please go back and listen to part 1 on episode 35, where we talk about the deity of Jesus Christ.

[00:01 - 04:59] Opening Segment

• We talk about the Show Notes of our Podcast and many platforms where you can listen to our podcasts.
• We talk about a brief introduction of today’s topic, “The Incarnation of Jesus Christ.”

[05:01 - 14:05] Christmas Season

• We share our most memorable Christmas memories and family traditions.
• Pastor Jeff talks about his favorite Christmas hymn, ‘O come O come, Emmanuel.’
• We talk about how ‘O come O come, Emmanuel’ reflects and sums up what incarnation means

 [14:06 - 25:39] The Incarnation of Jesus Christ

• Pastor Jeff talks about the definition of Incarnation 
• Pastor Jeff talks about the three concepts of the Virgin Conception
  • The Incarnation of Jesus Christ
  • The human nature assumed by the divine Son
  • The virgin conception

[21:30 - 25:39] The Humanity of Jesus Christ

• We talk about the significance of the human name of Christ to stressing his humanity.
• Pastor Jeff talks about the meaning of the Son of David and Key of David.
• Pastor Jeff unpacked the claim of the incarnation; God the Son incarnate is utterly unique and alone, Lord and savior.

[25:40 - 29:46] Closing Segment

• The recap of today’s episode;
  • The Incarnation of Jesus Christ is an act of addition, not subtraction.
  • The human nature assumed by the divine son is fully human and completely sinless.
  • The virgin conception was the glorious means by which the incarnation took place.
  • God the Son incarnate is utterly unique and alone, Lord and savior.
  • Jesus had human names
• If you are still looking for the perfect Christmas gift, please consider Pastor Jeff’s book. You can find either or both at  jeffcranston.com, Amazon, and many more.
  • See links below.
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen

Tweetable Quotes:

“Jesus fully experiences the effect of living in our fallen world, but he never shared the guilt, nor the disposition of Adams’ sin that got passed on to us.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

“In Jesus, we truly meet God face to face in full undiminished glory.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

• God the Son Episode
• Philippians 2: 6-8
• Romans 5
• The Moody Handbook of Theology book by Paul Enns
• Happily Ever After
• Your Greatest Adventure

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 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!

It is vital to establish the doctrine of Christ’s deity as strongly as any truth that can be established.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Kitchen Table Theology Podcast, where we will discuss biblical theology in an understandable way.  You will discover how to apply biblical truth to your life. In the next six episodes, your host Jen Denton and I, Pastor Jeff Cranston, will be discussing the theology or doctrine of Christology, the study of the person of Jesus Christ. 

Let’s dive into this episode as we will dig deeper about the deity of Jesus Christ. 

[00:01 - 04:00] Opening Segment

• Welcome to the new season of The Kitchen Table Theology Podcast
• We talk about a brief introduction of our today’s topic, “The Deity of Jesus Christ.”
• Pastor Jeff talks about understanding the word deity and the deity of Christ 
• Why is our faith called ‘Christianity’ ?

[04:01 - 11:00] The Deity of Jesus Christ 

• Jen reads a quote from CS. Lewis’s book, Mere Christianity, about the deity of Jesus Christ.
• Pastor Jeff talks about how Jesus claimed himself to be God in the Scriptures and all of the divine characteristics He possesses :
  • Eternity, Omnipresence, Omnipotence
  • He talks about all of Christ’s miracles and power based on the New Testament.
• Pastor Jeff talks about the renouncing and proclaiming Christ’s deity by His disciples and followers.

 [11:01 - 14:50] The Question of Ages “Is Jesus God?”

• How we answer the question will determine the destiny of our soul.
• Jesus established that He is God by divine names (Ex. Lord, son of God, the word, etc.)
  • He also established His deity through miracles.
• Pastor Jeff talks about and answers the question, “If Jesus is God, what difference does it make to our lives?”
• If Jesus is not God, we would not have salvation, nor Christianity.

[14:51 - 16:46] Closing Segment

• The real power of Theology is not only knowing it but applying it.
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen

Tweetable Quotes:

“It is really vital to establish the doctrine of Christ’s deity as strongly as any truth that can be established. ” -  Pastor Jeff Cranston

“Christianity is founded upon the Christ to whom we believe.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

“Jesus established that He is God by the divine names and His deity through the miracles He made.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Acts 11:26
• 1 John 2:23 
• 2 John 1:19

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 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!

Kitchen Table Theology is taking a two week break as we end Season One.  We will be back on Sunday, November 22nd with Season Two.  We will begin with an episode on the Deity of Christ. See you then!

Visit jeffcranston.com for more resources and to listen to past podcast episodes.  

Podcast: Kitchen Table Theology

Podcast Series: God’s Amazing Attributes

Episode Number: 033

Episode Name: Bonus – New Testament Quiz Part Two

Episode Length: 17:27

Episode Download Link: Click here to download episode. 

Host: Jeff Cranston

Co Host: Jen Denton

Episode Summary

Bonus Episode! We are ending Season One on Kitchen Table Theology with the second part of our New Testament Quiz. Hope you can have a little fun in this episode and test your New Testament knowledge. We would love to know how you do! 

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 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!

Podcast: Kitchen Table Theology

Podcast Series: God’s Amazing Attributes

Episode Number: 032

Episode Name: Bonus – New Testament Quiz Part One

Episode Length: 16:43

Episode Download Link: Click here to download episode. 

Host: Jeff Cranston

Co Host: Jen Denton

Episode Summary

Bonus Episode! As we begin to wrap up Season One on Kitchen Table Theology, we are having a little fun in this episode with a New Testament Quiz. Let’s test your New Testament knowledge. We would love to know how you do! 

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 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!