Kitchen Table Theology

Every Christian wrestles with temptation, but the Bible outlines a clear plan for victory.

By submitting to God, fleeing from sin, and choosing holiness daily, we can live in freedom and strength. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany explore why we face temptation and how believers can overcome it. They unpack practical steps from Scripture to stay steadfast in faith and restore fellowship with God when we fall short.

What We Discussed

[00:00] Introduction: Spiritual Victory and Temptation
Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue their series on practical theology, turning to the topic of temptation and how believers can live in victory through Christ.

[01:18] The Story of José Rivera
Pastor Jeff shares a humorous story originally told by Ravi Zacharias that illustrates how easily temptation can win when we give in to selfish desires.

[04:30] What Is Temptation?
Temptation is the invitation to act against God’s will. It can come from the sin nature within us, from Satan, or from the world around us.

[05:19] Step 1: Decide Not to Yield
Victory begins with a firm choice to resist. James 4:7 reminds us to “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

[06:33] Step 2: Submit to God Immediately
The first move in any moment of temptation is to surrender control to God. Submission gives Him command of our hearts and strength to resist.

[07:21] Step 3: Resist in God’s Strength
We cannot fight temptation in our own power. We must rely on God’s strength and, when possible, remove ourselves from the situation, just as Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39.

[08:16] Step 4: Do the Holy Alternative
Instead of focusing only on what to avoid, believers are called to do the holy alternative, to obey God and walk in His will.

[10:16] Step 5: Avoid What Tempts You
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:17 call believers to “come out from among them and be separate.” Avoid people, places, and influences that stir temptation.

[13:00] Step 6: Deal with Sin Immediately
When we fall, we must confess and repent quickly. Sin breaks fellowship with God, but confession restores intimacy and peace.

[14:04] What Happens When Fellowship Breaks
Sin doesn’t destroy salvation, but it creates a barrier in our relationship with God. Like conflict in a family, the bond remains, but the closeness is lost until forgiveness is sought.

[16:00] Restoring Fellowship through Repentance
Repentance is turning 180 degrees back toward God. 1 John 1:9 assures us that when we confess, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. Even after failure, repentance brings victory.

[17:37] The Real Victory
No victory over temptation is permanent in this life, but every defeat can become victory when it leads us back to repentance and renewal in Christ.

“Defeat can become victory when repentance leads us back to God.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. 

Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. 

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

What does it look like to live out faith in real life?

In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue the Practical Theology Series with a discussion on practical faith. What does it mean to trust God daily, believe His promises, and hold on even when life feels uncertain? They explore how practical faith begins with need, grows through trust, and endures by believing in God’s character rather than emotions.

What We Discussed

[01:42] What Is Practical Faith?
Practical faith is trusting in God and His Word in daily life. It’s active obedience expressed through love and reliance on Him, even when life constantly throws challenges our way.

[03:17] Where Practical Faith Begins
Faith starts with recognizing our needs and choosing to trust God to meet them, as Philippians 4:19 reminds us that He supplies all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.

[04:33] Faith and Trust Go Hand in Hand
Psalm 37:5 gives us the formula for practical faith: Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Pastor Jeff shares a story about learning to trust doctors through his own health struggles.

[07:13] Believing the Promises of God
Practical faith also means believing in God’s promises. Pastor Jeff points to Paul’s faith in Acts 27 during a storm, reminding listeners that God’s “exceedingly great and precious promises” are reliable and real.

[09:26] Knowing God’s Promises
Tiffany emphasizes that we can’t believe what we don’t know. She shares Isaiah 41:10 and Proverbs 3:5-6 as examples of promises to hold on to when fear or confusion set in.

[10:57] Faith vs. Feelings
Faith is based on fact and God’s character, not personal feelings or preference.

[13:40] Trusting God’s Instructions
Faith requires obedience. Trusting God’s wisdom means accepting and following His Word even when we don’t understand His timing or ways.

[15:30] Trusting God for the Future
True faith includes confidence in both our earthly and eternal futures. Our times are in His hands, and we can rest knowing He is faithful and able to do more than we can imagine.

“Faith isn’t based on how we feel. It’s based on who God is.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

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 should we think when our prayers don’t get answered the way we hoped?

In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue the series on Practical Theology and take a closer look at why some prayers seem to go unanswered. They explore biblical reasons, the role of timing, the reality of spiritual warfare, and how God’s will shapes His response to our requests.

What We Discussed

[01:33] Introduction to Unanswered Prayer
Prayer is essential, yet many believers struggle when their requests don’t seem to reach God.

[03:07] Placing Limits on God
How our expectations, deadlines, and demands can hinder the effectiveness of prayer.

[04:34] God’s Timing vs. Our Timing
Why God may delay in answering until hearts, circumstances, or other people are ready.

[05:37] Wrong Motives in Prayer
James 4:3 warns us that selfish or lustful motives can block God’s answers.

[08:01] The Role of the Holy Spirit
When we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, aligning our requests with God’s will (Romans 8:26).

[09:09] Spiritual Hindrances
Daniel 10 reveals how demonic forces can resist God’s messengers and delay answers to prayer.

[12:26] When It’s Not for Our Good
Sometimes God withholds what we ask because it would harm rather than help us.

[13:41] Examining Our Hearts
Why we should evaluate our motives, trust God’s wisdom, and remove anything that may hinder prayer.

[14:31] A Final Word on Prayer

 A.J. Gordon once said, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed.”

“God will only give us good things that are in keeping with His will and that contribute to our spiritual wellbeing.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Resources Mentioned:  

• Billy Graham. “Why Do Prayers Go Unanswered?” July 2013. Accessed 29 September 2025.

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 really say about how we should pray?

Prayer is one of the most powerful gifts God has given us, but many believers still wonder if they’re doing it “right.” In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany discuss the biblical foundation of prayer. Together, they dive into who we pray to, whether posture or place matters, and three key “ingredients” that every believer should keep in mind when approaching God. 

What We Discussed

[03:28] What Is Prayer?
Prayer is “communicating with God by word, thought, or heavenward glance.” This reflects the heart of biblical teaching.

[05:35] Who Do We Pray To?
Prayer is directed to the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity participates (Psalm 5:2, Acts 7:59, Ephesians 5:20, Romans 8:26).

[11:23] Are There Rules for Prayer?
Does posture, time, or place matter in prayer?

[14:25] The Ingredients of Prayer
Pastor Jeff introduces three conditions for effective prayer: praying in Jesus’ name, making definite requests, and asking persistently.

[18:10] Persistent Prayer Explained
They explore Jesus’ teaching in Luke 11 about asking, seeking, and knocking, with practical parallels like tracking an Amazon delivery.

[22:17] God Is Ready to Do More
Pray boldly, trust God’s timing, and remember that God answers prayer for the glory of His name.

“To pray in Jesus’ name is more than sticking His name on the end of our prayers; it means praying according to His will and His interests.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

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!

Spiritual growth is not only about knowing Scripture. It is about living it. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany share how the Bible moves from the page into our everyday choices. Scripture is essential to our fellowship with God; We learn how to see its treasures as inexhaustible and what it means to be a doer of the Word.

What We Discussed

01:25 - Why Scripture Is Essential
The Bible is described as a lamp, a guide, a weapon, and nourishment. Jeff emphasizes its power to teach, correct, and shape our lives (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12).

05:01 - Use the Bible in Fellowship With God
Scripture is the primary way God speaks to us, through conviction, encouragement, correction, and blessing. Psalm 19:7-11 highlights the richness of God’s Word.

07:20 - Regard the Bible’s Treasures as Inexhaustible
Pastor Jeff encourages believers to see Scripture as endlessly rich, meeting our needs day by day, even moment by moment.

09:05 - Acknowledge Your Spiritual Needs
Bring your struggles, failures, and desires to God’s Word, trusting it to minister to you in every circumstance.

09:47 - Be a Doer of the Word
Hearing is not enough. We must act on what Scripture teaches, responding to warnings, promises, instructions, and commands.

11:25 - C.S. Lewis on “Good Pretending”
C.S. Lewis described “good pretending” as practicing who we already are in Christ.

15:52 - Building a Fund of Doctrinal Knowledge
As Believers, we must systematically grow in our understanding of biblical truth.

17:06 - Returning Daily to Scripture
The Bible nourishes our souls, protects us from deception, and provides wisdom. 

“May we increasingly give His Word a larger place in our lives and look to it daily for spiritual guidance and understanding.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

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!

It’s quiz day at the kitchen table. We’re pausing on our Practical Theology series to test our theological knowledge! In this episode, Pastor Jeff puts Tiffany (and you) on the spot with 14 questions plus a bonus round. From creeds and confessions to soteriology and salvation, we review some of the core truths of the Christian faith.

In this episode

• [00:02:27] Q1: Which Gospel begins with Jesus’ genealogy back to Abraham?
    A: Matthew

• [00:04:00] Q2: The belief in one God in three persons is called what?
    A: The Trinity

• [00:05:00] Q3: Which creed begins with “I believe in God, the Father Almighty”?
    A: The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed

• [00:06:27] Q4: Who wrote Confessions?
   A: Augustine of Hippo
  
  
• [00:07:39] Q5: Salvation is primarily deliverance from what?
    A: Sin
  
  
• [00:08:09] Q6: What does the term “atonement” mean?
    A: Reconciliation between God and man
  
  
• [00:08:58] Q7: Which verse begins “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith”?
    A: Ephesians 2:8–9
  
  
• [00:10:13] Q8: What does soteriology study?
    A: The doctrine of salvation
  
  
• [00:11:00] Q9: The doctrine that Jesus is fully God and fully man is called what?
    A: The Hypostatic Union
  
  
• [00:11:40] Q10: The Westminster Confession of Faith is most associated with which tradition?
    A: Reformed/Presbyterian
  
  
• [00:12:48] Q11: What does Sola Fide mean?
   A: Faith alone
  
  
• [00:14:00] Q12: Which term best describes God’s unmerited favor?
    A: Grace
  
  
• [00:14:43] Q13: Who wrote the book of Revelation? Where was he exiled?
    A: John, exiled on Patmos
  
  
• [00:15:42] Q14: Which Jewish ruler visited Jesus at night?
    A: Nicodemus
  
  
• [00:17:35] Bonus Question: What new denomination formed out of the United Methodist Church?
    A: The Global Methodist Church

Giveaway

If you scored 100%, email [email protected] with the subject line I’m a winner! Include your name and address, and we’ll send you a Kitchen Table Theology coffee mug (plus maybe a Southern Pecan K-Cup).

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 goal of Christianity is Christlikeness. Spiritual growth is the fruit of our faith; evidence that we are connected to the vine. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany revisit a past series with Jeff and Jen to explore the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation, sanctification, and equipping believers for ministry.

They explain the indwelling presence of the Spirit, how He reproduces the character of Christ in us, why He is essential to understanding Scripture, and how He empowers every Christian with spiritual gifts to serve the church.

What We Discussed

00:17 – Introduction and Recap
Tiffany introduces the theme of spiritual growth, reminding us that it happens in partnership with the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live out God’s truth.

01:24 – The Indwelling Spirit
Pastor Jeff explains the many-faceted work of the Spirit: giving new life, assuring salvation, sealing believers for eternity (Ephesians 1:13–14), and comforting us in trials.

07:55 – The Spirit Teaches Us Scripture
The Holy Spirit illuminates God’s Word, teaching and reminding us of truth (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:10). Pastor Jeff emphasizes asking the Spirit for understanding when we encounter difficult passages.

11:00 – Equipped for Ministry
Believers receive spiritual gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). Jeff explains the S.H.A.P.E. acrostic: Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experience—all used by the Spirit for God’s purposes.

15:08 – What Spiritual Gifts Are Not
Jeff clarifies common misunderstandings: gifts are not about specific offices, age groups, or techniques. Instead, they are Spirit-given abilities exercised through our unique lives.

17:53 – The Spirit as Our Enabler
True ministry is Spirit-powered. We act in obedience, but the results belong to Him. Like a doctor who treats but cannot heal, only God brings transformation and life.

19:40 – Dependence on the Spirit
Pastor Jeff and Jen remind us that daily dependence on the Spirit is vital. He empowers, guides, and sustains us through change and growth, making us effective in ministry.

Key Quote

“With the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are never alone, never lost, and never without His power.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

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 goal of Christianity is Christlikeness. Spiritual growth is the fruit of our faith; evidence that we are connected to the vine. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany unpack what spiritual growth really is, why it matters, and how believers partner with the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ.

They explain the nature of growth, the role of discipline and refinement, and the daily practices that help Christians mature in their faith.

What We Discussed

01:17 – Growth and Maturity in Scripture
Practical Theology connects doctrine to daily life. Examples from Corinth and Hebrews show how believers can remain spiritually immature. The Christian life involves either progressing or regressing—there is no standing still.

03:42 – Defining Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a progressive development in key areas of life: spiritual character, knowledge of God, faith, and an appreciation of Christ’s work.

05:00 – The Nature of Spiritual Growth
Growth is a partnership between the Holy Spirit and believers. The Spirit empowers us to live out God’s truth, producing behavioral growth expressed in love, patience, and obedience.

07:05 – Lifelong Learning and Refinement
Spiritual growth is not linear. God refines believers through discipline and correction. 

09:40 – The Goal of Growth
The ultimate outcome is to become more like Christ. The fruits of the Spirit shape believers into His likeness.

12:00 – Practicing Spiritual Growth Daily
Spiritual disciplines mirror physical habits. Believers need daily nourishment from God’s Word, obedience to His commands, and rest in His promises. 

14:33 – A Call to Ongoing Growth
Spiritual growth has infinite capacity. Christians should never be satisfied with their current condition but continually press forward in maturity.

Key Quote

“Although we’ll never attain absolute spiritual maturity in this world, we can be relatively mature for our spiritual age as we give ourselves daily to the means God uses to grow us.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

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!

Have you ever wondered why your faith sometimes feels more like a checklist than a living relationship?

Pastor Jeff and Tiffany kick off our Practical Theology series with an introduction to Zoëlogy; The study of the Christian life. We learn why beliefs must shape our behavior, how assurance of salvation lays the foundation for growth, and why active involvement in the church is essential to the Christian walk.

What We Discussed: 

00:00 - Intro 

Practical Theology, also called Applied Theology, is the study of how Christian doctrine shapes everyday life. Practical theology asks: How should what I believe change how I live?

03:12 - What is “Zoëology”?
The word Zoëlogy comes from two Greek words: zoe (life) and logos (word, study, discourse). Put together, it means the doctrine of the Christian life. 

06:45 - Belief and Behavior
The key principle of zoëlogy is that belief determines behavior. A person who has been born again should display that new life in the way they live, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

09:16 - The Assurance of Salvation
Understanding that salvation is a gift through Christ’s finished work, not through human effort, is foundational. This confidence in being divinely forgiven lays the groundwork for spiritual growth and daily victory in the Christian life.

12:22 - The Role of the Church
Ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church, teaches that Christians are called into fellowship and service within the body of Christ. Believers are “fellow workers” with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9) in building His church. Active participation, worship, service, and fellowship with other Christians are essential parts of living out practical theology.

Key Quote

“Practical theology is simply asking: how does what I know of God change how I live for Him?” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

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!

It’s the shortest book in the Old Testament (only 21 verses) yet the prophecy of Obadiah carries a message of justice, humility, and hope.

Pastor Jeff Cranston revisits one of Kitchen Table Theology’s most unexpectedly popular episodes: an overview of the book of Obadiah. We’ll explore the historical conflict between Edom and Israel, the pride that led to Edom’s downfall, and how this ancient prophecy still speaks to our hearts today.

00:00 – Season Update and Introduction to Obadiah
Next week we begin our “Practical Theology” series. Remember to tune in! 

03:12 – Revisiting Obadiah & Historical Context 

Tracing the conflict between Edom (descendants of Esau) and Israel (descendants of Jacob), and how generations of hostility culminated in Edom’s betrayal during Jerusalem’s fall.

06:45 – The Central Message of Obadiah
How pride became Edom’s downfall, the certainty of God’s justice, and the “day of the Lord” as a theme of divine judgment on all nations.

11:02 – God’s Promise of Restoration
The shift in the final verses from judgment to hope, with God promising deliverance for Zion and the establishment of His kingdom.

14:28 – Lessons for Believers Today
Why pride is spiritually dangerous, how God’s justice ensures wrongs will be made right, and how Obadiah encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereign plan.

"Pride was the root of Edom’s downfall, and it’s still the root of so much sin today."  – Pastor Jeff Cranston

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!