Kitchen Table Theology

Three Reasons We Should Sing Sound Theology with Ricky Alcantar Our singing shapes our theology in many ways, and vice versa. In today’s special episode, pastor Jeff welcomes Ricky Alcantar, lead pastor at Cross of Grace Church, to discuss what our hymns tell us about our beliefs; It reveals, shapes, and doxologizes our theology. By understanding this connection, we can have a deeper understanding...

What does it mean to be chosen, royal, and holy? In this episode, pastor Jeff and Jen talk about the terms that describe our special relationship with God as Christians. They define who we are and what our place in the world is. As Christians, we should always remember that we're chosen people and we were entrusted with a unique set of responsibilities and privileges. They also talk about sac...

Being baptized grants us a myriad of things. In today’s episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss these things that come with baptism of the Holy Spirit such as what it means to have eternal life, imputed righteousness, and positional sanctification. They also discuss what it means to be perfected forever, be made accepted in the beloved one, and be made part of the inheritance. It’s an...

Jen and pastor Jeff discuss the idea of believers being God's gifts to Jesus. They emphasize that all of God's children have been kept except for one, which is you. Jesus prays that these gifts may be kept and not discarded. He thanks Father for all of the believers who have been kept, and reminds us that we are God's adopted children and brothers and sisters. This love prompts John...

Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton are here to continue the discussion on the Five Solas of the Reformation. In this episode, we’ll learn the differences between the Roman and the Reformers’ scriptures, and how they tie in together. They will also share how these truths can be applied to our lives, so tune in to find out more! [00:01 - 04:40] Opening Segment Brief recap from last week’s episode S...

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

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 g...

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...

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...

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. T...

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 ha...

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...

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 consta...

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...

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 Strobe...

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...

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 decad...

“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 maki...

“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 discus...

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 Serie...

  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...

“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...

  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 a...

“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 unif...

“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 discussio...