Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation and Theology Meet
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Historical Theology
Episode 284: Intro to Historical Theology - Why Church History Matters
Historical theology is not history for history’s sake. It helps Christians ask an important question: Do we believe the same truths the church has always believed, or have we created something new? In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston introduces historical theology and explains why it matters for every follower of Jesus. Historical theology traces how believers throughout the centuries have understood, defended, debated, and articulated biblical truth. This includes major doctrines, important theologians, church history, creeds, confessions, and the theological controversies that helped shape the Christian faith.
The Patristic Period
Episode 286: The Didache Explained
Long before church history became filled with councils, creeds, and formal traditions, early Christians were already learning how to live as faithful followers of Jesus. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany introduce the Didache, one of the most important early Christian writings outside the New Testament. They explain how this ancient document helps us understand the worship, discipleship, church practices, and spiritual priorities of believers in the first generations of the church.
Episode 287: Ignatius of Antioch - A Faith Bigger Than Life
Ignatius of Antioch lived so close to the time of the apostles that his life serves as a bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed. In this episode, Tiffany and Pastor Jeff introduce listeners to Ignatius of Antioch, an early church leader whose courage, writings, and final journey to Rome continue to challenge and encourage Christians today.
Episode 288: Irenaeus - Guarding the Gospel
Irenaeus lived at a time when the church was being attacked from the outside by persecution and from the inside by false teaching. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany look at the life of Irenaeus, one of the early church’s most important defenders of the gospel. Connected closely to the apostles through Polycarp, Irenaeus helped preserve apostolic teaching, confront the rise of Gnosticism, and guide the church with both truth and grace.
Episode 289: Polycarp of Smyrna - Faithful Unto Death
Polycarp lived at a time when the early church was facing pressure from Rome, false teaching from within, and the growing challenge of preserving the message handed down by the apostles. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany look at the life of Polycarp of Smyrna, one of the Apostolic Fathers and a direct link to the Apostle John. They discuss his role as bishop of Smyrna, his influence on Irenaeus, his defense of apostolic truth, and his faithful witness even unto death.