KTT Jan 2023Kitchen Table Theology

Where Coffee, Conversation
and Theology Meet

 

 

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Practical Theology

 

The Doctrine of Christian Living

 

Episode 253: What is Zoeology?

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.

 

Episode 254: Are You Growing As A Christian?

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.

 

Episode 255: The Indwelling Work of the Holy Spirit

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.

 

Episode 257: Applying the Bible

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. 

 

Episode 258: What The Bible Says About Prayer

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. 

 

Episode 259: Why Do My Prayers Go Unanswered?

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.

 

Episode 260: Practical Faith

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

 

Episode 261: How To Overcome Temptation, Vice and the Flesh

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.

 

Episode 262: God's Faithfulness

When life gets challenging, it’s easy to question whether God will truly keep His word. But Scripture reminds us that His promises never fail. This week’s episode is a throwback to a past episode with Pastor Jeff and Jen Denton on the steadfast faithfulness of God, why we can trust Him completely, how His promises endure through every trial, and what it means to experience His presence even in seasons of affliction.

 

Episode 264: What Is God's Will?

Many believers wrestle with one of the most common questions in the Christian life: How do I know God’s will for me? Pastor Jeff shares five key ways God reveals His will: Through Scripture, prayer, circumstances, other believers, and His direct leading. God’s will is not hidden from His people but revealed to those who walk closely with Him.

 

Episode 265: In The World But Not Of It

Christians hear the phrase “separation from the world” and picture isolation, legalism, or withdrawing from culture. Pastor Jeff and Tiffany explore the true biblical meaning. Separation is not retreat. It is holiness, devotion, and living distinctly for Christ while remaining present in the world He has sent us into. They walk through Scripture from the Old and New Testaments, and offer practical ways believers can stay spiritually grounded in a world saturated with temptation to sin.

 

Epiosde 266: A Biblical Framework For Making Decisions

Life is full of crossroads. Jobs. Moves. Relationships. Direction. Many Christians stress over decision-making because they fear missing God’s will. Pastor Jeff and Tiffany discuss how Scripture shows God guiding His people through everyday decisions with wisdom and steadiness. They discuss the four steps that bring clarity and peace, and the five “landing lights” that help believers discern God’s voice with confidence. 

 

Episode 267: In The World But Not Of It

What does it mean for Christians to be “set apart”? Biblical separation is often misunderstood as isolation or spiritual superiority, but Scripture presents it as a call to holiness, faithfulness, and love for Christ. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue their Practical Theology series by walking through four specific ways Scripture calls believers to live distinct lives while remaining engaged in the world.

 

Episode 268: The Three Types of Disciples

Many people followed Jesus. Not all of them were truly His disciples. In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany Coker walk through John chapter 6 to examine one of the most challenging truths of the Christian life: discipleship is more than separation from sin. It requires active devotion to Christ. As many followers walked away from Jesus when His teaching became difficult, Scripture reveals three distinct types of disciples: nominal disciples, real disciples, and false disciples. This conversation explores how each group responds to Jesus, why separation without devotion can be spiritually dangerous, and how believers today can honestly examine their own hearts.

 

Episode 269: Marks of a True Disciple

Jesus didn’t call people to simply believe in Him, but to follow Him. Many believers know the language of faith, attend church regularly, and affirm sound doctrine, yet still wonder whether they are truly living as Christ’s disciples. In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany examine three marks of true discipleship: remaining in God’s Word, bearing spiritual fruit, and loving others as Christ loves. This thoughtful conversation challenges listeners to consider not just what they believe, but how they live as followers of Jesus.

 

Episode 270: Discipleship - It's Not a Label, It's a Life

Why do some believers fall away from the faith even when starting strong? In this episode, Tiffany and Pastor Jeff walk through Luke 14:28–35, where Jesus calls His followers to stop, think, and count the cost of discipleship. Jesus makes clear that following Him is not a casual decision but a lifelong commitment.

 

Episode 272: Worship As Ministry

Jesus did not call people to admire Him. He called them to follow Him. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany walk through three clear marks of true discipleship. Many believers know the right words, attend church consistently, and affirm sound doctrine. Yet the deeper question remains: Are we truly living as followers of Christ?

 

Episode 273: The Attitudes of Worship

Worship is not just about what we do. It’s about how we come before God. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany continue the Practical Theology series by exploring four essential attitudes that shape true worship: joy, wholeheartedness, faith, and reverent fear.

 

Episode 274: The Means of Worship

Jesus said that true worshipers worship the Father in spirit and in truth. It sounds simple, but it reshapes how we think about worship entirely. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany walk through Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4 and explain what worship in spirit and truth actually means. Worship is not about geography, atmosphere, or emotional intensity. It is about the Holy Spirit empowering our response to God and Scripture guiding our understanding of who He truly is. 

 

Episode 275: Are Christians Supposed to Do Greater Works than Jesus?

Jesus once told His disciples that those who believe in Him would do the works He did and even “greater works.” For many Christians, that statement raises immediate questions. How could anyone do greater works than the Son of God who raised the dead and walked on water? In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Jeff and Tiffany walk through John 14:12 and unpack what Jesus meant during the Upper Room discourse. The “greater works” aren’t about surpassing Christ. They’re about the mission of Christ multiplying through His people as the gospel spreads, hearts are transformed, and the church carries the message of salvation to the world.

 

Episode 276: Abide and Thrive

If spiritual fruit matters so much, where does it actually come from? Is it produced by discipline, effort, or trying harder to live like Jesus? In this episode, Jeff and Tiffany begin a new conversation about fruitfulness by walking through Jesus’ teaching in John 15. Using the picture of the vine, the branches, and the vine dresser, they explain how spiritual fruit is produced and why it flows from union with Christ rather than human effort.

 

Episode 277: Handing Jesus the Keys

What does it really mean to surrender to the leadership of Jesus? In a culture that celebrates independence and self-direction, surrender can sound like weakness or loss. Jeff and Tiffany explore what it means to live under the leadership of Christ. Building on Jesus’ teaching about the vine and the branches, they explain why the Christian life is not self-managed but Christ-led. Surrender is about walking in the care, wisdom, and direction of the One who made us, redeemed us, and knows what is best for us.

 

Episode 278: Branch Life - Staying in Touch and Stepping in Line

How do you stay close to Jesus when life feels full, distracted, and fast-moving? Abiding in Christ can sound simple, but living it out daily is often harder than it seems. Jeff and Tiffany continue their conversation on Jesus’ teaching about the vine and the branches by focusing on two practical responsibilities of the branch: communicating with Jesus and following His example. They explain why abiding is not a weekly check-in but an ongoing relationship shaped by prayer, Scripture, dependence, and daily obedience. This episode offers a clear and practical picture of what it means to stay connected to Christ and bear fruit that lasts.

 

Episode 280: The Vine Dresser

What does it mean for God to prune the people He loves, and how do you respond when spiritual growth feels uncomfortable? In John 15, Jesus describes the Father as the vinedresser, actively tending the branches so they can bear more fruit, but that process is often deeper and more personal than we expect. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Jeff and Tiffany continue their conversation on Jesus’ teaching about the vine and the branches by focusing on the Father’s role as the vinedresser. They unpack what pruning really means, how God uses both His Word and loving discipline to shape believers, and why fruitfulness matters so much in the Christian life. This episode offers a practical and encouraging look at abiding in Christ, submitting to God’s work, and growing in Christlikeness through every season.

 

Episode 281: God's Design for Government and the Christian's Role (Part One)

What does it mean to live faithfully under earthly authority while belonging first to the kingdom of God? For many Christians, government can feel confusing, frustrating, or deeply divisive, yet Scripture speaks clearly about the believer’s responsibility in the world. In this episode, Jeff and Tiffany begin a new mini series on Christians and government by exploring why civil authority exists at all and why believers are called to take their role as citizens seriously. They discuss God’s design for government, the good it can serve in a fallen world, and how a Christian’s witness is shaped by the way they live under authority. 

 

Episode 282: God's Design for Government and the Christian's Role (Part Two)

How should Christians honor the government without giving it blind approval? The Bible gives clear direction for how to live faithfully as citizens while keeping our highest allegiance to God. Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue their conversation on Christians and civil government by walking through five biblical responsibilities believers have toward earthly authority. They discuss what it means to honor government officials, obey laws, pay taxes, serve wisely, and pray for those in leadership. 

 

Episode 283: God's Design for Government and the Christian's Role (Part Three)

When does obeying the government become disobeying God? In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany continue their series on Christians and civil government by addressing the tension between submission to authority and ultimate allegiance to God. Using Romans 13:1-7 and Acts 5, they explain why Christians are generally called to obey civil laws, respect governing authorities, pay taxes, and live as faithful citizens.

 

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