Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!
Kitchen Table Theology
162 Bible Overview: Judges
Today, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston explore the theological themes in the Book of Judges. They tackle the tension between God's justice and mercy, discuss the role of the Holy Spirit, examine the appearances of the Angel of the Lord, and highlight the theme of grace. Throughout the episode, they provide insights into the historical context, structure, and significance of the book.
[00:00- 08:32] Exploring Biblical Theology in the Book of Judges
- Tiffany and Pastor Jeff acknowledge the book's explicit and challenging content, which raises questions about God and His people
- The historical context of Judges and its place within the narrative of Israel's history is discussed
[08:33 - 17:02] Unveiling God's Justice and Mercy in Judges
- Pastor Jeff discusses the tension between God's justice and mercy in Judges
- The authorship and historical context of the Book of Judges are briefly discussed, noting the absence of a named author and the estimated time frame of its composition
- Pastor Jeff outlines the cyclical structure of the book, characterized by the pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance
- They explain the doctrine of penal substitution and how Christ's sacrifice on the cross satisfied the penalty of sin, enabling God to extend mercy to undeserving sinners
[17:03 - 25:09] Theophanies and God's Merciful Provision in Judges
- Pastor Jeff discusses two additional theological themes found in the Book of Judges: the appearances of the Angel of the Lord and the theme of grace
- They explain the concept of theophanies, where God manifests Himself in human or angelic form for a brief period to convey a message
- The theme of grace is discussed, highlighting God's continual demonstration of grace, compassion, and mercy to His people despite their failures and rebellions
- They mention the presence of 22 women in the Book of Judges
Links:
Miles Van Pelt. Knowing the Bible: Judges. Accessed 10 July 2023
Happily Ever After by Jeff Cranston
The ESV Study Bible
Quotes:
"God always had his hand on them, always had his eye on them. So that's grace, and that theme of God's grace in response to human failure carries into our day and age for sure." - Pastor Jeff Cranston
"In the Book of Judges, we observe clearly that life is messy and foul and complicated and that it is the cycle of our own sin that creates these problems." - Pastor Jeff Cranston
Join the Conversation
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!