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
255 The Indwelling Work of the Holy Spirit
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
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!