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
267 In The World But Not Of It: Biblical Separation
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.
What We Discussed
02:26 Why Biblical Separation Is Often Misunderstood
Scripture calls believers to pursue holiness by dealing honestly with personal sin through repentance and obedience, not excuse or compromise (1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 6:1–2, 12).
05:22 Separation from Personal Sin
Christians are called to deal honestly with their own sin through repentance, confession, and mortification, not excuses or compromise.
08:20 Why Small Sins Are Spiritually Dangerous
Personal sin spreads like poison in a well. Even hidden or private sin affects prayer, witness, relationships, and sensitivity to God’s Word.
09:54 Separation from Unrepentant Believers
Scripture teaches that fellowship should be withheld from those who claim Christ yet persist in unrepentant sin, both to protect the church and to call the believer to repentance (1 Corinthians 5:11).
12:41 Why the Church Must Take Sin Seriously
Unaddressed sin spreads within the body like yeast through dough, affecting truth, holiness, and the church’s witness (1 Corinthians 5:6).
13:42 Separation from False Teachers
Believers are commanded to test teaching against Scripture and separate from those who distort the gospel (1 John 4:1).
17:11 How Separation from False Teachers Works Practically
Christians should not endorse, platform, or partner with ministries that deny Scripture, compromise the gospel, or reject Christ’s exclusivity.
18:31 Separation from the World System
Scripture calls believers to resist the values and priorities of the world that oppose God, choosing transformation over conformity (1 John 2:15; Romans 12:2).
19:43 Set Apart, Not Isolated
Biblical separation does not mean withdrawal from people. It means distinct loves, loyalties, and standards that reflect Christ while remaining engaged and compassionate.
Book: Practical Christian Theology: Examining the Great Doctrines of the Faith by Floyd H. Barackman
“Biblical separation is not about pride or fear or withdrawing from the world. It’s about holiness, faithfulness, and love for the Lord.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!