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
278 Branch Life: Staying in Touch and Stepping in Line
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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.
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 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.
What We Discussed
03:00 Prayer Is More Than a Scheduled Appointment
Healthy relationships are built through constant connection, not brief, formal check-ins. Prayer is meant to be part of daily life, not limited to isolated moments.
07:00 Prayer and Scripture Work Together
Communication with Jesus involves both speaking to Him in prayer and hearing from Him through His Word. Neglecting either one weakens the relationship.
12:00 What Believers Are Meant to Imitate in Jesus
The episode highlights Christ’s obedience, trust, prayer life, compassion, determination, holiness, truthfulness, faithfulness, and self-sacrifice.
14:00 Admiring Jesus Is Not the Same as Following Him
It is possible to respect Jesus from a distance without actually living as He lived. The Christian life calls for active imitation, not passive admiration.
15:00 Practical Questions for Everyday Abiding
Pastor Jeff offers simple questions believers can ask throughout the day, including how Jesus would respond, what trusting Him looks like in the moment, and how to show compassion.
17:00 What the Lord Will Evaluate in Our Lives
God is not simply measuring output or busyness. He is looking for what was done with Him and what was produced through connection to Christ.
18:00 Abiding Is Simple, But Not Easy
Pastor Jeff and Tiffany close by reminding listeners that abiding is a daily, repeated choice to talk with Jesus, listen to His Word, and follow His example.
“Christianity has never been meant to be a distant relationship with God. It’s a close daily walk with the living Christ.” ” - Pastor Jeff Cranston
👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ.
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!