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
067 Bonus Episode: Hymns and Theology
"Some of the greatest truths, whether it be a song, book, or someone's testimony, don't come from, 'Everything's great! God is good, my life is perfect.' Almost all the best ones always come out of woundedness, pain, suffering, because it's then when we've reached the end of our hoarded resources, our father's full giving has only begun." - Pastor Jeff Cranston
Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! We’re your hosts, Jen Denton, and Pastor Jeff Cranston. We’re coming at you with a Bonus episode all about hymns! We’re taking a deep dive into 3 of our favorite hymns, learning about the writers, and examining the theology behind the lyrics.
[03:04] In The Garden by C. Austin Miles
- Why this is one of Jen’s favorite songs
- Some background on the writer
- “It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire.” - C. Austin Miles
- The theology we see in this hymn
[14:32] Just as I am by Charlotte Elliott
- Pastor Jeff recalls Jen’s story of how this is the hymn she answered an altar call to
- How this hymn was inspired by rude behavior!
- Some background of the writer, Charlotte Elliott, and her struggle with sin, failure, mental and physical health
- The rude remark she made to a well-known minister led to a friendship, healing, and eventually writing hymns
[26:09] He Giveth More Grace by Annie Johnson Flint
- Annie Johnson Flint’s life
- This hymn pictures someone desperately clinging to the only hope that we have. Adam Dolhanyk likens it to a shipwrecked sailor clinging to a piece of wood, we as believers cling to the cross of Christ
- When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s giving has just begun
[33:31] Closing Segment
- A little sneak peek of our next podcast!
- The state of theology and the American church
Key Quotes
“Here you've got a woman with a struggling life, dealing with pain dealing with weakness, man, and she writes this and God used her and her weakness, to write a hymn that has been used to draw millions of people to Christ.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston on Charlotte Elliott’s Just as I am'
Hymns Mentioned
- In The Garden by C. Austin Miles
- Just as I am by Charlotte Elliott
- He Giveth More Grace by Annie Johnson Flint
Resources Mentioned
- The Story Behind “In the Garden”
- Just as I am: What altar call hymn was inspired by rude behavior?
- Behind the Music: He Giveth More Grace
Join the Conversation
We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today’s episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org
Visit my website jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!