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. 

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!