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
254 Are You Growing as a Christian? Spiritual Maturity and Becoming Like Christ
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 unpack what spiritual growth really is, why it matters, and how believers partner with the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ.
They explain the nature of growth, the role of discipline and refinement, and the daily practices that help Christians mature in their faith.
What We Discussed
01:17 – Growth and Maturity in Scripture
Practical Theology connects doctrine to daily life. Examples from Corinth and Hebrews show how believers can remain spiritually immature. The Christian life involves either progressing or regressing—there is no standing still.
03:42 – Defining Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a progressive development in key areas of life: spiritual character, knowledge of God, faith, and an appreciation of Christ’s work.
05:00 – The Nature of Spiritual Growth
Growth is a partnership between the Holy Spirit and believers. The Spirit empowers us to live out God’s truth, producing behavioral growth expressed in love, patience, and obedience.
07:05 – Lifelong Learning and Refinement
Spiritual growth is not linear. God refines believers through discipline and correction.
09:40 – The Goal of Growth
The ultimate outcome is to become more like Christ. The fruits of the Spirit shape believers into His likeness.
12:00 – Practicing Spiritual Growth Daily
Spiritual disciplines mirror physical habits. Believers need daily nourishment from God’s Word, obedience to His commands, and rest in His promises.
14:33 – A Call to Ongoing Growth
Spiritual growth has infinite capacity. Christians should never be satisfied with their current condition but continually press forward in maturity.
Key Quote
“Although we’ll never attain absolute spiritual maturity in this world, we can be relatively mature for our spiritual age as we give ourselves daily to the means God uses to grow us.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!