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
273 The Attitudes of Worship
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Worship is not just about what we do. It’s about how we come before God.
In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany continue the Practical Theology series by exploring four essential attitudes that shape true worship: joy, wholeheartedness, faith, and reverent fear.
Many believers attend church, sing the songs, and participate in the service. Yet Scripture makes clear that God is not after outward performance. He looks at the heart. This conversation unpacks what it means to approach God with the right inner posture and how the Holy Spirit forms these attitudes in us as we draw near to Christ.
What We Discussed
02:10 Worship Is More Than Singing
Worship is the offering of ourselves to God. Scripture calls us not only to worship, but to worship with the right heart.
03:00 Joy and Gladness in Worship
Psalm 100 commands believers to come before the Lord with joy. This joy is a settled gladness rooted in the gospel and in what God has done for us.
05:30 Joy Is Rooted in Redemption
Christians worship joyfully because they have been rescued, forgiven, and adopted. Worship flows from gratitude for grace.
07:00 Wholeheartedness, Not Empty Routine
Colossians 3:23 reminds us to do everything heartily as unto the Lord. Worship without heart becomes mechanical and insincere.
10:15 Worship Requires Faith
Hebrews teaches that we draw near in full assurance of faith. Worship is grounded in confidence that we truly have access to God through Christ.
11:30 Access Through the Finished Work of Jesus
Our confidence in worship does not come from how well we performed this week. It rests entirely on Christ’s finished work on the cross.
12:45 Reverent Fear and Holy Awe
Biblical fear is not terror. It is reverence, awe, and deep respect. Joy reminds us God is our Father. Reverence reminds us He is holy.
14:30 Joy and Reverence Are Not Opposites
True worship holds both together. We approach God with gladness and with humility, recognizing both His grace and His holiness.
16:00 The Spirit Produces These Attitudes
Joy, faith, sincerity, and reverence are not manufactured by willpower. They are cultivated by the Holy Spirit as we draw near to Christ.
17:30 Preparing Your Heart Before Sunday
Worship begins before the service starts. Reflecting on the gospel, confessing sin, and quieting the heart prepares us to approach God thoughtfully and sincerely.
19:00 Worship Is an Offering
Every time we gather, we bring something invisible but precious: our heart. God sees it.
“Worship is not a performance to evaluate. It is an offering we present to God.” – 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.