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
209 Bible Overview: Ezekiel
What can the prophetic messages of Ezekiel teach us about navigating our moments of crisis and renewal?
In this episode, host Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston continue their Bible overview series by discussing the Old Testament book of Ezekiel. They explore Ezekiel's role as a prophet during Israel's Babylonian exile, emphasizing themes of God's sovereignty, divine judgment, human responsibility, and the power of repentance leading to restoration. The episode delves into Ezekiel's complex visions and messages, offering insights into the consequences of disobedience and the hope of divine mercy and renewal.
[00:00 - 05:00] Overview of Ezekiel
- Tiffany reads a review from a listener appreciating the podcast's help understanding theological themes.
- Tiffany and pastor Jeff discuss the significance of the book of Ezekiel, its prophetic nature, and its relevance to modern believers.
- Pastor Jeff shares Ezekiel's calling to prophesy during Israel's darkest hours and his messages of divine judgment intertwined with hope.
[05:00 - 12:11] Historical Context and Theological Themes
- Pastor Jeff explains Ezekiel's historical context, his contemporaries (Daniel and Jeremiah), and his prophesying to the Jewish exiles in Babylon.
- God's sovereignty: Emphasizing God's ultimate authority and control over all events.
- Divine judgment and human responsibility: The consequences of Israel's disobedience and the choice to follow God's ways.
- Angels as God's messengers: The role of cherubim in Ezekiel's visions and their symbolic meaning.
[12:11 - 16:23] Consequences of Disobedience
- Ezekiel's vivid warnings about the fallout from turning away from God.
- Pastor Jeff the importance of aligning choices with God's will.
[16:23 - 22:24] Power of Repentance and Promised Restoration
- The hopeful message of restoration despite the judgment, is symbolized by the vision of dry bones coming to life.
- Encouragement for modern believers to trust in God's ability to revive and restore.
Direct Quotes:
"Even though his messages were often hard to hear, they were about God's love and how he wanted to fix things." - Jeff Cranston
"No situation is too dire for God to restore." - Tiffany Coker
Join the Conversation
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for lis