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
215 Bible Overview: Joel
What if the bugs eating away at your life were a wake-up call from God? In this episode, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston dive into the often-overlooked book of Joel, exploring how a devastating locust plague becomes a powerful metaphor for spiritual complacency and divine judgment. Written around 835-850 BC, Joel's message to ancient Judah resonates with startling relevance today.
How can natural disasters serve as both judgment and a call to repentance? What does the "Day of the Lord" mean for us in the 21st century? Join us as we unpack Joel's urgent call to return to God and find hope in the midst of devastation.
[00:00 - 05:06] From Pet Peeves to Prophetic Bugs
- Tiffany and Pastor Jeff’s biggest pet peeves
- Joel's "bug problem" and its profound significance
[05:06 - 09:17] Joel: The Prophet and His Times
- Background on Joel and his historical context
- Explanation of the locust plague and its impact on Judah
[09:17 - 12:30] The Two-Part Message: Locusts and the Lord
- Breakdown of Joel's structure: Day of the Locust and Day of the Lord
- How Joel speaks practically, prophetically, and personally
[12:30 - 15:16] Theological Themes: Judgment, Repentance, and Hope
- Call to lament and repent in times of crisis
- The Day of the Lord is both judgment and restoration
- Natural disasters as potential divine judgments
[15:16 - 17:10] Applying Joel's Wake-Up Call Today
- Using apocalyptic imagery to combat spiritual complacency
- Finding hope and renewal in times of personal devastation
Direct Quote:
"If you feel as if you've been eaten up, destroyed, experienced a major setback, or devoured in any area of life... take heart. This book is for you." – Pastor Jeff Cranston
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!