Many people followed Jesus. Not all of them were truly His disciples.

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany Coker walk through John chapter 6 to examine one of the most challenging truths of the Christian life: discipleship is more than separation from sin. It requires active devotion to Christ.

As many followers walked away from Jesus when His teaching became difficult, Scripture reveals three distinct types of disciples: nominal disciples, real disciples, and false disciples. This conversation explores how each group responds to Jesus, why separation without devotion can be spiritually dangerous, and how believers today can honestly examine their own hearts.

What We Discussed

02:26 Why Biblical Separation Is Misunderstood
Biblical separation is not about isolation or moral superiority. Scripture calls believers to holiness through repentance and obedience, not excuse or compromise, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15–16 and Romans 6.

05:22 Separation from Personal Sin
Christians are called to deal honestly with their own sin through repentance, confession, and intentional turning away, rather than minimizing or justifying sinful patterns.

08:20 Why Small Sins Are Spiritually Dangerous
Hidden or “small” sins do not remain contained. Like poison in a well, personal sin affects prayer, spiritual sensitivity, relationships, and a believer’s witness.

09:54 Separation from Unrepentant Believers
Scripture teaches that fellowship should be withheld from those who profess Christ yet persist in unrepentant sin, both to protect the church and to call the individual to repentance, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 5:11.

12:41 Why the Church Must Take Sin Seriously
Unaddressed sin spreads within the church like yeast through dough 1 Corinthians 5:6.

13:42 Separation from False Teachers

Believers are commanded to test teaching against Scripture and separate from those who distort the gospel or deny its truth, following the warning of 1 John 4:1.

18:31 Separation from the World System
Scripture calls believers to resist the values and priorities of the world that oppose God, choosing spiritual transformation over conformity, as taught in 1 John 2:15 and Romans 12:2.

19:43 Set Apart, Not Isolated
Biblical separation doesn’t mean withdrawing from people. It means living with distinct loves, loyalties, and standards while remaining engaged, compassionate, and Christlike.

“Discipleship is not about perfection. It is about bringing every area of life under the Lordship of Christ.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

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 https://www.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!

What does it mean for Christians to be “set apart”?

Biblical separation is often misunderstood as isolation or spiritual superiority, but Scripture presents it as a call to holiness, faithfulness, and love for Christ.

In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue their Practical Theology series by walking through four specific ways Scripture calls believers to live distinct lives while remaining engaged in the world.

What We Discussed

02:26 Why Biblical Separation Is Often Misunderstood
Scripture calls believers to pursue holiness by dealing honestly with personal sin through repentance and obedience, not excuse or compromise (1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 6:1–2, 12).

05:22 Separation from Personal Sin
Christians are called to deal honestly with their own sin through repentance, confession, and mortification, not excuses or compromise.

08:20 Why Small Sins Are Spiritually Dangerous
Personal sin spreads like poison in a well. Even hidden or private sin affects prayer, witness, relationships, and sensitivity to God’s Word.

09:54 Separation from Unrepentant Believers
Scripture teaches that fellowship should be withheld from those who claim Christ yet persist in unrepentant sin, both to protect the church and to call the believer to repentance (1 Corinthians 5:11).

12:41 Why the Church Must Take Sin Seriously
Unaddressed sin spreads within the body like yeast through dough, affecting truth, holiness, and the church’s witness (1 Corinthians 5:6).

13:42 Separation from False Teachers
Believers are commanded to test teaching against Scripture and separate from those who distort the gospel (1 John 4:1).

17:11 How Separation from False Teachers Works Practically
Christians should not endorse, platform, or partner with ministries that deny Scripture, compromise the gospel, or reject Christ’s exclusivity.

18:31 Separation from the World System
Scripture calls believers to resist the values and priorities of the world that oppose God, choosing transformation over conformity (1 John 2:15; Romans 12:2).

19:43 Set Apart, Not Isolated
Biblical separation does not mean withdrawal from people. It means distinct loves, loyalties, and standards that reflect Christ while remaining engaged and compassionate.

Book: Practical Christian Theology: Examining the Great Doctrines of the Faith by Floyd H. Barackman

“Biblical separation is not about pride or fear or withdrawing from the world. It’s about holiness, faithfulness, and love for the Lord.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

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 https://www.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!

Pastor Jeff and Tiffany are taking the month of December off to rest, spend time with family, and prepare a fresh round of Kitchen Table Theology episodes for the new year.

We’ll be back on Sunday, January 4 with new episodes that help you not only understand theology but live it out in everyday life.

Until then, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas season with those you love!

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 https://www.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!