More Than A Song - Discovering The Truth Of Scripture Hidden In Today's Popular Christian Music

Send us a text It is comforting to me to know that no matter the tragedy, season of pain and sorrow, and storms of my life, the Holy Spirit is a river that flows through the canyon of my life. Ellie Holcomb uses this metaphor in her song "Canyon," and I use it to inspire my exploration Scripture to discover what it has to say to us. Join me as we see the waters of life flow through Scripture and in and through our lives. In this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Use your imagination Read in context Utilize the section headings Follow the cross-references The 30 Day Music Challenge The story behind the song "Canyon" - New Release Today Article The metaphor of your life as a canyon with major events making up the layers What we learned about water as a metaphor from last week's episode - Episode 382 Using your imagination to interact with Scripture The Holy Spirit as "rivers of living water&q

Send us a textIt's easy to get swept away by our emotions when our environment changes. Circumstances don't change God, but they may reveal Him to us in new ways. When We Are Messengers sing "Come What May," I am reminded that I can rely on God no matter what. David sings about this same thing in Psalm 23. Let's explore it together. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Repetition Read in a variety of translations Meditate on Scripture Make a list The 30 Day Music Challenge The way the bridge of our song inspired me to soak in Psalm 23 The benefits of reading repetitively Recognize new details you may have missed before Increase your ability to retell what you've read Build confidence in what you're reading Meditating on Psalm 23 by thinking deeply and imagining the various environments described in the psalm Making a list of environments in Psalm 23 Green meadows Peaceful streams

Send us a textThere is a difference between complaining and lament. While bringing our complaints to the Father is part of the pattern of lament we discover in Scripture, it doesn't end there. Alisa Turner offers us a song of lament similar in pattern to what we see in Scripture. In her song "Miracle Or Not," she gives voice to her questions while keeping her feet firmly on the path of praise and trust. King David does the same in the Psalms. Let's explore one of his songs of lament together and see what we discover. In this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consult an outside resource Meditate on Scripture Make a list Journal Read in a variety of translations The 30 Day Music Challenge Alisa Turner's life story - YouTube Video The story behind the song "Miracle Or Not" - YouTube Video The idea of pouring out our grief and complaint into writing a lament as shared by my listener Margo

Send us a textWorship is something I want to get right. What is the "Heart of Worship" that Matt Redman sings about -- and is it right? God gets dibs on defining the type of worship that delights Him, don't you agree? Let's explore Scripture to see how the type of worship that is pleasing to God is "more than a song." In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consulting an outside resource Read in context Use section headings to get your bearings Make a list Follow the cross-references The 30 Day Music Challenge Getting inspired by our theme verse - Colossians 3:16 Using a chart from an outside resource to jump into Scripture - Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts How the Colossians were to "emphasize the ministry of teaching and admonition by the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" Exploring a song Moses wrote at God's request - Deuteronomy 32 Reading a

Send us a textThere's a great invitation in Scripture. It's sprinkled throughout the pages of the Bible in the Old and New Testaments. The invitation is to walk in newness of life in the very presence of our Creator and direct opposition to our human nature. Zach Williams sings of this idea in his song "Less of Me."Let's explore Paul's letter to the Colossians to see what living a little more like Jesus looks like.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in contextRead the envelopeConsider the historical backgroundConsult an outside resourceRead the overview/introductionConsult a mapMake a listCompare and contrastThe 30-Day Music ChallengeReading the letter all the way throughMy favorite overview resource - The Bible ProjectThe solution of spiritual maturity in ChristFocusing our attention and efforts in the right direction - Colossians 3:1-4Dying to self - Colossians 2:12-14Killing off the

Send us a textThe Bible may be comprised of 66 books by 40 writers over 1,500 years, but it has one Author (God) and offers a grand storyline running throughout. In the song "Christ The True And Better" by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa, we see the Old Testament connecting with the New as it displays men who were types and shadows of all that Christ would be and fulfill.Let's compare and contrast Christ and Adam as revealed in Scripture.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in contextRepetitionRead in various translationsListen to an audio version of the textMake a listWrite out observationsAsk questionsConsult an outside resourceDefine wordsCompare and contrastThe 30 Day Music ChallengeMy chat with Joel Arcieri over at the Theology of Music podcast - iTunes Show Link | Spotify Show LinkFree study guide to continue using this song to inspire further study - Episode 378 DownloadAn

Send us a textThere's a problem in our hearts that is not a new problem. We have hearts that are prone to wander from God. Hillary Scott & The Scott Family sing of this very thing in their rendition of the famous hymn, "Come Thou Fount." These lyrics will take us on a wonderful journey through Scripture this week. Perhaps you'll find a place to sit and stay for a while with the Source of all our fountains. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in context Journaling The 30 Day Music Challenge How all of our fountains are in Him - Psalm 87:7 Allowing God to tune our hearts like a master musician Understanding the significance of the Ebenezer stone - 1 Samuel 4-7 The time "when completeness comes" - 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 Wandering hearts are not a new phenomenon - Deuteronomy 31:16 We can be sealed for "Thy courts above" - Ephesians 1:13-14 Additional Resources Purchase

Send us a textSometimes my grandmother bemoans the repetition in contemporary worship songs. Once she mentioned she felt like the worship team might just "sing of your love forever"…forever. I'm pretty sure she'll excuse the repetition in the classic hymn "Nothing but the Blood" as it leads us to consider the significance of the blood shed by our Savior. No matter how hard we may "try," NOTHING but the blood of Jesus can atone for our sin. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Write out Scripture Meditate Read in context The 30 Day Music Challenge The story behind the song by Jars of Clay lead singer Dan Haseltine - BeliefNet Article Nothing can for sin atone...not of good that I have done - Isaiah 64:6, Romans 5:8 No other fount I know - Zechariah 13:1 For my pardon this I see - Ephesians 1:7, 2 Corinthians 5:17 This is all my hope and peace - Colossians 1:19-20 This is all my rig

Send us a textLet's develop a sense of wonder, shall we? The famous hymn "How Great Thou Art" makes us consider God with a sense of "awesome wonder." I chose Carrie Underwood's rendition to meditate on Psalm 145.David sat in the awesome wonder of God and gave us a host of truths to meditate on in just one Psalm. Let's learn from his song of praise.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in contextSlow downMeditateFollow the cross-referencesShare with a friendThe 30-Day Music ChallengeThe one word that jumped out at me in the hymn this week - WONDERThe background of how the hymn was written - hymntime.comThinking about the WONDER of God speaking everything into existenceThe WONDER of walking on a glacierSlowing down to change the pace and perspectiveNo one can measure God’s greatness - Psalm 145:3How amazing it is that an immeasurable, deep, unsearchable, and untraceable God has revealed H

Send us a textOccasionally, I enjoy a few (or a bag) of Oreos. While they are enjoyable, they are not nourishing. The hymns of old are full of rich, nourishing doctrines that help form a strong foundation for the believer. This week I use Rend Collective's rendition of "You Are My Vision," a classic hymn versified by Eleanor Hull in 1912.Join me as I uncover the Scriptural recipe for a nourishing meal at the table of God.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in contextRead in several translationsReview the section headingsThe 30-Day Music ChallengeThe history of hymns in my own lifeHow light on doctrine much of Christian music can be these daysA verse on vision - Proverbs 29:18Making connections with God's Word in such a way that you SEE what God is teachingFocusing on finding connections to the point where you train yourself to see themCasting aside our own plan for Christ alone - Proverbs 19:21God&a

Send us a textThere are foundational truths found in Scripture that we may not question but may not be able to defend. In their song, "Image of God," We Are Messengers sings of a truth that profoundly impacts our daily lives.Let's gain a Biblical perspective on being made in the image of God in our study this week.In this week's episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Explore a topicUtilize outside resourcesRead in contextThe 30-Day Music ChallengeSystematically poring over Scripture as it relates to a topicUsing a resource like Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology" as an outside resource to guide your studyGod's creation was VERY GOOD - Genesis 1:31God's creative brilliance climaxes with humanity - Genesis 1:26-29God is the master artist who brought humanity to lifeImago Dei is Latin for "image of God"We were created to glorify God - Isaiah 43:1-7God retains ownership over our live

Send us a textStale. Fake. Dead. Dying. Faded. Worthless. Delusional. There are all kinds of hope in this world, but believers in Christ are born again into a living hope. Phil Wickham's song "Living Hope" leads us straight to Scripture, where we discover that a Living God gives us a Living Hope through a Living Savior.The original recipients of 1 Peter needed assurance of their living hope as they were suffering greatly. Let's explore it together.In this week's episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read and keep on readingRead an introduction to the entire book of the Bible you are studyingConsult outside resourcesMake a listThe 30-Day Music Challenge"The Lord is My Strength and My Song" Women's Conference - More InformationAn introduction and outline of 1 Peter by J Vernon McGee - PDF of notes and outlineReading all the way through 1 PeterThe theme of 1 Peter - the Christian hope in the time

Send us a textAre you in need of a fight song these days? The struggle is real, but it's not against who you might think. "Stand My Ground," a new song by Zach Williams, is a great anthem for your playlist, but it points to truths more meaningful than any lyric.Let's learn how to stand our ground and observe a man in the Old Testament standing his ground.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: RepetitionReading in contextCompleting a word studyMark up the textJournal your thoughtsRead in a variety of translationsMake a listUse a reading plan (outside resource)The 30-Day Music ChallengeFocusing on standing our ground against the devil - Ephesians 6:10-18Friday with Friends on Michelle Nezat TV - YouTube ChannelSeeing "stand" mentioned three times in 10 verses - BibleHub.comHow a key part of the devil's "scheme" is to convince us our battle is against peopleHow we are called to stand,

Send us a textWe spend a lot of time celebrating Jesus at Christmastime. Easter doesn't have as much secular fanfare, and one reason may be that Easter forces us to answer hard questions about who Jesus is and who we are. In fact, Aaron Shust's song "Isaiah 53" leads us to an important section of ancient Scripture that forces us to answer those questions.Let's study the ancient prophecy Isaiah wrote 700 years before Christ fulfilled its words.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: RepetitionMeditationFollow the cross-referencesConsult various translationsThe 30-Day Music ChallengeOur focus Scripture for the week - Isaiah 52:13-Isaiah 53:12The Mysterious Prophecy of Isaiah 53 by Michael Rydelnik - RightNowMedia.orgHow the interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch confirms this Scripture is about Jesus - Acts 8:26-40How God revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Messiah (and Jesus confirms it) - M

Send us a textA critical question is posed by an imposing angel in the throne room of God described in the book of Revelation, "Who is worthy to open the scroll?" Meredith Andrew's song "Who Could" reminds us of this question, and the apostle John transports us through vivid imagery.Visit the throne room of God with me this week on the podcast.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Listen to epic music while reading epic scenes in ScriptureRead and keep on readingMeditationAsk questionsMark up the textFollow the cross-referencesComplete a word studyConsult an outside resourceThe 30-Day Music ChallengeMy interview with Vince Wright and his resources at TheBereanTest.com - YouTube VideoListening to epic music while reading epic scenes, I used a track from unminus.com under a portion of Scripture this weekTips for reading Revelation from an outside resource - "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth&

Send us a textSometimes, we need a good reminder that this world is not our home. As Jordan Feliz sings about, there is a day coming when "Jesus Is Coming Back!" Knowing this should lead to eager anticipation in our lives and give us hope.Join me this week as we explore God's Word to learn all about the return of Christ.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Exploring a topicUtilizing outside resourcesRead in contextShare with a friendCompare and contrastThe 30-Day Music ChallengeExploring a topic in God's WordDefining systematic theology - RC Sproul VideoA C.S. Lewis quote about theology - "If you do not listen to theology, that will not mean that you have no ideas about God. It will mean that you have a lot of wrong ones -- bad, muddled, out-of-date ideas."Transitioning from an "I think" approach to a "the Bible says" approachUtilizing a systematic theology resource to gather

Send us a textThere was a national crisis, and the king didn't know what to do. At that moment, the king had choices. He could turn to his own wisdom, to the advisors of those around him, or any number of places for advice. In the Scripture inspired by Phil Wickham's song "Battle Belongs," the king chose to seek the Lord. May we follow his example...well, mostly.Let's read the whole account of King Jehoshaphat's crisis in 2 Chronicles 20 and then read past it to see "the rest of the story."In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in contextStoryingSharing with a friendCompare and contrastRemembering the people described in the Bible were REALPrayerPraying ScriptureThe 30-Day Music ChallengeHeading over to 2 Chronicles 20 for the weekHow I've used this area of Scripture in previous episodes - Episode 151 and Episode 305Watching Phil Wickham take the BITE of "storying"

Send us a textAs a Christ-follower, it is my privilege to make much of God. My feelings, thoughts, and life should reflect Him and give evidence of His supreme greatness. That is, my life should magnify Christ, just like Cody Carnes sings about in his song "Christ Be Magnified."Paul talks about magnifying Christ in his letter to the Philippians. Let's explore that a little deeper together.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in contextListen to an audio version of the textRead the envelopeHistorical contextConsulting an outside resourceFollow the cross-referenceRead in a variety of translationsDefine wordsThe 30-Day Music ChallengeThe inspirational verse - Philippians 1:20Reading Philippians like a letter (because that's what it is)Reading the envelope to discover who the letter was written to, who it is from, and when and where it came fromConsulting a trusted outside resource for t

Send us a textThe other day, I dropped a glass casserole lid on my tile kitchen floor. It shattered into a host of small pieces. I'm still finding pieces of glass here and there. There's a difference between being broken and shattered. Shattered seems so irreparable. In Blanca's song "Shattered," she reminds us that the task of putting the shattered pieces back together is not too big for God.Scripture offers many examples of shattered lives that God touches. We'll look at one example together this week.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in contextMake observationsAsk questionsConsult a mapRemembering the people described in the Bible were realConsult section headingsRead in a variety of translationsMake a listDefine wordsThe 30-Day Music ChallengeHow we can comfort others because of our own experiences - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4The daily practice of being washed in the Word as an act of wo

Send us a textWhat does it mean to live by faith? I'm not sure there's a simple answer to that question, but one practice may provide evidence. Tye Tribbett sings about it in his song "Anyhow" -- trusting and praising God no matter what comes our way.Let's explore the life and times of a prophet whose complaint to God could have been written this morning and whose prayer we can mimic in our own lives.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in contextRead and keep on readingRepetitionConsult an overviewFollow the cross-referenceOur circumstances can cloud our view of God - "Experiencing God" by Henry BlackabyAn introduction to the prophet HabakkukHabakkuk's "hallelujah anyhow" conclusion - Habakkuk 3:17-19How we "need to appreciate how {Habakkuk's conclusion} derives from a serious engagement with the issues of God's justice if {we} are to appreciate just h