More Than a Song - Discovering the Truth of Scripture Hidden in Today's Popular Christian Music

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#376: "Nothing But The Blood" by Jars of Clay May 17, 2021

Show notes

Sometimes 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 righteousness - Titus 3:4-6
Nothing but the blood of Jesus - Hebrews 9:19-22
Why? So that we might LIVE saved - 1 John 4:7-12

Weekly Challenge
Listen to the song and then do the work. Use the Bible Interaction Tool Exercises I introduced to interact with God’s Word this week. Reflect on the idea that nothing but the blood could have atoned for our sins, but it was not merely so we could be saved…but rather that we would LIVE saved.

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#375: "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood May 10, 2021

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Let'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 context
- Slow down
- Meditate
- Follow the cross-references
- Share with a friend
The 30-Day Music Challenge
The one word that jumped out at me in the hymn this week - WONDER
The background of how the hymn was written - hymntime.com
Thinking about the WONDER of God speaking everything into existence
The WONDER of walking on a glacier
Slowing down to change the pace and perspective
No one can measure God’s greatness - Psalm 145:3
How amazing it is that an immeasurable, deep, unsearchable, and untraceable God has revealed Himself to us - Romans 11:33
God’s wonders are without number - Job 5:9
The limitlessness of God - Job 11:7
Turning on your “noticer”
Getting to know the God in whose image you were created - Psalm 145:13-20

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords
Behind the song "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood - YouTube Video

Weekly Challenge

Read Psalm 145. Pray Psalm 145. Slow down. Meditate on these Scriptures. Meditate on God and His amazing characteristics. Develop a sense of wonder. Consider all of creation that God spoke into existence. Recount His good deeds and miracles.

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#374: "You Are My Vision" by Rend Collective May 03, 2021

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Occasionally, 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 context
- Read in several translations
- Review the section headings
The 30-Day Music Challenge
The history of hymns in my own life
How light on doctrine much of Christian music can be these days
A verse on vision - Proverbs 29:18
Making connections with God's Word in such a way that you SEE what God is teaching
Focusing on finding connections to the point where you train yourself to see them
Casting aside our own plan for Christ alone - Proverbs 19:21
God's presence my light - Psalm 27:1
God as the only source of wisdom - Proverbs 2:6
"You dwell inside me, together we're one" - 1 Timothy 1:14
The Lord is our inheritance - Deuteronomy 18:2, 1 Peter 2:9
Finding the Scripture we're looking for by searching for a phrase and typing "Scripture" at the end of our search

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords - WorshipTogether.com

Weekly Challenge

You can go back to these Scriptures and link them to what you’re singing about in “Be Thou My Vision.” Perhaps you need a place to sit for a while. Psalm 16 is a really good place. It talks about God alone being our portion/inheritance, just like our hymn.

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#373: "Image of God” by We Are Messengers Apr 26, 2021

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There 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 topic
- Utilize outside resources
- Read in context
The 30-Day Music Challenge
Systematically poring over Scripture as it relates to a topic
Using a resource like Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology" as an outside resource to guide your study
God's creation was VERY GOOD - Genesis 1:31
God's creative brilliance climaxes with humanity - Genesis 1:26-29
God is the master artist who brought humanity to life
Imago Dei is Latin for "image of God"
We were created to glorify God - Isaiah 43:1-7
God retains ownership over our lives - Psalm 24:1-2
In the fall, God's image is distorted but not lost - Genesis 9:6
Even though marred by sin, humans retain enough of God's image to be described as "made in the likeness of God" - James 3:9
Even though God retains authority, we like to make our own plans - Ecclesiastes 7:29
As Christ's followers, we set our feet on the path of image-bearing renewal - 2 Corinthians 3:18
When Jesus returns, the transformation will be complete - 1 John 3:2
Because we are image bearers, our time in God's Word is crucial to know Him and thereby be able to represent God to a lost and dying world

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today
An acoustic version of "Image of God" featuring Vince Gill - YouTube Video
"The Image of God - An Approach from Biblical and Systematic Theology" - DesiringGod.org Article
"Tim Keller on the Image of God" - Focus on the Family Article
"3 Reasons We Must Preach on the Image of God" - Lifeway Research Article
"What it Means to be 'Made in the Image of God'" - Focus on the Family Article
"In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character" - Book by Jen Wilkin
"God and the Transgender Debate" - Book by Andrew Walker

Weekly Challenge

Read the first two chapters of Genesis and really focus on how God created humankind in the beginning. Utilize some of the outside resources (both free articles and books you may want to purchase) to explore what it means to be created in the image of God. Read the Scripture references in the show notes above in context and ponder how our image-bearing fits into the truths found in these various sections of Scripture. If you want to focus on a larger chunk of Scripture, consider 1 John 3 as it dials into the conduct that should be evident in the life of a believer made in God's image who represents God to the world.

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#372: "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham Apr 19, 2021

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Stale. 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 reading
- Read an introduction to the entire book of the Bible you are studying
- Consult outside resources
- Make a list
The 30-Day Music Challenge
"The Lord is My Strength and My Song" Women's Conference - More Information
An introduction and outline of 1 Peter by J Vernon McGee - PDF of notes and outline
Reading all the way through 1 Peter
The theme of 1 Peter - the Christian hope in the time of trial
J Vernon McGee teachings on 1 Peter - BlueLetterBible.com
The Living God, our Living Hope, through our Living Savior - 1 Peter 1:3-5
God's call not to follow the culture - Jeremiah 10:3-5
Jeremiah's response calling God the living God - Jeremiah 10:10
Making a list of the characteristics of the manmade idols vs. God's characteristics in Jeremiah 10
Our living hope comes after being born again - John 3:5-8
Our living Savior Who bore our sins - 1 Peter 2:24
The description of our living hope - 1 Peter 1:4-5
Our proper response to the gift of our living hope - 1 Peter 1:13-16
Our conduct reflects our living hope - 1 Peter 1:22-23
It is through Christ we believe in God - 1 Peter 1:21

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords - Essential Worship
The Story Behind the Song "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham - Essential Worship

Weekly Challenge

First, if you’ve never been born again…place your faith and hope in God through Jesus, your living Savior. Then, read 1 Peter. I think you’ll be surprised at the suffering it reveals…all the more need for a living hope. Read Jeremiah 10 for a snapshot of the effectiveness (rather ineffectiveness) of our false idols and the worthiness of our living God. Review the introductions to these books, interact with God’s Word as you read, and consult tried and true outside resources to shed even more light on what you’re reading.

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#371: "Stand My Ground” by Zach Williams Apr 12, 2021

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Are 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:
- Repetition
- Reading in context
- Completing a word study
- Mark up the text
- Journal your thoughts
- Read in a variety of translations
- Make a list
- Use a reading plan (outside resource)
The 30-Day Music Challenge
Focusing on standing our ground against the devil - Ephesians 6:10-18
Friday with Friends on Michelle Nezat TV - YouTube Channel
Seeing "stand" mentioned three times in 10 verses - BibleHub.com
How a key part of the devil's "scheme" is to convince us our battle is against people
How we are called to stand, stand, stand and pray, pray, pray in Ephesians 6:10-18
A reading plan about Daniel and his friends taking a stand - YouVersion Reading Plan
The book of Daniel in one sentence - OverviewBible.com
Daniel taking a stand because of his resolve - Daniel 1
Daniel taking a stand and praying (and recruiting his friends to pray, too) - Daniel 2
Reading Scripture before commentary

Additional Resources

Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
Story Behind the Song "Stand My Ground" by Zach Williams - YouTube Video
YouVersion Reading Plan

Weekly Challenge

Spend some time in Ephesians 6 learning about the armor of God with a focus on standing your ground against the enemy. Read this section of Scripture repetitively and interact with it in new ways. Then, consider reading about Daniel and his friends in the first few chapters of the book Daniel, focusing on how they stood their ground.

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#370: "Isaiah 53” by Aaron Shust Apr 05, 2021

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We 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:
- Repetition
- Meditation
- Follow the cross-references
- Consult various translations
The 30-Day Music Challenge
Our focus Scripture for the week - Isaiah 52:13-Isaiah 53:12
The Mysterious Prophecy of Isaiah 53 by Michael Rydelnik - RightNowMedia.org
How the interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch confirms this Scripture is about Jesus - Acts 8:26-40
How God revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Messiah (and Jesus confirms it) - Matthew 16:15-17
John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus is the sacrificial lamb - John 1:29
Unpacking the focus Scripture verse by verse with cross-references
- Isaiah 52:13 - Jesus is exalted - Philippians 2:9
- Isaiah 52:14 - crucifixion is disfiguring
- Isaiah 52:15 - we will be sprinkled clean - Ezekiel 36:25-27
- Isaiah 53:1 - explained in John 12:37-43
- Isaiah 53:2 - Jesus was a common man - John 1:46, John 6:42
- Isaiah 53:3 - Jesus was rejected - John 1:11
- Isaiah 53:4 - Jesus was thought to be rejected by God because of false claims of divinity - John 19:7
- Isaiah 53:5 - it was our sin he died for - Romans 4:25
- Isaiah 53:6 - we've all sinned - Romans 3:23, 1 Peter 2:25
- Isaiah 53:7 - Jesus remained silent - Matthew 26:63
- Isaiah 53:8 - read in the New Living Translation
- Isaiah 53:9 - Jesus died between two wicked men and was buried in a rich man's tomb - Mark 15:27, Matthew 27:57-60
- Isaiah 53:10 - it was God's plan before the foundation of the world - Revelation 13:8
- Isaiah 53:11 - we are justified through Christ - Romans 5:18-19
- Isaiah 53:12 - Jesus bore our sin - 2 Corinthians 5:21
Christ's sacrifice happened once, and he will appear again to bring salvation to those waiting for Him - Hebrews 2:28

Additional Resources

Lyrics
The Mysterious Prophecy of Isaiah 53 by Michael Rydelnik - RightNowMedia.org
Isaiah 53 TALK (w/ Rabbi Ken) by Aaron Shust - YouTube Video
Why Isaiah 53 is Important by Aaron Shust - YouTube Video

Weekly Challenge

Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Then read it again. Consider how Jesus has fulfilled this prophecy through your own understanding of Scripture. Use the cross-references listed in the show notes above to get you started. Finally, read the account of the last days of Christ on earth in Matthew 26-28 or one of the other gospels. Take in the entire picture and rejoice that our iniquity has been paid for by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, and our eternity is secure through his victory over death in resurrection power.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#369: "Who Could” by Meredith Andrews Mar 29, 2021

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A 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 Scripture
- Read and keep on reading
- Meditation
- Ask questions
- Mark up the text
- Follow the cross-references
- Complete a word study
- Consult an outside resource
The 30-Day Music Challenge
My interview with Vince Wright and his resources at TheBereanTest.com - YouTube Video
Listening to epic music while reading epic scenes, I used a track from unminus.com under a portion of Scripture this week
Tips for reading Revelation from an outside resource - "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
Tips for reading apocalyptic literature in the Bible - Blog with Video
Marking up the text using the Illustrated Scripture Journal - Amazon Link
Getting answers to some of my questions - GotQuestions.org
Picturing the scene in the throne room of heaven - Revelation 4:1-11
The 24 elders casting their crowns before the throne - Revelation 4:10
- Imperishable crown - 1 Corinthians 9:25
- Spiritual children - Philippians 4:1 and 1 Thessalonians 2:19
- Crown of life - James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10
- Crown of righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:8
- Crown of glory - 1 Peter 5:4
Lord (Kurios) as a master and person exercising absolute ownership rights - BibleHub.com
God (Theos) as the supreme Creator who owns and sustains all things - BibleHub.com
Allowing Scripture to roll around in your mind a bit (also known as meditating on Scripture)
Pondering the extreme emotional response of John in Revelation 5:4

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords - EssentialWorship.com
Behind The Song "Who Could" by Meredith Andrews - New Release Today Article by Kevin Davis
"5 Tips for Reading Apocalyptic Literature in the Bible" - Zondervan Academic Blog and Video

Weekly Challenge

Read the book of Revelation for yourself. Consider the literary context as you read so that you don't fall into the trap of misreading the text. Sit awestruck at the sight of the whole before inspecting the parts. Immerse yourself in the throne room scene and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal just how worthy the Lion and Lamb is of our praise.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#368: "Jesus Is Coming Back” by Jordan Feliz Mar 22, 2021

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Sometimes, 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 topic
- Utilizing outside resources
- Read in context
- Share with a friend
- Compare and contrast
The 30-Day Music Challenge
Exploring a topic in God's Word
Defining systematic theology - RC Sproul Video
A 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" approach
Utilizing a systematic theology resource to gather Scriptures on the topic of the return of Christ - "Systematic Theology" by Wayne Grudem
The multi-verse retrieval resource at BlueLetterBible.org
That there will be a sudden, visible, personal, bodily return of Christ
- Copy and paste the list of verses below into the multi-verse retrieval box at BlueLetterBible.org
- Matthew 24:44; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess 4:16; Heb 9:28; James 5:8; 2 Pet 3:10; 1 John 3:2; Rev 22:20; Rev 1:7
That we should eagerly long for Christ's return
- Titus 2:12-13; Phil 3:20; 1 Cor 16:22; Matt 24:44
We do not know when Christ will return
- Matt 24:44; Matt 25:13; Mark 13:32-33
That Christ could come at any time
- Matt 24:42-44; Matt 24:36-39; Matt 24:50; Matt 25:13; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 12:40; 1 Cor 16:22; Phil 3:30; 1 Thess 5:2; Titus 2:12-13; Hebrews 10:25; James 5:7-9; 1 Peter 4:7; Rev 1:3; Rev 22:7; Rev 22:12; Rev 22:20
The A.W. Tozer quote regarding over and underemphasizing Scripture - "Lack of balance in the Christian life is often the direct consequence of overemphasis on certain favorite texts, with a corresponding underemphasis on other related ones."
Studying these truths with a friend - Hebrews 10:25
Being on the lookout for direction in Scripture regarding how we respond to the truth that Jesus is coming back!

Additional Resources

Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
Devotional article using "Jesus Is Coming Back" as inspiration - New Release Today Article
"What Is Theology" by RC Sproul - Ligonier Ministries Video
"The Second Coming of Christ" | Billy Graham Classic {Note: Don't watch this until AFTER you study Scripture for yourself! It will mean so much more!} - YouTube Video

Weekly Challenge

Grab the verses in the show notes above and use them as a launching point to read them in context, learning all you can about what the Bible says about the return of Jesus Christ our Lord. While you're in these larger sections of Scripture, be on the lookout for how we respond to this truth that Jesus is coming soon.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#367: "Battle Belongs” by Phil Wickham Mar 15, 2021

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There 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 context
- Storying
- Sharing with a friend
- Compare and contrast
- Remembering the people described in the Bible were REAL
- Prayer
- Praying Scripture
The 30-Day Music Challenge
Heading over to 2 Chronicles 20 for the week
How I've used this area of Scripture in previous episodes - Episode 151 and Episode 305
Watching Phil Wickham take the BITE of "storying" this video - YouTube Video
Not letting the "tweetable" verses in 2 Chronicles 20 distract from internalizing this Scripture
Watching the king and his people go from a crisis to fear, to trust, to worship, to victory, to rest
The difference between descriptive and prescriptive texts in Scripture - GotQuestions.org Article
Using Scripture to shape the wording of our prayers
How reading the "rest of the story" reminds us to finish well
- 2 Chronicles 20:33
- Matthew 24:13
- Colossians 1:21-23

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords - Essential Worship
The Story Behind the Writing of the Song "The Battle Belongs" - YouTube Video
The Biblical Story Behind the Song "The Battle Belongs" - YouTube Video
A critical thinking review of the lyrics testing for Biblical accuracy - TheBereanTest.com
A discussion about the difference between prescriptive and descriptive Scripture - GotQuestions.org Article

Weekly Challenge

Become so familiar with the account in 2 Chronicles 20 that you can retell the story to others. The best way to practice this is with a friend. It will take some time and repetition, but it will be worth it! To get the full context of King Jehoshaphat's reign, you might even back up in 2 Chronicles to the beginning of his story -- or even go further back and take in his father's story. We all know how our heritage can shape us. Learn from Jehoshaphat and remember that the battle for your soul belongs to the Lord -- He has already won the victory!

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

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