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

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**More Than a Song – Discovering the Truth of Scripture Hidden in Today’s Popular Christian Music**

More Than a Song is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to helping you discover the truth of Scripture hidden in today’s popular Christian music. Each episode teaches you to connect portions of God’s Word with the songs you’re singing along with on the radio to help you meditate on Truths that will transform your way of thinking and, ultimately, your life.

Latest Episodes:

**#227: "Dream Small" by Josh Wilson** Jun 25, 2018
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I was raised to dream big. It is part of our culture to want the next generation to have more than we had. So, when I heard the challenge offered by Josh Wilson in his song "Dream Small," I was inspired by the lyrics and this counter cultural idea.

Join me in a chapter you may just be tempted to skim over in Nehemiah where we see the significance of individual obedience...no matter how small.

On this week's episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:

Read in context

Consider the historical context

Remember the people in the Bible were REAL

Use outside resources

The historical context leading up to Nehemiah 3 using an outside resource - The Bible Timeline

How I discussed the timelines of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem walls in Episode 203

Daniel as a counselor to King Cyrus who decrees the resettlement of Jerusalem fulfilling a very specific prophecy about him by Isaiah 150 years prior - Isaiah 44:28, Isaiah 45:1

The first wave of captives allowed to return to Jerusalem - Ezra 1:1-4

Ezra and Nehemiah and a little bit about their backgrounds - Ezra 7:8-10, Nehemiah 1

What I discovered about the significance of the gates that were rebuilt in Nehemiah 3

The free outside resource that I discovered by Dr. J. Vernon McGee - Online Article - "The Gospel in the Gates of Jerusalem"

The audio discussion of Dr. J. Vernon McGee regarding the Gospel in the gates of Jerusalem

Session 1 - beginning at minute 14:48 - Online Audio Podcast Thru the Bible

Session 2 - beginning at minute 4:27 - Online Audio Podcast Thru the Bible

Session 3 - beginning at minute 3:30 - Online Audio Podcast Thru the Bible

The rebuilding of the gates beginning at the Sheep Gate - the gate through which the animals were brought in for sacrifice - a foreshadowing of Christ

Not all will be so willing to do their part - Nehemiah 3:5

Not all are asked to do what they are comfortable doing - Nehemiah 3:8

Sometimes tending to your home and neighborhood is enough - Nehemiah 3:23, Nehemiah 3:28-30

Meshullam who rebuilt the part of the wall across from his bedroom - Nehemiah 3:30

The opposition that reared its ugly head - Nehemiah 4

Additional Resources

Lyrics

Chords

Stories Behind the Song "Dream Small" by Josh Wilson -
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**#226: "Grace Got You" by MercyMe** Jun 18, 2018
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The new, fun song "Grace Got You" by MercyMe describes a person who has been taken over by grace and thus acts differently, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Isn’t that what grace does for us? It changes us and then gives us a different perspective.

Let's examine the change in us together by exploring the pages of a letter from Paul to Titus.

On this week's episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:

Listen to an audio version of Scripture

Repitition

Reading in a variety of translations

Read the envelope

Utilize outside resources

Consult a commentary

Review section headings to get your bearings

Don't overthink getting into the Word...get inspired by a song, a devotion, or a sermon and dive into the context

My reasons for using the BITE of repetition

To let it sink in

Because sometimes my mind wanders and I need to listen multiple times just to get it all

Either new things jump out at me or I find myself drawn to a specific area to study deeper

How a word can mean something completely different in different eras, and the power of various translations

Using an outside resource to help me "read the envelope" - "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" by Stuart and Fee

How Paul emphasized doing good throughout this short letter

Breaking down an important summary section on grace - Titus 2:11-15

The commentary by MacLaren, "Grace is a self-motived, ever-acting, communicating love which bends in tenderness over and floods with gifts those that stand far beneath itself " - BibleHub.com

What this grace of God DOES

Where this grace of God ORIGINATES

Why this grace of God was EXTENDED

Additional Resources

Lyrics

Chords

Story Behind the Song "Grace Got You" by MercyMe - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge
Read Titus. Read it several times in a variety of translations. Ponder this grace that has been freely bestowed upon us and the changing power it holds over us. Consider your life…have you been able to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions? Are you living a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this present age? Well, that is the kind of life our Savior, Jesus Christ came to offer and empowers us to live.
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**#225: "Counting Every Blessing" by Rend Collective** Jun 11, 2018
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If I asked the Apostle Paul to examine my life, I'm pretty sure he would see blessings that I'm not seeing. I'm fairly convinced we're on the lookout for two different things. That has been confirmed for me this week as I've meandered through his letters looking for the blessings he counts. This quest was inspired by Rend Collective's song, "Counting Every Blessing."

Join me on a journey through the epistles...it may just change the way you look at things, too.

On this week's episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:

Write out Scripture

Slowing down

Make observations

Make a list

Compare and contrast

Consider the opposite

That I actually use the BITEs I recommend for the week

The sections of Scripture I wrote out in my notebook

Romans 1:8-10

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Ephesians 1:3-10

Philippians 1:3-6

Colossians 1:3-8

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

How Paul is either thankful for people, God, or God working in people -- not material things

The gifts from God evident in people

faith

grace

spiritual gifts

fellowship

comfort in our troubles

Truths about our identity in Christ

chosen

holy

blameless

adopted

redeemed

lavished with grace

How Paul often has the perspective of Christ's return fixed squarely in his sights

The question, "Am I looking for the fingerprints of Jesus in others?"

Additional Resources

Lyrics and Chords

Story Behind the Song "Counting Every Blessing" by Rend Collective - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge
Try this quest for yourself! Open each of Paul’s epistles and locate his opening words of gratitude as he counts every blessing. Try the BITE of writing out Scripture. Compare and contrast what you see in these opening paragraphs to Paul’s letters. Perhaps even get pulled into the context and keep on reading!
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**#224: "joy." by For King and Country** Jun 04, 2018
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Major decisions in life often determine our final destination. But what about our daily choices, like the attitudes we choose? For King and Country challenges us all in their song "joy." to choose joy in the midst of trials. Of course, they didn't come up with that on their own...it's all over Scripture.

Let's consider what God's Word has to say on the matter on a journey from James to the Psalms to Romans.

On this week's episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:

Complete a word study

Read in context

Write out Scripture

Make observations

Write out Scripture in your own words

Observe/Reflect/Respond

Choosing joy with perspective - James 1:2-4

Word study on "consider" - hégeomai - BibleHub.com

Finding joy in God's presence

1 Chronicles 16:27

Psalm 16:11

Psalm 28:7 (We soak in this Psalm on Episode 223)

Galatians 5:22

Discovering joy through following God's ways

Psalm 1:1-3

Psalm 19:8

Psalm 119:1-3

Reflecting on the relationship trials detailed in Romans 14 and 15

Focusing in on Romans 15:13

Observing God's role in joy and my role in joy

Discovering that our joy is not only for ourselves

Additional Resources

Lyrics and Chords

Story Behind the Song "joy." by For King and Country - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge
Read Romans 14 and 15. Contemplate the big relationship picture you see there. Write out Romans 15:13 in your own hand. Make some observations. Reflect on what you’ve learned and incorporate that into writing the verse out in your own words. Respond to what God is teaching you through your study…either in prayer, repentance, or action. And then as you encounter trials lead out with joy!
Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

**#223: "I Lift My Hands" by Chris Tomlin** May 28, 2018
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Does it matter the position of our body if our heart is sincere in worship? I believe we can acknowledge things about God through our physical posture. Chris Tomlin's song "I Lift My Hands" leads us to consider one position mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. In fact, David often speaks of body position in the Psalms.

Join me in Psalm 28 to see what we can discover about posture, worship, prayer, and God.

On this week's episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:

Read in context

Consider a topic

Make observations

Refer to an outside resource (this week...a sermon)

The "rest of the story" behind the song - A sermon by Louie Giglio, "I Lift My Hands"

The progression of engaging God's Word

Skip over the parts you don't understand

Dig a little deeper into the meaning/definitions/stories - a Cliff's Notes of sorts

Read the original texts for yourself

Study and engage with the text for it to sink in

Will the sermon or devotional that really "touches your heart" be less meaningful because you've never taken the time to read the reference in context? Yes.

How the lifting of hands means different things in different contexts

David's cry to the Lord with his hands raised - Psalm 28:1-2

The importance of actually calling on God (not just thinking about calling on God)

How prayer should not be our last resort

David's heart is postured in worship and his body reflects that as well - Psalm 28:1-2

God is higher...as seen in the story of the Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:1-9

Additional Resources

Lyrics

Chords

Story Behind the Song "I Lift My Hands" by Chris Tomlin - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge
Read Psalm 28. Make some observations as you read — I always find it helpful to write them down. Don’t just consider the two verses we focused in on — read the whole Psalm. Consider exploring other postures of worship mentioned in God’s Word and read about them in context — making observations along the way.
Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

**#222: "He Still Does" by Hawk Nelson** May 21, 2018
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We all want the miracle, but are we willing to do our part? Are we willing to seek Him? Are we willing to walk in God's ways? Hawk Nelson reminds us that God is in the miracle business through their song "He Still Does." King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah experienced an amazing miracle one morning in the desert.

The Lord was with King Jehoshaphat -- join me as we explore why.

On this week's episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:

Read in context

Refer to an outline

Consult a map

Write out Scripture

Make a list

Share with a friend

How the big picture of Chronicles points to the central role of worship and the importance of the temple and ultimately to Jesus

Making a list of the characteristics of Jehoshaphat - 2 Chronicles 17:3-6

Focusing in on why the "Lord was with" Jehoshaphat

That the benefits and miracles of God are a result of our seeking and following Him

The promise made to Jehoshaphat's father, Asa - 2 Chronicles 15:2

How the Lord isn't going to follow our agenda, but He will be with us when we are with Him

An outline of Jehoshaphat's reign

The miracle defeat in 2 Chronicles 20

The map I consulted as I studied this account - Bible-History.com

The three verbs used to describe how Jehoshaphat responded to an impending attack

Resolved

Inquired

Proclaimed

How the answer from God came through a Levite - 2 Chronicles 20:15-17

How the worship team led the way toward God's miracle - 2 Chronicles 20:22-25

Additional Resources

Lyrics

Chords

Story Behind the Song "He Still Does" by Hawk Nelson - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge
Read 2 Chronicles 17-20 for yourself! Consider the story of King Jehoshaphat…the good, the bad, and the ugly. Ponder the characteristics of God and His ability (and desire) to perform miracles in the lives of those who seek Him. Resolve to inquire of the Lord. Involve others in the process — we were never meant to walk all of this alone. Set your heart to delight in the ways of the Lord. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. The Lord will be with you.
Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

#220: "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Worship May 07, 2018

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In our culture today, the idea of "freedom" is often seen as the license to do whatever you want. However, Scripture teaches us that we are bound like slaves to whatever we obey, whether sin or righteousness. Hillsong Worship reminds us that we are free when the Son sets us free in their song "Who You Say I Am."

In John 8, Jesus has some strong words to say about the matter. Why don't you join me there?

On this week's episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Slow down
- Repetition
- Read larger chunks of Scripture
- Listen to the audio version
- Reference several translations
- Complete a word study
How taking a couple of weeks to prepare this lesson reminded me of the value of slowing down
Listening to an audio version of Scripture using the YouVersion Bible App
The importance of studying using several translations
How John tells the story from a perspective after Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit
How Christ's true identity becomes a hotly contested topic of conversation - John 7:40-44
Focus verses for the podcast - John 8:30-38
"As verse 31 stresses, appearance of belief must be matched by perseverance in following Jesus and His teaching.” - The Apologetics Study Bible
The word study for the word translated "hold," or "remain faithful," or "continue in," or "abide" in John 8:31 - BibleHub.com
How absurd it is to believe that we are not slaves
What we were saved from - Titus 3:3-7
Becoming slaves to righteousness - Romans 6:16-18

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Acoustic performance and story behind the song "Who You Say I Am" - WorshipTogether Video

This Week's Challenge

Read John chapter 8. Read it several times in several translations. Put on the audio version a few times this week as well. Focus on the section we talked about today or journey through the Old Testament seeking out details of the Feast of Tabernacles. Compare what you learn to the experiences of Jesus detailed in John 7-10. Be sure to slow down—repetition will help you do that.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#218: "When We Pray" by Tauren Wells Apr 23, 2018

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What happens when God's people unite in prayer? Well, I suppose it depends. It depends on their motives, on whether they are surrendered to God's will, and ultimately on what they are asking for. Tauren Well's song, "When We Pray," inspired me to sit in Acts 3 and 4 this week to see what the early church prayed for.

I love the quote at the beginning of the music video, "If God answered the prayers you have been praying, would it change anyone else's world but your own?"

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read in context
- Observation
- Make a list
- Follow the cross reference
- Consult an outside resource
Where my love of the book of Acts is rooted
What led up to the prayer meeting - Acts 3 and 4 (see Episode 38)
Our focus area - Acts 4:23-31
Using characteristics and names of God discovered in Scripture to launch into your own powerful prayers with others - Acts 4:24
Making the connection between Scripture and historical events and current experiences
Following the cross reference to Psalm 2
How the early church looked around at current events and connected it to Scripture - Acts 4:27-28
Unpacking the request of this group of believers - Acts 4:29-30
Consulting an outside resource - What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Christenson
The answer God gave to their prayer

Additional Resources

This Week's Challenge

Read Acts 3 and 4 for yourself. Don’t miss the context as you examine the unified prayer of these believers. Ponder what they did NOT ask for as much as you ponder what they did. Grab a small group of believers and pray! Write down your observations and follow the cross reference to Psalm 2 — there is more to observe there, too!

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

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