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:

**#177: "Shoulders" by For King & Country** Jul 10, 2017
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When such a short Psalm reveals so many inspiring characteristics of God, it's worth our time to spend some time in it. This week's song, "Shoulders" by For King & Country, leads us right to Psalm 121. In fact, the song begins by quoting the opening verses of Psalm 121!

**This is a repost of Episode #70. I am on vacation in Alaska this week with my family, and I couldn't resist pulling this one out of the archives because of it's reference to "the mountains".**

We're going to try something new this week to keep your Bible reading engaging! Let's dive in!

On this episode I discuss:

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

Reading Scripture out loud

Using background music to keep it interesting

Ask questions...out loud! (And then write them down in your journal)

Psalm 121

The significance of the mountains to the Psalmist

Comparing and contrasting the characteristics of home with the characteristics of God

Reading individual verses in the parallel setting using BibleHub.com

This picture...you'll have to listen to understand!

The difference between the Hebrew word for sleep and slumber in Psalm 121:4

Making sense of the idea that the Lord keeps us from all harm

If our enemy is relentless, God's mercy is more so

Additional Resources

Lyrics

Story behind the song - New Release Tuesday

This Week's Challenge

Pull out Psalm 121 and read it every day. Try reading it in different translations and read it out loud...maybe with some epic background music. Come on! Try it! God isn't stale...your interaction with His Word shouldn't be either! I didn't mention it in the body of the podcast today, but journal your journey! You will be amazed at what will come out when you take time to do that. The Psalmist asked a question...if nothing else, follow the Psalmist's example and ask a few questions.

Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

Evernote Camera Roll 20150620 144904 — **#177: "Shoulders" by For King & Country** Jul 10, 2017
Show notes

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When such a short Psalm reveals so many inspiring characteristics of God, it's worth our time to spend some time in it. This week's song, "Shoulders" by For King & Country, leads us right to Psalm 121. In fact, the song begins by quoting the opening verses of Psalm 121!

**This is a repost of Episode #70. I am on vacation in Alaska this week with my family, and I couldn't resist pulling this one out of the archives because of it's reference to "the mountains".**

We're going to try something new this week to keep your Bible reading engaging! Let's dive in!

On this episode I discuss:

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

Reading Scripture out loud

Using background music to keep it interesting

Ask questions...out loud! (And then write them down in your journal)

Psalm 121

The significance of the mountains to the Psalmist

Comparing and contrasting the characteristics of home with the characteristics of God

Reading individual verses in the parallel setting using BibleHub.com

This picture...you'll have to listen to understand!

The difference between the Hebrew word for sleep and slumber in Psalm 121:4

Making sense of the idea that the Lord keeps us from all harm

If our enemy is relentless, God's mercy is more so

Additional Resources

Lyrics

Story behind the song - New Release Tuesday

This Week's Challenge

Pull out Psalm 121 and read it every day. Try reading it in different translations and read it out loud...maybe with some epic background music. Come on! Try it! God isn't stale...your interaction with His Word shouldn't be either! I didn't mention it in the body of the podcast today, but journal your journey! You will be amazed at what will come out when you take time to do that. The Psalmist asked a question...if nothing else, follow the Psalmist's example and ask a few questions.

Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

**#176: "Whole Heart" by Brandon Heath** Jul 03, 2017
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Go all in. It looks good on a t-shirt. It looks good on a Christ-follower, too. Unfortunately, we are really good at half-way when it comes to our devotion to the Lord. I find myself going in spurts. I'm all in for awhile and then I get distracted. I'm gung-ho in one area, but not in another. Brandon Heath's new song, "Whole Heart" reminds us to love God the way He wants us to...with our whole heart.

There's a wonderful story found in 2 Chronicles about King Asa and all of Judah going "all in." Join me?

On this episode I discuss:

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

Slow down (digest smaller chunks)

Explore a topic

Read in context (don't read part of the story...especially this week)

The heart as inner man - a place where affections, will, and inclinations reside

How God asks for our wholehearted love and devotion - Matthew 22:37

The combination life - half in and half out

God as our example of wholeheartedness - Jeremiah 32:37-41

A quote from Andrew Murray - *The Two Covenants*

King Asa's story in 2 Chronicles 14-16 and 1 Kings 15

The peace King Asa and all of Judah enjoyed because of their wholehearted devotion to God

King Asa and the people entering into a covenant to seek the LORD with all their heart and with all their soul

The comparison and contract of when King Asa relied on God and when he relied on other men

How do we get a new heart that can maintain wholehearted devotion? God will give it to us!

Additional Resources

Link to get Brandon's Whole Heart Devotional Series emailed to you! - Brandon Heath's Website

Lyrics

This Week's Challenge
Read all about King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14-16. Read the entire story and compare and contrast the wholeheartedness and divided hearts of the king and his people and consider the results of each. Seek the Lord with your whole heart and thank Him for the good that He freely pours out with His whole heart.
Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

**#175: "Broken Things" by Matthew West** Jun 26, 2017
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We are broken people. As children of God we are stuck in this "already, but not yet" zone where we are new creations and can still respond from our brokenness. Matthew West's song "Broken Things" brings us great encouragement that God uses damaged people. But Scripture is clear that God wants to redeem and restore us, which will require a mending of our brokenness.

I'm hoping Scripture will touch the deep places in us to reveal prevailing beliefs that God wants to mend.

On this episode I discuss:

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

Using outside resources with commentary - I used the Maxwell Leadership Bible

Meditation - give yourself margin to THINK about what you're reading

Discuss with others - putting your thoughts into words for others is a very powerful tool

A lineup of misfits proving God can use anyone - great list from my friend Keith Ferrin

God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise - 1 Corinthians 1:27

While God uses broken people, He doesn't leave us broken

A parable of Jesus - Laborers in the Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16

A recap of Jonah's story found in Jonah 1-4

Taking our eyes off of God's grace leads to:

Self-absorption

Comparison

Presumption

Distortion

All we have from God is a gift. Who are we to set the parameters for God to give it to others?

Additional Resources

The story behind the song "Broken Things" by Matthew West - YouTube Video

Lyrics - Klove

Lyrics and chords for "Broken Things" by Matthew West - Ultimate Guitar

This Week's Challenge
Read the story of Jonah (just 4 chapters) and read the parable of the laborers in Matthew 20. Consider the characteristics of the people who felt slighted (Jonah and the laborers). Perhaps journal about any of the characteristics you may see in yourself. Pray and ask for clarity to see God’s purposes rather than your own.
Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

**#174: "Beloved" by Jordan Feliz** Jun 19, 2017
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You are divinely loved. You need to get a grip on that because we have some very important tasks ahead of us as followers of Christ. Jordan Feliz' song "Beloved" reminds us of this truth, and Scripture gives us clear responsibilities as those loved by God.

We have a role to play. It's time to embrace the truth that you are beloved.

On this episode I discuss:

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

Listening to an audio version of the Bible

Context

Repetition

Exploring the text in a variety of translations

Reviewing a word study

The journey of knowing more of God's Word is beautiful and never-ending

There will be moments in your future where the investment of Scripture today will overflow

Lacing the words of God into your everyday speech

Using YouVersion to listen to 1 John in a variety of translations (I listened to the NLT, the KJV, and the ESV)

The Greek word for beloved agapétos - word study on BibleHub

All references to agapétos in 1 John

1 John 2:7

1 John 3:2

1 John 3:21

1 John 4:1

1 John 4:7

1 John 4:11

Why we need a song to remind us that we are beloved

Where love originates - 1 John 4:19

We can come to know and to believe the love that God has for us - 1 John 4:16

We need to believe that we are loved so that we can go out and BE LOVED to a world that cannot see God, but can see God's love brought to full expression in us - 1 John 4:12

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords for "Beloved" by Jordan Feliz - Ultimate Guitar

This Week's Challenge
Let God’s Word (and this song) convince you…you are beloved. Read 1 John all the way through. Perhaps you will want to look up the references that all refer to the beloved — the agapétos. Try some or all of the BITEs this week. Spend some time in the latter half of 1 John 4 and consider what it means to BE LOVED and the responsibility that comes with it.
Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

**#173: "Find You Here" by Ellie Holcomb** Jun 12, 2017
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Challenges in our lives will never stop coming. Like waves that ebb and flow in strength and number, our trials and suffering come in and go out, but they never stop coming. The solution is to fix our eyes on God and the hope revealed in His Word. Ellie Holcomb's song "Find You Here" reminds us that He is in the midst of each ordeal...even the darkest ones.

Peter knew he needed to prepare believers for fiery trials, too. Let's let our song lead us there this week.

On this 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

Explore a topic

Follow the cross references

The problem with contemporary western thought in regard to suffering

"Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering" by Timothy Keller

Episode 171 and my reference to Jen Wilkin's book "None Like Him"

Ellie Holcomb's blog post about the story behind the song - www.ellieholcomb.com

The pattern in 1 Peter - We suffered. Christ suffered. We suffered. Christ suffered - Hebrews 4:15

Jesus made perfect through suffering - Hebrews 2:10

God is pleased with us when we endure suffering patiently - 1 Peter 2:20

The example Christ leaves for suffering - 1 Peter 2:22-25

The cross reference to Isaiah 53:2-12

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords for "Find You Here" by Ellie Holcomb - Ultimate Guitar

Story behind the song "Find You Here" by Ellie Holcomb - New Release Today Article

This Week's Challenge
Read 1 Peter all the way through. It may benefit you to read it through several times in several translations. Once you have a good grasp of the letter as a whole, focus in on what the letter says specifically about suffering. You may find it easiest to go through and make a list of every reference to suffering, trials, etc. If you want to follow the example of this podcast, study the example of Christ Peter gives in chapter 2. Follow the cross-reference to Isaiah 53 it will really give you perspective. Do all of this with the corrected worldview that suffering is not to be avoided at all cost (and I think we know that practically it can’t be), but that we can endure it humbly (because we are not all knowing) and with confidence (because God has promised restoration, support and strength).
Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

**#172: "Do It Again" by Elevation Worship** Jun 05, 2017
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You get up, you put on the armor of God, you clock in, clock out, come home, and the walls against you are still towering above you. How much longer can this persist? For longer than seems reasonable or of sound-thinking. This is when you need to remember God's faithfulness and Elevation Worship's song "Do It Again" does just that.

Let's join the men armed for battle following a peculiar battle plan and see what new things might jump out at us in Joshua chapter 6.

On 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 the epic stories of the Bible

Pandora Epic Soundtracks Radio

Slow down

Explore maps and art - BibleHub.com on the left

Picture the scene and fill in the blanks

Decide right now to be biblically literate- 2 Timothy 2:15

Exegesis vs. Eisegesis - Got Questions Article

God's battle plan for taking Jericho - Joshua 6:1-5

Current archaeology reveals important truths about Jericho - Answers in Genesis Article

Be a good soldier and advance - Joshua 6:6-11

You've seen God move...He's proved Himself...why would you choose anything other than obedience?

Victory God's way - Joshua 6:20

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords for "Do It Again" by Elevation Worship- Ultimate Guitar

Story behind the song "Do It Again" by Elevation Worship- New Release Today Article

Song Story: "Do It Again" by Elevation Worship - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge
Read Joshua chapter 6. I encourage you to read chapters 1 through 6 to get the full context of what was happening in this scene. Remember, every soldier who marched around the city of Jericho also experienced everything in chapters 1 through 6 leading up to Jericho. A Bible Interaction Tool Exercise that may just be a game changer for you is to listen to epic soundtracks while reading this epic story.
Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

**#171: "In Awe" by Hollyn** May 29, 2017
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It is difficult to worship God in an appropriate and authentic way when you think you are just like Him. Hollyn's new song, "In Awe," leads us all over God's Word to discover truth. It is here we begin to see God clearer, and thus put ourselves "in our place" so-to-speak.

The Psalms teach us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." I want wisdom, don't you?

On this episode I discuss:

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

Use a commentary or outside resource

None Like Him by Jen Wilkin

Hebrews Commentary by Warren Weirsbe

Follow the cross-references

God's way of respect for God and others - Hebrews 12:14

God is self-sufficient - Acts 17:24-25

We don't worship God in awe because we believe the age-old lie that we can be just like Him

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom - Psalm 111:10

The contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion - Hebrews 12:18-24

Exploring Mount Sinai - Exodus 19 and 20

Exploring Mount Zion - Psalm 2 and Psalm 110

Once we grasp the difference between the old and new covenants, what is our response? - Hebrews 12:25

A picture of those who "refused him who is speaking" - Jeremiah 5:20-25

God's AWEsomeness should lead us to repentance

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords for "In Awe" by Hollyn - Ultimate Guitar

Story behind the song "In Awe" by Hollyn - Facebook Post

This Week's Challenge
Read Hebrews 12:18-29. Then discover Mount Sinai in Exodus 19 and 20. Take a peek at Mount Zion in Psalm 2 and 110. Go back to Hebrews 12:25 and let it launch you to Jeremiah 5 where we see what it looks like to "refuse him who is speaking.” And then back to Exodus 20 where we see the first step on that path to wisdom…that path that we set our foot on by fearing God…the path that leads next to repentance. It’s all right there in Scripture and simply and beautifully portrayed in our song this week.
Purchase your copy of *A Seat at the Table* today!

#169: "Psalm 51 (Wisdom In The Secret Heart) by Shane & Shane May 15, 2017

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I often talk about Scripture changing the way you think. Well get ready, because Shane and Shane's song, Psalm 51 (Wisdom in the Secret Heart), leads us to a Psalm of David where it is obvious he has begun to think differently about his sin. I was crying out for God's cleansing alongside David after spending a week here.

Get ready to get uncomfortable...in a good way.

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Don't just decide to jump into God's Word...really jump in
- Listen to audio version of Scripture - I use YouVersion
- Repetition
- Focus in on a smaller section of Scripture that is fairly self-contained
- Utilize a commentary - I used Charles Spurgeon and Wayne Grudem this week
- Meditate on Scripture
- Take advantage of small pockets of time
- Talk about what you're learning with a friend
The story behind Psalm 51 - 2 Samuel 11-12
How the Psalm starts out with a cry for mercy - Psalm 51:1-2
How David cannot seem to escape the reality of his sin - Psalm 51:3
When we sin it is ALWAYS against God
We have a sin nature we cannot escape...we were sinful from the beginning
- Psalm 51:4-6
- Romans 5:18-19
- Ephesians 2:3
God delights in truth in the inward being - Psalm 51:6
Asking God to teach us wisdom in the secret heart
- Enlighten the eyes of my heart - Ephesians 1:16-21
- Teach me wisdom in the secret heart - Psalm 51:6
- Give light to my eyes - Psalm 13:3
Once we are purified by God, we can be used by Him - Psalm 51:13-15

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords - Worship Initiative by Shane & Shane

This Week's Challenge

Spend some time in Psalm 51 this week. Use this song to help you meditate on it's truths. Perhaps pull out a commentary or other resource to deepen your knowledge and understanding. Share what you are learning with a friend. And if you're in a crazy season, determine in your heart that you will take the moments God gives you to ponder His Word...and then do it.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#168: "Rise" by Danny Gokey May 08, 2017

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Stories inspire us. That's why we are drawn in by good books, powerful movies, documentaries, and even ESPN specials. There is something about seeing someone else overcome the odds that gives us hope that maybe, just maybe, we could do the same. Danny Gokey's song "Rise" reminds us that our Creator has a plan for us that is higher than our broken past or sordid mistakes. "We were made to rise."

Peter's life paints a pretty epic story. Let's search Scripture and discover how we can relate and what we might learn from this disciple.

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Character study
- Remember the characters in the Bible were REAL
- Follow the cross references
- Read in context
The Life of Peter Scripture References - Pastor Jacob Johnson
When we meet Peter - John 1:40-42
Peter got a new name and so do we
Peter gets an invite to the inner circle - Luke 8:50-56
Would you become prideful if you were in the inner circle with Christ?
Peter's blunder on the mount of transfiguration - Matthew 17:1-8
Do your mistakes cause you to question your calling?
Jesus gives Peter high praise - Matthew 16:13-19
Jesus gives Peter correction - Matthew 16:21-23
Peter does the unthinkable - Matthew 26:31-35
Peter returns to his old way of life when everything seems to fall apart - John 21:3-19
Taking responsibility for our careless words and making ourselves available for restoration

Additional Resources

Story Behind the Song "Rise" by Danny Gokey - Free CCM Article

This Week's Challenge

We merely scratched the surface of considering Peter’s life. His life can teach us how we should respond and how we shouldn’t. Consider his stumbles and recovery. Ponder how Jesus included him, rebuked him, and restored him. You can go much deeper than I did. Use the list that I referenced in the podcast to launch you into Scripture. Read all about Peter in the book of Acts. Read his two letters included in the New Testament. Remember he's a real person. Get lost in the story this week.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

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