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

Send us a textGod's goodness is unfathomable. David tries to explain it in Psalm 36 with really big metaphors as a witness to the awe he feels when considering God. Similarly, Jordan Feliz' song "Witness" calls us to testify to the virtues of our Father in heaven as well. Let's use the song to inspire us to read the Psalm and see what we learn, shall we? 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 Consider the opposite Consult an outside resource Listen to the audio version Make a list Pray Refer to an outline Tips on reading the Psalms Using the outside resources of "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" and "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" both by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart How Yahweh is the center of everything and our lives are to be predicated on our covenant relationship with Him Seek God's face before you seek His hand Read

Send us a textIn 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 downRepetitionRead larger chunks of ScriptureListen to the audio versionReference several translationsComplete a word studyHow taking a couple of weeks to prepare this lesson reminded me of the value of slowing downListening to an audio version of Scripture using the YouVersion Bible AppThe importance of studying using several translationsHow John tells the story from a perspective after Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spi

Send us a textThis week's song,  "Just Say Jesus" by 7eventh Time Down, is a wonderful anthem to all of us who have come to the end of our rope. The name of Jesus is a powerful representation of God and holds power in our lives. On today's episode we see proof of this power in Scripture. I hope you will release this same power in your life through the name of Jesus. 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 Follow the cross reference Use section headings to get your bearings An interview with the band from Creation West 2014 A mini-lesson from the lives of Peter and John found in Acts 3 The time when Peter and John are arrested in Acts 4 A name as authority Peter's cross-reference to Psalm 118 The enemy's tactic of limiting the use of the name of Jesus Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life - John 14:6  Additional Resources Lyrics This Week's Challenge

Send us a textWhat 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 Maki

Send us a textFor all of us there are songs that resonate to the depths of our being. "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe was one of those songs for me. I'm thrilled that it's back to the top of the charts and reaching a whole new generation of listeners. I'm also thrilled that it has inspired me to delve into Scripture to see what it was like for others to have face-to-face encounters with God. Join me as we skip through the entirety of Scripture to "imagine" what it will be like for us to meet our God and Savior face-to-face. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Explore a topic Meditation Consider the metanarrative (God's grand story of the Bible) "When the Bible is broken up into little bits and chunks — theological, devotional, spiritual, moral or worldview bits and chunks — then these bits can be nicely fitted into the reigning story of our own culture with all its idols!”

Send us a textGod is our shelter -- a safe place -- an intimate, secret hiding place. He longs for us to dwell with Him there, not just use Him as a lean-to when the rain storm catches us off guard. Carrollton's song "Shelter" sings of God's faithfulness and guides us to discover some amazing characteristics of our Most High God. Will you join me in abiding as a shelter dweller? Learn more as we dive into Psalm 91. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make a list Meditation Complete a word study Exploring the characteristics, names, and titles of God in Psalm 91:1-2 The story behind the song "Shelter" by Carrollton - New Release Today Article Replacing a "what's in it for me" mentality with a "what can I learn about God" mentality Discovering eight characteristics of God in two verses and then meditating on them Making it a part of the rhythm of your life to medit

Send us a textAs a child, my grandfather used to talk with me about Jesus coming back on His cloud. While it seemed so magical as a child, as I grew in my faith I realized it wasn't a fairy tale, it was a promise. Big Daddy Weave's song, "The Lion and the Lamb" speaks of Jesus coming on the clouds, too. While there is a lot of mystery around the return of Christ, the Bible does reveal SOME things. Let's explore them together. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Study a topic Remember the people in the Bible were real Read in context Record your observations Make a list The verses where Jesus is referred to as the Lion and the Lamb - Revelation 5:5-6 How this topic was personal because it reminded me of discussions with my grandfather The story of Jesus leaving earth on a cloud - Acts 1:1-11 Observing what happened in Acts 1 and considering the probable reactions of the apostles Remembering th

Send us a textThere is a table that all Christians come to -- the Communion Table. Jesus instituted this practice of breaking the bread and taking the cup as He reclined at a table. Sidewalk Prophets' song "Come to the Table" calls us to "take our place by the Savior now." I encourage you to do just that as we explore the Lord's Supper. Let's spend some time in thoughtful consideration of all that the Lord's Supper really means. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Follow the cross references Journal Study with a friend The account of Jesus reclining at the table at the Last Supper - Luke 22:7-13 Following the cross reference to Exodus 12 God's lasting ordinance - Exodus 12:24-28 What we are to do in remembrance of Christ - Luke 22:14-20 Where we get the word "communion" in Scripture - 1 Corinthians 10:16 (KJV) How "communion" means "union with"

Send us a textExaggerated claims abound these days. You can't turn on the news for a few minutes without hearing overstatements on all sides...and don't get me started about "teenager-speak." Crowder in his song, "All My Hope," asks us to sing along with quite a claim...the claim that ALL our hope is in Jesus. This week we explore whether or not we place ALL our hope in Jesus. We also consider just what kind of hope we've been given. You will be encouraged and challenged as we consider our living hope and where it asks us to fix our eyes. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consider the opposite Read in context Observation Ask Questions Complete a word study Pray Pondering what we put our hope in other than Jesus Discovering our hope is living in 1 Peter 1:3 How we tend to jump straight to application without developing our ability to observe and interpret Scripture properly first The

Send us a textI discovered the difference between being "shamed" and being "ashamed" through my study this week. Abigail Duhon's song, "I'm Not Ashamed," leads us to Romans 1 and Paul's famous declaration,  "I am not ashamed of the gospel." Exploring and meditating on this Scripture will really change the way you think...if you let it. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditating on God's Word Read in context Slow down Write down your observations Complete a word study Pondering what leads to feelings of being ashamed Considering details of the gospel learned from Romans 1:1-7 To whom Paul is obligated as revealed in Romans 1:8-15 The response of others to the gospel - 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 How Jesus responded to shame - Hebrews 12:1-3 How we will endure shame, considering it's insignificant compared to the power of salvation The assignment to keep re

Send us a textIt is difficult to worship God in an appropriate and authentic way when you think you are just like Him. Hollyn's 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 Explorin

Send us a textThe waiting. When it's laced with anticipation and excitement, it can add to the experience. When it's laced with sorrow and weariness, it can bring us low. There are so many promises of God in Scripture that have been fulfilled, are being fulfilled, and will be fulfilled. Ellie Holcomb's song, "He Will" leads us to a prophesy in Isaiah that Christ has fulfilled, is fulfilling, and will fulfill. photo credit:ORNELLA BINNI Let's join our voices to the lyrics of our song and "praise Him through our sadness until the promise is fulfilled." 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 Read the section headings Follow the cross references Make a list The story behind the song of "He Will" by Ellie Holcomb - New Release Today Article Reading Isaiah 61:1-3 and then following the cross reference to Luke 4:14-21 Making a list of all that Jesus said he woul

Send us a textHave you ever been afraid to pray because you aren't sure you are doing it "right"? Riley Clemmons, in her song "Broken Prayers," reminds us that God is not afraid of how we are feeling. We can be real with Him in the midst of the messy. The psalmist in Psalm 44 gives us an example of crying out to God from a desperately broken place. Let's explore it together. 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 (the entire Psalm 44) Repetition Observation How the order of the Psalm is significant Starting with remembering what God has done and WHO He is Charles Spurgeon writes, "When fathers are tongue tied religiously with their offspring, need they wonder if their children's hearts remain sin tied?" Acknowledging the victories belong to God (even if he uses us in the process) Putting our trust in Him, not in the tools He gives us to fight the battle Diving

Send us a textHave you ever struggled to see the big picture of the Bible? How do the individual stories, songs, poems, prophecies, and more, fit together -- and what are we to make of it? Rend Collective's song, "Rescuer (Good News)," reminds me of God's grand rescue plan. Join me for a quick fly over that may help you make connections with God's grand story in the future. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Use outside resources (like the amazing Jesus Storybook Bible) Meta-narrative - the overarching story that gives context, meaning, and purpose to all of life "The Bible isn't mainly about you and what you should be doing. It's about God and what He has done." - The Jesus Storybook Bible How Genesis 1-3 could be the beginning and the end, but God whispers a promise to rescue Genesis 6-9 and Noah's experience with God placing his war bow in the sky pointing to heav

Send us a text"Get dressed," I tell my youngest. "Where are your shoes? Do you have your jacket?" And so the conversation goes. I have a feeling God is asking me, "Where are your shoes? I told you to put on the WHOLE armor! Your helmet! Don't forget your helmet!" This week's song "Warrior" by Hannah Kerr reminds us that we are in a battle and need to be dressed appropriately. Let's take a moment and review what God's Word says about our battle gear. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read the envelope Use outside resources (like your study Bible) Read and keep on reading - this is a letter...read it all the way through Context Read in various translations Battles are raging around us and we need to stand up ready for war - Ephesians 6:13 My new friend Colleen Searcy and her Bible teaching - check out her website and resources The repetition of heavenly pl

Send us a textJesus my Lord is my Shepherd, and He is a good shepherd. I have the benefit of coming in on the scene after the Good Shepherd has come the first time and will come again. Kutless' new song, "Shepherd of My Soul" sings of our Shepherd and sent me to Scripture to explore what it says about shepherds. We are going on a journey this week to compare and contrast shepherds in Scripture. Join me? On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Compare and contrast Make a list Follow the cross reference Define words How our song points to Psalm 23, but we're going somewhere else this week. Check out Episode 14 for an episode that discusses Psalm 23. Some background information on Ezekiel The charges God levels against the shepherds of His flock - Ezekiel 34:1-6 God's instructions to the flock were the opposite of what occurred - Leviticus 25:43 The fact that the shepherds of Israel were the kings

Send us a textSometimes I feel like a toddler -- you know, the ones with questions for days. Their questions are unending partly because they wired for curiosity and partly because they grow in their understanding of the world through questions. Job has his own book in the Old Testament and it is filled with questions about the reason behind his suffering. God does eventually respond to Job, but rather than detailed answers He replies with a few questions of His own. In their song, "Where Were You," the band Ghost Ship captures the heart of Job's question and a great sampling of God's counter response. Have you experienced suffering? Are you in the midst of it right now? Let's learn a little from Job 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 Context Listen to an audio version of Scripture Refer to an overview of the book - I used Bible Project's Overview Video

Send us a textEveryone has a story. Part of the beauty of God's Word is when we can identify with the people God chose to weave into His BIG story of redemption. Tenth Avenue North's song "Control (Somehow You Want Me)" leads us to explore Jacob in the book of Genesis. There is a distinct time and place where Jacob gives control to God. Let's consider this place of surrender together. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Study a character Remember the characters in the Bible were real Read-and-keep-on-reading Context Make a list Meeting Jacob for the first time - Genesis 25:23-28 When Jacob declares God as his own - Genesis 28:20-22 What Jacob left behind when he went on the run The desperate place Jacob is in when God chooses to reveal Himself in a personal way Living a life of surrender after the first time you surrender Listing some of Jacob's obsessions and intention - compare them to

Send us a textI find it fascinating which prayers and songs God chose to include in His Word. Of all the prayers lifted in all of time it's a good idea for us to explore the ones included in Scripture. Finding Favour's song, "Get Down," is our inspiration to learn more about one of Daniel's prayers. I can't wait for you to see how much you learn about God in this prayer. 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 Ask questions Use outside resources Learning what we can from the prayers recorded in the Bible Asking good questions, like: What details were important to include in this prayer? What revelation about God is included? Have they mentioned his conduct, character, or concerns? What was requested in the prayer? What is the historical and physical context of the prayer? Why was God being sought in that moment? What was the result of the prayer? How did the resu

Send us a textHappy New Year! Each new year brings with it an opportunity to set new goals and consider what your focus will be before life gets in the way. Kings Kaleidoscope has a song set to the tune of the traditional new year’s song Auld Lang Syne. Their song “All Glory Be To Christ” reminds us ultimately what each new year is about…Jesus. The song leads us to Psalm 127 where we are reminded that we are nothing without the Lord. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Ask questions Make observations The Rapid Bible Read Through that I do every year with my friend, Keith Ferrin - RBRT2018 The Psalms of Ascent - Got Questions Article Focusing more on the Architect than the house plans - Psalm 127:1 The role of a watchman - Psalm 127:1 Keeping in context the warning in verse 2 - Psalms 127:2 Not separating the "in vain" section from the "family" section of Psalm 127 Our duty to smooth and prep