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

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Do you know what you believe? Are you grounded in the knowledge and understanding of your faith? Our faith is not blind and unfounded. Rather, it is rooted in a Person Who brings all things from the darkness into light. Every once in a while, it's good to challenge yourself with what you believe -- relying on the truth of Scripture to weave together the tapestry of our faith. Phil Wickham's song, "I Believe," will guide us in discussing some very important details of what we believe as followers of Christ.
Let's explore the Scripture behind some of the summary statements we sing along with in this song.
In this episode, I discuss the following:
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Study a topicSlow downMeditate on ScriptureEpisode Guide"I Believe" by Phil Wickham as a modern creed - Air1.com ArticleDefining creeds, confessions, and their usesOne Salvation - Acts 4:10-12One Doorway that leads to life - John 10:7-9One Redemption - Hebrews 9:11-15One Way - John 14:6Where salvation comes from - Ephesians 2:8-10Reconciliation - Colossians 1:21-23Restoring a relationship with God means confessing our guilt and requesting forgiveness from Him - He gives us the terms to reconcile with Him.The crucifixion, as discussed in all four gospels and Galatians 3:13Christ's blood that has set us free - Revelation 1:4-6, 1 Peter 1:17-19The resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:3-9Jesus' life is death's defeat - 2 Timothy 1:10Christ's victory is consummated in eternity - Revelation 21:4Jesus prepares a place for us in heaven - John 14:1-3This world is not our home - Philippians 3:20We cannot imagine what God has in store for us - 1 Corinthians 2:9Jesus will return - Acts 1:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17Keeping the altar burning like the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25The marriage of the Lamb - Revelation 19:6-9Jesus as the Lion and the Lamb - Revelation 5:5-6Not being ashamed of the gospel - Romans 1:16Additional Resources
Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.comThe faith behind the song "I Believe" by Phil Wickham - Air1.com ArticleBehind the song "I Believe" by Phihl Wickham - NewReleaseToday Article"Creeds and Confessions" - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia"The Compact Guide to World Religions" - Amazon Paid LinkMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge
We end where we began. Use this song as a creed — a rehearsal of summary statements about what you believe. Shore up why you believe what you believe by using the Episode Guide
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CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Can I give you some good news? God does not restrain His faithfulness. He doesn't hold back. TobyMac sings about it in his song "Faithfully," and David sings about it in Psalm 40.
Tag along with me as we explore God's faithfulness 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: Study a topicRead in contextDefine wordsComplete a word studyShare with a friendEpisode GuideThe story behind the song "Faithfully" by TobyMac - YouTube VideoThe variety of Greek and Hebrew words used to describe God's faithfulness all closely linked to God's truthfulness (veracity)Looking up the word "faithful" in the English dictionaryRecognizing that faithfulness is an attribute that we should display (communicable attribute of God) - God is faithful, and we are to be faithfulFaithful and True as a name of Jesus - Revelation 19:11God's faithfulness saves us from the despair of our own unfaithfulnessUsing the Psalms Explorer in my Logos Bible Software to choose Psalm 40 to study the theme of God's faithfulnessExploring the idea that God "inclined" to David - a state of engagement in a relationship - the Lord really sees us in our pain and wants to engage with usGod is ACTIVE in His engagement with us - Psalm 40:2-3What makes this Psalm a Messianic Psalm - Hebrews 10:5-7David's response to the faithfulness of God - Psalm 40:9-11Additional Resources
Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.comThe story behind the song "Faithfully" by TobyMac - YouTube VideoExploring Logo Bible Study Psalms Explorer - Webinar Replay on YouTubeMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge
Spend some time in Psalm 40. Look for God's attributes, specifically His faithfulness. Then, take a trip to Hebrews 10 to see Jesus fulfilling parts of this Psalm. Finally, follow David’s lead and share what you’ve learned with a friend. Don’t keep the glad news of God’s deliverance to yourself.

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Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

To count our blessings is to name them and acknowledge our gratitude for the good things God has blessed us with. Seph Schlueter sings of this in his song "Counting My Blessings," and I use it to catapult us into the world of Jesus to see how He gave thanks in all circumstances.
Let's explore Scripture together to deepen our knowledge as we practice giving thanks in our lives.
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 textRepetitionMake a listComplete a word studyMeditate on ScriptureConsider the oppositeEpisode GuideReading all of 1 Thessalonians as inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:18Making a list of what Paul is thankful for as an example of how to make a list of our ownAsking the question, "What does giving thanks look like in Scripture?""One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" by Ann Voskamp - Amazon Paid LinkAn interview by Kirk Cameron with Ann Voskamp - YouTube VideoLearning to be on the hunt for things to be thankful forActually taking action -- to give thanks is a verbGreek word for "to give thanks" - eucharisteo - BibleHub Word StudyThe times Jesus eucharisteoat the Last Supper - Luke 22:17-19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Hebrews 12:2at the Feeding of the 5000 - John 6:11-13, 23at the resurrection of Lazarus - John 11:38-44How miracles, provision, fullness, resurrection, and life are on the other side of giving thanksConsidering the opposite of how Jesus gave thanks sinful people described as NOT giving thanks - Romans 1:21hypocritical religious man giving thanks in a presumptuous and arrogant fashion - Luke 18:11using our words to give thanks rather than foolish talk - Ephesians 5:4Reading Scriptures about giving thanks won’t transform you unless you allow them to inform what you think about giving thanks, and then actually PRACTICE giving thanks.
Additional Resources
Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.comThe story behind the song "Counting My Blessings" by Seph Schlueter - YouTube Short"One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" by Ann Voskamp - Amazon Paid LinkAn interview by Kirk Cameron with Ann Voskamp - YouTube VideoMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge
Spend some time in 1 Thessalonians. Make a list of what Paul is thankful for. Then, make your own list of things you are thankful for. Be imitators of Christ in your eucharisteo. Read about Christ giving 
Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Have you ever had that moment when you realize you are on the other side? On the other side of trauma. On the other side of betrayal. On the other side of pain, you thought for sure you would NEVER endure? This happened to Joseph and was commemorated by the birth of his firstborn son. When Anna Golden sings "Manasseh," she vividly brings these shared feelings to life -- these feelings of a patriarch from long ago shared with those of us who are on the other side of deep wounding.
Let's examine Joseph's life this week as we tickle the chin of his newborn son, Manasseh.
In this episode, I discuss the following:
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Listen to an audio version of the textRead and keep on readingRead BigRepetitionStoryingReview section titlesStudy a personEpisode Guide DownloadThe meaning of the name Manasseh - "causing to forget" - Genesis 41:51Anna Golden's testimony about the song - "Manasseh Intro" - YouTube Audio LinkRead Joseph's story in Genesis 37-50Learning to "Read Big" - The Bible Reset: Simple Breakthroughs to Make Scripture Come Alive by Alex Goodwin - Amazon Paid LinkBiblical Person Study Workflow - Logos Bible SoftwareBiographical Method of Bible Study - Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren - Amazon Paid LinkChoosing to study the life of Joseph to determine what he needed to forget with the birth of ManassehReading the narrative completely and repetitivelyLearning how Joseph helped his brothers rewrite the story - The Bible Project PodcastThe summary of the psalmist - Psalm 105:16-24Determining the role the person played in Biblical eventsFirst impressions of Joseph and how they've changed upon deeper readingWriting your own chronological timeline of the person, a.k.a. taking the BITE of StoryingTying the story back to the lyrics of the songAdditional Resources
Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.comMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge
 Read or listen to Joseph's story in Genesis 37-50. Read repetitively and add to your study each time. Write down your first impressions (including questions) the first time you read the narrative. The second time you read through it, jot down the chronological timeline of Joseph's life. The third time you read through it, consider any shared experiences you and Joseph may have had. Pray and ask God to reveal Himself in the midst of Joseph's story (and yours). 
Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Have you ever re-watched a movie yet felt anxious during that scene where the obstacle seems too great to overcome? You know the end. You understand the main character overcomes that obstacle because you've watched the movie before, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. That's what I think of when I hear Shane & Shane sing "You've Already Won." I know Christ sits in heaven as the ultimate victor and that because I'm in Christ, I, too, am victorious. But I'm still swinging my sword in battles and sometimes wonder how it will all turn out. 

I want to add to your faith by diving deeper into Ephesians 1 with you in this episode.

In this episode, I discuss the following:  
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read and keep on readingRepetitionRead the text aloudReview an overviewMeditate on ScriptureStart with GodMake a listEpisode Guide DownloadMy conversation with Keith Ferrin regarding internalizing Scripture - Friday With Friends InterviewThe part of Ephesians I've been studying that I thought of when I listened to this week's song - Ephesians 1:19-23Not letting any Bible interaction tool/process keep us in bondage or discourage us from spending time in God's WordWatching the overview video for Ephesians - Bible Project VideoThe metaphor of trampling under the feet as an image of victory over one's enemies - Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - Amazon Paid LinkThe now and not yet of Christ's victory - 1 Corinthians 15:24-25The now and not yet of our inheritance - Ephesians 1:11-14Making a list of God's actions in Ephesians 1Living between the ages - Christopher Hall Foundations 3 & 4The now and not yet of living between the ages - "God's Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible" - Amazon Paid LinkAdditional Resources
The story behind the song "You've Already Won" by Shane & Shane - New Release Today ArticleWhat is the concept of "already but not yet"? - Got Questions ArticleThe now and not yet of living between the ages - "God's Big My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge
Read and re-read Ephesians. Read it out loud. Read it in the same physical Bible to help with retention and recall. Then, sit down with a notebook and make a list of all of God's actions. We've started in chapter 1, but feel free to keep adding to your list as you interact with the text. Your faith will be strengthened as you rehearse all God has done for you.
Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

I've recently seen several videos online of children laying hands on siblings in prayer or praying with deep and passionate charisma. It's adorable because they are acts not normally seen in children who are more likely to swipe their friend's toy than lay hands on them in prayer. But I learned a long time ago that children are mirrors of the environment around them. When Benjamin William Hastings sings "Abandoned," he longs to mirror the complete abandon he sees in the life of Christ. 

As an adopted child into the family of God, I, too, want to mirror Christ's life of abandonment to the purpose and will of God. Let's explore the entire gospel of Mark together to see what acts we can emulate. 

In 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 readingRead in contextSet a timerStudy a topicMark up the textMeditate on ScriptureEpisode Guide DownloadBenjamin's comments on the heart behind the song - Air1 ArticleReading and interacting with the entire gospel of Mark to examine Christ's life of complete abandonThe journal I use to study whole books of the Bible - ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: Mark - Amazon Paid LinkWanting to have the mind (and surrender) of Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:16How Jesus was yielded to God's plan completely from the beginning of His ministry - Mark 1:11-12Jesus doing the thing He came to do - Mark 1:38-39Jesus operating in the authority He had been given - Mark 2:10-11How Jesus about things/people that God cared about - Mark 2:17How Jesus' life of abandon led to rejection - Mark 6:2-3Christ's abandoned life was a life of prayer - Mark 6:46An abandoned life honors God with our lips AND our hearts and doesn’t elevate tradition over the heart of God - Mark 7:6-8An abandoned life sets his/her mind on the thing of God, NOT the things of man - Mark 8:33The cross Jesus called us to bear before He surrendered to His own cross - Mark 8:34-38‌An abandoned life is content with God’s timing - Mark 9:9An abandoned life is a life of servitude - Mark 9:35An abandoned life isn't a reckless life -- it still has customs - Mark 10:1An abandoned life is yielded to the truth of Scripture - Mark 11:17‌An example prayer RelationshipRehearseRequestRelinquishAdditional Resources
Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.comFavorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge
Read the gospel of Mark. Read with a highlighter and pen in hand. Don’t take apart every verse, but look for the pattern of the life of Christ — a life abandoned to the will of God above all else. Then pray as Jesus did in the garden. Call on your relationship with God, rehearse his character, make your request, and relinquish your will in exchange for His. You won’t regret it.
Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.