More Than a Song - Discovering the Truth of Scripture Hidden in Today's Popular Christian Music Michelle Nezat
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- Religion & Spirituality
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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.
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#487: "Manasseh” by Anna Golden
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. -
#486: "You've Already Won" by Shane & Shane
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. -
#485: "Abandoned" by Benjamin William Hastings
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. -
Special Edition: Keith Ferrin on Friday With Friends
Welcome to Friday With Friends! I have the distinct privilege of meeting incredible followers of Christ who have amazing ministries, fascinating careers, and incredible hobbies and pet projects that flow out of their identity in Christ.
While my podcast is a solo show, I still want a venue to introduce you to these friends as examples of the multifaceted ways God works in and through His people.
In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting my friend, Keith Ferrin, to talk about his journey moving from "should" to "want" regarding reading and studying God's Word.
We reminisce about the day we "met" over ten years ago when I reached out to him as a fellow believer in Christ to ask questions about podcasting. We were complete strangers, but he was generous with his knowledge and time. And while he moved on from podcasting to course creation, book authorship, speaking, and YouTube content creation, we've stayed in touch over the years. I can't wait for you to get to hear his story and glean from his wisdom.
MEMORABLE MENTIONS
Keith talks about his Bible Study for Beginners playlist on YouTube. If you've ever asked, "What translations should I use?" or "What book of the Bible should I start with?" or "How did we get the Bible?" or other Bible questions, this playlist is for you!
During our chat, Keith discussed reading the Bible to hang out with Jesus. He also mentioned internalizing the Word of God. Keith offers two premiere online courses if you are interested in pursuing either of these things. AND he's offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal for my listeners!
Head over to www.keithferrin.com/2courses and use the coupon code MICHELLEBOGO
But the most generous offer is Keith's BibleLife Community membership. This membership includes access to ALL of Keith's books, courses, live teaching, and more. You can try it before you buy. Get the first four weeks for $4.
CONNECT WITH KEITH
www.keithferrin.comInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTubeChange your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE. -
#484: "Loved By You” by Riley Clemmons
CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.
How can you get out of the mental pit you're in? If you do what Riley Clemmons did, you'll get away with God and focus on HIS plans to strengthen you. Riley's song, "Loved By You," inspired me to spend some time in Paul's letter to the Ephesians.
In Ephesians, we'll learn together about the characteristics of God's "great love" for us. It's true -- you are loved by God.
In this episode, I discuss:
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make observationsSlow downConsider the oppositeEpisode Guide DownloadThe Story Behind the Song "Loved By You" by Riley Clemmons - New Release Today ArticleVerses in Ephesians that talk about God's love Ephesians 2:4-5Ephesians 3:17-19Ephesians 5:2Ephesians 5:25Characteristics of God's love GreatBenevolentAffectionateGroundingSurpasses knowledgeFills us with all the fullness of GodSacrificialDefine "grounded" - BibleHub.com Greek definition, WordHippo.com English definitionConsidering the opposite of being grounded in God's loveExploring Paul's prayer - Ephesians 3:14-21Defining "power" as we did in Episode #478Additional Resources
Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.comThe story behind the song "Loved By You" by Riley Clemmons - NewReleaseToday.comMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge
Dive into Ephesians. Read it all the way through. Read it out loud. Read it in various translations. Then, interact with the text to better understand God’s love. When you sing, “I am loved by You,” do you understand more about what kind of love God’s love really is? Finally, pray and ask God to grant you to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in your inner being so that you can comprehend and experience the love that He has for you and be rooted and grounded in that love.
Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE. -
#483: "Hallelujah Feeling" by Caleb & John
Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.
While our feelings are not reliable, solid evidence of God, the evidence of God in our lives has the power to impact our feelings. That's what Caleb & John are singing about in their song "Hallelujah Feeling." The Holy Spirit can fill us with joy and peace based on our right relationship with God.
Let's explore Scripture together to see what it teaches us about being "born again."
In this episode, I discuss:
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make observationsSlow downConsider the oppositeEpisode Guide DownloadThe story behind the song "Hallelujah Feeling" by Caleb & John - YouTube Video - Romans 15:13Seeing the phrase "born again" in our Scripture focus in Episode #482 and the lyrics of this week's song - 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 1:23Exploring the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus where Christ introduces the phrase "born again" - John 3:1-21Diving into the Old Testament Scripture that Nicodemus should have understood better - Ezekiel 36-37Making observations while studying the text like Nicodemus saying, "We know you come from God," but other Scriptures declaring that opinion wasn't shared across the board - Mark 3:22, John 1:11How Jesus flipped Nicodemus's theology upside down. Nicodemus thought entering God's kingdom had everything to do with physical birth...Jesus says the opposite - "Exalting Jesus in John (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)" - Amazon Paid LinkThe theme of death to rebirth woven throughout Old and New TestamentsThe references in 1 John about being born of God 1 John 3:91 John 4:71 John 5:11 John 5:18Considering what being born again is NOTIdentifying characteristics of being born againConfirming the necessity of being born again (hint: because Jesus said so)Establishing how being born again is effected The agent of change is the Holy Spirit - Ezekiel 37:9, John 3:8The instrument of change is the Word of God - 1 Peter 1:23The condition of change is faith - 1 John 5:1, John 3:14-16Being born again is not something you can just profess. Merely professing to be saved does not save.
Additional Resources
Lyrics for "Hallelujah Feeling" by Caleb & John - NewReleaseToday.comCaleb and John on their Hit Song "Hallelujah Feeling" by WayFM - YouTube Video"Handfuls on Purpose for Christian Workers and Bible Students" - Logos Bible Software LinkMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge
Study for yourself what the Scripture says about being born again. Start in John 3 and make your own observations from the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Then head over to Ezekiel 36-37, where God includes the language Nicodemus should have recognized. In his first letter, note what Peter sa
Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.
Customer Reviews
AWESOME Podcast!
I just love hearing a podcast that measures art through scripture! Michelle does a FANtastic job reaffirming, reflecting, and reminding us about scripture through the Christian songs we hear on the radio (is that still a thing, 😂). Michelle is faithful to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through her careful study of scripture related to us through music.
HIGHLY recommend this podcast as an addition to your STUDY of scripture. Michelle even offers some GREAT tips for HOW to better study scripture that will add insight and understanding for the novice to the seasoned elder. Be blessed through Michelle’s work, y’all!
Definitely more than a song!
This podcast speaks to my heart. Connecting the songs I listen to and worship with, to the Word of God is very enriching. Michelle Nezat’s Bible Study method of B.I.T.E. is very much how I like to study the Word. Variety, multiple sources, context, cross references, definitions…all these and more. Episode #473 challenged me and connected the song to a portion of scripture I hadn’t considered - David moving the Ark using his preferences, not God’s preferences. Now to look at my life and see and see where I have used my preferences and not sought God about His preferences!
Very Enjoyable!
Just found this podcast! You very thoroughly analyze popular modern Christian songs and use Scripture to back up your statements. All I have to say is Hallelujah! Praise God! God Bless your ministry abundantly!