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

GET YOUR EPISODE GUIDE HERE Putting first things first is a habit of highly effective people. But what are the "first things" for a follower of Christ? How does God rank the things you should be prioritizing above others? Let's allow Scripture to mold how we interpret the world. 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 in context Meditate on Scripture Define words Read/study various translations Compare and contrast Episode Guide Download Reading the entire Sermon on the Mount Recognizing that there's value in continuing to read and keep on reading and a time to stop and explore when interacting with Scripture Our focus area of Scripture in the "do not" section of the sermon - Matthew 6:19-34 How our inspiration song restates what Jesus is teaching Three areas we can rank higher than God wants us to Stuff What we watch (look at) Money Considering th

Do you praise God amid deep distress? When your circumstances don't change, when the pain doesn't let up, when you feel like you're underwater and can't catch your breath, can you muster a song of praise to God? Rend Collective challenges us to do that in their song "Hallelujah Anyway." A man in Scripture found himself in deep distress and tragic loss and gave a hallelujah anyway. Let's spend some time exploring Job's story this week. 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 text Read in context Read for a set period of time Read and keep on reading Remember that the people in the Bible were real Episode Guide Download Don't get stuck in one way of interacting with God's Word - Job 33:14 Stay curious as you interact with God's Word The story behind the song "Hallelujah Anyway" by Rend Collective

The effects of sin are ravaging our world. Like the devastating locusts stripping the land bare in the book of Joel, we are stripped of meaningful worship owed to Father God. Let Andrew Ripp's song "For The Love Of God" remind you of God's love and his call to action displayed in this minor prophet book. And let the text lead us to action in our own devastated land.   In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Share with a friend Read the text out loud Read in context Consult section headings Make observations Make a list Consult an overview Pray The Episode Guide for continued self-study Overcoming the obstacle of feeling inadequate when it comes to discussing Scripture Read the text together Get your bearings of the context using section headings Make some observations Write down any questions Pray and ask God to reveal what He wants you to see Learn from trusted out

In the beginning. These are the first words of two chapters of the Bible—one in the Old Testament and one in the New. These are also the opening lyrics to Anna Miriam Brown's song "Was The Word" from her musical His Story The Musical. Join me on the podcast as we explore what "beginning" we're talking about, Who was there, and what happened. It's exactly what you think, yet so much more. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Slow down Read the text out loud Write out Scripture Use your imagination Meditate on Scripture Compare and contrast Journal your thoughts The Episode Guide for continued self-study Anna Miriam Brown's musical "His Story The Musical," now being performed live in Texas - His Story The Musical Website My Friday With Friends episode with Anna - Special Edition: Anna Miriam Brown on Friday With Friends A previous episode

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 Anna Miriam Brown to talk about her musical "His Story: The Musical," the opening song "Was The Word," her favorite Bible Interaction Tool Exercises, and why she loves God's Word. Now 23, Anna started writing His Story: The Musical at the age of 16 while on a mission to Africa. A dyslexic, unable to read or write before 9 years old, homeschooled Anna focused instead on the arts before writing her first songs at 15. As a social-media-savvy Gen Z, she sees a chance to reach her generation with the timeless story of light and hope. Anna is an autho

I love singing God's Words back to Him. That's why Matt Maher's song "The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)" is on my playlist! But the real joy for me was diving into Scripture inspired by this song. There's a lot we can learn from Jesus' teaching on how to pray; let's use this song to remind us of all we've learned. Follow me to Matthew 6 as we explore the context and the words of the Lord's Prayer more fully. 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 in context Use your imagination Consult various translations Consult an outside resource Start with God Consider the opposite The Episode Guide for this week's podcast The two places in Scripture the Lord's Prayer is recorded - Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 Approaching God's Word with an open heart to what it actually says, laying aside previous teaching or tradition Stud

I believe in the promises of God. I've seen God move in miraculous ways in Scripture and in my own life. But I also know from experience that sometimes things don't turn out how I prayed for or in the timing I had hoped for. Benjamin William Hastings and Blessing Offor actually address this in their song, "That's The Thing About Praise." Join me on the podcast as we look closely at a church family who didn't get the rescue they probably wanted but remained faithful. I can imagine the only way through it for them was a hallelujah. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make a list Read the whole letter Pray Scripture The Episode Guide for this week's podcast Considering the limitations of sermons that don't prepare you to endure affliction Recognizing that when we sing "the only way through it is a hallelujah," it means we are removing the focus

Sometimes we know what we believe but aren't studied enough to defend it. The chorus of Jon Reddick's song "I Believe It (The Life of Jesus)" inspired me to search for Scriptural evidence supporting what I believe about the life of Jesus. Join me as we use this week's song as inspiration to search the Scriptures for why we believe what we believe. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reader larger chunks of Scripture Consider big themes The Episode Guide for this week's podcast Making a case for creeds The Nicene Creed Combatting bad ideas with truth The life of Jesus is not just a story - GotQuestions.org Article He shows up in extra-biblical texts His followers cataloged his life as eye-witnesses - 1 John 1:1-4 We are blessed in our belief - John 20:29 Jesus holds the keys to death and hell - Revelation 1:17-18 The importance of Christ's resurrect

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 Matt Harmon to talk about his book "Asking the Right Questions: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible," the book that inspired my BITE, Start With God. Dr. Harmon, author and Professor of New Testament Studies at Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary, shares his faith, wisdom, and habits that keep his time in God's Word fresh. Get your own copy of Dr. Harmon's book, "Asking the Right Questions: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible" - Amazon Paid Link. Matt also mentioned "What is

How can you step out in obedience regardless of limited understanding, especially when the road ahead looks barren and dry? That's what Casting Crowns sings about in their song "Desert Road" and also what Philip the Evangelist had to do in the book of Acts.   Join me in this thrilling story of the early church as followers show us what it's like to fulfill Christ's calling on their lives and all God does to bring glory to Himself as a result. 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 in context Complete a word study Define a word Meditate on Scripture Make observations Consult an outside resource The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 463 Download The story behind the song "Desert Road" by Casting Crowns - Klove blog article The featured verse that ties our song to the account in Acts 8 - Acts 8:26 Starting at the beginning of Acts

Is it difficult for you to see God’s grace in the middle of what appears to be a disaster? If you place yourself in the shoes of Christ’s followers at His death, burial, and resurrection, they do not see grace. Micah Tyler’s song “I See Grace” inspired me to consider what Christ’s followers saw instead. Join me as we consider the curse they saw in God’s most tremendous expression of grace. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consult an outside resource Consider the opposite The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 462 Download The empty tomb with the stone rolled away - Mark 16:1-8 The curse we’re under without Christ and the curse Christ became - Galatians 3:10-14 The crushing curse for disobeying any of God’s commandments - Deuteronomy 28 “We cannot begin to grasp the significance of the cross or the full measure of the love of God without first having s

It may seem hopeless. Your life is shattered into a million pieces. You are broken and empty. God is calling you to Himself. He is the master artist who can take your broken pieces and assemble them like a stained glass masterpiece. Amanda Nolan sings about that in her song "Broken Pieces."  Let's explore a "broken pieces" story in the Old Testament. 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 in context Listen to an audio version of the text Repetition Consult an outside resource Start with God Follow the cross-references Remember, the characters described in the Bible were REAL The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 461 Download A valuable resource to study Ruth - Teaching Ruth and Esther by Christopher Ash - Amazon paid link Reading Old Testament narratives correctly - Bible Project Video A word study on loyal love (translate

In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting Amanda Nolan to talk about her new song "Broken Pieces," her faith and music story, her favorite Scriptures, and the habits that keep her time in God's Word fresh.

What is your natural response to the love, power, and glory of God? Do your lips exclaim hallelujah? Do you sing with joy? Do you praise with a heart of gratitude? That's what Brandon Lake's song "Gratitude" leads us to do. And it's reflective of another song in Scripture. King David was in a literal wilderness season when he wrote Psalm 63. Let's consider his song together in light of his circumstances. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Follow the cross-reference Complete a word study Consult an outside resource Meditate on Scripture Make a list The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 460 Download Choosing Psalm 63 because our theme verse matches the lyrics of our song - Psalm 63:4 Following the cross-reference to 2 Samuel 13-19 to read about David and Absolom and what led to David's wilderness experience Considering

Let this be an encouragement to you. Don't lose heart, my friend. This life is filled with many afflictions -- some of which feel like they might pull us under. But you're not alone. Just like Steven Curtis Chapman sings in his song "Don't Lose Heart."     Paul offers his own words of encouragement in his second letter to the Corinthians. Let's explore God's Word 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: Read in context Read and keep on reading Make observations Complete a word study Follow the cross-references The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 459 Download The KLOVE blog post where Steven discusses the story behind the song "Don't Lose Heart" - KLOVE.com article Mary Beth Chapman's book "Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope" - Amazon Paid Link Unpacking our

It's true -- God really does love you. But what kind of love is the Father's love? This is the question I explored in Scripture in this episode inspired by Crowder's song "God Really Loves Us." Continue soaking in John's first epistle as we look at it from a different starting point. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Repetition Read in context Historical context Mark up the text Consult an outside resource Episode 457, where we talk about studying 1 John, seeking what it has to teach us about being a child of God God's love is distinct from humans because he is distinct from humans God's love is a reflection of His character Beholding the manner of God's love - 1 John 3:1 Reviewing the historical context around John's first epistle - "The Message of John's Letters" by David Jackman - Amazon Paid Link Deducing the the

As believers, our position in Christ and the family of God changes everything. We have been transformed; who we were before is not who we are now. But did you know what we will be is not who we are now? I was inspired by Ben Fuller's song "Who I Am" to study what Scripture says is the evidence and responsibility of a child of God. Join me as we plumb the depths of 1 John this week. 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 text Start with God Mark up the text Meditate on God's Word Define words Explore a theme Repetition Make a list The goal of the podcast is not to "mix it up" but instead discover and meditate on God's Word -- even if you stay in the same place for awhile Companion episodes to this week Episode 447 - "Then Christ Came" by MercyMe Episode 455 - "Perfectly Loved" by Rachael Lampa L

In his song "Good Lord," David Leonard sings about looking back to see all that God has done, which provides the foundation for his declaration about the goodness of God. This is a celebrated practice throughout Scripture. This week we soak in a Psalm of Remembrance and learn the value of remembering and rehearsing the goodness of God. 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 in context Listen to an audio version of the text Read aloud Repetition Make a list Start with God Follow the cross-references Looking for the songwriter's purpose - Psalm 78:1-4 The types of Psalms found in Scripture Psalm 78 as a didactic psalm - intended to instruct Reasons to teach our children/others the truths of Scripture - Psalm 78:5-8 Following the cross-references to the historical narrative summarized in Psalm 78 Three times the psalmist highlights the people testing God - Psalm 78:18

There is comfort and conviction in the idea that we are perfectly loved by God. We can learn about God's perfect love in Scripture and then use Rachael Lampa's song "Perfectly Loved" to remind us of what we've studied. Let's contemplate this area of Scripture together using a meditative practice. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Pray Repetition Read the text aloud Listen to contemplative music as you meditate Slow down One word Meditate on God's Word Consider the opposite Follow the cross-references Pray Scripture Following the Lectio Devina workflow in Logos Bible Software Stretching yourself by trying something new but giving yourself grace in the process Start by asking God to guide your time in His Word The next step is the "lectio" part of Lectio Devina (which means Divine Reading) - lectio means "reading" in Latin - 1

One of the main reasons listeners give for not reading the Bible for themselves is distraction. I'm right there with you. I can't tell you the number of times I pick up my phone to do something, and my notifications send me off on the trail of distraction that leads to forgetting what I wanted to do on my phone in the first place. Sean Curran's song "All Praise" reminds us to fix our eyes on God. This is to turn our attention to Him and His ways. Let's explore three Scripture areas that tell us what to fix our eyes on. 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 in context Make a list Meditate on Scripture Passion Conferences and the longevity of them - Isaiah 26:8 A response to the public recitation of God's Word A previous episode on fixing our eyes - Episode 331 Fixing our eyes on Jesus - Hebrews 12:2 Noting the amount of unseen and unknown things peop