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

Sometimes Christians say things that are meant to be a comfort to others but aren't theologically sound. Shocking, I know. Some of my favorite videos to watch are when the guest has to guess if it's something that comes from the Bible or a quote. Today on the podcast, we prove the comforting ideas found in Matthew West's song "Me On Your Mind" come from Scripture. We'll study a wonderful prayer of Jesus to encourage us that He, indeed, had us on His mind. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditate on Scripture Read in context Use the subheadings to gain your bearings Follow the cross-references Slow down Look up words in the dictionary Consult an outside resource Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis - Amazon Paid Link How Jesus had us on His mind in his recorded prayer in John 17 Backing up to John 13 and reading forward to get the full context of what was happening Co

The rule and reign of Christ will never end. Local Sound sings about this when they declare the faithfulness of our "King through all the ages" in their song "Time And Time Again." Explore Scripture with me this week as learn more about our King of the Ages. In 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 various translations Use your imagination Explore a theme Read in context Follow cross-references My special Friday With Friends interview with Emily and Drew, members of Local Sound - A link to the audio or video version of the interview Reading various translations to see the name King of the Ages also translated as King Eternal - BibleHub.org The office of king in the Old Testament as a mediatorial office God's chosen people rejected God from being king over them - 1 Samuel 8:7 God revealing his Kingdom plan for a coming king in the line of David that will last forever -

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. Today I have the privilege of hosting Emily and Drew of the band Local Sound to talk about their new song "Time And Time Again," where they are currently reading in God's Word, the role of Scripture in Christian music, and more.  Of course, I get them to share their favorite Bible Interaction Tool Exercises, too. Connect with Local Sound Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localsoundmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localsoundofficial/ Website: https://www.localsoundband.com/ Listen to their music: https://slinky.to/ThisIsMyLocal

When God created the universe, He did not wind it up like a watch and cast it aside until time ran out. Instead, God has been working and continues to work. God has plans. Rend Collective sings of God's continued participation in their song "Plans." We'll explore evidence of God's plans for some key people in history. Without God's plans for these critical people coming to pass, His eternal plans for us would never be fulfilled. Come! Let's explore God's plans together. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Share with a friend Read the text aloud Read for a set amount of time Read and keep on reading Read with a pen/highlighter in hand Ask questions Write in a journal Make a list How Rend Collective said this song reflects "the grey space between faith and fear" - CCM Magazine Article My morning Bible routine with my daughter, who is homeschooling

Stepping out into the unknown with God is made possible through His grace bestowed upon us, and the evidence of His faithfulness He gives us. "Build A Boat" by Colton Dixon sings about walking with God to do the impossible. This is reflected in the life of Noah -- a man of great faith whose life is worth exploring. Join me as we dig in and think deeply about the lessons we can learn from the life of Noah in the Old and New Testaments. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditate on Scripture Use your imagination Share with a friend Consult an outside resource Define words Read in context Remember the people reflected in the Bible were real Interview with Colton Dixon about the story behind the song - Wally Show YouTube Video Where to read about Noah - Genesis 6-9; Hebrews 11 The favor of the Lord allowing Noah to be described later as righteous, blameless in his generation, and a man w

The best way to explore deeper water fast is to dive in. You would never dive in the shallows -- that's dangerous. There's no place to dive in the shallows. You can pretty much see everything from the surface. But God calls us to deeper waters as it relates to exploring His Word. This week I use Stephen Curtis Chapman's 90's hit "Dive" to inspire us to dive into the book of Hebrews. Are you ready to go deeper? Hebrews offers deep waters that lead to endless opportunities to explore many other areas of God's Word. In 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 Read and keep on reading Consult an overview Ask questions Remembering the people of the Bible were real Compare and contrast Make a list Journal your thoughts and/or share with a friend Partner podcast for this episode - Mixtape Theology Stephen Curtis Chapman's Scriptural inspiration from his l

For the first time in over 430 weekly episodes of More Than a Song, I will be taking a brief break from the podcast. I'll be diving back in with fresh episodes on August 15th using 90's Christian throwback song "Dive" by Steven Curtis Chapman. (See what I did there?) I'll also be over at Mixtape Theology (a fellow New Release Today Podcast Network member) for a partner episode on that same day. In the meantime, subscribe to my email list and follow me on social media platforms (specifically Instagram @michellenezat), as my daughter Emily will be highlighting a weekly featured episode from the archives you may have missed. We will also be producing a series of reels on my Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) -- the exercises I use to keep my time in God's Word varied and effective. This way, you can keep reading God's Word for yourself and catch up on forgotten or missed episodes from the archives. Why take a break? In the past, if I've needed to take some t

I think it's an excellent problem to have. The problem that Zach Bolen, lead singer of Citizens, shared with me as the foundation for the song "Everything And More" by Citizens. The problem is that words don't seem to express our God accurately. Any descriptor we can come up with God is all that and more. Join me as we explore the Old Testament book of Job this week to see a group of friends giving their best effort to figure God out. Spoiler alert -- they fail. In 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 Read and keep on reading Consult an overview Follow the cross-reference Look up words in the dictionary Make a list My special Friday With Friends interview with Zach Bolen, the lead singer of Citizens - A link to the audio or video version of the interview Reading the book of Job for yourself The two main resources I used for an overview of Job Reformation Study Bib

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 to have a venue to introduce you to these friends as examples of the multifaceted ways God works in and through His people. Today I have the privilege of hosting Zach Bolen, lead singer with Citizens to talk about their new song "Everything And More," his Bible study habits, Contemporary Christian Music as art, and more.  Of course, I get him to share his favorite Bible Interaction Tool Exercises, too. Connect with Zach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zachbolenmusic Band Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MUSIC.CITIZENS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachbolen/Band Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/citizens_music/

There are truths in Scripture that make us feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we don't think they make sense. Other times they bump up against a belief we hold that doesn't align with Scripture itself. Riley Clemmons' song "Godsend" sent me to 2 Corinthians, where Paul describes something that seems a little "thorny" on the surface. Join me on the journey this week as we allow Scripture to change how we think -- despite the discomfort. In 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 Consult an overview Utilize an outside resource Follow the cross-reference Look up words in the dictionary Read in a variety of translations Historical context Meditate on Scripture The elements of our feature verse reflected in the lyrics - 2 Corinthians 12:7 How God may send painful circumstances to protect us How 2 Corinthians is tricky to read Consulting an overview The Bible Pro

The names of God reveal aspects of His character. I identified two names of God to explore using this week's song "Jireh" by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music as inspiration. Come with me to Genesis to learn more about Yahweh Yireh and El Shaddai. In 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 Remembering the people described in the Bible were REAL Consult a map Use your imagination Slow down My friend Vince Wright and his work at TheBereanTest.com - YouTube Interview on MichelleNezat TV The Berean Test's review of "Jireh" - TheBereanTest.com Article "Jireh" in our song refers to Jehovah Jireh, the King James Version translation of the Hebrew name for God Yahweh Yireh, meaning "The Lord Will Provide" "You are enough" in our song refers to the name for God El Shaddai, meaning All-Sufficient One Where God reveals His name El

What constitutes a miracle to you? How about raising a dead man to life? Of course! Did you know that miracle is available to us as well? That's what Lauren Daigle sings about in her song, "Still Rolling Stones." We learn straight from the words of Jesus in this episode. Explore a familiar story with me in John 11. In this week’s episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Repetition Read in a variety of translations Write in your Bible Reading the account of Christ's resurrection in all four gospels Choosing the rolling stone incident in John 11 - John 11:39 Why I use the English Standard Version to study - Bonus article by Wayne Grudem Letting things "rise to the surface" by reading repetitively Doing the work of interacting with God's Word to get results Focusing on what we DO understand before getting thrown off by what we don't understand in a text Exploring some "so"

Our convictions govern our behavior. You will need deep convictions to stand for your faith in the culture today. This is just what Newsboys sings about in their new single "STAND."     I hope to inspire you to read your Bible for yourself this week. Submitting to God's Word as true will develop deep convictions. This is just the foundation you need to stand on when the waves of culture come crashing upon your shore. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditate on Scripture Read and keep on reading Read in context Two college-aged girls who have taken a stand for the unborn The Ethics 101 article in the Maxwell Leadership Bible - Amazon Paid Link How Uriah's convictions determine his behavior, and ultimately his fate - 2 Samuel 11 John Maxwell's definition of conviction - "A strong belief that so governs your decisions that you are willing to die for it.&quo

In what circumstances do you need to be carried? I think of when I'm hurt or incapacitated -- any time when I can't carry myself. Ellie Holcomb's song "I Will Carry You" led me to consider God's thoughts on why He carries us. Join me in the pages of Scripture to see why God even indicated He would carry us in the first place. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Slow down Make a list Meditate on Scripture Read in context Complete a word study Consider the opposite Compare and contrast How our featured area of meditation inspired Ellie Holcomb in the writing of the song as well - Isaiah 46:4 - JubileeCast.com Article How slowing down can lead to deeper observations and greater understanding God's method of getting us to look more closely at an idea - "Listen to me" The different words for "carry" used in this section of Isaiah "borne&qu

When Brandon Heath sings of days getting dark and life getting hard in his song "See Me Through It," I immediately thought of Habakkuk and the national crisis during his time. The darkness and injustice of his time can be seen in our own, and just like Habakkuk, we can trust that God will see us through it. I have a plan to help you interact with the text of this minor prophet all week. You don't want to miss it. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Remembering the people reflected in the Bible were real Listen to an audio version of the text Reading in context Repetition Study in various translations Make a list Write down observations Ask questions Write out a prayer inspired by Scripture Using this week's song as Habakkuk's theme song Thoughts about prophets I learned from reading in Abraham Joshua Heschel's book "The Prophets" - Amazon Paid Link "

Christ is my firm foundation. He is the rock on which I stand. These are not just great lyrics from Maverick City Music in their song "Firm Foundation (He Won't)," but they're founded in Scripture. Come with me on a journey through God's Holy Word to learn more about our Rock. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make a list Read in context Compare and contrast God does not change and is not impacted by our current chaos Moving beyond powerful lyrics to the deeper truths that inspired them How Christ is our firm foundation - 1 Corinthians 3:11 Christ as the cornerstone - Isaiah 28:16 a tested stone a precious stone a cornerstone a sure foundation How Christ was rejected - Psalm 118 and Mark 12:10-11 What it means that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone - GotQuestions.org Article How we fit it in the building of God as living stones - 1 Peter 2:4-8 Christ as our only foun

Our God is a God of abundance. But while we are looking around thinking an abundant life has to do more with material blessings and a lack of conflict, God has a better idea. Andrew Ripp's song "Fill My Cup" inspired me to discover what God wants to fill us with, as revealed by His holy Word. Join me as we meditate on a couple of psalms and then diligently seek out what Scripture describes as a cup running over. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditate on Scripture Explore a topic Make a list Compare and contrast Psalm 23 because of the phrase "my cup overflows" as inspired by our song - Psalm 23:5-6 Debbie Devries podcast on Psalm 23:5-6 - Debbie Devries Ministry Podcast Episode 30 - "Dinner" How the table of a host was a place of provision and protection Psalm 16 because of the phrase "the Lord is my chosen portion and my cup" - Psalm 16:5-6 Di

I have a love-hate relationship with hard questions. I love that they inspire me to think critically and put in more thought and effort. I hate that the answer is often not as tidy as I would like. In her song "Kingdom Come," Rebecca St. James sings about the Kingdom of God and leads me to seek the answer to some ambitious questions this week. Join me in the book of Matthew to see what Jesus has to say about the Kingdom of God as we consider these two questions: What is the Kingdom of God? And is the Kingdom of God here, or is it coming? In 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 Mark up the text Slow down Make observations of the text Compare and contrast Consult outside resources Share with a friend Reading the text of Scripture for yourself first Recognizing the historical sacrifices made so we could have a copy of God's Holy Word at our fingertips in our own language

Have you ever had the privilege of praying for someone else? Lifting a prayer to God on behalf of someone else is called intercessory prayer. This week's song "In Jesus Name (God Of Possible)" by Katy Nichole is an intercessory prayer. It inspired me to read, study, and meditate on an intercessory prayer Daniel prayed. Join me on the podcast as we explore it together. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Pray Scripture Read larger chunks of Scripture Start with God Make a list How there is no "gift of intercession" rather as followers of Christ we are ALL called upon to intercede for all in authority (1 Timothy 2:2); ministers (Philippians 1:19); friends (Job 42:8); fellow countrymen (Romans 10:1); the sick (James 5:14); enemies (Jeremiah 29:7); those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44); those who forsake us (2 Timothy 4:16); and all men (1 Timothy 2:1) Being faithful to

Today has not caught God off-guard. No matter the circumstance you find yourself in, He's already there, and He already knows what will happen next. JJ Heller's song, "You Already Know," reminds us of God's omniscience -- the attribute of God that means He is all-knowing. Join me in exploring this attribute of God in Scripture this week. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Explore a topic Utilize outside resources Follow the cross-reference Consider the opposite Meditate on truth Pray Scripture How God knows everything - 1 John 3:20 How trusting man (or our own hearts) is not a good idea - Jeremiah 17:5-10 That God has never learned and cannot learn - Isaiah 40:13-14 How God's knowledge is unfathomably deep - Romans 11:33-36 Meditating on the depth of the knowledge of God AW Tozer's book, "Knowledge of the Holy" - Amazon Paid Link That God's d