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

Send us a textThis week, we use “Sweet Baby Jesus” by Carrie Underwood to meditate on the miracle and mystery of the incarnation — Jesus, fully God and fully man, wrapped in the fragile form of a baby. As you revisit the Christmas story this season, don’t miss the weight of what God has done and the wonder held in the hypostatic union [and yes, I will define this].As we officially step into the Christmas season, let's turn our attention to the birth of Christ — not as a sentimental scene, but as the breathtaking reality of God putting on flesh to save us. Join me in the pages of Scripture to explore the humanity and deity of Christ, the theological significance of the incarnation, and why it matters for your faith today.Key PointsWhy slowing down and reading Scripture aloud (a BITE) helps us engage familiar passages with fresh eyesZechariah and Elizabeth as a reminder that God hears and answers prayer in His perfect timingThe biblical foundation for Jesus’ full humanityThe biblical foundation for Jesus’

Send us a textDo you ever feel like you should have “arrived” by now? The truth is, sanctification is a lifelong process, and God’s grace is still at work in us. Crowder reminds us of this in his song “STILL”, and this week we’ll use it as inspiration to dive into Scripture. In this episode, I introduce a new Bible study method called WHALES that helped me uncover fresh insights in the book of Jonah. Jonah’s story is a powerful example of God’s patience and steadfast love—even when we run the other way. If God was still working on Jonah, we can trust He’s still working on us. Key PointsSanctification is progressive—we never fully “arrive” this side of heaven.Crowder’s lyrics remind us that God’s grace is ongoing.Jonah’s rebellion shows that our choices impact others, not just ourselves.Recognizing God’s hand isn’t enough; obedience matters.How Michael Chanley's WHALES Bible Study Method moves us from first impressions to transformation. - Keith Ferrin's Interview with Michael ChanleyScripture Refere

Send us a textHave you ever meditated on the thief on the cross next to Jesus? In this week’s episode of More Than a Song, I explore Melanie Penn’s powerful track “Man On The Middle Cross,” a song sung from the perspective of that repentant criminal. His story—one of mockery turned to mourning, and ultimately to mercy—invites us to reflect deeply on the grace of salvation. Join me as we dive into Luke’s Gospel and uncover the beauty of redemption through the eyes of a man who received eternal life in his final moments.Key PointsThe thief’s perspective reveals grace. Melanie Penn’s song gives voice to the repentant criminal, highlighting the radical mercy of Jesus and the simplicity of salvation through faith.Mourning and mocking are central themes in Luke’s crucifixion account. These emotional responses reflect both the sorrow of loss and the rejection of truth, offering rich ground for reflection and study.The thief was a real person with a real encounter with Christ. Engaging Scripture with the understandin

Send us a textWelcome 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 Melanie Penn to discuss how God's Word influences her personal and professional life, as well as her new album, The Rising - A Resurrection Album, a compelling collection of original songs that chronicle the pivotal period between Christ's burial and His ascension.Melanie Penn is a Nashville-based songwriter at the crossroads of faith and culture. After studying classical voice in college, she moved to New York City and pursued musical theatre, where she enjoyed several years as a mainstay in the theatre scene, most notably playing Sandy on the Bro

Send us a textWhat does the church look like when it reflects the truth of Scripture? Inspired by Tauren Wells’ song Let The Church Sing, I explore the “one” statements in Ephesians 4 and the declarations of God’s uniqueness in Jeremiah and Isaiah. This episode is a call to meditate deeply on God’s character and to examine whether we’ve allowed our structures, traditions, or programs to become idols in our worship.Key PointsUnity in the Church: The lyrics of the song reflect the “one” statements in Ephesians 4, emphasizing one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.Meditation Over Efficiency: Biblical meditation is a slow, deliberate process that contrasts with our culture’s obsession with productivity. It invites us to linger in God’s Word and allow it to shape us.Striving vs. Surrender: Michelle shares her personal journey from striving through achievement to surrender through meditation, especially during a wilderness season in her life.Idolatry in Modern Church Structure

Send us a textThis week, I’m celebrating the first birthday of my novel, A Seat at the Table. Just as the songs I feature each week point readers back to Scripture, I wrote my book to do the same. Joy’s story may be fictional, but the truths she wrestles with are very real. Together, let’s use elements of her journey to launch us into Scripture as we consider the authority of God’s Word and how we can apply it to our lives.In this episode, we dive into David’s story in 1 Chronicles. At first, David relies on his mighty men for advice on moving the Ark of the Covenant—but he doesn’t consult God’s Word. The result is tragic. Later, David pauses, goes back to the Scriptures, and discovers God’s clear instructions. His course correction reminds us that our good intentions aren’t enough—we need God’s truth to guide us.Key PointsJoy’s struggle is our struggle: She longs for guidance but keeps choosing the wrong voices because she doesn’t have a firm biblical standard.The Authority of Scripture: God’s Word isn’t jus

Send us a textHave you ever felt like your joy was slipping away — stolen by circumstances, injustice, or waiting for God to move?Josiah Queen’s song “Can’t Steal My Joy” declares a deeper truth: the joy God gives isn’t tied to what’s happening around us, and the world can’t take away what it didn’t give.This week on More Than a Song, we’re exploring the book of Habakkuk — a short but powerful conversation between a prophet and God about violence, injustice, confusion, and ultimately, unwavering trust. As we follow Habakkuk’s journey from questioning to rejoicing, we’ll discover how to choose joy even in seasons that don’t make sense.Key PointsJoy given by God is not dependent on our circumstances — it’s untouchable and unshakable.Habakkuk wrestled with the same tension we often feel: what we see in the world versus what we know about God’s character.Even in seasons of waiting, confusion, or suffering, we can choose to rejoice in the God of our salvation.Honest dialogue with God is not only allowed but modele

Send us a textFear can creep in when our circumstances shake us, but what if God offers us something better? This week’s song, “No Fear” by Jon Reddick, leads us to explore the very first mention of fear in Scripture and how God’s perfect love casts it out. Together we’ll trace fear from the Garden of Eden to John’s letter of assurance, discovering how to rest in the confidence of God’s unshakable love.Key PointsThe first mention of fear in the Bible and what it reveals (Genesis 3)What Adam’s relationship with God looked like before fear entered the storyWhy context matters when studying familiar passagesHow perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18)Why confidence in salvation is the foundation for overcoming all other fearsHow God’s perfect love—not our striving—sets us freeScripture ReferencesGenesis 1–3 – God’s creation, Adam and Eve’s relationship with Him, sin entering the world, and the first appearance of fear.Genesis 3:6–10 – Adam and Eve eat the fruit, recognize their nakedness, hide from God, and res

Send us a textForrest Frank’s viral song “Your Way’s Better” is catchy, AND its lyrics point us to a deeper truth worth slowing down to consider: God’s way truly is better. From Paul’s letter to the Romans to Israel’s wilderness experiences, Scripture shows us over and over again the futility of choosing our own way over God’s way. This week on More Than a Song, we’ll explore Romans 10 and discover how clinging to our own efforts can keep us from the righteousness that only comes through Christ.Key PointsThe lyrics highlight a clear contrast between the ways of sin and the ways of God.Romans 10:1–4 reveals the Jews' “misdirected zeal” as they cling to their own way instead of embracing God’s way through Christ.God’s way of making us right with Himself is not through law-keeping, but through faith in Jesus.The warnings of misdirected zeal, misunderstanding, and clinging to self-effort apply just as much to us today as they did to the Jews of Paul's day.Studying larger sections of Scripture (like Roma

Send us a textPhil Wickham took a Rich Mullins classic chorus and breathed new life into it with his song What An Awesome God. This chorus has stood the test of time because it is rooted in solid theology. On this episode, we’ll explore Scripture that confirms the truths we sing—that our God is awesome, that He reigns from heaven, and that He reigns with wisdom, power, and love.Key PointsWhy theology (study of God) should always lead to doxology (praise)Using the BITE of making a list to uncover God’s character in Psalm 68Defining the words awesome and reign to deepen our understandingA word study on the Hebrew word ḥesed (steadfast love)How the “new” lyrics added by Wickham are also firmly grounded in ScriptureScriptures referenced in this episode:Psalm 68Nehemiah 1:5Deuteronomy 7:21Exodus 15:11, 18Psalm 99:1–3Psalm 93:1; 97:1; 103:19; 147:4–5Isaiah 40:26; 66:1Matthew 6:9–10; 8:27Romans 14:11Philippians 2:9–11Revelation 4:2–3; 19:6, 12Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs)Make a listDefine words in the Eng

Send us a textHave you ever felt like you were doing the right thing, only to realize you were actually standing in the way of God's plan? That’s what happened to Peter — and Jesus’ strong words in response became the foundation for this week’s song.Emerson Day’s “Get Behind Me” feat. Zach Williams is more than a gritty battle cry against the enemy — it’s a bold reminder to align our thoughts with God’s truth. In this episode, we’ll explore the moment when Jesus rebuked Peter and what that means for us as modern-day disciples.Key PointsThe context behind Jesus’ words “Get behind me, Satan!”Why Peter’s mindset (though well-meaning) missed the markThe enemy’s age-old strategy to distort truthJesus’ call to deny, die, and followHow our own thinking can drift from God’s waysWhat it means to walk the road with Jesus, not just for HimBible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs)Read in context (Mark 7–9, Matthew 15–17)RepetitionReading in various translationsObservationAsking questionsImaginationMaking a listUsing

Send us a textHave you ever been in a wilderness season for an extended period of time? I’m in one now, and Jamie MacDonald’s song Desperate resonated deeply with me. When we explore the stories of desperate people in Scripture, we find that God consistently shows up in powerful ways. This week, we follow the example of one such person—the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings—and discover how faith-fueled contentment can coexist with crisis.Scripture References2 Kings 4:8-37Key PointsDesperation comes in many forms. Scripture reveals both positive and negative responses to desperation—such as the woman with the issue of blood versus Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of stew.Faith-fueled contentment is not denial. The Shunammite woman’s “all is well” was not a pep talk—it was a declaration rooted in deep faith.Desperation doesn’t have to drive you from God—it can drive you to Him. In her moment of crisis, the Shunammite woman didn’t send word—she went to the prophet herself and clung to his feet.Unmet desires don’

Send us a textWe often think standing unashamed for our faith means making bold, public declarations—but what if it starts in private, consistent, quiet obedience? In this episode of More Than a Song, we take inspiration from Matthew West’s song “Unashamed” to explore the gospel in Romans 1 and examples from the book of Daniel. Discover how a heart resolved in private can stand firm in public…even in the fire or before the lions.Key PointsWhen Paul says he is “unashamed of the gospel,” he follows it up with why — because it is the power of God for salvation.Paul’s identity as a servant (Greek: doulos) shapes his purpose and obedience. He belongs to Christ and is sent out by Him.Daniel and his friends didn’t stand in anger, but in resolved obedience—a posture developed over time through daily faithfulness.Being unashamed isn’t just about standing in public moments—it’s about living faithfully in private ones.The gospel is not a New Testament invention. Paul shows it was promised beforehand, centered on Christ,

Send us a textWe love the miracle moments—the breakthrough, the answered prayer, the clear direction. But what about the space between deliverance and destination—the “in-between”? Inspired by Summit Worship’s "In The Waiting" and the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, this episode of More Than a Song explores what God may be teaching us when the waiting feels long and the water tastes bitter. Could it be that in the in-between, God isn’t absent...He’s just getting personal?Key PointsMichelle shares personal updates on being “in the waiting” and how this season mirrors the spiritual and emotional tension explored in this week’s song and Scripture.God doesn’t abandon us in the “in between”; He uses it to shape us and reveal Himself more deeply.Michelle uses the Israelites' journey after the Exodus to explore how God tests and teaches His people during wilderness seasons.God’s expectations of devotion come before His provision—He desires a relationship, not just requests.The names and at

Send us a textDownload the Episode Guide!How can we boldly proclaim that Calvary is enough in a world constantly demanding more? In this episode, let me take you on a rich, multi-layered journey from Golgotha to your heart as we explore the power and meaning behind the place, the sacrifice, and the impact of Jesus’ crucifixion. Anchored in Scripture and inspired by Brooke Ligertwood’s compelling lyrics in her song "Calvary's Enough," we will slow down and soak in the truth of what happened on the cross—and why it still matters today.Key Points"Calvary" is a Place and a Symbol: The word Calvary is Latin for Golgotha, meaning the skull. While we often refer to it symbolically, it’s helpful to remember it is an actual location where Christ was crucified.The Power of the Sacrifice: The episode guides listeners from the literal place of Calvary, through the crucifixion event, to the profound spiritual implications of Christ's sacrifice.Learning for Learning’s Sake: It’s okay to explor

Send us a textGrab your Episode Guide!“It’s hopeless.” That’s what fear whispers in the middle of the night when anxiety tightens its grip and your heart pounds with uncertainty. But what if you could argue back? Inspired by Hannah Kerr’s “Fear Not,” we learn the powerful truth that God’s presence isn’t just near—it’s active, bringing comfort, consolation, and even delight amid chaos. Let’s uncover how Scripture teaches us to confront fear, embrace God’s comfort, and step into the peace only He can provide. We'll see how a suffering poet's words reflect our fears and anxieties and where to go from there.In this episode, I discuss:Song insight: How Hannah wrote this song to express her struggles with anxiety and to remind listeners that they are not alone.Biblical lament: Acknowledging fear and anxiety is the first step before moving toward truth and comfort.Lifting our eyes: Calling to mind the "capital T" Truths about God and what that means for usKey Scripture Passages:Psalm 34:4 - "

Send us a textIn a world filled with uncertainty, it’s comforting to know that we serve an unchanging God. "Constant" by Anthony Gargiula, Jordin Sparks, and Maverick City Music reminds us of this powerful truth—God is constant. This episode explores the biblical foundation of God’s immutability and how it affects our faith and daily lives.Explore this attribute of God with me and then settle in to a Psalm.In this episode, I discuss:Episode Guide Available: – Download your free Episode Guide at michellenezat.com/512download to help you interact with Scripture.God’s Immutability: Unlike humans, who change constantly, God remains the same. His attributes, promises, and purposes never shift.Communicable vs. Incommunicable Attributes: God shares some of His attributes (like love and mercy) with us, but others (like omniscience and immutability) belong to Him alone.Implications of God’s Unchanging Nature: Because God is constant, His love, promises, and salvation are secure. We don’t have to fear that He

Send us a textI don't know if you've ever lifted a desperate prayer that asked, "Lord, why are you keeping me here?" but that line in Samantha Ebert's song "Flowers" gets me every time. That one that acknowledges the valley I'm in but reminds me that God has something beautiful in mind that will bloom from the soil of suffering.Scripture details what good comes from suffering. Join me as we explore part of a letter from Paul to the Romans together.In this episode, I discuss:Episode Guide Available – Download your free Episode Guide at michellenezat.com/511download to help you interact with Scripture.Personal Connection to the Song – I share how Flowers ministered to me during my waiting season.Mountaintop vs. Valley Perspective – Drawing from personal experiences hiking in the Smoky Mountains and biblical wisdom from Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God, I discuss how our circumstances can cloud our view of God, but seeking His perspective brings clarity.Romans 5:3–5 Break

Send us a textGet the Episode Guide at https://michellenezat.com/510downloadWe have an enemy known as the Father of Lies, so it makes sense that one of his tactics is to convince us to believe lies about ourselves AND lies about how God sees us. We combat these lies with the truth from Scripture, and Megan Woods sings about this in her song "The Truth."Let's take the message from this song and see where it comes from in Scripture. And let's take it a step further to examine the WHOLE truth.Key Points Covered in This Episode:Song Introduction - "The Truth" by Megan WoodsA powerful song that speaks against negative self-talk and replaces lies with biblical truth.Michelle’s initial hesitation in using this song on the podcast and how she overcomes it.The Dangers of Misapplying ScriptureThe fine line between biblical encouragement and self-centered theology.How the church can sometimes distort Scripture to make it more about us than about God.A snippet from Michelle's novel, &qu

Send us a textDoes giving your dreams and desires to God feel like giving up? Sarai Rivera sings about surrendering control of her life to God in her song "I Give You My Dreams." In this episode, I explore the alternative to letting God take control displayed in a song of David.Dive into Psalm 37 with me to uncover how we can surrender our dreams and desires to God. With personal stories, Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs), and practical insights, you'll be equipped to trust God’s plan, even when it feels uncertain.Episode HighlightsSurrender vs. Giving Up: Discover what it means to hand your dreams to God without abandoning hope.A Personal Lens: Michelle shares how her family is learning to trust God’s plan amidst college applications, med school, and wedding planning.Diving into Psalm 37: Learn how to study Scripture using BITEs like reading in context, exploring multiple translations, and recognizing repetitive themes.Key Takeaways: Replace fretting with proactive steps like trusting,