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

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If I asked you to share "the gospel" with me, could you do it? I think the word gospel is one of those words that Christians use often and the assumption is that if we use it enough, then people will automatically know what it means. Hillsong United's song, "King of Kings" shares the message of the gospel...the good news of Christ...in a beautiful and clear way.

Let's discover the truth of Scripture behind the lyrics of this song together.

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Reading in context
  • Considering the big story (metanarrative)
• How your time in Scripture will "add up" until you can make the links on your own
• The darkness and emptiness of Genesis (Genesis 1:1-2) as an example of the spiritual darkness and emptiness of people without Christ
• How Zechariah's prophesy over his son John included a mention to the light and mercy mentioned in the song - Luke 1:76-79
• Jesus as the great light dawning - Matthew 4:12-17
• The Light (Jesus) was in the beginning - John 1:1-13
• Our Savior fulfills the law and prophets - Matthew 5:17-20
• The law and the prophets bear witness about Christ - John 5:33-47
• A more complete discussion of the prophecies fulfilled at the virgin birth - Episode 300
• The stark contrast between our Savior's heavenly home and earthly sojourn - Philippians 2:6-7

• Lyrics and Chords (and piano tutorial in the New Song Cafe) - WorshipTogether.com
• The story behind the song "King of Kings" by Hillsong Worship - New Release Today article

Meditate on these areas of Scripture listed in the show notes above. Consider them in the context of where they were written and then ponder how every story whispers the name of Jesus. Finally, recount the goodness of God and offer your sacrifice of worship and PRAISE.

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If your pattern is to closely examine small chunks of Scripture -- and you never zoom out to see the Grand Story -- you may miss out on the staying pattern of our faithful God. Matthew West's song "The God Who Stays" inspired me to take a fly over approach we see the method of our Master.

Buckle up, we're going to fly high over a lot of ground, but I think it will give us an amazing perspective wherever we land in Scripture next.

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Reading in context
  • Considering the big story (metanarrative)
• The reason why we are drawn to the "staying" characteristic of God - Psalm 94:14
• Considering the whole of Scripture - all 66 books, over 40 authors, written over 1500 years
• The covenants of God and a useful tool from Bible Project to help you explore them - BibleProject.com
• Consider exploring further these areas of Scripture:
  • Genesis 1-3 - creation and fall
  • Genesis 6+ - the flood and the Noahic Covenant
  • Genesis 11 - the Tower of Babel and the scattering
  • Genesis 12 - the Abrahamic Covenant
  • Exodus 14 - God's deliverance of His people by the blood of the lamb and by water with the crossing of the Red Sea
  • Exodus 19-24 - the Mosaic Covenant
  • Joshua and Judges - displaying the pattern of deliverance by God, rebellion by the people, crying out, rinse, and repeat
  • 2 Samuel - the Davidic Covenant
  • Kings and Chronicles - each king showing that they were not sufficient to bring the people in right relationship with God
  • The New Testament as the Light of the World dawns breaking 400 years of silence and bringing all the nations (all who would respond) into the New Covenant
• Entering the New Covenant is made possible only by faith in Christ, who shed His blood to take away the sins of the world - Hebrews 8:6

• Lyrics and Chords (and guitar tutorial) - EssentialWorship.com
• Bible Project - The Covenants in the Bible

We covered a lot of ground today. If you would like to explore the big idea of covenant further, I highly recommend a resource on covenants by The Bible Project. If there is a story I highlighted that you’ve never read for yourself before, by all means, read it this week! If you just want to meditate on a chunk of Scripture as is our normal weekly pattern, I recommend Psalm 94.

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When Paul speaks of "power" in the New Testament he is referring to the supernatural active power available from God. We often want God to assign us power to keep moving ahead rather than operating in the power available through abiding with Him. We Are Messengers sings about this active energy in their song "Power." We seek out what Scripture says in context.

Join me on a journey through 2 Corinthians.

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Read and keep on reading
  • Read in context
  • Listen to an audio version of Scripture
  • Repetition
  • Read the introduction
  • Complete a word study
• This week's song could have led us to the same area of Scripture as Episode 304...check it out HERE
• Getting inspired by the phrase in the lyrics " the new has come all the old is dead" which comes from 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Not overthinking WHERE you spend time in Scripture...just picking a place and sticking with it
• Reading a letter all the way through before you pick apart smaller sections
• Reading the introduction to 2 Corinthians to learn things like, " The central theme of 2 Corinthians is the relationship between suffering and the power of the Spirit in Paul’s apostolic life, ministry, and message." - ESV Study Bible
• Completing a word study on "commend" as found in 2 Corinthians - BibleHub.com
• How "We are not commending ourselves" basically means "we are not reintroducing ourselves again"
• Our focus area of Scripture - 2 Corinthians 5:11-2 Corinthians 6:10
• Not living for ourselves, or living as if this present life is all that matters
• The very things that Paul’s opponents used to discredit him, he lists as proof and defense - 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
• How it’s not OUR power and our strength that We Are Messengers sing about this week -- it is GOD'S power

• Lyrics and Chords - PraiseCharts.com
• Introducing We The Kingdom - how the band got together - YouTube video
• More information about John's baptism - GotQuestions.org
• When we forget the necessity for forgiveness, we become entitled. Check out this interesting article from ChurchLeaders.com.

I hope you will take the challenge to start in 2 Corinthians chapter 1 and read all 13 chapters. If this week’s song is inspirational to you, spend some time looking for power and strength vs. weakness in this letter -- you may be surprised at what you discover. Read and keep on reading. You can do it!

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So many times we lay our lists at the feet of the Father, asking for what we need (because He tells us to ask). Unfortunately, sometimes what we really need isn't obvious to us. We The Kingdom's song "Holy Water" celebrates the forgiveness of God. Let's join them.

There's a story of faith, friends, forgiveness, and healing in the Gospel of Mark. But it doesn't play out like we would expect it. Let's explore it together this week.

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Reading in context
  • Use section headings
  • Making observations
  • Writing down your observations
  • Sharing with a friend
• Our key Scripture area - Mark 2:1-12
• Getting our bearings to understand what is going on by previewing the section headings leading up to our key Scripture area
• How Jesus was starting to get so famous He could not enter towns freely - Mark 1:45
• Not overthinking WHERE in Scripture we are studying, but also not being held back by preconceptions
• How Jesus was teaching as much as He was healing
• Making observations
  • Who was in the room?
  • What spoken words were recorded?
  • What were the actions taken? (Hint: look for verbs)
• Defining the duties of Scribes - BlueLetterBible.org
• Observing that Jesus SAW their faith - James 2:14-17
• A quote by John Piper, "'Son of Man' has the double meaning of human being and, according to Daniel 7, exalted heavenly one. And Jesus means to communicate both of those." - DesiringGod Article
• God's promise that if we confess our sins, He will forgive them - 1 John 1:9

• Lyrics and Chords - WorshipTogether.com
• More information about John's baptism - GotQuestions.org
• When we forget the necessity for forgiveness, we become entitled. Check out this interesting article from ChurchLeaders.com.

Read Mark 2 for yourself. In fact, go ahead and start in Mark 1 and read through Mark 2 to read in context. Pull out a notebook and interact with God's Word. Write down your observations. Read with a friend and mark down observations together! Consider the emphasis Jesus put on forgiveness in this account. If you are a follower of Christ, celebrate His forgiveness freely given -- just repent, confess, and be purified.

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There are several examples in Scripture where God literally fought for His people -- they just had to stand still and watch. What were the characteristics of the people God fought for? Riley Clemmons' song "Fighting For Me" inspired me to explore one story in search of characteristics of faithful followers.

Join me in the wilderness of Tekoa as we watch this story unfold.

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Reading in context
  • Read and keep on reading
  • Make a list
  • Remember the people you are reading about in the Bible were REAL
• Descriptive vs. prescriptive - GotQuestions.org Article
• The beginning of the story of the battle God handled on His own - 2 Chronicles 20:1-4
• Backing up to the beginning of Jehoshaphat's dad's beginning - 2 Chronicles 14
• A list of reasons why God was with Jehoshaphat - 2 Chronicles 17:3-6
• Being deeply committed to the ways of the Lord
• Jehoshaphat's influence on the people - ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭17:7-9
• How Jehoshaphat laid the foundation that led to his people's response in 2 Chronicles 20:4
• How one big bad decision did not override the pattern of Jehoshaphat's devotion to God - 2 Chronicles‬ ‭19:1-3‬ ‭
• How our cries to God for help (like Jehoshaphat) will be more meaningful when we've led a life devoted to Him - 2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:12‬
• The fact that God WILL fight for us -- for HIS glory, not our own - Proverbs‬ ‭21:31‬

• Lyrics and Chords - TabsForWorship.com
• The story behind "Fighting For Me" by Riley Clemmons - New Release Today Article

We covered a great deal of ground today. To really soak in all that we discussed, go back as far as you’re willing (at least to King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14) and read through Jehoshaphat’s reign. If you’re inspired, feel free to keep on reading! Consider the pattern of King Jehoshaphat's life and how it directly impacted the results of his reign and his interactions with God.

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There is so much new about a new year. We make new goals and resolutions, and this year we're even embarking on a new decade! While a new year brings a fresh slate of days to try new things, let's make sure we're making progress toward the true prize of our calling. Building 429's song "Press On" inspired me to consider the difference between starting over and pressing on.

Join me in a letter from Paul to the Philippians to see what we can learn.

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Reading in Context
  • Use section headings to get your bearings
• Pondering the contrast between pressing on vs. starting over
• "Forgetting the past" doesn't mean we should keep starting over - Philippians 3:12-14
• Getting in the habit of reading the entire letter (especially the shorter epistles) before focusing in on section
• Getting perspective as we gear up to press on - Philippians 3:1-4
• The very background that is worthless toward salvation and is garbage compared to Christ, God uses to build His kingdom - Philippians 3:5-11
• Keeping our eyes fixed on our heavenly calling as we PRESS ON

• Lyrics and Chords - WorshipChords.net
• The story behind "Press On" by Building 429 - YouTube Video

Read the entire letter to the Philippians at least once before you zero in on chapter 3. Consider the difference between starting over and pressing on. Pray and ask God if you need to rearrange your goals based on turning your gaze toward your heavenly calling.

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We celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ as a baby at Christmas. However, He's slated to arrive again. I wonder if there is anything we can learn from those who eagerly expected Christ's arrival the first time? Anna Miriam Brown's song "Arrive" inspired me to explore this question and more.

I can't wait to introduce you to Simeon in the pages of Luke's account.

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Repetition
  • Observe
  • Write down your observations
  • Explore a topic
  • Remember the people described in Scripture were real
  • Follow the cross reference
  • Make a list
• The musical this song comes from - HisStoryTheMusical.com
• The story behind His Story The Musical - YouTube Video
• The details of the week after Christ's arrival as a baby in the hay - Luke 2:21-24
• Following the cross-reference to what the law requires - Leviticus 12
• Meeting Simeon - Luke 2:28-35
• The arrival of Jesus Christ was the culmination of God's great plan since before the foundation of the world - Galatians 4:4
• Making a list of the qualities displayed in Simeon
  • righteous
  • devout
  • eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel
  • the Holy Spirit was upon him
  • the Holy Spirit revealed things to him
  • he followed the leading of the Holy Spirit
• As we await the second arrival of Christ may we display these characteristics as well

• Lyrics - BandCamp Link
• The story behind "His Story The Musical" - YouTube Video

Read Matthew 1 and 2 and Luke 1 and 2 again this week. Keep your eye out for the details of the arrival. Slow down and consider Simeon who was forever recorded in history for us to know. The details of who he was were important enough for God to ensure they were included in Scripture, and we can learn so much from him as we eagerly await the arrival of Christ the second time.

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It's hard to adore someone you don't really think about. River Valley Worship reminds us in their song, "Adore You," that "unto us a child is born." This is something Isaiah first foretold, and his words are something worth pondering.

Do you know anything about "throne names"? We'll explore Christ's throne names and more on this week's episode.

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Meditation
  • Read in context
  • Slow down
  • Repetition
• Meditating on Scripture through thoughtful reflection and contemplation
• Reading difficult sections of Scripture to "get it under your belt"
• Discovering passages of Old Testament Scripture that are Messianic prophesies through discovering their references in the New Testament - Matthew 4:12-17
• Our focus area of Scripture - Isaiah 9:1-7
• The Son being born - Matthew 1:23
• The Son being given - John 3:16
• The throne names of Jesus - Bible.org Article
• An example of a throne name in 2 Samuel 23:1
• Meditating on the names of Christ in Isaiah 9:6
  • Wonderful counselor
  • Mighty God
  • Everlasting Father
  • Prince of Peace
• The zeal of the Lord that made all of this come to pass

• Lyrics and chords - Open Network
• The Glorious Messiah and the Messianic Age (Isaiah 9:1-7) - Bible.org article

Keep reading in Matthew 1 and 2, Luke 1 and 2, and now add Isaiah 9. It's okay to meditate on the four names of Christ in this passage. You could follow some cross-references to learn more about how Christ displays these characteristics in Scripture. Be sure to read in context, even if it's just to give you the practice to incorporate this habit into your own Bible interactions.

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What a name our Savior was given! Emmanuel - God With Us. Names in the Bible held great significance, and this one was no different. How exactly did God choose to BE "with us?" He arrived as a baby! This week we use Matt Redman's song, "The Name of Emmanuel" to explore the humanity of Christ.

This is definitely something I have skimmed over in the past. I can't wait to share what I found with you!

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Repetition
  • Make a List
  • Meditation
  • Explore a Topic
  • Utilize an outside resource
• Exploring the topic of incarnation - a term used by theologians to indicate that Jesus, the Son of God, took on human flesh
• Starting in John 1:1-5, 9-14 and making a list of everything we learn about The Word
• During Jesus' earthly ministry no one questioned his humanity, but it wasn't long after Jesus' ascension that questions arose about this
  • You see John trying to answer this argument in 1 John 4:1-3, and 2 John 1:7
• Using a DesiringGod.org article as a jumping off point for further study
• The human body of Jesus
  • He was born - Luke 2:7
  • He grew - Luke 2:40, 52
  • He got worn out - John 4:5-6
  • He got thirsty - John 19:28
  • He got hungry - Matthew 4:2
  • He got weak - Matthew 4:11, Luke 23:26
• The heart and emotions of Emmanuel
  • He marveled - Matthew 8:10
  • His soul was sorrowful - Matthew 26:28
  • He was deeply moved and troubled and wept - John 11:33-35
  • He prayed with loud cries and tear - Hebrews 5:7
• Even though He was God, Jesus surrendered His human will to the Father - John 6:38, Matthew 26:39
• How Jesus being LIKE us impacts His ministry TO us - Hebrews 2:5-18, Hebrews 4:14-16

• Lyrics and chords - Worship Together
• Why wasn't Jesus named Emmanuel? - GotQuestions.org article
• The Importance of the Incarnation - Bible.org article
• Jesus is Fully Human by David Mathis - DesiringGod.org

Keep reading Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. Continue making observations and writing them down. Take a little time this week to ponder the incarnation. Consider that this baby born in a manager is Emmanuel...God with us. Really take in both sides of The Word — His divinity and complete humanity.

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It's the most wonderful time of year -- and the best time to pull out your Bible and read the Christmas story! Casting Crowns inspires us to do just that through their song "It's Finally Christmas." We are reminded that Jesus truly is the reason for the season.

This week will lay the foundation for a few weeks of exploring the Christmas story.

On this week's episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Make observations (and write them down)
  • Follow cross references
  • Discuss with a friend
  • Read and keep on reading
  • Compare and contrast
  • Repetition
• Using the Advent season to use Christmas music to inspire us to read Scripture
• Piecing together the traditional "story" by reading all the sources - Luke 1-2, Matthew 1-2, Isaiah 9:1-7 and more!
• Observing how important it was to Matthew to be sure the reader knew Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy
  • Matthew 1:22 leads us to Isaiah
  • Matthew 2:4 leads us to Micah
  • Matthew 2:14 leads us to Hosea
  • Matthew 2:16 leads us to Jeremiah
• Comparing and contrasting the details included in Luke vs. Matthew
• Examining the names in Matthew 1:1
  • Jesus
  • Christ
  • Abraham
  • David
• Exploring the Abrahamic covenant - Genesis 12:1-3
• Exploring a summary of the Davidic covenant - 1 Chronicles 17:11-14
• Noticing the ladies mentioned in this genealogy
• Catching Matthew in a math "mistake" when he uses a little literary expertise to put an exclamation point on exactly WHO Christ is

• Lyrics and chords - Essential Worship
• Birth and Childhood of Christ - video and guide at TVC Resources
• Jesus & Genealogies - article and video at The Bible Project

Follow the Bible Interaction Tool Exercise (BITE) of repetition. Read and re-read the story of the birth of Christ in Matthew and Luke. Write down new observations each time you read. Follow some of the cross references. Go read some of the stories of the ancestors of Christ. Familiarize yourself with the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants to see if you can spot Jesus as their ultimate fulfillment.

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