How does God do "new" things? What does it mean that He makes all things new? These are the questions I asked myself inspired by Big Daddy Weave's song, "All Things New." Join me on a discovery tour from Old to New Testaments inspired by this song. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Utilize section headings Consult an overview The 30 Day Music Challenge Rehearsing phrases in songs and not really knowing what Scripture says about them Reading Isaiah 42-44 to take in context Isaiah 43:19 where God was doing a new thing Spending time in these same chapters in Episodes 384 and 385 Consulting an overview I use the ESV Study Bible - Amazon Link I also refer to Bible Project videos - YouTube Video How the original audience of Isaiah 44:14-21 were defeated people under worldly domination The new thing God may be doing could be now, but He always has His eyes set on eternity How I need to stop resenting the way God chooses to fulfill His purposes How freedom from captivity in Isaiah 44 was considered a "new thing" by God, and our freedom from the captivity of sin is also called "new" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 God's reason for making us into a "new creation" is to give us the ministry of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 Where we see the actual phrase "all things new" - Revelation 21:1-7 Keeping our eyes fixed on the "new" God has in mind - 1 John 2:17   Additional Resources Lyrics - New Release Today Chords - Praise Charts Behind The Song With Kevin Davis - New Release Today Article "What does it mean that a Christian is a new creation?" - GotQuestions.org Article "Behold, I Make All Things New" - John Piper Sermon - DesiringGod.org This Week's Challenge Let the Word of God change the way you think. Continue to spend time in Isaiah 40-55, focusing on chapter 44, where we see God doing a new thing in an unexpected way. Head over to 2 Corinthians 5 and learn all about the new bodies we'll get in eternity and how we're made into a new creation here on earth, and why. Finally, dwell on Revelation 21, taking in all the newness promised Christ-followers in eternity. 

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

#387: "All Things New” by Big Daddy Weave

What does Scripture say about the house of the Lord? That's what I set out to discover with Phil Wickham's new song, "House of the Lord," playing in the background. The answer weaves through the Old and New Testaments. We only scratch the surface, but let's see how much we can explore. In this episode, I discuss:   Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Explore a topic Make observations Slow down Share with a friend Follow the cross-references The 30 Day Music Challenge Phil Wickham's thoughts in the story behind the song - YouTube Video David's own joy at the thought of going to the house of the Lord - Psalm 122:1 Expressing curiosity at the thought that David implies going to the temple, but it wasn't built in his lifetime The story of David's desire to build a house for the Lord and God's response - 2 Samuel 7:1-7 A wonderful resource to explore the tabernacle and what all the pieces represent - "Made According to Pattern" by CW Slemming Learning about the first dwelling place of God among His people...a tent - Exodus 25 The presence of God filling the tent of meeting and some observations - Exodus 35:34-38 God declaring that David's son would build him a temple - 2 Samuel 7:11-16 Solomon beginning the building process in 2 Chronicles 3 The angel declaring Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant - Luke 1:31-33 The temple as a house of prayer for all peoples - Isaiah 56:7 Comparing Jesus and His new covenant to the copy and shadow of the old covenant - Hebrews 8:1-6 Understanding that individually as believers in Christ we are the temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:19, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Learning that collectively, as believers, we are the dwelling place of God as well - 1 Peter 2:4-5, Ephesians 2:19-22 Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - Essential Worship Behind The Song With Kevin Davis - New Release Today Article "Why didn’t God allow David to build the temple?" - GotQuestions.org Article This Week's Challenge You have a lot of reading and observing to do this week! Head over to Exodus to read all about the tabernacle -- its design and purpose. Then read God's response to David's desire to build Him a "house" in 2 Samuel 7. You can read all about the building process of the temple beginning in 2 Chronicles 3. Explore the fulfillment of God's covenant in Christ in Hebrews 8. Finally, meditate on the truth sprinkled throughout the New Testament that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit -- both individually and collectively. We are the house of the Lord, and there's joy in the house of the Lord.    

#386: "House Of The Lord" by Phil Wickham

I had a student director in college who was a master at asking questions to get you to think. He said he learned it from Jesus in Scripture. I guess Jesus learned it from His Father. Natalie Grant asks a question in her song "Who Else" that God rhetorically asks of Himself. Let's explore our incomparable God together in the book of Isaiah. In this 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 Use your imagination Consult an outside resource The 30 Day Music Challenge How even God asks "who is like me?" - Isaiah 40:25 How God doesn't compare Himself to other "gods" when defining Himself - Exodus 3:14 How God wants the whole world to know there is no one like Him - Exodus 8:10 David's view of himself when faced with God's greatness - 2 Samuel 7:19-21 David's praise response to God's covenant with him voicing again that there is none like Him - 2 Samuel 7:22 Episode 373 and how we are made in God's image Recognizing that being made in His image and being like Him in our "being" are two different things God's communicable and incommunicable attributes and the difference between the two God establishing there is none other like Him - Isaiah 44:6-8 Moving from understanding what the text says to what it means to what it means to me Declarative statements and questions wrapped up in Isaiah 44:9-11 Using our imagination to picture the scene described in Isaiah 44:12-17 The irony of trees used in making idols being watered by rain that worthless gods cannot send - Jeremiah 14:22 Personally examining whether the "good things" in our lives have replaced a good God using Joe Carter's article at The Gospel Coalition - TGC Article Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com Chords - Praise Charts "How to Expose the Idols in Your Life" by Joe Carter - TGC Article This Week's Challenge Read Isaiah 44 for yourself. Consider starting in chapter 40 and reading through chapter 44 (and beyond if you're so inspired). Use your imagination to picture the scene depicted. Follow the logic to see how foolish idols really are. Then examine your own life to identify the idols found there. Finally, turn in deep gratitude and praise to our Creator Redeemer with a humble heart. After all, who else can compare to our God? 

#385: "Who Else" by Natalie Grant

What if you could have that ONE relationship where, no matter how bad you mess things up, the other One won't let go? Our Heavenly Father offers us that stability and consistency we desperately want. When Lauren Daigle sings "Hold On To Me," I think of the many times in Scripture where God promises to do just that. Let's learn more about our Father, who holds us close. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consult an overview Read in context Start with God Compare and contrast Make a list Meditate on Scripture The 30 Day Music Challenge A trusted overview of Isaiah - BibleProject.com How God not only holds us, but carries us - Isaiah 40:11 How God holds us, has the power to keep us, and has our good at heart - Isaiah 41:10 Staying faithful to study God's Word no matter the stage of experience you are in Starting with God when you approach Scripture Using questions to spur on additional study or leaving them unanswered while you meditate on the parts you do understand An article on "recompense" - GotQuestions.org Correcting any wrong thinking that may say we are hidden from God's sight or that He is indifferent - Isaiah 40:27-31 Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com Chords - Essential Worship The Story Behind the Song "Hold On To Me" by Lauren Daigle - YouTube Video Commentary on Isaiah - BibleStudyTools.com This Week's Challenge Read Isaiah 40 and 41 and note the characteristics, conduct, and concerns of our mighty Creator. Figure out how these chapters of Isaiah fit into the whole by watching the overview videos over at BibleProject.com. Make a list, compare and contrast, and meditate on all that God has revealed Himself to be. Then turn in trust despite your current circumstances knowing that He's holding on to you. 

#384: "Hold On To Me " by Lauren Daigle

 It is comforting to me to know that no matter the tragedy, season of pain and sorrow, and storms of my life, the Holy Spirit is a river that flows through the canyon of my life. Ellie Holcomb uses this metaphor in her song "Canyon," and I use it to inspire my exploration Scripture to discover what it has to say to us. Join me as we see the waters of life flow through Scripture and in and through our lives. In this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Use your imagination Read in context Utilize the section headings Follow the cross-references The 30 Day Music Challenge The story behind the song "Canyon" - New Release Today Article The metaphor of your life as a canyon with major events making up the layers What we learned about water as a metaphor from last week's episode - Episode 382 Using your imagination to interact with Scripture The Holy Spirit as "rivers of living water" flowing from your heart - John 7:37-39 Using a physical Bible to aid in "picturing the words on the page" Finding out what Scripture Jesus was quoting by following the cross-reference to Isaiah 55:1 Discovering the gospel message in Isaiah 55 Repentance in Isaiah 55:6-7 God achieving His purposes through His Word - Isaiah 55:10-11 Following the cross-reference to Acts 13 Looking at the layers in the canyon of the history of the Hebrew people and seeing the river of God's presence and life running through it Additional Resources Lyrics - New Release Today Story Behind the Song "Canyon" by Ellie Holcomb - New Release Today Article Chords - Worship Together This Week's Challenge We went to three amazing places in Scripture this week. You could follow the path I took or choose to stop at lookouts along the way. Read John 7. Take the BITE of imagining the scenes described. Ponder the thought that the Holy Spirit is described as a river of life. Follow the cross-reference to Isaiah 55 and uncover the beautiful gospel message held in the text. Ride the rapids to Acts 13, where Paul describes the deep canyon of God's people and reveals that there was a river running through it the entire time.

#383: "Canyon " by Ellie Holcomb

It's easy to get swept away by our emotions when our environment changes. Circumstances don't change God, but they may reveal Him to us in new ways. When We Are Messengers sing "Come What May," I am reminded that I can rely on God no matter what. David sings about this same thing in Psalm 23. Let's explore it together. In this 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 Meditate on Scripture Make a list The 30 Day Music Challenge The way the bridge of our song inspired me to soak in Psalm 23 The benefits of reading repetitively Recognize new details you may have missed before Increase your ability to retell what you've read Build confidence in what you're reading Meditating on Psalm 23 by thinking deeply and imagining the various environments described in the psalm Making a list of environments in Psalm 23 Green meadows Peaceful streams Right paths Darkest valley/dark valley of death Banquet table How a shepherd does not write this psalm, but a sheep Additional water references Isaiah 49:10 Ephesians 5:25-27 Revelation 21:6 John 7:37-39 Our own roles as priests in God's kingdom - 1 Peter 2:9 Additional Resources Lyrics - New Release Today The story behind the song "Come What May" by We Are Messengers - TheChristianBeat.org Article "What Does the Bible Say About Anointing Oil?" - GotQuestions.org Article "What Does it Mean That My Cup Runneth Over?" - GotQuestions.org Article This Week's Challenge Spend some time in Psalm 23 yourself this week. Read it repetitively. Try reading it in various translations to see if details that you may have missed before jump out at you. Spend some time meditating on the text, taking into consideration the environments/circumstances described. Don't be afraid to use your imagination as you picture the scenes in your mind. 

#382: "Come What May" by We Are Messengers

There is a difference between complaining and lament. While bringing our complaints to the Father is part of the pattern of lament we discover in Scripture, it doesn't end there. Alisa Turner offers us a song of lament similar in pattern to what we see in Scripture. In her song "Miracle Or Not," she gives voice to her questions while keeping her feet firmly on the path of praise and trust. King David does the same in the Psalms. Let's explore one of his songs of lament together and see what we discover. In this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consult an outside resource Meditate on Scripture Make a list Journal Read in a variety of translations The 30 Day Music Challenge Alisa Turner's life story - YouTube Video The story behind the song "Miracle Or Not" - YouTube Video The idea of pouring out our grief and complaint into writing a lament as shared by my listener Margot - The Habit Podcast Season 3 Episode 7 How one-third of the Psalms are songs of lament Introducing Psalm 13 as our Psalm to meditate on for the week The resource I gleaned from heavily when considering the topic of lament - "Dark Clouds Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament" by Mark Vroegop The podcasts I listened to that introduced me to Pastor Mark's book - Revive Our Hearts Podcast episodes featuring Mark Vroegop Defining lament Wrestling with feelings that "I shouldn't be feeling this way" Not rushing to the end of sorrow Following a pattern of sorrow that ultimately leads to trust The pattern of lament as found in Scripture Turn to God in prayer Bring your complaint Ask boldly Choose to trust Making a list of King David's questions of complaint in Psalm 13:1-2 Making sure our complaints are based on God's truth. Like the complaint of God seeming to forget when we know from Isaiah 49:14-16 that He does NOT forget. Being raw and real with God -- even journaling our thoughts, questions, complaints, and frustrations -- with the ultimate goal of moving TOWARD God Asking boldly - Hebrews 4:14-16 Reorienting our vision to the ways of God that leads to praise and trust Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - WorshipChords.com The story behind the song "Miracle Or Not" by Alisa Turner - YouTube Video "The Heartbreaking, Hopeful Story of Alisa Turner" - New Release Today Article "What Are The Psalms of Lament" - GotQuestions.org Article "Psalm 13" by Alisa Turner - YouTube Audio This Week's Challenge Read and meditate on Psalm 13. Consider the pattern of lament described in Mark Vroegop's book  "Dark Clouds Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament." Then, journal your own genuine questions and frustrations, keeping a Biblical boundary of complaining out of understanding who God is and what He's like compared to your current situation. 

#381: "Miracle or Not" by Alisa Turner

Worship is something I want to get right. What is the "Heart of Worship" that Matt Redman sings about -- and is it right? God gets dibs on defining the type of worship that delights Him, don't you agree? Let's explore Scripture to see how the type of worship that is pleasing to God is "more than a song." In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consulting an outside resource Read in context Use section headings to get your bearings Make a list Follow the cross-references The 30 Day Music Challenge Getting inspired by our theme verse - Colossians 3:16 Using a chart from an outside resource to jump into Scripture - Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts How the Colossians were to "emphasize the ministry of teaching and admonition by the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" Exploring a song Moses wrote at God's request - Deuteronomy 32 Reading about the purpose of the song through reading in context - Deuteronomy 31 Making a list of the characteristics of the song - Deuteronomy 31:19-22 Jumping over to 2 Chronicles 29 to experience a "coming back to the heart of worship" moment Gaining clarity through the cross-references - Hosea 6:6, Isaiah 1:11-17, 1 Samuel 15:22, Matthew 9:13 The replacement of the Old Testament sacrificial system - Hebrews 10 The kind of sacrifice that God requires of us - Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15 Making a list of "more than a song" things that are pleasing in God's sight from our study of Old and New Testament references (see lists above) Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - WorshipTogether.com The story behind the song "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman - Crosswalk Article This Week's Challenge Read the song God had Moses write in Deuteronomy 32 in context. Consider what the song was intended to do for the people. Then explore the worship service after Hezekiah cleansed the temple in 2 Chronicles 29. Keep in mind what God said through the prophets in Hezekiah's day in Hosea 6 and Isaiah 1. Start to wrap your head around God's true intention in the sacrificial system and discover how Christ fulfilled it in Hebrews 10. Finally, make a list of the kind of sacrificial life that delights our Father in heaven. 

#380: "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman

There's a great invitation in Scripture. It's sprinkled throughout the pages of the Bible in the Old and New Testaments. The invitation is to walk in newness of life in the very presence of our Creator and direct opposition to our human nature. Zach Williams sings of this idea in his song "Less of Me." Let's explore Paul's letter to the Colossians to see what living a little more like Jesus looks like. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in context Read the envelope Consider the historical background Consult an outside resource Read the overview/introduction Consult a map Make a list Compare and contrast The 30 Day Music Challenge Reading the letter all the way through My favorite overview resource - The Bible Project The solution of spiritual maturity in Christ Focusing our attention and efforts in the right direction - Colossians 3:1-4 Dying to self - Colossians 2:12-14 Killing off the earthly remnants in our lives - Colossians 3:5-11 Putting on a new wardrobe that looks a whole lot more like Jesus - Colossians 3:12-17 Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - EssentialWorship.com An overview of Colossians - BibleProject.com Introduction to Colossians - BlueLetterBible.org The story behind the song "Less Like Me" by Zach Williams - YouTube Video This Week's Challenge Read Paul's letter to the Colossians. Watch the overview video from The Bible Project. Read over an online introduction or the introduction in your study Bible to the book of Colossians. Hone in on Colossians chapter 3 and create a chart of ways we live that reflect our "old selves" and how we live to look a little more like Jesus. 

#379: "Less Like Me" by Zach Williams

The Bible may be comprised of 66 books by 40 writers over 1,500 years, but it has one Author (God) and offers a grand storyline running throughout. In the song "Christ The True And Better" by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa, we see the Old Testament connecting with the New as it displays men who were types and shadows of all that Christ would be and fulfill. Let's compare and contrast Christ and Adam as revealed in Scripture. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in context Repetition Read in various translations Listen to an audio version of the text Make a list Write out observations Ask questions Consult an outside resource Define words Compare and contrast The 30 Day Music Challenge My chat with Joel Arcieri over at the Theology of Music podcast - iTunes Show Link | Spotify Show Link Free study guide to continue using this song to inspire further study - Episode 378 Download Answering the question about "types" in the Bible - BlueLetterBible.org Article Discovering Adam was a type of Christ - Romans 5:14 Exploring who Adam is and the purposes God had for him - Genesis 1-3 The ruin of all mankind through original sin - Romans 5:12 Asking questions about Romans 5:13 My trusted outside resource for Romans - Romans Commentary by R. Kent Hughes Mankind lives under death and sin whether there was a law to point it out or not - Romans 5:14 Contrasting the free gift and the trespass - Romans 5:15-16 Defining "justification" - GotQuestions.org Article Discovering through one man death reigns and through the other life reigns - Romans 5:17 The good news of the gospel - Romans 5:18-19 Further looking at the contrast between Adam and Christ - Philippians 2:6-11 Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - PraiseCharts.com "The Bible is Not Basically About You" - The Gospel Coalition Article "Jesus the True and Better" - Tim Keller clips "Jesus the True and Better Adam" - JD Greear Article Defining "justification" - GotQuestions.org Article This Week's Challenge I encourage you to retrace my steps this week and read Genesis 1-3 with your antenna up looking for details about Adam and the purposes God designed for him. Then meditate on Romans 5:12-19 and consider the contrast between Adam and Christ, the true and better Adam. Then grab the free study guide at michellenezat.com/378download to use the song "Christ The True And Better" to inspire further study in Scripture. And don't forget to listen in on my conversation unpacking this song with Joel Arcieri over at the "Theology of Music" podcast. 

#378: "Christ The True And Better" by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa

There's a problem in our hearts that is not a new problem. We have hearts that are prone to wander from God. Hillary Scott & The Scott Family sing of this very thing in their rendition of the famous hymn, "Come Thou Fount." These lyrics will take us on a wonderful journey through Scripture this week. Perhaps you'll find a place to sit and stay for a while with the Source of all our fountains. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in context Journaling The 30 Day Music Challenge How all of our fountains are in Him - Psalm 87:7 Allowing God to tune our hearts like a master musician Understanding the significance of the Ebenezer stone - 1 Samuel 4-7 The time "when completeness comes" - 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 Wandering hearts are not a new phenomenon - Deuteronomy 31:16 We can be sealed for "Thy courts above" - Ephesians 1:13-14 Additional Resources Purchase the album or single on Amazon Lyrics and chords "Come Thou Fount" lyrics - New Release Today Song story "Come Thou Fount" as sung by Hillary Scott and Family - YouTube Video Behind the hymn "Come Thou Fount" - Hymnary.org article Weekly Challenge Choose a phrase that resonates with you from our hymn and spend some time in Scripture this week. Perhaps you could take your time through the story found in 1 Samuel chapters 4-7. It may just inspire you to pull out your own Ebenezer stone and add a symbol of remembrance to your walk with God. Perhaps you need to surrender to the call of the gospel -- to believe and receive the seal of the Holy Spirit on your life. Pray and ask God to guide you this week, but don't miss this opportunity to spend time with Him...in His Word, in prayer, in praise, and in remembrance.

#377: "Come Thou Fount" by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family

Sometimes my grandmother bemoans the repetition in contemporary worship songs. Once she mentioned she felt like the worship team might just "sing of your love forever"…forever. I'm pretty sure she'll excuse the repetition in the classic hymn "Nothing but the Blood" as it leads us to consider the significance of the blood shed by our Savior. No matter how hard we may "try," NOTHING but the blood of Jesus can atone for our sin. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Write out Scripture Meditate Read in context The 30 Day Music Challenge The story behind the song by Jars of Clay lead singer Dan Haseltine - BeliefNet Article Nothing can for sin atone...not of good that I have done - Isaiah 64:6, Romans 5:8 No other fount I know - Zechariah 13:1 For my pardon this I see - Ephesians 1:7, 2 Corinthians 5:17 This is all my hope and peace - Colossians 1:19-20 This is all my righteousness - Titus 3:4-6 Nothing but the blood of Jesus - Hebrews 9:19-22 Why? So that we might LIVE saved - 1 John 4:7-12 Weekly Challenge Listen to the song and then do the work. Use the Bible Interaction Tool Exercises I introduced to interact with God’s Word this week. Reflect on the idea that nothing but the blood could have atoned for our sins, but it was not merely so we could be saved…but rather that we would LIVE saved.

#376: "Nothing But The Blood" by Jars of Clay

 Let's develop a sense of wonder, shall we? The famous hymn "How Great Thou Art" leads us to consider God with a sense of "awesome wonder." I chose Carrie Underwood's rendition to meditate on Psalm 145. David sat in awesome wonder of God and gives us a host of truths to meditate on in just one Psalm. Let's learn from his song of praise. In this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Slow down Meditate Follow the cross-references Share with a friend The 30 Day Music Challenge The one word that jumped out at me in the hymn this week - WONDER The background of how the hymn was written - hymntime.com Thinking about the WONDER of God speaking everything into existence The WONDER of walking on a glacier Slowing down to change the pace and perspective No one can measure God’s greatness - Psalm 145:3 How amazing it is that an immeasurable, deep, unsearchable, and untraceable God has revealed Himself to us - Romans 11:33 God’s wonders are without number - Job 5:9 The limitlessness of God - Job 11:7 Turning on your “noticer” Getting to know the God in whose image you were created - Psalm 145:13-20   Additional Resources Lyrics and chords Behind the song "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood - YouTube Video   Weekly Challenge Read Psalm 145. Pray Psalm 145. Slow down. Meditate on these Scriptures. Meditate on God and His amazing characteristics. Develop a sense of wonder. Consider all of creation that God spoke into existence. Recount His good deeds and miracles.  

#375: "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood

 From time to time, I enjoy a few (or a bag) of Oreos. While they are enjoyable, they are not nourishing. The hymns of old are full of rich nourishing doctrines that help form a strong foundation for the believer. This week I use Rend Collective's rendition of "You Are My Vision," a classic hymn versified by Eleanor Hull in 1912. Join me as I uncover the Scriptural recipe for a nourishing meal at the table of God. In this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Read in several translations Review the section headings The 30 Day Music Challenge The history of hymns in my own life How light on doctrine much of Christian music can be these days A verse on vision - Proverbs 29:18 Making connections with God's Word in such a way that you SEE what God is teaching Focusing on finding connections to the point where you train yourself to see them Casting aside our own plan for Christ alone - Proverbs 19:21 God's presence my light - Psalm 27:1 God as the only source of wisdom - Proverbs 2:6 "You dwell inside me, together we're one" - 1 Timothy 1:14 The Lord is our inheritance - Deuteronomy 18:2, 1 Peter 2:9 Finding the Scripture we're looking for by searching for a phrase and typing "Scripture" at the end of our search Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - WorshipTogether.com   Weekly Challenge You can go back to these Scriptures and link them to what you’re singing about in “Be Thou My Vision.” Perhaps you need a place to sit for a while. Psalm 16 is a really good place. It talks about God alone being our portion/inheritance just like our hymn. 

#374: "You Are My Vision" by Rend Collective

 There are foundational truths found in Scripture that we may not question but may not be able to defend. In their song, "Image of God," We Are Messengers sings of a truth that has a profound impact on our daily lives. Let's gain a Biblical perspective on being made in the image of God in our study 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 Read in context The 30 Day Music Challenge Systematically poring over Scripture as it relates to a topic Using a resource like Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology" as an outside resource to guide your study Additional resources I used in my study prep for this episode: "The Image of God - An Approach from Biblical and Systematic Theology" - DesiringGod.org Article "Tim Keller on the Image of God" - Focus on the Family Article "3 Reasons We Must Preach on the Image of God" - Lifeway Research Article "What it Means to be 'Made in the Image of God'" - Focus on the Family Article "In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character" - Book by Jen Wilkin "God and the Transgender Debate" - Book by Andrew Walker God's creation was VERY GOOD - Genesis 1:31 God's creative brilliance climaxes with humanity - Genesis 1:26-29 God is the master artist that brought humanity to life Imago Dei is Latin for "image of God" We were created to glorify God - Isaiah 43:1-7 God retains ownership over our lives - Psalm 24:1-2 In the fall, God's image is distorted, but not lost - Genesis 9:6 Even though marred by sin, humans retain enough of God's image to be described as "made in the likeness of God" - James 3:9 Even though God retains authority, we like to make our own plans - Ecclesiastes 7:29 As Christ followers we set our feet on the path of image-bearing renewal - 2 Corinthians 3:18 When Jesus returns, the transformation will be complete - 1 John 3:2 Because we are image bearers our time in God's Word is crucial to know Him and thereby be able to represent God to a lost and dying world "God is Designer and Creator. The earth and everything in it are His. Therefore, He gets to set the plans and directions for our lives." Additional Resources Lyrics - New Release Today An acoustic version of "Image of God" featuring Vince Gill - YouTube Video "The Image of God - An Approach from Biblical and Systematic Theology" - DesiringGod.org Article "Tim Keller on the Image of God" - Focus on the Family Article "3 Reasons We Must Preach on the Image of God" - Lifeway Research Article "What it Means to be 'Made in the Image of God'" - Focus on the Family Article "In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character" - Book by Jen Wilkin "God and the Transgender Debate" - Book by Andrew Walker Weekly Challenge Read the first two chapters of Genesis and really focus on how God created humankind in the beginning. Utilize some of the outside resources (both free articles and books you may want to purchase) to explore what it means to be created in the image of God. Read the Scripture references in the show notes above in context and ponder how our image-bearing fits into the truths found in these various sections of Scripture. If you want to focus on a larger chunk of Scripture, consider 1 John 3 as it dials into the conduct that should be evident in the life of a believer made in God's image who represents God to the world. 

#373: "Image of God” by We Are Messengers

More Than a Song is a 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 are 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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More Than a Song - Discovering the Truth of Scripture Hidden...

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