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

Send us a textIs your Bible collecting dust while your phone never leaves your hand? Josiah Queen’s song “Dusty Bibles” hits close to home, doesn’t it? In this episode, we take that convicting image and follow it straight into Scripture—where King Josiah literally rediscovered God’s Word after years of neglect. His response? Humility, repentance, and bold action that changed a nation.What could happen if we did the same? Join me as we explore Josiah’s story in 2 Kings 22–23 and uncover practical ways to move beyond neglect and let God’s Word transform our lives. Grab your Bible (or your audio app!) and let’s dust it off together.Key PointsJosiah Queen’s song “Dusty Bibles” paints a vivid picture of neglecting God’s Word in favor of modern distractions.We explore the story of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22–23, who literally rediscovered a dust-covered scroll and responded with humility, repentance, and action.Josiah’s example reminds us that interacting with God’s Word leads to transformation—not just for us, but for those around us.Scriptures Referenced2 Kings 21–23 – Josiah’s heritage and reforms2 Chronicles 34–35 – Parallel account of Josiah’s reignGenesis 7 – Example of tackling hard truths in Scripture2 Timothy 4:3–4 – Warning against itching earsJames 4:4, 1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 3:34, Isaiah 66:2 – God’s view on humilityBITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)Consult trusted sources – Commentaries or pastors for confirmationRead in context – Chapters before and after the main textFollow cross-references – Compare Kings and ChroniclesListen to Scripture – Audio versions count!Compare translations – Gain deeper insightAdditional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideLyrics - New Release TodayHolman Old Testament Commentary: I & II Kings by Gary Inrig - Amazon Paid LinkBible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study - videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study - Learn MoreLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeLet’s dust off our Bibles, cleanse our lives of our idols, and let God’s Word be our guide. With that in mind, read Josiah’s narrative in context — read 2 Kings 21-23. Be sure to follow the cross references to 2 Chronicles 34-35. Meditate on Josiah’s interaction with God and His Word. How did he respond? How could we emulate him as we interact with God and Scripture?Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Send us a textWhat happens when you change one word in the title of a classic Christmas hymn? A new perspective and a fresh reason to dive into Scripture. This week’s song, “O Come, All You Unfaithful” by Sovereign Grace Music, invites us to consider the people God included in the Christmas story—and how we are just like them.This song flips the script on who is invited to come and see what God has done. Instead of calling the faithful to gather in celebration, it beckons the weary, the broken, and the unfaithful—the ones who feel disqualified. That single word change in the title opens the door for us to explore the heart of God revealed in Scripture: a God who draws near to the weak and the waiting, the guilty and the hiding, and offers hope through Christ’s birth.Key PointsThe opening line of this song—“O come, all you unfaithful”—offers a perspective shift worth exploring.The lyrics list characteristics that mirror real people in the Christmas narrative: Weak and unstableBarrenWaitingWeary of prayingBitter and brokenFears unspokenGuiltyHidingGod included these kinds of people in His redemption story—and He invites us too.Hosea’s prophecy reminds us of God’s faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness.We are unfaithful until we are redeemed by the Faithful One—Jesus.Scriptures ReferencedMatthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 (Christmas narrative)Luke 1:5–7; 11–20 (Zechariah and Elizabeth)Luke 2:8–9; 25; 38 (Shepherds, Simeon, and Anna)Matthew 1:18–20; 24 (Joseph’s obedience)James 2:5 (God chooses the poor)Hosea 2:16–20; 6:3; 6:6–7 (God’s steadfast love and faithfulness)BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)Read in context—Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2Read aloud—alone or with a friendShare with a friend—Share Scripture with someone over coffee and Christmas cookiesCompare and contrast—Compare and contrast God's faithfulness with the faithlessness of His people in Hosea’s prophecy Remember, the people in Scripture were real—just like usAdditional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideLyrics - New Release TodayBible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study - videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study - Learn MoreLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. I suggest reading the text aloud alone or with a friend. The story is familiar, and this habit will slow you down. Download the Episode Guide for a list of the human characteristics featured in our song, and look for these characteristics in the real people featured in the Christmas narrative. Read the prophecy of Hosea and compare and contrast the faithfulness of God to the unfaithfulness of His people. Then turn back to the Christmas story—come and see what God has done. Christ is born for you.Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

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’ full deityWhy the virgin birth mattersWhat the Church has historically affirmed through the creedsWhy the hypostatic union (Jesus as fully God and fully man) is essential to the gospelThe danger of reshaping Jesus into the version we “like best”How the incarnation should correct, confront, comfort, and call us into deeper worshipScriptures ReferencedMatthew 1–2Luke 1–2...and more referenced in the Episode GuideBITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)Read the text aloud – Helps you slow down and notice details you may otherwise skim.Slow down – Especially helpful when reading familiar passages (like the Christmas narrative).Read in a different translation – I used the New Living Translation to hear the story in fresh language.Immerse yourself in the story – Engage the narrative as it unfolds to better understand the people, promises, and patterns Scripture reveals.Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideLyrics - New Release TodaySystematic Theology by Wayne Grudem - Amazon Paid LinkBible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study - videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study - Learn MoreLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 this week. I challenge you to slow down and maybe even read it out loud to keep a familiar passage fresh. Download the Episode Guide to follow along with Scripture references that display the humanity and deity of Christ. Ask the Lord to reveal to you what aspects of His nature you would rather not think about, and then turn in confession and repentance and believe in ALL that Jesus is — fully human, fully God.Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

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 ReferencesJonah 1:1–6 – God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah flees in the opposite direction and falls asleep during a violent storm.Jonah 1:7–16 – The sailors discover Jonah is the cause of the storm, reluctantly throw him overboard, and the sea calms, leading them to fear and worship the Lord.BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)Read in context (all four chapters of Jonah)Journal your thoughtsUse the WHALES method: Word – Start with ScriptureHook – What stands out?Anchor – How does it hold you steady?Learn – Seek outside insightExamine – Revisit and refine your thoughtsSail – Move forward in prayer and sharingPray and share what you’ve learned with a friendUse outside resources (study Bible, commentary, Michael Chanley’s book)Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideLyrics - New Release TodayKeith Ferrin's YouTube BibleTalk Episode #66 with Michael Chanley - YouTube LinkChasing WHALES: A Spiritual Dive with Jonah by Michael Chanley - Amazon Paid LinkBible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study - videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study - Learn MoreLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeTry the new Bible Study Method I introduced (W.H.A.L.E.S.) to study the book of Jonah. Really lean into the examine step as we move from first impressions to deeper understanding and transformation.Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

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 understanding that its characters were real helps deepen our connection to the biblical narrative.The criminals were likely rebels, not petty thieves. Their crimes were serious—possibly insurrection—making the thief’s redemption even more astonishing and powerful.Jesus was treated like a criminal, though He was innocent. He fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy by being “numbered with the transgressors,” showing His identification with sinners.Salvation is a free gift, not earned. Romans 6:23 reminds us that eternal life is given by grace, not merit—just as the thief received it in his final moments.Scripture ReferencesLuke 23:32–43 Luke 22–24 Isaiah 53:12 Romans 6:23Romans 3:23 Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs)Read in Context. Read and Listen to Scripture. Read Scripture Out Loud. Repetition. Word Study. Compare and Contrast. Remember the People Were Real. Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideStory behind the song "Man on the Middle Cross" - Melanie Penn on Friday With Friends - Bonus EpisodeComplete lyrics to all of the songs on her album, The Rising – A Resurrection Album, with Scripture references for you to explore - A gift from Melanie Penn herself! Click Here for the PDF.Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Luke 22-24 several times over several days. Make a list of every example of mourning. Make a list of every instance of mocking. Journal your observations and thoughts around both. Consider that the repentant criminal on the cross was a real person with a genuine experience of Christ and is truly in paradise with our Savior to this day. Believe in the Lord like this man and allow repentance to lead you to a right relationship and eternal salvation. Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.