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

• #525: "Man On The Middle Cross" by Melanie Penn

  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 salvaPurchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

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• Special Edition: Melanie Penn on Friday With Friends

  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 Broadway national tour of Grease! starring Frankie Avalon. After years in the Broadway scene, Melanie transitioned to songwriting and started a collaboration with Nashville producer Ben Shive. Melanie is also a worship leader and, for many years, served at Redeemer Presbyterian Church under the leadership of author and theologian Tim Keller. She has been called "a New York songwriter in the age of skepticism." Don't miss this interview for a unique insight into Melanie's interaction with God's Word and how soaking in the resurrection of Christ for over two years changed her.And get ready for an episode of More Than a Song using her song Man On The Middle Cross to dive into Scripture coming soon!Melanie's Free Gift for YOUComplete lyrics to all of the songs on her album, The Rising - A Resurrection Album, with Scripture references for you to explore.Yes, please!Connect with MelanieWebsite: https://www.melaniepenn.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniepenn/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniepennsings/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/melaniepennnycAlbum: The Rising – A Resurrection Album | Spotify | ApplePodcast: The Rising | Spotify | AppleBonus: Melanie's Mom's BITEMelanie shared a Bible Interaction Tool Exercise that her mom uses in this interview, but I love it in "Mom's words" because she's just so precious. Not to mention, it's fabulous advice!  Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

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• #524: "Let The Church Sing” by Tauren Wells

  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 Structures: Drawing from Jeremiah and Isaiah, the episode explores how even well-intentioned church structures, programs, and traditions can become idols if they replace true worship of God.God’s Unmatched Greatness: Scripture repeatedly declares that there is no one like our God. This truth is central to both the song and the episode’s message.Reorienting Worship: The call is to fix our eyes on God, not on the “scarecrows in the cucumber field” — the false idols and distractions that draw us away from Him.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs)Meditation – Slow down and linger in God’s Word.Repetition – Read and re-read passages to internalize truth.Read in context – Don’t isolate verses; read surrounding passages.Start with God – Focus on His character, conduct, and concerns.Compare translations – Gain deeper understanding through varied wording.Make a list – Identify characteristics of God from the text.Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideFaith Behind The Song: 'Let The Church Sing' Tauren Wells - Air1.com ArticleBible 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 Jeremiah 10 and keep on reading. Recognize that God is very concerned with anything that sets itself up to take the highest place of honor and worship. Prayerfully ask God to reveal if there is anything in your heart, mind, or life that you are expecting to deliver you that is ANYTHING but God Himself. Meditate on God and the ways there is no one like Him. And stop putting up with anything less than HIM.Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

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• #523: "A Seat at the Table" by Michelle Nezat

  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 just helpful—it is the inspired Word of God, sufficient to guide our decisions and shape our worldview.David’s lesson in 1 Chronicles 13: Like Joy, David consulted wise advisors and thought he was doing the right thing, but he failed to seek God’s way through God’s Word.A holy pause: When life goes sideways, pause, take your questions before the Lord, and let His Word bring clarity and direction.Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideMichelle's guest appearance on The Company podcast - YouTube LinkA Seat at the Table - a Christian Redemption Novel by Michelle Nezat - 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 1 Chronicles 10-16 to get the full context of what is happening with David and the Ark of the Covenant. Meditate on the type of men David sought counsel from and recognize that what was lacking was the voice of God in the process. Use my free Episode Guide to help guide your study of this account in Scripture. If you’re inspired to develop a Biblical worldview like Nanette talks to Joy about in my novel A Seat at the Table, I’ve put together a paid Bible study that will give you a roadmap to walk you through six ways to interact with God's Word using Psalm 103, another Scripture I introduce in “A Seat at the Table.” Finally, if you’re interested in reading the novel, I’ll link to it in the show notes. It’s also available on Amazon, and you can learn more at michellenezat.com/books.Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

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• #522: "Can't Steal My Joy” by Josiah Queen

  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 modeled by Habakkuk.Faith is the dividing line between the proud who trust in themselves and the righteous who trust in God.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) UsedRead in context – Read the entire book of Habakkuk (it’s only three chapters!).Repetition – Read or listen to the book multiple times to deepen understanding.Read in various translations – Compare language choices in different versions.Consult an overview – Watch the Bible Project video on Habakkuk.Make observations – Look for patterns, dialogue, and themes.Compare and contrast – Examine the difference between the proud and the righteous.Follow cross-references – Explore how Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament.Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideLyrics for Can't Steal My Joy by Josiah Queen – NewReleaseToday.comOld Testament Overview of Habakkuk - BibleProject.comCCM Magazine ArticleExalting Jesus in Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) - Amazon Paid LinkLearn 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 and listen to Habakkuk on repeat. Write down your observations and then watch the Bible Project overview video about Habakkuk. Write down your own questions for God and ask Him to reveal His answers. In the meantime, write out your own prayer in the pattern of Habakkuk’s song in chapter three. Be sure to include the choice to be joyful in the God of your salvation.Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

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