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

In our culture these days the idea of "freedom" is often seen as the license to do whatever you want. However, Scripture teaches us that we are bound like slaves to whatever we obey...whether sin or righteousness. Hillsong Worship reminds us that we are free when the Son sets us free in their song "Who You Say I Am." Jesus has some strong words to say about the matter in John 8. Why don't you join me there?

This week's song,  "Just Say Jesus" by 7eventh Time Down, is a wonderful anthem to all of us who have come to the end of our rope. The name of Jesus is a powerful representation of God and holds power in our lives. On today's episode we see proof of this power in Scripture. I hope you will release this same power in your life through the name of Jesus.

What happens when God's people unite in prayer? Well, I suppose it depends. It depends on their motives, on whether they are surrendered to God's will, and ultimately on what they are asking for. Tauren Well's song, "When We Pray," inspired me to sit in Acts 3 and 4 this week to see what the early church prayed for. I love the quote at the beginning of the music video, "If God answered the prayers you have been praying, would it change anyone else's world but your own?"

For all of us there are songs that resonate to the depths of our being. "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe was one of those songs for me. I'm thrilled that it's back to the top of the charts and reaching a whole new generation of listeners. I'm also thrilled that it has inspired me to delve into Scripture to see what it was like for others to have face-to-face encounters with God.

God is our shelter -- a safe place -- an intimate, secret hiding place. He longs for us to dwell with Him there, not just use Him as a lean-to when the rain storm catches us off guard. Carrollton's song "Shelter" sings of God's faithfulness and guides us to discover some amazing characteristics of our Most High God. Will you join me in abiding as a shelter dweller? Learn more as we dive into Psalm 91.

As a child, my grandfather used to talk with me about Jesus coming back on His cloud. While it seemed so magical as a child, as I grew in my faith I realized it wasn't a fairy tale, it was a promise. Big Daddy Weave's song, "The Lion and the Lamb" speaks of Jesus coming on the clouds, too. While there is a lot of mystery around the return of Christ, the Bible does reveal SOME things. Let's explore them together.

There is a table that all Christians come to -- the Communion Table. Jesus instituted this practice of breaking the bread and taking the cup as He reclined at a table. Sidewalk Prophets' song "Come to the Table" calls us to "take our place by the Savior now." I encourage you to do just that as we explore the Lord's Supper. Let's spend some time in thoughtful consideration of all that the Lord's Supper really means.

Exaggerated claims abound these days. You can't turn on the news for a few minutes without hearing overstatements on all sides...and don't get me started about "teenager-speak." Crowder in his song, "All My Hope," asks us to sing along with quite a claim...the claim that ALL our hope is in Jesus. This week we explore whether or not we place ALL our hope in Jesus. We also consider just what kind of hope we've been given.

I discovered the difference between being "shamed" and being "ashamed" through my study this week. Abigail Duhon's song, "I'm Not Ashamed," leads us to Romans 1 and Paul's famous declaration,  "I am not ashamed of the gospel." Exploring and meditating on this Scripture will really change the way you think...if you let it.

It is difficult to worship God in an appropriate and authentic way when you think you are just like Him. Hollyn's song, "In Awe," leads us all over God's Word to discover truth. It is here we begin to see God clearer, and thus put ourselves "in our place" so-to-speak. The Psalms teach us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." I want wisdom, don't you?

The waiting. When it's laced with anticipation and excitement, it can add to the experience. When it's laced with sorrow and weariness, it can bring us low. There are so many promises of God in Scripture that have been fulfilled, are being fulfilled, and will be fulfilled. Ellie Holcomb's song, "He Will" leads us to a prophesy in Isaiah that Christ has fulfilled, is fulfilling, and will fulfill.

Have you ever been afraid to pray because you aren't sure you are doing it "right"? Riley Clemmons, in her song "Broken Prayers," reminds us that God is not afraid of how we are feeling. We can be real with Him in the midst of the messy. The psalmist in Psalm 44 gives us an example of crying out to God from a desperately broken place. Let's explore it together.

Have you ever struggled to see the big picture of the Bible? How do the individual stories, songs, poems, prophecies, and more, fit together -- and what are we to make of it? Rend Collective's song, "Rescuer (Good News)," reminds me of God's grand rescue plan. Join me for a quick fly over that may help you make connections with God's grand story in the future.

"Get dressed," I tell my youngest. "Where are your shoes? Do you have your jacket?" And so the conversation goes. I have a feeling God is asking me, "Where are your shoes? I told you to put on the WHOLE armor! Your helmet! Don't forget your helmet!" This week's song "Warrior" by Hannah Kerr reminds us that we are in a battle and need to be dressed appropriately. Let's take a moment and review what God's Word says about our battle gear.

Jesus, my Lord, is my Shepherd, and He is a good shepherd. I have the benefit of coming in on the scene after the Good Shepherd has come the first time and will come again. Kutless' new song, "Shepherd of My Soul" sings of our Shepherd and sent me to Scripture to explore what it says about shepherds. We are going on a journey this week to compare and contrast shepherds in Scripture. Join me?