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CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Who are your top five closest friends? Have you ever thought that those you spend the most time with determine your direction? And your direction determines your destination. When Consumed By Fire sings "Walk With Jesus," we are reminded that we are better off following in Christ's footsteps.

What does it mean to walk with Jesus? Let's explore Scripture together.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Read in context
  • Follow cross-references
  • Make a list
  • Consider the opposite
• Episode Guide
• The metaphor of walking in Scripture - Genesis 3:8, Leviticus 26:12, Genesis 5:22-24, Genesis 6:9, 2 Chronicles 6:16
• How walking is linked to paths in Scripture - Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 4:14, Isaiah 2:2, Psalm 119:45
• Walking as a way of living in Scripture - Daniel 4:37, Micah 6:8
• Jesus is the WAY - John 14:6, Acts 9:2
• Episode 494, where we see walking contrasted - walking in sin and walking in good works
• Focus verse - if we say we abide in Christ, we ought to walk in the same way Jesus walked - 1 John 2:6
• More about abiding in Christ - Episode 123 and Episode 447 - John 15
• More about walking in Christ - Colossians 2:6-8
• Considering the opposite of walking with Christ - Proverbs 1:10, Proverbs 1:15
• Walking on paths = a WAY - Proverbs 2:12-15, Proverbs 2:20, Proverbs 3:5-6
• Returning to the inspiration point to dig a little deeper - 1 John 1 - 2:6

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - Amazon Paid Link
• The story behind the song "Walk With Jesus" by Consumed By Fire - New Release Today Article
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

This is the perfect week to download the Episode Guide because I have listed all the Scriptures I reference that reveal the metaphor of walking throughout the Old Testament. Then, start in 1 John and let it lead you to John 15 and Colossians 2 to explore abiding and walking with Jesus. Finally, spend some time in the beginning chapters of Proverbs with your antenna up for walking, paths, and ways, and see what you can learn from there. And if your feet are currently on the wrong path, consider this your “exit ahead” sign to get off the path you’re on and join hands with the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Choose today to walk with Jesus.

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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 my friend Rachel Cash, co-author of Mixtape Theology, to talk about her dedication to God's Word and the pivotal decisions she made to lead her to this stage in life.

It won't take you long to understand why Rachel and I are friends. Scriptural truths overflow out of her heart, and she remains on a path to go deeper and deeper.

Both Mixtape Theology, the podcast, and Mixtape Theology, the book, are part devotional and part 90s retrospective. Similar to how More Than a Song explores contemporary Christian music, they explore the Bible verses behind their favorite 90s CCM songs, resulting in a fuller understanding of God and His redemptive plan.

Memorable Mentions

Snackable Theology by Andrew Doane

Rachel discusses one of the motivating factors that keeps her in the Word: her God-given assignment to disciple her kids. She recommends "Snackable Theology" by Andrew Doane.

Mixtape Theology by William "Ashley" Mofield and Rachel Cash

Rachel explains the story behind the book Mixtape Theology: A Bible Study & Retrospective Inspired by 90s Contemporary Christian Music and Culture.

Rachel shares that the book includes 35 devotions based on 90s CCM hit songs to deepen understanding of theological concepts and inspire meditation, obedience, and worship. It also includes 12 often humorous retrospectives that harness nostalgia to motivate readers to keep reading and studying—AND other fun comics and surprises for you to enjoy as you read.

Savior by Steven Curtis Chapman

Rachel talks about how Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Savior" led her to Scripture and deeper theology. This is a BONUS discussion as this devotion is not in the book. Enjoy the song above.

Dwell App to listen to an audio version of Scripture

A couple of Rachel's favorite ways to interact with Scripture are to understand the historical context and to listen to an audio version of the text. She likes the Dwell App.

Connect With Rachel and Mixtape Theology

• The website: www.mixtapetheology.com
• The podcast: https://www.mixtapetheology.com/podcast
• The book: https://books2read.com/mixtapetheology
• Rachel on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/rachelcash
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Send us a Text Message.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

I love a good play on words. When you do a quick Google search of grave robbers, you discover it's a worldwide phenomenon usually perpetrated to take and profit from valuable artifacts or personal property. Crowder’s song “Grave Robber” attributes this title to God. But not in the way we normally think of a body snatcher who digs up graves for their own economic benefit. No. Our grave robber is snatching our souls from eternal death.

Moving from death to life is an important theme to study in Scripture. Join me on the journey from Ephesians to Romans, Genesis, and John.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Make observations
  • Make a list
  • Follow the cross-references
  • Complete a word study
• Episode Guide
• Dead, but made alive with Christ - Ephesians 2:1-10
• "For what Paul does in this passage is to paint a vivid contrast between what man is by nature and what he can become by grace." -- The Message of Ephesians (The Bible Speaks Today Series) by John Stott - Amazon Paid Link
• The timeline of why we were dead in the first place - Romans 5:12-21
• Revisiting the original scene in Genesis to remind us of the details of the original sin - Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, 22-24
• How sin separates us from God - Isaiah 59:2
• Defining the kind of death Paul speaks of
• Completing word studies on "transgressions" and "sins"
• Weaving the truths together - Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:4-5, Hebrews 2:14-15, John 5:24
• Our grave robber has snatched us from the clutches of the prince of the power of the air and brought us from death to life because He is God - John 5:18-25

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• Holman New Testament Commentary - Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians - Amazon Paid Link
• The Message of Ephesians (The Bible Speaks Today Series) by John Stott - Amazon Paid Link
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Study four areas of Scripture with your eyes set on this idea of death and life. Look closely at the walking dead in Ephesians 2. Understand the contrast between Adam and Jesus in Romans 5. Go back to the beginning to remind yourself of the details of original sin in Genesis 2 and 3. Soak in the words of Jesus in John 5. And if you haven’t done so, heed the call of the Grave Robber. Accept His free gift of salvation and walk in newness of life.

Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Send us a Text Message.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Life can throw us curve balls that threaten to derail us. In fact, if we aren't rooted in Christ, we may even fall into despair. Katy Nichole and Naomi Raine sing about everything our God can do, even when we cannot. Their song "Our God Can" gives us a distinct area of Scripture to explore. Once we get there, you may discover even more than you imagined.

When I settled into Paul's letter to the Philippians, I gained wisdom I can't wait to share with you.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Read in context
  • Historical context
  • Consult a map
  • Repetition
  • Remember, the people in the Bible were real
  • Follow the cross-references
  • Listen to an audio version of the text
• Episode Guide
• Exploring the historical background of the Philippian church
• Reading about the founding of the Philippian church in Acts 16
• How Paul directly addresses some of the cultural influences of nationalism - Philippians 3:20
• Reading the text for what it actually says but backing up to see the bigger themes
• Reading fast, reading slow, and then picking apart every word (like Fanny in Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park")
• Paul's circumstance did not match his desire - Philippians 1:3-8
• Paul's circumstance did not stop God from using him - Philippians 1:12-13
• Sometimes people are just plain mean - Philippians 1:14-18
• Paul lived in the tension of his complete devotion to Christ and his complete devotion to those Christ gave him to nurture - Philippians 1:19-26
• The actual context of a verse often taken OUT of context in Philippians 4

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• The story behind the song "My God Can" by Katy Nichole - New Release Today Article by Kevin Davis
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read and re-read Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This time, when you read it, consider Paul and his circumstances. Get your bearings as to the history of the church here by reading Acts 16. The more you read about Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts and his other letters, the more you understand his passions and how his current circumstances might affect him. Ask yourself, how can I apply Paul’s spiritual maturity to my own circumstances? Unlock the secret to your contentment in all circumstances by fixing your eyes on Jesus, as displayed in Philippians 2.

Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Send us a Text Message.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Growing up, my mom and stepdad used to listen to Paul Harvey. He was a radio broadcaster famous for telling "the rest of the story." When Josiah Queen sings "The Prodigal," I'm sure you're thinking of the famous parable Jesus taught. However, we will study the "rest of the story in this episode." Because you see, the story of the prodigal son is only part of the story.

Join me in the gospel of Luke as we place ourselves in the scene where Jesus teaches the parable of lost possessions.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Read in context
  • Historical context
  • Consult outside resources
  • Repetition
• Episode Guide
• The story behind the song "The Prodigal" by Josiah Queen - YouTube Short
• Where we get the name "prodigal son" from a parable that doesn't use that word - Luke 15:13
• A discussion on why and how we take things out of context
• Reading Luke 15 and discovering that the parable of the prodigal son is one part of a three-part parable about lost things
• Considering the audience Jesus was speaking to
• Gaining perspective from "The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament" by Kenneth Bailey - Amazon Paid Link
• The group of Pharisees known as the haberim -- loosely translated as "friends" or "associates" and their rules about who they could and could not eat with
• How this parable in Luke 15 harkens back to Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34
• How Jesus pushed the buttons of his audience with his word choices, highlighting a deplorable trade and making a woman the hero of the story
• How I highly recommend Susan Macias' novel, "Finding Home," to bring the historical context of the New Testament and the parable of the lost sons to life - Amazon Paid Link
• Pictures of being lost in the far country and being lost at home
• Discovering who the prodigal son, elder brother, and Father are in the story - "All The Parables of the Bible" by Herbert Lockyer - Amazon Paid Link
• Revealing what is covered in each panel of the parable picture - lost/found/rejoicing

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• The story behind the song "The Prodigal" by Josiah Queen - YouTube Short
• "Finding Home" by Susan Macias- Amazon Paid Link
• "The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament" by Kenneth Bailey - Amazon Paid Link
• "All The Parables of the Bible" by Herbert Lockyer - Amazon Paid Link
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read Luke 14-16 several times before focusing your attention on the Parable of Lost Possessions in Luke 15. Read it as one parable with three panels. Consider the a

Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Send us a Text Message.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

I need the reminder. I need the nudge. I get discouraged and feel the temptation to stop asking God for his __________________ (you fill in the blank). Matthew West exhorts us toward something the Bible says: "Don't Stop Praying." On a good day, I'll agree. On a bad day, I may whine, "Why should I?"

That is the question we'll seek guidance from God's Word to answer.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Consult an outside resource
  • Read in context
  • Meditate on Scripture
  • Read the text out loud
  • Make observations
  • Study from various translations
  • Pray Scripture
• Episode Guide
• "Esther" at Sight and Sounds Theater in Branson - Website Link
• An outside resource on prayer that changed my prayer life - "How to Pray" by R.A. Torrey - Amazon Paid Link
• Training yourself NOT to skip over Scripture in Christian Literature
• Verses that scream, "Don't stop praying!"
  • Ephesians 6:18
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - see Episode 488 for more on this section of Scripture
• Examining the "alls" in Ephesians 6:18
• From R.A. Torrey's book "How to Pray," why should you be in constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer?
  • Because there is an enemy - Ephesians 6:12-13, Ephesians 6:18
  • Because prayer is God's way for us to obtain things from Him - James 4:2-3
  • Because the apostles modeled it as important - Acts 6:4, Romans 1:9, Ephesians 1:15-16, Colossians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 2 Timothy 1:3
  • Because prayer was important to Jesus when he walked this earth - Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12
  • Because prayer is the most important part of Jesus' current ministry - Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34
  • Because prayer is God's means appointed for our receiving mercy and obtaining grace - Hebrews 4:14-16
• Interceding for others by praying Scripture over them (try Colossians 1:9-12)

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• Prayer Hold Power - KLove Article
• "How to Pray" by R.A. Torrey - Amazon Paid Link
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Meditate on our focus verse, Ephesians 6:18, and study it in context to guide you to examine constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer throughout Scripture. Then, pick up the Episode Guide to walk you through six reasons for constant prayer

Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Send us a Text Message.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Do you know what you believe? Are you grounded in the knowledge and understanding of your faith? Our faith is not blind and unfounded. Rather, it is rooted in a Person Who brings all things from the darkness into light. Every once in a while, it's good to challenge yourself with what you believe -- relying on the truth of Scripture to weave together the tapestry of our faith. Phil Wickham's song, "I Believe," will guide us in discussing some very important details of what we believe as followers of Christ.

Let's explore the Scripture behind some of the summary statements we sing along with in this song.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Study a topic
  • Slow down
  • Meditate on Scripture
• Episode Guide
• "I Believe" by Phil Wickham as a modern creed - Air1.com Article
• Defining creeds, confessions, and their uses
• One Salvation - Acts 4:10-12
• One Doorway that leads to life - John 10:7-9
• One Redemption - Hebrews 9:11-15
• One Way - John 14:6
• Where salvation comes from - Ephesians 2:8-10
• Reconciliation - Colossians 1:21-23
• Restoring a relationship with God means confessing our guilt and requesting forgiveness from Him - He gives us the terms to reconcile with Him.
• The crucifixion, as discussed in all four gospels and Galatians 3:13
• Christ's blood that has set us free - Revelation 1:4-6, 1 Peter 1:17-19
• The resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:3-9
• Jesus' life is death's defeat - 2 Timothy 1:10
• Christ's victory is consummated in eternity - Revelation 21:4
• Jesus prepares a place for us in heaven - John 14:1-3
• This world is not our home - Philippians 3:20
• We cannot imagine what God has in store for us - 1 Corinthians 2:9
• Jesus will return - Acts 1:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
• Keeping the altar burning like the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25
• The marriage of the Lamb - Revelation 19:6-9
• Jesus as the Lion and the Lamb - Revelation 5:5-6
• Not being ashamed of the gospel - Romans 1:16

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• The faith behind the song "I Believe" by Phil Wickham - Air1.com Article
• Behind the song "I Believe" by Phihl Wickham - NewReleaseToday Article
• "Creeds and Confessions" - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
• "The Compact Guide to World Religions" - Amazon Paid Link
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

We end where we began. Use this song as a creed — a rehearsal of summary statements about what you believe. Shore up why you believe

Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Send us a Text Message.

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Can I give you some good news? God does not restrain His faithfulness. He doesn't hold back. TobyMac sings about it in his song "Faithfully," and David sings about it in Psalm 40.

Tag along with me as we explore God's faithfulness together.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Study a topic
  • Read in context
  • Define words
  • Complete a word study
  • Share with a friend
• Episode Guide
• The story behind the song "Faithfully" by TobyMac - YouTube Video
• The variety of Greek and Hebrew words used to describe God's faithfulness all closely linked to God's truthfulness (veracity)
• Looking up the word "faithful" in the English dictionary
• Recognizing that faithfulness is an attribute that we should display (communicable attribute of God) - God is faithful, and we are to be faithful
• Faithful and True as a name of Jesus - Revelation 19:11
• God's faithfulness saves us from the despair of our own unfaithfulness
• Using the Psalms Explorer in my Logos Bible Software to choose Psalm 40 to study the theme of God's faithfulness
• Exploring the idea that God "inclined" to David - a state of engagement in a relationship - the Lord really sees us in our pain and wants to engage with us
• God is ACTIVE in His engagement with us - Psalm 40:2-3
• What makes this Psalm a Messianic Psalm - Hebrews 10:5-7
• David's response to the faithfulness of God - Psalm 40:9-11

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• The story behind the song "Faithfully" by TobyMac - YouTube Video
• Exploring Logo Bible Study Psalms Explorer - Webinar Replay on YouTube
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Spend some time in Psalm 40. Look for God's attributes, specifically His faithfulness. Then, take a trip to Hebrews 10 to see Jesus fulfilling parts of this Psalm. Finally, follow David’s lead and share what you’ve learned with a friend. Don’t keep the glad news of God’s deliverance to yourself.

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Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.