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We often think standing unashamed for our faith means making bold, public declarations—but what if it starts in private, consistent, quiet obedience? In this episode of More Than a Song, we take inspiration from Matthew West’s song “Unashamed” to explore the gospel in Romans 1 and examples from the book of Daniel. Discover how a heart resolved in private can stand firm in public…even in the fire or before the lions.

Key Points

• When Paul says he is “unashamed of the gospel,” he follows it up with why — because it is the power of God for salvation.
• Paul’s identity as a servant (Greek: doulos) shapes his purpose and obedience. He belongs to Christ and is sent out by Him.
• Daniel and his friends didn’t stand in anger, but in resolved obedience—a posture developed over time through daily faithfulness.
• Being unashamed isn’t just about standing in public moments—it’s about living faithfully in private ones.
• The gospel is not a New Testament invention. Paul shows it was promised beforehand, centered on Christ, and rooted in Scripture.

Scripture References

• Romans 1:1–6 – Paul introduces himself as a servant, apostle, and one set apart for the gospel.
• Romans 1:15–16 – Paul declares he is not ashamed of the gospel.
• Daniel 1–6 – Daniel and his friends live faithfully, respectfully, and courageously in a pagan culture.
• Acts 26:15–18 – Paul recounts his calling and commissioning by Jesus.
• Hebrews 3:1, John 20:21, Acts 1:21–22, Mark 3:14 – Context for the role of apostle.

Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Used

• Read in context – Don’t pull verses in isolation; read the surrounding chapters.
• Make a list – Especially helpful in unpacking Romans 1.
• Do a word study – Greek terms like doulos (servant), apostolos (apostle), and euangelion (gospel).
• Use multiple translations – Compare how key terms are rendered across versions.
• Slow down – Meditate on phrases and ask, “What does this really mean?”

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - New Release Today
• Free Episode Guide – Download it to interact more deeply with this week’s Scriptures and BITEs.
• BibleHub.com (for free word studies and translation comparison)
• 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 Link resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Spend some time working your way slowly through Romans chapter 1. Take the time to make lists and complete word studies so that you can fully understand what Paul was saying to his first audience — the believers in Rome — and us today. Slip over to Daniel and read the first six chapters. Get caught up in the story. Remember that the men described in these pages were real. They determined in their heart to obey God and follow His ways amid a dark and pagan culture. They stood their ground, and God blessed them in the midst of it. It doesn’t mean they didn’t go through trials, but that they were pr

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We love the miracle moments—the breakthrough, the answered prayer, the clear direction. But what about the space between deliverance and destination—the “in-between”? Inspired by Summit Worship’s "In The Waiting" and the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, this episode of More Than a Song explores what God may be teaching us when the waiting feels long and the water tastes bitter. Could it be that in the in-between, God isn’t absent...He’s just getting personal?

Key Points

• Michelle shares personal updates on being “in the waiting” and how this season mirrors the spiritual and emotional tension explored in this week’s song and Scripture.
• God doesn’t abandon us in the “in between”; He uses it to shape us and reveal Himself more deeply.
• Michelle uses the Israelites' journey after the Exodus to explore how God tests and teaches His people during wilderness seasons.
• God’s expectations of devotion come before His provision—He desires a relationship, not just requests.
• The names and attributes of God, such as Yahweh Rapha (“The Lord Your Healer”), are revealed through these wilderness moments.

Scripture References

• Exodus 15:22–27 – Bitter water made sweet; God reveals Himself as “The Lord, Your Healer.”
• Exodus 16:3–4 – God’s people grumble in hunger; He tests them with daily provision of manna.
• Exodus 17:2–7 – Quarreling and thirsting at Massah and Meribah; God brings water from the rock.
• Exodus 13:17 – God intentionally leads the Israelites the long way around to avoid immediate conflict they weren't ready for.
• Exodus 1–17 (recommended reading) – To fully grasp the context of Israel’s wilderness journey.

Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Used

• Read in context – Don’t isolate stories; read the full narrative from Exodus 1–17 (and beyond!)
• Use curiosity and meditation – Ask yourself questions like, “Why did they grumble against Moses instead of God?”
• Remember the people in the Bible were REAL – Remember, these were real people with real needs and emotions.
• Make a list – What does God want? (Ex. 15:26)
• Read in multiple translations – Words like “tormented” in the NLT can spark new insights.
• Use supplemental resources – Biblical Fiction like Where the Desert Blooms by Sierra Elliot can bring Scripture to life - Amazon Paid Link

Additional Resources

• 🎶 Lyrics and chords - Ultimate Guitar Tabs
• 🎧 Interview on church hurt – Listen to Michelle’s conversation with Sherrie Pilkington on Finding God in Our Pain. alifeofthrive.com
• 📖 Where the Desert Blooms by Sierra A. Elliott – A biblical fiction novel that adds richness to the Exodus narrative - Amazon Paid Link
• 📥 Free Episode Guide – Download it to interact more deeply with this week’s Scriptures and BITEs.
• 💻 Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliat

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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Download the Episode Guide!

How can we boldly proclaim that Calvary is enough in a world constantly demanding more? In this episode, let me take you on a rich, multi-layered journey from Golgotha to your heart as we explore the power and meaning behind the place, the sacrifice, and the impact of Jesus’ crucifixion. Anchored in Scripture and inspired by Brooke Ligertwood’s compelling lyrics in her song "Calvary's Enough," we will slow down and soak in the truth of what happened on the cross—and why it still matters today.

Key Points

• "Calvary" is a Place and a Symbol: The word Calvary is Latin for Golgotha, meaning the skull. While we often refer to it symbolically, it’s helpful to remember it is an actual location where Christ was crucified.
• The Power of the Sacrifice: The episode guides listeners from the literal place of Calvary, through the crucifixion event, to the profound spiritual implications of Christ's sacrifice.
• Learning for Learning’s Sake: It’s okay to explore Scripture with curiosity even when there’s no immediate application—this builds a foundation for future understanding.
• Jesus's Last Words Matter: “It is finished” (John 19:30) refers to the completed work of atonement—the payment of our sin debt.
• Christ Our High Priest: The Gospels and Hebrews reference Jesus seated at the right hand of God, which shows the fulfillment of His role post-Calvary.
• Response Matters: Like Paul, we are called to "resolve to know nothing but Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). This is a deliberate decision to center our lives on the gospel.
• Don’t Idolize Messengers: Paul confronted the church in Corinth about elevating personalities over the message of Christ crucified, a reminder that is still relevant today.

Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs)

• Listen to Scripture
• Repetition
• Cross-referencing
• Compare & Contrast
• Use Your Imagination
• Ask Questions
• Study in Context

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - New Release Today
• What did Jesus mean when He said, “It is finished”? - GotQuestion.org Article
• Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible - Place of the Skull Article - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
• Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read or listen to all four accounts of the scenes leading up to and at Calvary. Use the Episode Guide to help. It’s free and uncomplicated. It’s just a one-page PDF to guide you. After you’ve read or listened to the gospels a time or two, consider what details pop out to you. This is a good place to meditate, follow cross-references, and jot down observations. Make observations about the place of Calvary, the details of what happened there, its significance and meaning, and potential responses to it. At some point, hop over to 1 Corinthians chapters 1-2 to see why Paul resolved to know nothing but Christ and Him c

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.