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This 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 Points

• Why slowing down and reading Scripture aloud (a BITE) helps us engage familiar passages with fresh eyes
• Zechariah and Elizabeth as a reminder that God hears and answers prayer in His perfect timing
• The biblical foundation for Jesus’ full humanity
• The biblical foundation for Jesus’ full deity
• Why the virgin birth matters
• What the Church has historically affirmed through the creeds
• Why the hypostatic union (Jesus as fully God and fully man) is essential to the gospel
• The danger of reshaping Jesus into the version we “like best”
• How the incarnation should correct, confront, comfort, and call us into deeper worship

Scriptures Referenced

• Matthew 1–2
• Luke 1–2
• ...and more referenced in the Episode Guide

BITEs (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 Resources

• Download the free Episode Guide
• Lyrics - New Release Today
• Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem - Amazon Paid Link
• Bible 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 More
• 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

This Week's Challenge

Read 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.

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Do 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 Points

• Sanctification 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 Chanley

Scripture References

• Jonah 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 thoughts
• Use the WHALES method:
  • Word – Start with Scripture
  • Hook – What stands out?
  • Anchor – How does it hold you steady?
  • Learn – Seek outside insight
  • Examine – Revisit and refine your thoughts
  • Sail – Move forward in prayer and sharing
• Pray and share what you’ve learned with a friend
• Use outside resources (study Bible, commentary, Michael Chanley’s book)

Additional Resources

• Download the free Episode Guide
• Lyrics - New Release Today
• Keith Ferrin's YouTube BibleTalk Episode #66 with Michael Chanley - YouTube Link
• Chasing WHALES: A Spiritual Dive with Jonah by Michael Chanley - Amazon Paid Link
• Bible 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 More
• 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

This Week's Challenge

Try 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.

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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Have 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 Points

• The 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 References

• Luke 23:32–43
• Luke 22–24
• Isaiah 53:12
• Romans 6:23
• Romans 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 Resources

• Download the free Episode Guide
• Story behind the song "Man on the Middle Cross" - Melanie Penn on Friday With Friends - Bonus Episode
• Complete 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 Link

This Week's Challenge

Read 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 salva

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.