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Send us Fan Mail Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23 This is episode #215 and it's an important one!  With this podcast and the accompanying blog, Derek is hitting "pause."  We hope this episode will clarify some of the reasons behind this break.  The resources of AS BOLD AS LIONS will still remain on the website (https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast and https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/blog).  Additionally, episodes are available everywhere you stream podcasts!  Encourage you to check out this episode for further details.  God bless.

Send us Fan Mail Rounding out this last third of our 3 part Summer of Psalms series, this episode looks at the justice and deliverance of the Lord.  Because God takes care of His own, His righteous ones will stand when evildoers fall.  We know there is an eventual judgement that will come upon unbelievers.  We know that despite the deep love of our Creator, there is a level of justice that He must uphold.  For those in Christ, there are action steps in all of this.  How am I living and what am I living for?  Am I going after the inheritance Psalm 37 speaks of?  And if I have a glimmer of hope that is flickering, how do I fan that into flame and live on fire for my God?  This is your invitation to come and hear about the God who rescues and saves!

Send us Fan Mail As we dive further into Psalm 37, we see that God has much to say about the righteous man.  Despite what this life brings, a righteous man's needs are met; his household is taken care of and provided for.  He is also generous and giving and this is in stark contrast to evildoers and the wicked.  Finally, the steps of a righteous man are upheld by the Lord.  God is not going to allow him to stumble or stay down because He watches out for him.  A righteous man serves and obeys his God.  Therefore, God protects him and keeps his life.  Psalm 37 has many promises and this episode outlines several of them.  We can take heart.  God is with us.

Send us Fan Mail We're kicking off a series that hasn't been done since 2023 (but is one of Derek's favorites!).  Over the next 3 episodes, we are looking at Psalm 37 and it's implication for our lives as believers.  As we dive into the first few verses, we see that there are commands for us as Christians to follow.  Fret not, delight in the Lord, be still, wait patiently...all of these commands require obedience.  But the heart of the obedient one is a heart the Lord blesses.  As we journey through verses 1-13, we see Psalm 37 shows the Lord as a protector and that we have a blessed inheritance in Him.  Would love to have you join me for these next 3 episodes!

Send us Fan Mail Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Ephesians 6:13 The world is messy.  The church is going through messy stuff as well.  How do we stay committed to the Gospel even when the things around us seem hopeless at times?  We are called to put on the Full Armor Of God and stand firm.  We do this by putting our hope in Christ and not in this world or the leaders in it.  We test every word and practice discernment -- something we are lacking in.  Finally, we strive for unity.  The church is as divided as ever.  We must major on the majors and minor on the minors in terms of what divides us.  In all of this, we ask for the Lord's leading and guidance.  When we do, we can stand firm even in messy days.

Send us Fan Mail Finishing up our journey through Esther, this episode concludes with the great reversal that God does on behalf of His people.  What Haman sought to do comes back upon his own head.  The evil plan comes to ruin.  In this episodes, we discuss how it is God's job to bring vengeance; we must leave it all in His hands.  And as we see vengeance being enacted, we also realize that we are deserving of God's wrath.  But we thank Him for sending His Son, Jesus.  Because of Christ, the cross is the ultimate reversal.  He did it for Israel and the Feast of Purim is a remembrance of His faithfulness.  We remember what Jesus has done by partaking in the Lord's Supper.  He has been faithful to us as well.

Send us Fan Mail Recapping our journey so far in Esther, we've seen God's plan despite an upside-down world.  We've seen how evil and persecution are real, yet we can stand amidst it because of our hope in Christ.  And we've taken a look at the palace -- could we leave the place that Jesus puts His finger on, knowing that He has a plan that is better for our lives?  This week we see Esther stepping out and taking the steps of faith that will lead to freeing her people.  We see that no matter where we are at in life, faith steps are part of what we must take as believers in Christ.  Those steps will always bring opposition but even in the midst of that, God is working behind the scenes.  He has a plan and we can follow Him.  Let's dig in once again and see what He has to show us in this amazing book!

Send us Fan Mail If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.  Esther 4:14 Nearing the climax of the story, Esther 4 begins to show the steps Esther must take in order to save her people.  There's a moment in which she hesitates; the outcome for her could be death.  But she must also realize the palace won't save her.  She was brought into this position as queen for a specific purpose, "for such a time as this."  As she steps out, she shows that she is "all in" with God's plan.  She is able to leave the palace and step into whatever God might call her to do.  Of course, Jesus is the ultimate example of one who stepped down in complete obedience to His Father.  Jesus left the palace so that we could be reconciled to God.  We must follow in His steps.

Send us Fan Mail In Esther 3, we are introduced to one of the most prideful, vile characters in all of Scripture:  Haman the Agagite.  Haman is a character that has one sole aim in mind:  the elevation of Haman.  In this chapter, Haman is concerned with the annihilation of a people group he believes should no longer exist:  the Jews.  He is able to persuade the king to write an order to destroy the Jewish race entirely throughout Persia.  This is further complicated by Haman's specific hatred toward Mordecai (Esther's guardian before becoming Queen).  This episode looks at the fact that evil exists in this world and that furthermore, Christians will experience persecution in some fashion.  Finally, despite the confusion we see around us, we don't have to fear.  God still has a plan and we can trust Him.

Send us Fan Mail This episode kicks off a series of podcasts from The Book Of Esther.  This is a 5-part series and this first episode introduces us to the character of Esther.  How did she come into position as Queen?  How did God use a seemingly unknown Jewish girl to change the course of history for Israel and its people?  As we look at Esther we'll see how God did it.  Today we look specifically at the culture and climate of the ancient Persians.  Their world was based upon appearances, beauty, wealth, and status.  Thousands of years later, our world is not much different.  In this upside-down world, God is calling His people to a different standard.  He is calling us out to live for "such a time as this."

Send us Fan Mail Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:18,19 Isaiah 43 might not be the first passage that comes to mind when considering the cross and the resurrection.  But in this passage, God lays out His redemptive plan for His people Israel.  Isaiah is prophesying to a people who are still in bondage and in exile in Babylon.  He is pointing them to a ransom that is yet to come.  The move for Israel would be more than just a change of address, it would be a spiritual rebirth.  For us, the cross is prevalent in the midst of this "new thing" God is doing and we can trust Him because of what Jesus did on the cross.  Finally, we have the opportunity at Easter to recommit and say "God what do you want to do through my life because of this new thing?"   I pray this message strengthens and encourages you -- this Easter and beyond.

Send us Fan Mail All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 This installment of the "Let's Talk About It..." series is an effort to discuss something highly practical for the Christian life:  studying God's Word.  In terms of how we study, the tools and resources we use are very important.  We should be informed when picking out a certain translation of the Bible.  We should also be aware of extra reference material that can help us understand what we are reading (commentaries and study and topical Bibles).  The plan we decide to use to read Scripture is important  as well.  It is best to have a guide to follow that will cause us to stay more devoted and on-track.  At the end of this episode, Derek shares what his own personal study has looked like for the past few years...it is simply meant as an example for those looking for ideas and plans to use.   Links mentioned in this episode: Complete Guide to Bible Versions:  https://www.biblegateway.com/learn/bible-101/about-the-bible/bible-versions-guide/ NIV JOURNAL THE WORD Bible Review:  https://youtu.be/AYAN22gbynA?si=hH4zDsF89gsvcoWc Enduring Word Commentary:  https://enduringword.com/ Chapter-by-Chapter Bible Commentary (Nelson's Quick Reference Series) by Warren W. Wiersbe https://a.co/d/0ef6zSqp

Send us Fan Mail "If the Lord Jehovah makes us wait, let us do so with our whole hearts; for blessed are all they that wait for Him. He is worth waiting for.”  Charles Spurgeon  When considering the timing of God, we must take rest in the fact that He moves and does things according to a plan that is perfect.  We may not always see it and we may not always understand.  But He is always on time.  With the backdrop of 1 Samuel 7 today, we can see how we can trust God as we wait in between the seasons of our lives.  We must look back and see the "stones of help," how He has walked with us thus far.  We must also finish well in any season or place we currently reside.  Finally, we must not let the vision perish.  If God has laid something before you, He intends to do it.  Do not lose heart.  Do not be moved.  God will come through.

Send us Fan Mail Rounding out this latest installment of "Stuff That's Been On My Mind," we take a look at a topic that has been brewing over recent years.  The modern worship industry has become a multi-million dollar business, generating massive revenue streams for various churches, pastors, and artists.  But behind the curtain of this ministry, are there issues within any of these churches or with the worship itself?  Is it time for new voices to rise, is it time for a reset in who/what sets the tone for worship in many of our churches?  This podcast answers to the affirmative:  that yes worship does need a reset; a renewal of sorts.  Songs have gotten overwhelmingly me-focused, theological truth has gotten watered down, and most of our songs come from a small, but centralized group of writers and churches.  This episode invites you to enter this discussion with an open mind and leave well-informed with some action steps to take.   Articles mentioned in the episode: The Centralization Of Modern Worship Music: Why A Few Voices Dominating Worship Is A Danger Opinion: Church Music Has Become Big Business

Send us Fan Mail "I have so much to do today that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer".  Martin Luther When we talk about Sabbath rest, it is easy to go down various paths.  For some, although Sabbath is an oft-heard term, the idea of how to observe it is foreign.  For others, the Sabbath can seem like a legalistic thing and many boundaries can be made around it.  This episode seeks to get an understanding from the source:  God's word.  The Sabbath is instituted right from the start in Genesis 2:2 as God rested or paused from His work.  We see that the Sabbath is created for man and for our benefit.  Finally, we see that as we observe the Sabbath (a day of rest), we depend upon the Lord more and hear His heart.  We invite you to tune into this podcast and by the end, take the challenge to incorporate the Sabbath into your life each week!