As Bold As Lions Podcast: Recent Episodes
Derek Charles Johnson
This podcast is meant to encourage, inspire, and equip you in your Christian walk. Topics are varied (marriage/family, Bible studies, examining faith-based culture including music/books/entertainment, and looking at current news and headlines in the light of the Gospel). Additional content (weekly blogs and devotional sign-up) can be found at https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/blog and https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions.
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Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23This 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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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
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"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.
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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
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"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!
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"When all is said and done, the life of faith is nothing if not an unending struggle of the spirit with every available weapon against the flesh." Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Picking up on a previous series from 2024 (Stuff That's Been On My Mind), this episode takes a look at conspiracy theories. No it's not a deep dive into the latest and greatest gossip. Rather, it's a look at how to address and deal with these things from a Christian viewpoint. Whenever we hear rumors (true or unfounded), we must practice discernment. We must also see that our faith in Jesus is unshakeable and immovable. Finally, Jesus has the last word on any of this. He will right the wrongs and come what may, He will guide us into eternity. We don't have to get caught up in the latest and greatest sensational conspiracy theory. We must keep our eyes fixed on Him who will lead us through.
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What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. James 4:1,2
In the Book of James, there is much written about Christian conduct and character, especially as it pertains to relationships within the Body of Christ. We all can struggle with selfishness. But we must realize that our desire to look inward and take care of our own interests often comes at the expense of building up the Body. If we have competing desires (following the world or following God), we eventually come to a place which James terms "adulterous and hostile" to the Lord. The remedy is to seek a humble heart, a heart which God blesses and honors. With the backdrop of James 4:1-12 today, we dive into a topic that focuses on Him, not us.
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I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4
As we close out the first month of 2026, one goal we must have for this year is to find community. The church is a great place to start and we should be plugged into the local church. But even further, who are the people who help guide and encourage you and to whom you guide and encourage also? This episode focuses on how God helps us in "finding our tribe," how we must also limit access with certain people, and that we must look for opportunities to pour into the generations that follow us. As we find our tribe, we find those who God will use to continue to shape and mold us. It's an essential part of our walk in the Lord, as there are no "Lone Ranger Christians."
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Regarding resolutions we make at New Year's, the data isn't great. 25% of people default on their plans in the first week. By the end of the first month, 64% percent are no longer keeping their resolutions. And the data is clear: on average resolutions only last about 4 months...it's hard to keep our promises to ourselves.
But as we think about spiritual goals each year, what is the best way to achieve them? Today's "Let's Talk About It..." episode considers the question, "What if we stopped calling them 'resolutions' and made them 'commitments'?" This subtle change in wording helps us to think of anything we do (spiritually-speaking) as something we want to commit to...not just for a season, but for life. Reading the Bible, being in prayer, fasting, going to church...these are all things we don't just do for awhile and then quit. They are things we keep going after. We can modify and tweak as we go. And we need accountability along the way. But we stay committed and that commitment sees us through beyond just a few months!
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And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Luke 5:10
Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:3
From Peter's first call as a disciple to the end of John (chapter 21), we see a return to the thing he was doing before Jesus found him: fishing. It may have been a return to what was comfortable for him and the other disciples. It might have been finding something familiar amidst the disillusionment. Or it might have been just not knowing where to go after he (Peter) denied Christ. For whatever reason, Peter returns to the nets. But when are called by Christ, we are not to return to what He calls us from...whether a life of sin or to step into a new calling. Today's episode sets a tone for 2026: don't go back to the nets. What God has begun in you, continue to walk in it. Let Him guide and direct your path. Move closer to Him this year!
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This last Christmas podcast and last podcast of the year is actually a throwback to a blog written in 2018 (of the same title). This episode poses the question: what if the heart, mind, and attitude of Christmas was something we pressed into and actually lived year round? We can be dismayed and depressed when the presents are over. When the trimmings are taken down. When January hits. But if our emotions are just based upon physical things, we miss the point entirely. Christmas IS a message we can take and live out throughout the year. Jesus came once and is coming again! Christmas reminds us that we must be ready for His Second Coming.
Article referenced in this episode: How December 25 Became Christmas
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This is a special "Christmas Edition" of the Hymns That I Love series. This episode features the hymn O Little Town Of Bethlehem. Written and published in the 1860s, there is a rich history to this song...a history that begins with a visit to the Holy Land for a Christmas Eve service. Pastor Phillips Brooks and his organist, Lewis Redner, collaborated to combine lyrics and melody. The song was originally used as a children's choir piece for a Christmas Eve service. Little did Brooks and Redner know, hundreds of years later the song would still be sung and popular with modern audiences.
Listen to Derek's Christmas album "GLORIA!" on Spotify (includes O Little Town Of Bethlehem)Derek's Hymns Playlist On YouTube
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As we wrap up 2025 and start thinking about 2026, it is a natural time of the year to look at goals, priorities, and overall direction in life. As Christians, we must do this evaluation through the lens of Scripture. As we hear God's heart, how does it move us forward into next year? Where does He want us to focus? Certainly evangelism and preaching the Gospel are top priorities. We are also called to dream big dreams with Him and ask that He helps us as we step out and fulfill those callings. Today's episode gives us some concrete steps to take as we wind down 2025 and put our focus on 2026.
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Thanksgiving is the subject of this week's episode (part of the "Let's Talk About It..." series). As we think about thankfulness, how do we develop the sort of spirit that the Biblical writers had; an attitude that was thankful in all circumstances despite the difficulties they faced? We know some of hardship, maybe persecution, and pushback in our world. The New Testament writers knew of it all too well. Yet they were encouraged to say, "Be thankful." Our challenge in today's (shorter) episode is to take on that same mindset and to even be joyful when we face tough things in life.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
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The beloved hymn Rock Of Ages by Augustus M. Toplady was published in the late 1700s and came out of England. The hymn itself is still popular and sung worldwide, all these years later. While the hymn is well-known, some of the backstory and context surrounding Mr. Toplady is not. Toplady and evangelist John Wesley had a very public feud over something that is still being debated today: Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Toplady as a Calvinist had strong disagreements with Wesley's views and how much Wesley was influencing the Church of England. Today's podcast goes into this rift between these two men and the beautiful song that was written in the midst of it all: Rock Of Ages.
Rock Of Ages Cover
Derek's Hymns Playlist On YouTube
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I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
In recent weeks and months, a thread through many news events and stories seems to be violence and hatred against Christians (whether in the US or other parts of the world). This hatred has escalated to a point in which we must not only be aware of it but also prepared to deal with it in practical, Biblical ways. Today's episode dives into some responses we should take as Christians when we encounter hatred. Jesus said we would have trouble (tribulation) in this life. But He has also overcome the world. Our response must be layered with grace and love, while at the same time, rooted in the truth of God's Word.
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Let's talk about it! A quick 15-20 minute episode to jumpstart some thoughts to consider in your day. Life is busy but we want to mindful of the reason God placed us on this earth. One of those reasons is to share our faith in Jesus. Today we want to talk about why this is hard and also identify some ways we can push back against the barriers that keep us from sharing. Is there some commonality here between us (Derek and the audience -- you!)? I hope so! But let's spur one another on and pray for one another to be bold in preaching Christ.
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As we think about sharing the Gospel, are we aware of just how short our time on this earth really is? Is that something that propels us forward to share, knowing that life is short but eternity is forever? This episode reminds us to be ready to share and have a heart that shows Christ's compassion. All the while, we rely on the Holy Spirit's leading and guidance. He will speak as we step out in obedience. May we understand we carry an urgent message. May we proclaim Christ today.
“If by excessive labor, we die before the average age of man, worn out in the Master’s service, then glory be to God, we shall have so much less of earth and so much more of Heaven… It is our duty and our privilege to exhaust our lives for Jesus. We are not to be living specimens of men in fine preservation, but living sacrifices, whose lot is to be consumed.” Charles Spurgeon
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LET'S TALK ABOUT IT! A new recurring series that is meant to be a quick 15-20 minute episode centering on a theme that is relevant to the life of the believer. These are meant to be topical and applicable...in the midst of your busy day and busy week!
Our first episode is a discussion about INTEGRITY. What is the definiton and what does the Bible have to say about it? As Christians, we are called to live private lives that are the same as who we are in public. Shortcuts might be the way the rest of the world operates but they cannot define us. This episode ends with some action steps that we can take; questions to ponder as take in this word and allow it to influence our relationship with Christ.
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When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So there was a division among the people over Him. John 7:40-43
In the Book of John, we see a growing division occurring surrounding Jesus as we come to chapter 7. There are the Pharisees on one hand; bitterly opposed and against any claims that He is the Messiah. There are the adherents to His ministry; His disciples and other followers. But in the middle of both camps there is a third group: those who are in the middle ground and undecided about Jesus. They are compelled by His words. They know there is something about Him. But the naysayers are speaking loudly; trying to drown out Jesus' voice.
As we look at this passage today, we must admit not much has changed in our world. There is still a middle ground group that is somewhere between belief and unbelief, faith and doubt. It is this group we must pray for and minister to. We are at the edge of great revival as many are turning to Jesus right now.
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After this summer's sabbatical and break from AS BOLD AS LIONS content, Derek is back with a new episode taking us into the fall. Into this season, God is saying "It is time to go back to school." This is timely and a reminder that in life, we need God's Word and truth daily. We need to be students of Scripture, approaching it with humility and able to teach others. When we have a love for the Word like David had, we find that it causes us to want to see the truth untarnished and proclaimed boldly. Today, we are going back to school...the Lord's classroom is in session.
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Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Psalm 37:7
What does it look like to "rest expectantly" or to rest with expectation? This episode considers this idea against the backdrop of several verses in Psalm 37. As we come into the summer, we often trade one level of busyness and "over-programming" for a season that moves at the same pace (just with a different look). These months are often perfect times to pull away, to find rest in our Savior, and to quiet ourselves before Him. Sadly, we often don't utilize them as we should. Let this podcast take you into the summer, recognizing your need for more of His presence and less of the world's pace. Find rest and be expectant for what He will do!
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In Acts 17:16-34, we see Paul's encounter in Athens at the Areopagus. This was a center of philosophical thought, higher learning, and judicial proceedings. It was a place to go to discuss ideas and to debate. Paul was invited to share about his God and his beliefs in front of an audience at the Areopagus. Within this chapter, we see Paul makes inroads and finds common ground with his audience. He follows the right "evangelical" course, yet some were disapproving and even mocked his message. Still, others wanted to listen and hear Paul out. Finally, some believed! We see the power of the Gospel through this event. From this Acts 17 account, there is much we can use in terms of our own witness and our need to boldly speak about Christ just as Paul did.
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When we look at the holiness of God and how we can get it wrong, we need not look any further than the example of Ananias & Sapphira in the early Acts church. As we come to Acts 5, we see the church in line with the Lord's leadership -- it is seeing miracles occur, needs taken care of, and God is adding to their number. Suddenly the brakes are hit as we learn of Ananias & Sapphira, their sin and choice to withhold from God the full truth of their donation. In this story, we see that God indeed takes holiness seriously and He desires a pure Bride, a pure Church. We can hide nothing from God. We must run to Him to confess and profess -- confess sin and profess Him as Lord.
Watch short movie, Jesus The Narrow Way: https://youtube.com/shorts/K7tfDmnK1vk?si=JzaqNnIHGqKdYOk_
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In the account of 1 Samuel 13-15, we see the demise and downfall of King Saul, the first king of Israel. His undoing involved his unwillingness to wait for the Lord, his decision to make rash vows before Him, and the fact that he chose sacrifice over obedience. In the mistakes he made, he allowed for compromise in the way he treated the holiness of God. God takes holiness very seriously and we can look at various players in Scripture and learn from the mistakes they made. In doing so, we can find a way that is better and is after the heart of God.
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This week being Holy Week, we are contemplating the meaning of Easter. With any major holidays around the church calendar (Christmas included), it can be easy to go through the motions and simply "check the box" by attending a service, participating in worship, and so on. But what is the deeper meaning of these things and why do we celebrate, especially the death and resurrection of our Lord? Today's episode reminds us of some of truths that accompany Easter; truths that when lived out, have the potential to transform our lives.
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5 loaves of bread and a couple fish. How would it ever be enough to feed the large crowd that stood before Jesus and the disciples? Today's episode takes us to John 6:1-15, the account of Jesus feeding the 5000. This passage can become very familiar to us; so much so that we miss the weight of just how powerful God is and what He can do. In our lives God will often place before us a need that seems too big to imagine any solution. In that process, He is asking us to display "obedient trust." As we partner with Him and step in faith into what He is asking, we see His glory on display. We see Him as the God of endless resources. Be encouraged, God never runs out!
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Mega church pastors falling into moral failure. Epstein lists and Diddy files coming out into the open. Government admission of misleading Americans during the COVID response. Exposure and potential exposure is all around us. When we focus on what we see and hear, we can get discouraged and perhaps even have our own faith shaken. But if we are focused on the Lord, we don't lose heart. Essentially, exposure must first start with us -- allowing the Lord to examine our souls. From there, we allow ourselves to be used in the process that God is already doing. Even from the ashes of what is being dismantled, God is building an unshakeable Kingdom. May we be bold as we step out in faith in these days.
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Exposure is a term we've been hearing a lot lately. But when it comes to what God is doing and revealing, how do we respond? How does it affect our faith? Today's episode is part 1 of a 2-part series. It focuses mainly on the Biblical and Scriptural support for exposure and realizing that today, God is still doing the same things we see in the Bible. We have to trust what He is doing and even partner with Him to be agents of change in our world. The Lord is at work and exposing much...in 2025 and beyond.
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In John 4, we see an encounter Jesus has with the Samaritan woman at the well. In this encounter, there is a point at which Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah. In response to this, the woman rushes back to her village with the big news: “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” John 4:29. Many villagers respond and see for themselves this Jesus; discovering that He truly is the Savior.
As we dive into this passage today, we see that there is no one too far gone for Jesus to reach. We also discover that in our worship, the Lord desires worshippers in spirit and in truth. Finally, the news of the Gospel should compel us to go and tell others, just as this woman did. Many are thirsty for Living Water. Are we willing to share Jesus with them?
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In John 1, we see a handoff taking place of disciples. More specifically, the disciples of John the Baptist see Jesus ("the Lamb of God") and follow after Him. The way John recounts this in his Gospel, we see no effort on the part of John the Baptist to take away from or keep his followers from seeking the Lord. And really, that was his mission: to prepare the way for the Lord. This episode examines the call of these first disciples and asks some questions to ourselves: is there anything in our lives that we follow greater than Jesus, are we telling others about Him, and are we allowing Jesus to do "even greater things" in our lives as He speaks to Nathanael in John 1:51? This podcast is an extension to the Wild Faith series; a call to continue seeking after Christ in all we do.
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Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19,20Ending this series on Wild Faith, we are looking at the Great Commission and how it is a call to simply "Go" and share the Gospel. This episode uses some content from a previous blog in 2021, but the thrust of the message is the same. We are not given the option to simply stand idly by while others do the work of evangelism. When we do move out, we see that Jesus is right alongside us and even goes before us into the situations we come across. Life is too short. The stakes are too high. We must share Jesus with the world. A wild faith demands it.
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But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15Continuing on talking about "Wild Faith," the home is ground zero for where a bold faith is shaped and put on display. Homes that exhibit wild faith will look different than others on the block. Jesus will be the center and foundation of such homes. And a generational inheritance of Christ will be the mark of the sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters of homes built upon wild faith. Today's episode dives into this discussion and the importance of covenanting with the Lord to make Him the reason for everything we do. This faith will then shape our interaction with the world, making us bold to share the Promise that we have!
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Whenever we put the word "wild" in front of something, we can have a certain impression because of what we perceive wild to mean. In this episode, consider a definition of wild which means "passionately eager or enthusiastic, going beyond normal or conventional bonds, and deviating from the intended or expected course." When considering all of these meanings and then applying it to our faith, we can see how God would use us in ways that take us from living in the status quo or just as a cookie-cutter Christian. In this episode, we get an idea of what Derek means when he says the phrase "wild faith" and how to apply it as Christians. Ideally, it means moving closer to God and further from this world, seeing that God is exactly Who He says He is, and that the patterns we see the faithful display in the Bible are the same patterns that we should expect today. It's a wild faith and we are called to live it!
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But He would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. Psalm 81:16With this first episode of 2025, we are looking at this concept of honey from the rock: an idea which comes to us from Psalm 81. We see that honey signifies God's abundant blessings upon our lives. From the Psalm we also see that in order to truly taste of these blessings, God desires obedience from us. Finally, the phrase "honey from the rock" truly points us to Jesus; that He is the Rock and honey is the grace and salvation imparted to us by Him. This entire concept is eye-opening and something that can and should transform our faith. It's a great place to start out the New Year: considering how we can taste the honey that God has for us this year and ultimately pursue Him more deeply.
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This episode is a bit of retrospection...looking back at 2024 and highlighting a few words that encompass the year. This year had its moments where we didn't know what was coming next; especially in terms of political events. It was also a time of growth, especially within the church (locally and on a national/global scale). And it was a year that showed promise: God was faithful and remains faithful even through what 2025 will bring. Take a moment to listen and reflect back upon the year that was. Through this, allow yourself to see how God was there each step along the way. Let that guide you into what the next year will bring!
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This episode is a "Christmas Edition" episode that is part of the Hymns That I Love series and also accompanies the Songs Of The Season series (from 2021). Join me as we again dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of a beloved hymn.
**LO, HOW A ROSE E'ER BLOOMING (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)
Watch Derek's recording here: https://youtu.be/6HVbnazk_Ek Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming**
Author unknown (German origins), translated by Theodore Baker with harmonization melody by Michael Praetorius.
Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.
Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind:
With Mary we behold it,
The virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright
She bore to men a Savior
When half-gone was the night.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load
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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 6:13If we have had recent victories in our nation, in our churches, our homes, etc, we must still realize this: we are in a spiritual battle. The enemy is prowling, regrouping, and readying an attack -- on those who profess and claim Christ. Today's episode centers much upon spiritual warfare and the realization that as believers, we cannot stop pressing in and moving forward. We must put on the armor everyday. We must plead the blood over our homes. And we must stand in Christ's victory. Are you suited up? Are you getting into the secret place everyday?
Check out my podcast series on The Full Armor of God: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-bold-as-lions-podcast/id1551824939?i=1000593099440
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“To recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” George Washington
What are the origins of the holiday we celebrate known as Thanksgiving? The day was set aside by a proclamation by President George Washington in 1789. This proclamation has much to benefit our understanding of this day and what it means to our nation. Namely, this day is a day of thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God. This podcast episode walks through this proclamation and the implications therein...things that still apply to us now some 200+ years later.
Read the proclamation here: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091
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When examine the familiar story of David and Goliath, we see in David a man who is motivated in faith by the fear of his God. David could not have taken the steps of obedience that he took had he not lived in a fearful surrender. The armies of Israel were bound in fear; David stepped forward when no one else did. He also knows God has delivered him from big foes before (lions and bears) and the giant Goliath would be no different. Lastly, he gives all credit to the Lord. The victory is for His glory and His alone. Join Derek for this podcast episode which takes a fresh look at this famous battle. In this, let your own faith be moved forward to trust that God still is the God who takes down giants!
For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26
Watch the David and Goliath clip mentioned in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtCm-8qf1fU&t=44s
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Today's podcast is a single episode (i.e. "one-off") which is based on 1 Timothy 1:1-11. In this passage, we read Paul's words to Timothy. His words are full of encouragement. His words are directive (as a mentor to a mentee). His words bring warning against falsehoods and false gospels. These short eleven verses point the believer to find accountability, to be discerning, and to preach the Gospel with our lives on display each day. May this episode be an encouragement for you to live out your faith...boldly!
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Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Joshua 1:2
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9This episode is a call to action. We know the world is in chaos around us. But that should not keep us from entering into the promise God has called us to. What dreams has He laid before you? What things are unachievable unless He steps in? With the backdrop of Joshua 3, this episode looks at the Jordan River crossing by Ancient Israel. In that event, the generation that had been with Moses (the ones who crossed the Red Sea) had all died out. This new generation had to step into the water to see it part. They were also called to memorialize and remember what took place. This story is a reminder to us: God is still calling us to cross Jordan Rivers. What water is He calling you to step into today?
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If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14Today's podcast episode is a bit of a departure from other episodes in that its focus is primarily on prayer. There are 4 major areas of focus:
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Prayer of repentance over this land
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Prayer for God to bring the right persons into power (president, governors, senators, reps, state and local level officials)
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Prayer for Christians to be involved in this process and to be bold
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Prayer for the future of this country and to turn its eyes back to God (revival)
Join Derek as we walk through each of these areas and spend some concentrated time in prayer. We are crying out for the Lord to heal this land. We are crying out for His hand upon this election and leaders as we move forward. We are asking for boldness with the Body of Christ. And we want to see revival in our lifetime! Amen.
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In looking at various passages of Scripture, especially in the New Testament, there are encounters in which a similar sentiment or expression is raised: how do I find salvation? In these encounters, a similar response is given and in-roads are made to the hearer; an unbeliever who is not a follower of Christ but a seeker of truth. A few of these conversations are looked at today: we revisit Paul and the jailer in Acts 16. We look at Nicodemus and his late night visit to discuss matters with Jesus in John 3. And we contemplate Peter once again and the hearers of his sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2 (an event in which 3000 find salvation). Do we understand that many are so close and are looking for the answer to "What must I do to be saved?" If and when we do, we find out that we are the tools God uses to bring about these salvations, through the Holy Spirit.
God Questions - How Can I Be Saved Article: https://www.gotquestions.org/how-can-I-be-saved.html
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Finishing up this batch of Profiles In Courage episodes, we are looking at Paul. In Acts 16:16-40, Paul and Silas have an encounter in Philippi that leads to them being beaten and thrown into prison. As we observe the reasoning behind their imprisonment, we can easily see why this was unfair and unjust. Yet Paul praised God while he was in jail. During that time at midnight, God sends an earthquake and the prison doors fly open. Long story short, Paul's obedience to the Lord leads to the conversion of the jailer and his entire family. Through this passage, we learn that sometimes tough things come even we are obedient to the Lord. But through those circumstances we must and should still praise. As we do, we see God is faithful and walks with us through the trials we face.
I hope you will be blessed with this episode and encouraged to go back and listen to this entire series from these past few weeks. Feel free to reach out: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com
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Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13
As we move into the New Testament and look at Peter this week and Paul next week, we see boldness in both men in the pages of Acts. After Christ's ascension, there is something that takes place within Peter. It is apparent through the first few chapters as he preaches and addresses various crowds: from those gathered at Pentecost, to those after the healing of the lame beggar, to the ruling council of Sadducees. In each instance, Peter's boldness leads him to share the Gospel and to connect this same Jesus with prophecy as a fulfillment of the Scripture. Peter's boldness can and should become our boldness. In a world which needs to hear, are we taking the truth with us into the settings we're in each day?
Listen to: Jesus & Peter - Prior To/Following The Crucifixion (ENCOUNTERS) https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1663204/episodes/8520597-jesus-peter-prior-to-following-the-crucifixion-encounters
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Continuing on in our Profiles In Courage series, we are looking at Daniel. Specifically, we are looking at Daniel 6 -- the famous "Daniel in the lion's den" account. Daniel was a man who was willing to defy governmental orders in order to obey his God. The fact that he ends up in the lion's den attests to his own refusal to bow to man over God. In the process, he gives all praise and glory to God when he is found alive and well after a night with the lions. In this, his stand for God is something the King takes and pronounces to his entire kingdom: the God of Daniel....He is the living God, enduring forever (Daniel 6:26).What might our stand for God look like in the end? If we are saved from the lions as Daniel was, we give glory to God. If we face martyrdom like Stephen in Acts, we give glory to God. Either way, the Gospel goes forth and God is praised!
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Rebooting a series that debuted in 2021, this week we are looking at Abraham and the path he took as he courageously obeyed his God. Our text comes from Genesis 22, the retelling of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac. Isaac was the promised heir and the one through which God would make Abraham a mighty nation. In choosing to follow the Lord, Abraham shows an outward obedience despite any inward hesitation he may have felt. He shows that God brings provision through our obedience. Finally, God does not forget His promise to Abraham and makes good on all He said He would do.
We know the names of these Profiles In Courage, these heroes of the faith, because they stepped out. If they had refused, their account would not have made it into the Biblical record. But because we know their names and their stories, we can take heart. God goes with us and before us into the steps of faith we must take.
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*Seek the Lord while He may be found;
call upon Him while He is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are My ways higher than your ways
and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:6-10*Derek shares a standalone episode this week, detailing some insights from a recent passage he has studied: Isaiah 55:6-10. In this passage, we see that God invites us to seek Him while He may be found. He has compassion and extends His pardon to the wayward sinner. And we can trust Him despite what we see going on around us. His ways and thoughts are higher than our own. Listen in and be encouraged by this episode; a subject that should give us much hope even in these days.
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Finishing up this last group of 3 episodes in this series (Stuff That's Been On My Mind), we're diving into the election. Yes it is on everyone's mind. No I don't intend to tell you who to vote for. But as a Christian, I believe we CANNOT afford to sit this one out. 2024 will have lasting implications for our country. We must pray, go to the polls, and keep praying. There are certain value voter issues that have stark contrast between the two candidates: know what Scripture says and vote those values. No matter what happens, we know God is in control and He reigns. Kings and kingdoms bow down to Him and no matter who is in the Oval Office, that office must bow to the King of kings. May this episode encourage you as a Christian and may we continue to pray for America in these days; days that are vitally important to our future existence and freedom.
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Is revival possible in our lifetime? For Christians, especially believers in the United States, we have longed for and prayed for revival for many years. And in some places we are seeing pockets of revival and moves of God that are stirring many to follow Him. But could a widespread, wide-scale awakening happen in our day? This episode dives into this subject and acknowledges that in order for revival to occur we must have repentance, we must realize that no government or power of man can change our situation, and that any move of God will have elements that won't look how we expect. This causes us to be fully dependent upon Him as we follow God's charge in 2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
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Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12Rebooting a series that was started in May, we look again at another topic that has been on Derek's mind lately. The discussion of persecution -- especially in the Western Church -- has been a growing concern. Whether or not we consider American believers as "persecuted," we do see signs of growing hostility and harassment towards those who bear the Gospel. This episode is an honest look at this topic and how we handle it moving forward, knowing that if we are in Christ we will face persecution. The good news is we can take joy in knowing it is revealing our faith and that it only serves to further advance the Gospel. Jesus is with us in these days.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31With all the doom and gloom in this world, it can be hard sometimes as Christians to see what good there is. We can long for eternity and even "check out" of the things going on here on Earth, hoping for Christ's soon return. However, we are called to live in the tension of the present alongside the hope of Heaven. With Romans 8:31-39 as a backdrop, this episode looks at the hope we have in Christ despite the uncertainty of the world around us. We see that Jesus intercedes for us and loves us deeply. We also understand that we are more than conquerors because of the life we have in Christ. For those who do not know this hope, today's episode offers a simple salvation prayer and presentation of the Gospel.
He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” Luke 12:54-56Do we recognize times and seasons? Are we prepared as events around us take place that have the potential to shake this world? And do we see the rapid nature in which things are changing...an acceleration that seems to only be growing by the day? In Christ we are called to preach the Gospel. It never changes no matter what this world brings. Additionally, we must seek the Lord to ask what He would want to do in and through us and that we would be ready, even in seasons of great change. From now until the end of 2024 and even beyond, I feel much is going to happen. Are we ready and are we willing to be used by the Lord "for such a time as this?"
But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. Revelation 2:20In this last installment of the "Stuff That's Been On My Mind" series, we take a look at the Jezebel spirit. This is somewhat of a buzzword concept in much of Christian/church circles these days and the topic comes at us from many angles. It has certainly been a hot button topic in recent news headlines relating to various pastors and churches. This episode seeks to identify and define Biblically what this spirit is by tying it back to passages in 1 & 2 Kings (relating to Queen Jezebel) and to passages like Revelation 2 in which Jesus addresses the church of Thyatira. Is Jezebel alive and well today? Yes. Do we have authority in Jesus' name to overcome this spirit? Yes. Take a listen today and put on your spiritual armor for the fight.
Related podcast referenced in this episode:
ELIJAH (Profiles In Courage)
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elijah-profiles-in-courage/id1551824939?i=1000553132253 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ih9FHMT3x7iwM56kFIgkw?si=A_M7G0bxRiuIGRKwl0KSng
*What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9
A year spent in Artificial Intelligence is enough to make one believe in God. Alan Jay Perlis.*On this next installment of "Stuff That's Been On My Mind," we look at A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) and finding a Christian approach to this technology. We can see already that A.I. is here and influencing much of what we do on a daily basis. Additionally, we know that potential nefarious deeds can or could come as a result of using A.I. As Christians it's my belief (Derek) that we do not run from this conversation or from this technology but we figure out how to use it to benefit the Kingdom while at the same dispelling the darkness it may bring elsewhere.
DC Talk's song "What If I Stumble?" from their 1995 Jesus Freak album, feature the opening lyrics Is this one for the people? Is this one for the Lord? Or do I simply serenade for things I must afford?
What has always been a temptation with the platform and with the stage is to make the person(s) bigger than the message. Today a quick websearch of "Christian Celebrity Culture" will bring up several articles and viewpoints about where we are at as a church culture with our own "celebrities" and big names. Overall, is this a bad thing? Is seeking fame wrong? And if we have influence, is it being used to point people to Christ or simply to ourselves?
Today's episode is the first in this "Stuff That's Been On My Mind" series; a series looking at some hot-button issues that need to be looked at within the lens of the Gospel.
Thus says the LORD to you “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s”. 2 Chronicles 20:15When the people of Judah face a fierce opponent in 2 Chronicles 20, there is a right response made by King Jehoshaphat. Even as he is afraid of the enemies of Moab and Ammon, the king calls for a fast over the land. His prayer in verse 12 is one of the most honest prayers in all of Scripture: "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The Lord does end up answering the prayers of the people and the king. The enemy is routed. Judah experiences peace and fear of their nation grips even other nations beyond them.
This week's podcast realizes that even though we face daily battles, those fights belong to the Lord. We must stand in obedience and wait patiently as we give the fight over to Him. Furthermore, we must worship as we go into the battle. As praise goes up, His presence leads us. Finally, as we fight we know the enemy has to run when God shows up. May we take courage and may go into each situation knowing that we can operate from a place of victory. Christ has already won the fight!
In the Book of Judges, a sad thing happens to the people of Israel; God's chosen people for His promise: they fall into sin and disobedience. After the years of being delivered, crossing the Red Sea, and even settling into the Promised Land, the people have done the very thing God warned them not to do. They fell for the gods and idols of the people who surrounded them. Into this, they ultimately forgot what God had done for them and forgot the legacy that was theirs to claim.
If we are not sharing the faith with our kids and making it a daily aspect of our lives, the steps that lead us (and them) from the Lord are not far. In one generation, faith can either be solidified and built up OR it can be torn down and dismantled. It's up to us to talk about the things of God as Moses declared in Deuteronomy 6:6-9. From there, if the generations that follow us have heard, it is their choice to listen and obey. Today's podcast takes us down this trail of thought and uses the Israelites' experience as one we can learn from.
As we follow Christ, there is a tendency that can always creep in to lull our hearts away from Him. This temptation can take various forms. Sometimes we can ask "If I am doing all of this for the Lord, where is the payoff for me personally?" This can be very subtle and an idea that grows over time. We see that in other aspects of life, hard work = reward. But often the rewards we seek in the faith are not in this life but in the one to come. As we follow that temptation and our hearts are drawn from the Lord, we can easily fall into the trap of "the gospel of me." Today's podcast unpacks this thought a bit further as we look at the origins and characteristics of a me-focused gospel. May we rejection this notion at every turn and may we find our rest and hope in the Lord!
And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days.” Joshua 6:2,3The battle of Jericho was a unique battle in the timeline of Israel's history as a nation. Having taken fresh steps into the Promised Land, Joshua leads the people to conquer Jericho. The battle plan was unconventional but yet it needed to be followed in detail. In carrying out the plan, Israel would open the door to further victories. Those victories would establish them in the new land. From this battle we can draw many parallels to our own day. May we continue to march around the Jerichos in our lives knowing God has the power to topple the walls and giants we face.
Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. John 18:37,38The question posed by Pilate to Jesus "What is truth?" has always been a question that stopped me dead in my tracks when reading about Jesus' trial and crucifixion. It's a big question. It's definitely a question a seeker of truth would ask. If Pilate could have known Who he was asking this question to, the answer would have opened his eyes. Still, we can know Jesus as the embodiment of truth and that His very words are truth. From there, we can know the truth because we choose to follow Jesus and live in the freedom He brings. May that message stir your heart once again, not only at Easter but throughout the whole year.
On March 11, 2014 my (Derek's) debut album Carry On was released. It is amazing to think it has now been 10 years since that release date. A lot of life has happened in that space of time. This podcast episode is a slight detour from our normal content, but it's purpose is to celebrate and give God glory through what He has done. Carry On was, in many ways, a first step into ministry and music for me. It has opened many doors and in God's providence, the story of many songs and thoughts treasured up were able to be shared. Join me for this retrospective podcast in which we dive in deeper and look at this album now turning 10!
Listen to Carry On on these streaming platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5T10h7kXZh91qrBAVoKiio?si=w7sH3tNYQDqbB6EwPJEBvw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/carry-on/836420634
Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/xBg2W5vHnHb
Amazon Music: https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B00IX6BIQI?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_Q280kvfLyQJPNiNag2kh0YV0D
CDs available for purchase here: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/product/284877
YouTube acoustic versions:
King Of Glory https://youtu.be/0bWJ15Zt3yk
Prodigal https://youtu.be/OwH-lNUvIQU
Carry On https://youtu.be/kcKO5wpMkMk
City On The Hill Music Festival: https://cityonthehillmusicfest.com/
Tommee Profitt wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommee_Profitt
The second in this 2 part series on The Hiding Place, this episode finishes out the story and pulls some more themes together. Through the extraordinary faith of Corrie and her sister Betsie, they are able to see the love and grace of God despite the dark circumstances they encounter. Both go through months of imprisonment because they were part of the Dutch Resistance. But they have the opportunity to lead Bible studies and encourage other prisoners; even to serve as witnesses to guards and officers. Finally, a theme of forgiveness is readily present as Corrie must grapple with how to forgive those who did much harm to her and her family. Through Christ, we see an example we should follow.
Links for items mentioned:
The Hiding Place (original movie — free on YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zNDe30_eKw The Hiding Place (2023 movie): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CQ6VK4T1/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Hiding Place museum: https://www.corrietenboom.com/en/home The Hiding Place Book (35th Anniversary Edition): https://a.co/d/d4hImFm
In this first part of a 2-part series, Derek takes a look at favorite book: The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. The Hiding Place is a story of extraordinary faith and trust in God's plan during one of the darkest periods in history: World War II. The story of Corrie and the ten Boom family is remarkable. Through their efforts, it is estimated some 800 Jews were saved. In this podcast, the effort is made to not just make this a "book review." Really it's an examination of faith and an opportunity to ask the question: would we be able to do the same as Christians if we were placed in a similar scenario? Would we be willing to take the risk to save lives even if it might cost our own? This first episode in the series examines a life that surrendered to God and was willing to take the risks of faith, no matter the cost.
Links for items mentioned:
The Hiding Place (original movie — free on YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zNDe30_eKw The Hiding Place (2023 movie): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CQ6VK4T1/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Hiding Place museum: https://www.corrietenboom.com/en/home The Hiding Place Book (35th Anniversary Edition): https://a.co/d/d4hImFm
This week's episode takes a look at the concept of a hardened heart. We see this throughout Scripture and really it's a posture we can knowingly or unknowingly fall into if we aren't in right relationship with the Lord. Certainly we see the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in resisting God's call to free His people. We also see Israel itself hardening its heart when it came to carrying out God's plan to enter the Promised Land. And in the New Testament, there is an audience that was warned against making those mistakes -- even many had tasted of Christ but had not fully committed to following Him. For these audiences the warning is clear. For us it is as well: do not harden your heart to the Lord.
Coming to the end of Jonah, we look for a tidy wrap-up and conclusion to a short book that has many twists and turns. But perhaps the question we want answered most, "What happens to Jonah?" is left unresolved. We see through this chapter that Jonah still has a deep sense of pride and contempt in regards to the Ninevites. We see that God provides something for Jonah (a plant), only to take it away. At this, he is angry and upset with God. Overall, we see that God has a heart for the lost and pokes at Jonah's "rights" to be upset with how He [God] acts. Do we have any blindspots within our faith that keeps us from reaching out, just like Jonah? This episode concludes our series but there is still much we can ponder and pray through as we ask the Lord to help us not run from, but fulfill our call in Christ.
By Jonah 3, we see the prophet hearing the call of God, reinstated, and ready to go to Nineveh. We know Jonah went into the city and preached repentance. We know also that everyone in the city, from the king down to the citizenry, repented and fasted. By the end of the chapter, we see that God relents from His decision to destroy Nineveh. From this chapter alone, we learn much about how God feels towards the lost. As believers in Christ do we have this same care and compassion over those who do not know Him? Join me once again as we dive in and look at this amazing story!
In this second installment of Jonah, we see Jonah praying a prayer in an unlikely place: within the belly of a fish. We know from the first chapter, Jonah's disobedience landed him here. But even as this place has brought him to his knees, Jonah's plea is not rejected before God. Through the 10 verses of Jonah 2, there is a Psalm-like longing and hope within Jonah. By the end, we see he has a heart of repentance and a desire to once again be reinstated for God's call. It's a call we experience too as we fully submit and surrender to God's will.
This is the first episode of a 4-part series on Jonah. This series looks at the life and ministry of Jonah in regards to his reluctant obedience as a prophet of God. In this first episode (corresponding with Jonah Chapter 1), we see Jonah's flee from God's call. We see his disobedience causing consequences for Jonah and even the men on the ship (innocent bystanders to what Jonah has done). We also see God's care and compassion for the lost. This first episode is the springboard for where the rest of the book will take us. Encourage you to listen in and please share with someone who you think will be impacted by this message.
For this year, spending some time in meditation in December led me to a word I don’t often think about or even use on a regular basis. But it’s a word that has profound meaning. It is the word attune. I believe God is calling me/calling us to be attuned to Him in 2024.
I had to do some digging to figure out what attune/attuned means. Even though I’ve used it before and had thought I knew the word’s meaning, I wasn’t sure. Here’s what I found:
attuned/attune — aware of and attentive or responsive to something
- Sensitive to something
- Able to understand or recognize something
- Able to understand or recognize a particular sound
- Related words = empathy, identify, relate, sensitive, understanding, communicate
Join Derek for this kick-off episode for the new year as we learn how to be attuned to the Lord.
As we wrap up 2023, we take a moment to pause and reflect upon this year and the meaning of Christmas. We consider it all afresh again and what it means personally for our lives. We also take that posture into the new year; knowing that 2024 will bring its own challenges and difficulties. How will we pull away and continue staying in a place where we quiet our souls in rest with our Maker? Lots of questions to ponder as we end 2023 with this episode. Have a journal or notebook handy! Jot down some thoughts and use this episode to prepare your hearts for this busy holiday season as well as the year that stretches out before you.
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8
This week is a bit movie review and a bit Bible study. With the famous Christmas movie, It's A Wonderful Life as our backdrop (the BEST Christmas movie BTW), we look at the spiritual applications of our own lives (the presence or absence thereof). George Bailey got a rare chance: to see what it would be like if he had never been born. Do we consider the weight of our lives and would there be a void if we were not in the world? Furthermore, who has heard the message of the Gospel because we are alive and able to tell them? Listen in today as we discuss the movie and draw some Biblical applications we can make.
OK, it probably needs to be said if you haven’t picked up on it by now: I love Christmas music. I start to listen and even share Christmas-music-related things in November...could even start as early as October. Yeah, I'm that guy and you can call me crazy. For me, this year was the opportunity to finally get some of these songs recorded and released out into the wild. A 6 song EP titled GLORIA! released in November and it was a fun project I got to complete this past summer/fall. Today’s podcast turns us towards some of these songs to highlight their message and the overall theme of this album. There is still a richness in the songs we sing around Christmas and something that points us back to the Gospel saving message of Jesus Christ.
Links mentioned in the podcast:
Hymns That I Love - Christmas Edition (Angels We Have Heard On High)
Silent Night (Songs Of The Season) blog
Silent Night (Songs Of The Season) podcast
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear (Hymnary.org)
Links for streaming GLORIA!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0FjskM6rVZWGEvgBc8KJfN?si=33tjyb6mTMiZY1A4m5gHEQ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/gloria-ep/1715359135
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CMRS7VJW?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_pe06IwUSK4Le27DyFG74pOyIB
Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/ng98CwH17Eb
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/510340581
Link to buy from my website: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/album/2639278/gloria
Is it possible to see the miracles, signs, wonders, and conversions seen in the early Acts church today? Today's podcast seeks to find the key that unlocks these things; assuming they are real and still for today. When we walk in the Spirit, we live with the ability to listen to the Lord's voice and obey. As we do, we must know Scripture well enough to stand on the truth and proclaim it to those who are in darkness. Finally, as we walk in the Spirit and in obedience, we should expect signs and wonders to follow. This was the pattern, especially in Acts 8 (our backdrop passage for today). If we walk in the Spirit, we can expect God to do amazing things. To reach those "desperate enough for Jesus," are we listening to the Lord's heart?
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16Last year in November, Derek did a series of episodes titled "Things I'm Thankful For..." Today's episode is an extension of that thought, turning it around and asking "What are you thankful for?" knowing that thankfulness plays a big role in our faith. We are commanded to be thankful in all circumstances, our thankfulness flows from a life of worship, and when we are thankful, Jesus gets all the recognition. Hope this episode will bless you in this season. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Listen to Thankful Heart by Petra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYMJ74odU20
Apathy is a word meaning "lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern." Spiritually-speaking, it is a dangerous road to go down. There may be seasons in which we feel a pull towards apathy in our lives. Left unchecked, we can succumb to a number of things. But if we recognize those seasons, what are some ways we can be spurred on to grow in Christ? Today's episode outlines some ideas and practical steps that can help us avoid or pull out of apathy. The bottom line is also addressed: apathy stems from a place of loneliness and that loneliness is birthed in a lack of intimacy. So if we are apathetic, it follows that our intimacy with the Lord is not where it should be.
He [Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. Luke 19:1-6With a desperate and broken world, there are many who, like Zacchaeus, will do anything to catch a glimpse of something real, something true. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. Those in despair around us ultimately need to see Him too, even if they don't recognize that it is Jesus that they are missing. Today's podcast episode tells us of the need that is there and gives a roadmap of Christian living in these days to maximize our witness. Many are so close to making a commitment to Christ. Are we willing to stand in the gap and pray and step out obediently when we are called to share Him?
"Each of us is given the exact same amount of seconds, minutes and hours per day as anyone else. The difference is how we redeem [them]. … You cannot count your days, but you can make your days count.” Billy Graham
As we finish this "Raising The Standard" series, we are stopping at an important category...and one that the greater society can often neglect. The retirement years, the graying and elderly years; these are important years to see Christ modeled and displayed. For a man in this period of life, he must not assume his experiences do not matter. We need to hear about successes, mistakes and all. He should never just "hang it up" or live out the rest of his days on the golf course. And he should realize how he ends serves as an example to those around him. To see a godly man not compromise and not water down his faith is an amazing thing. To see him finish and pass onto eternity is a testimony to what God has done.
Mentioned in this episode:
Retirement blues: Taking it too easy can be hard on you article
Moving along through the path of a man's life, we next stop at the years of "career and family man." The point at which this phase starts may change from man to man. But the years are marked by marriage, raising a family, holding down a job, buying a home, and many other important milestones. This is most likely the majority of where a man will spend his days. It is important to not just focus on his own wealth and accumulation of "stuff." To serve his family and others well. And to stay pure and holy especially in terms of the issues of lust and sexuality. This is an important stage of life to make sure the foundation in Christ remains solid. Retirement and the last phase of life lies right around the corner...
Mentioned in this episode:
Be Generous podcast series --
BE GENEROUS - Stewarding Money & ResourcesBE GENEROUS - Giving Of Our Time & Talents
“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.” John F. KennedyAs we work our way through this series, we are first stopping at the age of men youngest and most impressionable: those young adult (high school/college) and single men. Yes this is a large age group to cover. Yes a lot happens in these years. But there are some common tenets these younger men must adhere to; certain traits they must develop in Christ. We see a firm foundation of truth must be laid. We see an avoidance of the world's trappings and temptations (and necessary boundaries/preventative measures established). Finally we see that in charting a course in life (finding a career, a spouse, a calling) involves seeking the Lord's heart and following His lead. This is a crucial part of a man's life. This is a time to either press in and put down roots OR waste and squander the potential we have.
I pray this is an episode that will minister to young men in this stage of life. Please feel free to share with those who you think might need to hear this teaching.
Mentioned in this episode:
Whom Shall I Send? - Isaiah 6 (Prayers Of The Bible) blog article
Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker (Book on Amazon)
He raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.” Acts 13:22We are spending the next several weeks on the podcast talking to a specific audience: Christian men. If there is a demographic within the church that I have felt most specifically called to reach, it would be Christian men. To seek a path in life that brings the Lord glory and is directed by Him. To tell them to lead well as husbands and fathers; in a Christ-honoring way. To come to the end of life knowing you led well and you have much left to impart to the generations that follow. This series attempts to hit all of these areas and cause men to consider the weight of the call they have in Christ. We model David, as he in turn modeled Christ: he was a man after God's own heart. This episode serves as an introduction and sets the stage for what follows. Will you join me?
Mentioned in this episode:
Song "100 Years" by Five For Fighting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDKjX7YMJ6w
Are Young People Really Leaving Christianity? article
Where Are All The Men? Exploring The Gender Gap In Church article
blind spot: an area where a person's view is obstructed.
I believe; help my unbelief! Mark 9:24Today's episode is a look at blind spots...areas in our faith that keep us from deeper levels of trust and devotion to Christ. Identifying these areas is a process we continually take before the Lord, asking Him to examine our hearts and reveal any wayward thing in our lives. We also remain in community with other believers, looking for and seeking out authentic, genuine Christian fellowship and accountability. As we do these things, we enter into deeper levels of freedom and the ability to trust God for even more. Our desire is for blind spots to diminish and for Christ to increase. It's a daily struggle and surrender as we ask the Lord, "I believe, help my unbelief!" It's my hope you will be encouraged as you listen in today and apply these thoughts to your own walk in Christ. God bless!
Rounding out this series on Sharing Your Faith, this episode looks more specifically at those who we should be sharing Christ to. If we have a sphere of influence (immediate or expanded), we ask ourselves "Do they know Jesus?" Sometimes that answer presents itself! But we pray through that and if there is an open door, we take that opportunity to share our faith and to share our testimony. This process doesn't need to be overcomplicated but it DOES need to happen as we are called and commanded to share our faith and our hope in Christ. This episode leaves with a challenge: try it out and see for yourself! If you have questions or have someone you are praying for/have shared Christ with, I'd love to hear from you. As always, you can email me at info@derekcharlesjohnson.com BE BOLD, SHARE JESUS!
This next episode in Sharing Your Faith dives into our own story of faith in Christ. Namely, who were you before and after meeting Jesus and what happened at the moment you encountered Him? This is important to know and be able to relay to others. Your story is uniquely yours. No one can take it from you and no one can argue against what Christ has done in your life. It's a time to be and to be honest...someone might be dealing with the same things you were dealing with and need to know there is hope in Jesus!
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”Beginning a new series on sharing our faith, today's episode takes a look at Jesus and outlines some of the basic, core truths that we hold about Him. These truths are something we must cling to as we think about evangelism and telling others about Christ. This list is by no means exhaustive, but the takeaways today include: Jesus is the Son of God, He was fully God/fully man, and belief in Him is the only way to have eternal life. When understand Who Jesus is, we are better equipped to share Him with others and help lead people to trust Him.
O Christ be magnified
Let His praise arise
Christ be magnified in me
O Christ be magnified
From the altar of my life
Christ be magnified in me
When thinking about this week's podcast, I started to think about a song that’s been on my mind — a lot. In the year or so past since our church introduced it, the song has just grown on me. You may already be aware of it and have noticed it by the title: Christ Be Magnified. This song has a lot of depth lyrically, which is one thing that drew me in. Admittedly, some of our modern worship tunes can aim for just “good enough.” Good enough lyrics, good enough melodies, good enough theological concepts. In my opinion, this song doesn’t stop at good enough.
Tune in for a special episode of the podcast, a continuation of the "More Than A Song" series and concept which originated on the AS BOLD AS LIONS blog.
Watch Derek's cover of CHRIST BE MAGNIFIED: https://youtu.be/0Ur8gnilulo
We are looking at the life of Paul today and his example as a believer who did not "play it safe" with his faith. In Paul, we observe a faith that was not comfortable, convenient, or cliched. It was all-in and with abandon to anything else that this life could offer. This type of faith often clashes with our "Americanized Christianity" and as today's message goes forth, it's intent is not to step on toes but rather, to motivate us to go deeper.
I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
There has been a lot that has happened within the greater culture which has had ripple effects on the church since COVID. Today's episode looks at the sobering reality: church attendance is down, giving is down, and ministry in general has taken a hit...much of it still a fallout from all we experienced within 2020 and beyond. But within this season lies great opportunity. The fields are ripe and ready for harvest. There are some lessons to be learned from what we went through and where we go from here. For me (Derek) much of today is what I've been sensing and feeling, in practical ways, for how the church continues to operate and even thrive in this season. As always, I'd love to hear from you on this topic. Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com God bless!
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:7Being we're about 1/2 way through 2023, it seems appropriate for me to do a bit of a "spiritual gut check" in terms of where things are headed with AS BOLD AS LIONS and life in general. It's an opportunity for me to hit the PAUSE button and I encourage you to take that moment as well. This episode considers just how good the Lord is to us; despite how messed up this world may look at times. It's a moment to find hope again and renewed purpose and calling. May these next few minutes be a chance to just sit at the Lord's feet; hearing His heart as a good, good Father!
May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! Psalm 72:17Rounding out this 3-part "Summer Of Psalms" series, this episode takes us to Psalm 72. It is a prayer and proclamation for the coming king. In many ways it applies to King Solomon who would take the throne after the reign of his father, King David. But even more, the passage applies to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. When we read through this chapter and start inserting Jesus' name into these attributes, it adds a freshness and a perspective that is eye-opening. Truly it is His Kingdom that will never end. It is His rule that will be one of everlasting peace. He will vanquish all His foes. Join Derek for this last Summer Of Psalms podcast episode...it's one you won't want to miss!
Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of His name;
give to Him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds!
So great is Your power that Your enemies come cringing to You. Psalm 66:1-3In Psalm 66, there are several themes we can isolate and pull out and apply to our daily lives in Christ. Two of those themes are just recognizing Who He is and remembering what He has done. A third theme is to take all that we know about Him and reach out to a lost and dying world around us. These 3 R's: recognizing, remembering, and reaching are the basis for this week's episode and help to shape our understanding of this very worshipful, praise-inspiring passage.
Kicking off a short 3-part series, Derek returns to the Psalms for another "Summer of Psalms" edition of the podcast (always a favorite!). In this episode we look at Psalm 65. In it, we see David outlining the various provisions of God. It begins simply by stating God hears and answers prayer. From there, He is is a God Who not only creates the world but sustains it as well. In all that this Psalm describes, we give praise and worship as a response. The Lord is good and worthy of praise!
By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,
O God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas. Psalm 65:5
I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4How does a believer in Christ stay focused on the Savior in the times that we are living in today? It can be easy to lose heart, to just give up and throw in the towel. But as Christians, we are called to persevere. We aren't promised an easy road but we do have an eternal promise that awaits us if we stay the course. This episode outlines 3 main ways we can have peace today: by staying plugged into the Lord through prayer and Scripture, by staying in fellowship with other Christians, and by staying in God's will. May this be an encouragement and a faith building message for you!
As we think about physical fitness, we think of things like exercise, weight lifting, eating right, and so on. As we actually commit to those things, we see a change in our lives. Physical appearance is primarily affected (weight loss) but also our mental and emotional states (a positive image of ourselves, more energy, and so on).
What if we think of our spiritual lives in a similar manner? If we "train" ourselves spiritually-speaking, what would some of the benefits be? We can see some of the primary things are avoidance of sin/temptation, an ability to better discern God's will, and the means to weather the storms of life. Today's episode takes us through these benefits and reminds us that spiritual fitness is just as important as physical fitness...all the more so!
For the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8
And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22Today's episode is a bit autobiographical but it is shared in the hopes that this is a common feeling many of us have at various points in our faith. A question to consider: are you taking anything in your walk with Christ and elevating it above the place that belongs to Him alone? For me (Derek) it has been at times, worship music. As a worship leader (on staff and volunteer), I have sought after "worship" itself as the end goal. A bigger platform. Finding amazing songs. Getting the church to a place of real encounter and then going after that experience week after week. And I found that chasing all of that led to burnout. Certainly burnout in worship but also in my life in general. Christ has to be first. No matter what we are going after, can we remove everything, be left with just Jesus, and still have enough? We all have that thing that we can seek which at times gets bigger than it should be.
I hope you will join me for this conversation. As always, please reach out (info@derekcharlesjohnson.com) with questions, comments, and feedback in general.
Today's podcast is a bit of a variation from some of the usual content on As Bold As Lions. That being said, the issue of transgenderism/gender dysphoria weighs heavily in our nation and world. The church is at a crossroads in terms of where it goes with ministering to and sowing into the lives of hurting and broken people coming out of the trans culture. This episode is part reaching out to the transgender individual and part calling to arms for the local church and believer. It comes from a place of truth and love, knowing that we are formed in God's image and affirming that it is His image which truly matters, not what the enemy wants to portray in us.
May this podcast be a means to strengthen and equip the believer. May it also be a means to minister to those perhaps caught up in a trans lifestyle and looking for hope.
A couple articles mentioned in today's podcast -
Sex Reassignment Doesn’t Work. Here Is the Evidence: https://www.heritage.org/gender/commentary/sex-reassignment-doesnt-work-here-the-evidence
Teenage Transgender Trend: https://news.ag.org/News/Teenage-Transgender-Trend
As we close out this series, This Great Gospel, we take a turn consider the challenge of dealing with false gospels. Often it is something that is "off" from what Scripture says or what lines up with doctrine rooted in theological truths. As we encounter these lies and deceptions, we must identify them and warn against them. In all things, we do this in love and in respect. But to not warn and to not convey truth is akin to not truly showing Christ. The world is looking for truth and we are tasked with communicating it clearly and effectively. In all things, we allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us. It's His job of convicting and saving.
Blog mentioned in this episode: I Will Not Be Shaken (https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/blogs/latest-news/posts/i-will-not-be-shaken)
a·pol·o·get·ics (noun): reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine.It can be a bit intimidating to think of the concept of apologetics. We may feel like we have to have a theological background or even seminary degree to make an adequate defense of the faith. But in reality we simply need to know what we believe and why. From there, our own story of how we came to know Christ is important (we bear witness with our testimony). Today's podcast simply impresses the need to know these elements so we can share and plant a seed of faith in the lives we encounter. May every conversation be honoring and glorifying to God as we proclaim His Good News!
As we look at the world around us, it is important to continually come back to the main tenets and non-negotiables of our faith. We have a legacy of faith going back generations upon generations; all the way to the early church and founding fathers (apostles) who spread the name of Christ following His ascension. In this episode we look at the need to know the truth, be grounded in it, and to share it with others. In this, our testimony plays a big role.
In this episode, Derek shares the Apostles Creed which is shared here for further reflection:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.*
*meaning the universal Christian church—all believers in Jesus Christ
This episode is a continuation to the Hymns That I Love series which debuted last summer 2022. Join me as we again dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of a beloved hymn.
JESUS PAID IT ALL (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)
Jesus Paid It All
Words: Elvina M. Hall
Music: John T. Grape
I hear the Savior say,
"Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all."
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow'r and Thine alone,
Can change the leper's spots
And melt the heart of stone.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
And when, before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
"Jesus died my soul to save,"
My lips shall still repeat.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.Listen to Jesus Paid It All: https://derekcharlesjohnson.hearnow.com/jesus-paid-it-all
In the last of this 3-part series on parables, we are looking at a parable that is most synonomous with the End Times. In the Parable Of The 10 Virgins (or 10 Bridesmaids), we read that we must always be ready for the return of Christ (the Bridegroom). There is a filling of lamps that must occur...to run on empty and not have our lamps lit is to miss out. And to miss the coming of the Bridegroom is to miss out on eternity. When the door is shut and the wedding party goes in, it is final. We must stay ready and keep our lamps lit...we must have enough oil. Additionally, we must tell others so they can be ready as well.
"It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found." Luke 15:32The Parable Of The Prodigal Son is one of the most well-known parables throughout the Bible. In it, we see the heart of the Father towards anyone who is lost. His heart is to redeem and to reconcile.
In this story, there are two sons. Depending upon where we are at in life, we may identify more with one son over the other. In today's podcast, we look at the position of each son and their relationship to their Father. It is important to see how we can lay aside pride and humbly come before the Lord, no matter which position most represents our heart/attitude.
We're starting a new series for the next 3 weeks called Parables. In the Gospels, Jesus used parables as a means to teach His discipes and followers a deeper spiritual truth. The stories He used were not always for the greater audience, but rather for those who would genuinely follow and obey His words. This first episode takes us to a well-known passage in Mark 4 called The Parable Of The Sower. There are 4 different types of soil or ground that the seed (the word of God) can be sown into. The Sower is Christ. Our hearts are the individual soil conditions. Join Derek this week as we dive into this passage which is as relevant today as it was when it was written!
What I hope to do today, even as I ask and pray through “What’s next Lord?” is to simply get our own hearts in check as we prepare for what God will do. I can’t even begin to imagine. But I know I must be prepared and I must have my own spiritual house in order as He begins to draw His people closer. Perhaps you’ve felt this as well and even though you haven’t been able to physically visit one of the “revival locations,” you hunger for it in your own town, your own community, and your own church. In total honesty, we do not need to visit another place in order to birth revival where we are at. We just have to seek the Lord in humility and with open hands.
LORD, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2
IT'S THE 100TH EPISODE!YAY! Thanks for listening in.
“The worst sin against stewardship is to waste your life.” R.C. Sproul
“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.” unknown
But the master replied, “You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.” Matthew 25:26,27With the Parable of the Talents as our backdrop, today's episode looks at our we steward our time and talents. It is clear that we are called to give an account for how we used what we were given. This applies to money as we discussed last time. But it also applies to our time and talents (i.e. giftings/skills) and using those in a God-honoring fashion. Join Derek again as we finish up this BE GENEROUS series. As always, you can reach this ministry at info@derekcharlesjohnson.com.
“Abundance isn’t God’s provision for me to live in luxury. It’s His provision for me to help others live. God entrusts me with His money not to build my kingdom on earth, but to build His kingdom in heaven.” Randy Alcorn
*“There are 2 questions a steward needs to consider: 1. Who owns it? 2. How much is enough?” Ron Blue
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48*As we take a 2-week look at the topic of stewardship and generosity, we start by looking at how we use our money and resources as believers. There is a Godly way to handle money and believe it or not, the Bible has a TON to say about it. We can gain insight on this subject through reading and obeying the Scriptures. Join Derek as we go look at matters of tithing, giving the Lord our first fruits, and being generous overall with what we've been given.
In the exchange between Jesus and Satan in Matthew 4:1-11, we see the means to avoid and withstand temptation as Jesus refutes Satan. The same lies and half-truths used against our Savior in the wilderness are the lies that the enemy tries to bring against us. The Devil wants us to question God's plan. He wants to throw our faith into doubt, especially in moments we are weak. In Jesus we see the way to avoid his trap. Jesus uses the word to push back against the lies. He points us to worship the Lord only.
Today's podcast is a simple reminder of a familiar passage. Encourage you to grab your Bible and dig in as we look at the the temptation of Jesus.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:17,18Finishing out the Armor Of God series, we are ending with 2 main elements we readily attribute to the armor: the helmet and the sword. We also add prayer as a final component, which covers the armor. The helmet of salvation is a defensive piece; by it we are defended against lies. When we put it on, we affirm that our salvation is secure and our minds and washed and renewed by God's word. The sword of the Spirit is God's word. We must be trained and skilled to use His word to defend and advance against the enemy. Finally, prayer covers the armor and is our life-line to our Lord. It is essential to have because without it, we are cut off from hearing the battle strategy. The following prayer is shared in this episode:Dear Lord,
I thank You for the full armor of God, these pieces that are available to me as I go into the battle each day.
I know I am in a battle and that the fight is a spiritual one.
It is not physical and the means you have given me to fight are not physical.
In order to stand today, I put on the armor of God.
I put on the belt of truth. The truth of your Word is what everything else hinges upon. May my belt be fastened and secure in the knowledge of Your truth.
I put on the breastplate of righteous. In you, I have the righteousness of Christ. May my heart be guarded and protected from evil.
On my feet, I wear shoes fitted with the gospel of peace. I carry Your Good News with me as I go forth into battle. I am always ready to share my faith and the hope I have in You.
I take up the shield of faith. May the arrows flung at me by the enemy be extinguished and have no ability to deter me from my belief and hope in You. May my faith be unwavering despite the unknowns of this life.
On my head, I adorn the helmet of salvation. In You Jesus, I am saved. I know You have redeemed my life. May my thoughts be ever fixed on You and may every thought be taken captive. Allow Your Word to renew my mind each day.
I take up the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. In order to use this weapon, I must be in Your word daily. I must allow Your truth to get in me. May I know Your word to refute lies just as You Jesus, used the word to refute Satan when You were tempted. Your word is powerful.
Finally, I cover all of these pieces of armor in prayer. As oil would flow down as an anointing in days of old, may prayer be an anointing that comes over this suit of armor; allowing it to move (defensively and offensively). Prayer is my life-line to You. May I never abandon it.
I thank You for the understanding of Your word in Ephesians 6 and the ability to apply it. May I put on the full armor of God each day so I can do just as Paul says “To be strong in the Lord” and “Stand firm.”
Amen.
And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Ephesians 6:15,16The next items in the armor of God are the shoes of the gospel of peace and the shield of faith. Both components are used in our walk with the Lord. Shoes are protective; we must wear the right footwear to be ready for the battle. They are also offensive; shoes take us into the fight as we carry the Gospel to those we bear witness to. The shield of faith is our means to defend the truth we have received. We live in the tension of the faith we have and the doubt that at times is very real. But in Christ we allow our faith to grow despite the unknowns, trusting that one day we will know in whole what we now know in part.
Join Derek once again for a look at not only what the armor pieces are, but the practical applications and roles each play in our daily lives as Christians.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness Ephesians 6:14Continuing on in the study of the armor of God, this episode begins our discussion of the various pieces of the armor itself. A belt and a breastplate are both crucial parts. The belt of truth holds the rest of the parts together. It is what everything else hinges on and depends on. The breastplate of righteousness is protective - it guards our hearts; the place that Christ has won and now lays claim to if we are in Him. Both parts are essential and both help us enter the battle with confidence in our God.
Join Derek once again for a look at not only what the armor pieces are, but the practical applications and roles each play in our daily lives as Christians.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10,11Starting off the first series of 2023, it's important to realize that we are in a spiritual battle and that forces of good and evil are clashing all around us. Into this battle, we are called to be equipped. One main we can be ready is to put on the full armor of God as outlined by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6.
Today's episode serves as an introduction to the armor of God passage. Our command is to be strong in the Lord, take up the armor, and stand firm...knowing the battle is spiritual but the victory is the Lord's!
Yet You, O Lord God, have said to me, “Buy the field for money and get witnesses”—though the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans. Jeremiah 32:25
To start the new year, this episode may seem a bit off in terms of a vision-casting, call-us-to-action sort of message. After all, the backdrop is Jeremiah 32 and it involves Jeremiah's purchase of a field; a field he would buy that he would have no use for directly. But it was his willingness to purchase the field in advance of what God was going to do. What God promised He would do. As we start a new year, we may not see the direct result of what we invest into. It may come months or even years down the road. Or it may not even happen in our lifetime at all. But what I hear God saying in this passage is "Buy the field anyway!" We are to be obedient even when we don't completely understand. His will is perfect and His timing is for the best.
Have your Bible handy as we go through this passage today! Jeremiah 32 is an amazing passage and has much to say to us as we enter 2023.
For this last episode of 2022, Derek takes a moment to reflect and ask some questions that help us look at where we have been this year. In that reflection, are we able to see how God has led us and been faithful to us? Looking back and pointing to those landmarks throughout the past weeks and months brings us into a place of worship and adoration of our Lord. And that is a fitting place to end the year, knowing that all we do and all we are is for His glory! God bless as you close out 2022 and look towards 2023!
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15In regards to the Christmas story, there are many characters to study and examine. 2000 years later, we still ask why angels appeared to lowly shepherds and why were they the first ones given an audience with the Messiah, the King of Kings. There are implications for us even today as we study the shepherds -- both in their choice as heralds of the newborn king and their example as ones who simply gave glory to God. Their story and inclusion is important; they heard it first. We can follow their steps as well by hearing and responding and spreading the Gospel story.
This episode is a "Christmas Edition" bonus episode to the Hymns That I Love series which debuted this past summer 2022. Join me as we again dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of a beloved hymn.
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Music: to the tune of “Gloria” (traditional French song of unknown origin)
Words: James Chadwick (paraphrased the English arrangement of original French carol)
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Gloria
In excelsis DeoLISTEN TO “ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH” BY DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: https://derekcharlesjohnson.hearnow.com/angels-we-have-heard-on-high
Christmas is a time in which we can be distracted by many things. The trimmings around us, the presents, the lights, even the busyness...it can all distract us from what this day means. Beyond that, we can move away from the significance in Christ's advent by not connecting it to the cross and to the free gift of salvation. Christmas does point us to the cross. It helps us remember our God is a Promise Keeping God. And it reminds us that He uses imperfect, flawed people like you and I to carry out His will. This episode urges us to consider all of these truths and carry them with us throughout this season. May we always understand why Christmas truly matters.
And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
The title of this podcast is a play off of Solomon’s theme in Ecclesiastes. If I’m honest, it’s probably one of my least favorite books to read because it has a lot of “downer” stuff in it. It’s not all sunshine and roses (not that the rest of the Bible is). But it is real. Sometimes that real-ness is a tough pill to swallow. But there is truth and there is a redeeming message in the book if we are willing to discover it. With this groundwork laid, we're diving into some themes from Ecclesiastes and some takeaways that we can use to encourage our walk in the Lord.
In the concluding episode of this series, I (Derek) share my own testimony and salvation experience in Christ. Along with this, the journey of faith and ups and downs along the way are discussed. A lot of personal insights and lessons learned are shared in the hopes that someone else will be strengthened and encouraged in their own walk with Christ. Jesus is the reason for the turns my life has taken. I'm grateful and thankful to know Christ and pray that you have (or will have) taken that step of faith to make Him Lord and Savior of your life.
The Lord will fulfull His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands. Psalm 138:8One of the things I find myself thankful for is my own meaning and purpose that have come through a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you had asked me even a few years ago, I may have said I'm not thankful...really I was looking for identity in the wrong places and finding I came up empty. I can still waste time looking for my purpose apart from Christ. But I find (and we find) wholeness and meaning when we look at who we are in Christ and the work He has already completed.
Today's episode draws us to understand our purpose and meaning are derived from Him. We are meant to display His glory. And if we feel aimless and are looking for true purpose, we can go back and rediscover our first love. That journey helps to reestablish our hearts in Christ. It propels us forward knowing no matter what we do, it all comes from Him and should reflect Him.
Starting out a new series for the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. For myself (Derek) I find it good to ponder what it is I am truly grateful for in this season. One thing that quickly comes to mind is my family. My wife and kids are a blessing from the Lord and a component of my life that I have to express praise and thankfulness over.
This episode looks at the fact that families are a gift to us from God. They are also a means to display His goodness. Finally, even if your family is messed up or broken, it can be redeemed and restored. Seeing God mend a broken family is one of the most beautiful things we can bear witness to.
As it can be somewhat of a "deep dive" to examine the Psalms in just one 40 minute episode, Derek looks at an overview of what the book has taught him. In recent weeks, studying the 150 different chapters included in Psalms have been eye-opening and revealing. This episode attempts to pull together some of the main themes (at least from recent study) and put them into a teaching that encourages us all to dig deeper into these chapters. Ending with a challenge ("read a Psalm a day"), Derek invites the listener to discover what changes might take place if a believer would start reading this book everyday. Will you take the challenge? We'd love to hear from you if you do: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8Prayers can be brief and really any interaction in which we respond, inquire, ask, or wait upon the Lord is a prayer. The statement "Here am I. Send me!" that Isaiah utters in Isaiah 6:8 is one such prayer. It is a response to the Lord's question "Who will go?" In looking at this exchange, we see that the Lord uses imperfect people like us for His mission on Earth. He is simply looking for humble folks willing to say yes. And finally, He will provide for the us the words to say as we step out in obedience. Join me (Derek) for this final installment of this 3-part series "Prayers Of The Bible."
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:1,2
One of the most interesting places for a prayer to take place comes to us from the Book of Jonah. In Jonah 2, Jonah offers a prayer from the belly of a whale. It is probably one of the most raw and authentic prayers in Scripture. In it we can learn several things; whether we are in a place where we are "in the belly of a whale," we are dealing with guilt from what we have done, or we know someone who needs to cry out in the midst of their own "whale situation." Once again, here is a prayer we can draw something from and apply to our own lives.
So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed its setting almost a full day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man, because the Lord fought for Israel. Joshua 10:13,14This week we are starting a 3-part series titled "Prayers Of The Bible." These passages are real life stories we can glean instruction and encouragement from as we approach our own prayer life. In Joshua 10 we see Joshua ask God to hold the sun still in the sky. Just as Joshua asked for a miracle beyond anything he [Joshua] could perform, we are drawn into a similar faith relationship with the Lord.
Today's podcast dives into how we use what we have for the glory of God. The platform we have to proclaim His truth can take several forms. Some of this is directed at those on the stage. Some of it is not. You may never take a “stage” so to speak and that is ok. But much of this applies in general terms to the ones you do affect.
As we begin, here are some thoughts and questions I’ve had after recently going out to perform in front of others. These help frame some of the context of where I am going today:
The allure of the stage can be deceiving.
Is this done under my power or God’s?
Will it be my glory or His?
Is this my ministry or His?
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
Today's podcast episode encourages us to consider: are we able to sleep well in the fire that burns around? Are we able to walk with quiet confidence in God, knowing He holds the future and the battle belongs to Him? If that is a struggle, consider what you are inputting into your mind. Does the Word mark your life? Does prayer and time away with Him undergird your days and weeks? If not, the fire will wear on you. It will smother you. A steady input of truth must mark our lives. It keeps us not just surviving these times but thriving in them!
And I [Nehemiah] looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14)I have come to LOVE the story of Nehemiah. Going through it in my yearly Bible reading this year, I was impressed upon a few things. One, Nehemiah's boldness to ask the king to send him to Jerusalem to take on this project. Two, his ability to stand when enemies came against him to keep the wall from going up. And finally, God's victory in the whole thing: the wall gets built, the people come and rededicate themselves to the Lord and the enemies of Israel are afraid. All God! All a story of His faithfulness.
What about us? We can get discouraged in life, especially when we know God has called us to do something but the path hasn't been clear. Maybe the ask seems too big. Maybe the enemies look too powerful. But has God's call been rescinded? No. He still has a plan and urges us to trust Him and obey. With Nehemiah as a backdrop, today's episode urges us to "keep building the wall!"
Each podcast in the Hymns That I Love series will feature a hymn from Derek’s latest release Hymns Vol. 1. Join me all series long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved songs.
TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Words/Music: Helen Howarth Lemmel (1922)
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we are!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
LISTEN TO “TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS” BY DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: https://derekcharlesjohnson.hearnow.com/hymns-vol-1
Each podcast in the Hymns That I Love series will feature a hymn from Derek’s latest release Hymns Vol. 1. Join me all series long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved songs.
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)The Old Rugged Cross
Words/Music: George Bennard (1912)
On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suff'ring and shame
And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain
So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away
Where His glory forever I'll share
So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
LISTEN TO “THE OLD RUGGED CROSS” BY DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON:
https://derekcharlesjohnson.hearnow.com/hymns-vol-1
Each podcast in the Hymns That I Love series will feature a hymn from Derek's latest project, "HYMNS VOL. 1". Join me all series long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these amazing songs.
NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)
Nothing But The Blood
Words: Robert Lowry (1876)
Music: PLAINFIELD
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
O precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know;
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon this I see:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my cleansing this my plea:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
O precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know;
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my hope and peace:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my righteousness:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
O precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know;
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
O precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know;
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
LISTEN TO “NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD” BY DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON:
https://derekcharlesjohnson.hearnow.com/hymns-vol-1
Each podcast in the Hymns That I Love series will feature a hymn from Derek's latest project, "HYMNS VOL. 1". Join me all series long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these amazing songs.
I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)
Words: Katherine Hankey (1866)
Music: William G. Fischer (1869)
I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love;
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true,
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story,
’Twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest;
And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
I love to tell the story,
’Twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story,
’Twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.
LISTEN TO “I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY” BY DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON:
https://derekcharlesjohnson.hearnow.com/hymns-vol-1
Each podcast in the Hymns That I Love series will feature a hymn from Derek's latest project, "HYMNS VOL. 1". Join me all series long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these amazing songs.
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)
Words: Civilia Durfee Martin (1905)
Music: Charles Hutchinson Gabriel
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender words I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fear;
Though by the path He leadeth, still one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
LISTEN TO “HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW” BY DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: https://derekcharlesjohnson.hearnow.com/hymns-vol-1
Finishing up this Summer of Psalms series, we look at Psalm 139, a passage that centers upon the greatness of God. In these verses, David not only exalts God as the One Who knows us...he goes on to explain exactly how God knows us. And the depth of that knowledge is too vast and too lofty for David to begin to attain it. David brings us to a place where we see a right view of God and where we ask for His examination of our lives. That examination is a focus and a final point to today's episode. It is the culmination of what we've discussed all month. Encourage you to join me once again as we dive into this passage.
How much can be said in just 5 verses? Well, quite a bit actually. And that is all there is to Psalm 100; a Psalm of thanksgiving. Within these verses we find a call to shouts of worship and to serve the Lord with glad hearts. We find identity -- both the Lord's and ours. We see Him as Creator and sustainer of life. Beyond all of this, we find the Lord as good, loving, and faithful. He is everything we could ever hope for or long for.
Continuing on in this series, we are diving into these verses and allowing them to shape and transform us. To convict and draw our hearts into deeper dependence upon the Lord. Please join me today as we look at Psalm 100, A Psalm Of Thanks.
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. Psalm 63:3Psalm 63 is the next installment in the "Summer Of Psalms" series. It is a Psalm that David wrote while being in the desert; probably while on the run from King Saul. But as we look at the contents, we see no desperation on behalf of David. No imminent abandonment of the Lord. Rather he is resolved to worship and praise God. To see God's love as even better than his own life. And to see God as the one who will defend the cause of the righteous...that evildoers will be brought to justice. All of this awaits us in Psalm 63. Grab your Bible, pour yourself a cold drink, find a nice comfy chair in the shade, and let's dig in together!
The arc of Psalm 34 is something that reminds me of an old Gospel tune or spiritual. Really. It starts out with a "I'm gonna praise the Lord" feel. It quickly moves into "This is what the Lord has done for me" testimonial. From there it proclaims "This is what He'll do for you too!" It's all there and as we kick off this series, this psalm of thanksgiving is a great place to start. Praise is where we begin. We give God the glory and taste that He is truly good. Let this episode and the rest of this series bless and encourage you as you begin this summer!
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:68,69When the followers of Jesus experienced a teaching that was hard, many deserted and left finding things too difficult to bear. Jesus' teachings are difficult and they must be taken on faith -- to believe He truly is the Son of God. Just as in Jesus' day there were those who left, there are those among us today that choose to say "no" to Christ. But in our path, we must find that His words...the words of eternal life, are enough. The promise that awaits us if we persevere is out of this world (quite literally). We must find as we seek the Lord, there is no plan B. No out. No backing down. Jesus is worth it and He is enough.
When Jesus encounters the woman in Luke 7 who anoints his feet with perfume, things get awkward really fast. The owner of the home, Simon (a Pharisee) does not understand this woman's offering of worship and how Jesus does not know her identity. There is disbelief and disdain for what she has done. But Jesus blesses her and uses the moment as an opportunity to reveal what is truly in Simon's heart.
We can look at worship sometimes with the same perspective as Simon when God is calling us to have the heart of this woman. True worship may not fit the mold the rest of the world is looking for...or even the church for that matter. But through it we experience the blessing of our Savior's presence and the freedom He brings. Today's episode digs into this story and the applications we can pull from it as we witness "extravagant worship."
The weight of the call on the believer is a real thing. It shouldn’t feel burdensome as a nagging obligation, but sometimes it does feel that way. And I think there are other Christians feeling this way because life has changed so much in a relatively short period of time. Cultural decline is one thing. The church not being the church is another. Seemingly a falling away has already started in some aspects and it saddens those who sense a diminishing return for the investment in kingdom work.
So…all of that being said, this podcast could be completely depressing with a “woe is me” type of attitude. Or it could take a different turn and say “In spite of all of this, how are we to move forward?” For this episode, Derek outlines 2 don’ts and 2 do’s that are relevant to this discussion. We know Jesus is always worth it. That never changes no matter what things look like around us.
The final episode in this 3-part Living Behind Enemy Lines series, "Ready For Action" means focusing on the practical things we can do while being exiles under the rule of pagan authorities. Often our preaching over the years has focused less and less on telling people howto actually live in Christ. We hesitate to talk about a list of "do's and dont's" because we seek not to offend. But the outworkings of faith must be evident. This episode focuses on some of those actions. How do we live and raise our children? What do we support and give our money to? How are we informed as believers when we go to the voting booth? Just because we are in exile does not mean we stop doing life as God instructed; in fact it's all the more reason to live life on purpose and for His glory.
As this series concludes, would you please drop a line with any feedback, comments, or prayer requests? Email me at info@derekcharlesjohnson.com. Would love to hear from you!
After defining what the battle looks like (Recognize The Battle - Part 1 of LIVING BEHIND ENEMY LINES), we next have to step out and look at action steps on our part. Christians must always keep the Gospel front and center in our lives -- in our interactions and conversations. We must unified around a common set of beliefs, majoring on the majors and minoring on the minors. Finally, we must keep our "antennae" up as we go throughout each day. Where are the opportunities to insert the love of Christ and the Gospel message? Are we aware of what is taking place so we can influence lives for the Kingdom? This second episode in this series brings a challenge and a call -- are we ready to step out in faith?
*Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31*As we consider the world around us, it is good to take an honest assessment of what we are up against within the culture as Christians. The decline of Christian thought and influence has led to an increase of pagan thought; goodlessness is on the rise. Considering that, we live behind enemy lines in terms of the overriding culture, the government, the media, entertainment and beyond. Today's episode sets up the battle and what is at stake if we do not participate. In addition, we enter the fray knowing God is with us and with other believers around us, we do not fight alone.
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43Looking at the scene of the cross, there are two individuals who interact with Jesus and are sentenced to the same fate as He. The two criminals on His left and right have a brief, but poignant account in the Gospels. Two choices are made between these two men. Both are convicted for their crime but one realizes Jesus does not deserve His punishment. The other criminal only mocks and ridicules Christ; not willing to admit His own lack of belief or faith in the Messiah.
As we look at this encounter with the Savior, we can see ourselves in each of these two men. Hopefully we lean more towards the repentant thief. Certainly we can stumble into doubt and our minds may be tempted to resist Jesus. But as we grow in our walk with Him, we see Him for Who He really is...just as the thief to whom Jesus promised "You will be with Me in paradise."
May this message stir our hearts this Easter and throughout the year. So many more need to move from doubt and unbelief and into faith!
Finishing up and going further into areas of prayer for this land, this episode again leads us to intercede and believe God for a great move. God is faithful. This country has roots in Christianity that run deep and are central to our founding. Still we have left many of those things behind as we have allowed the influence of a pagan society to grow and a Christian one to diminish. This week we focus on praying over our government, from the highest to the lowest level. We also pray for the church to have an influence again upon the culture, rather than the other way around. For some, we have either withdrawn from the culture or engaged it by watering down the Gospel. Both methods have failed. Finally we ask for the strength of believers to stay firm in uncertain days. To persevere, to stay the course, to not compromise...those are the things we are asking for.
Join Derek once again in praying and taking some dedicated time to address these areas. Feel free to share these messages (Praying For America Parts 1 & 2, and A World On Fire) as they are meant to encourage the saints. The heart behind all of this is to give direction as we move forward in our faith and resist following fear.
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14Looking at the state of our nation, there are many things that can concern us as Christians. But our response must be bathed in prayer as we contemplate how we live in Christ. Today's podcast is a bit outside of the lines as various aspects of prayer are addressed. The need for personal repentance is key. It is where we begin before we look outward. From there we look at the areas we influence most directly; who are we responsible for and who do we need to preach the Gospel to? Finally we pray for and lift up the church, locally and beyond. The church is still God's means to build and advance His kingdom. It has gone through some tough days and is still in the process of refining. But it is being positioned for His will and purpose.
Spend some time in prayer today over these areas and join Derek...both this time and next in praying for this land. God is up to something! We trust Him and want to see many still come to know Christ.
How do we navigate life as Christians through all that is happening in our world? We know the last 2+ years have been chaotic. There is much that does not make sense and much that causes fear and worry to increase if we are not grounded. Today's episode helps us find some anchor points in the midst of the turmoil we see. Jesus told us in John 16:33:
I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.We have assurance in that verse that He has overcome. In these days, we need a steady diet of the Word, we need to be aware of the enemy's schemes against us, and we must stand in authority in Christ because of our identity in Him. Let this episode encourage your heart for the long haul. In Him, we are in it together!
Finishing out the Profiles In Courage series, we are looking at 1 Kings 18 and the encounter of Elijah with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. This interaction is a glimpse into the faith of one of the Old Testament's most notable prophets. Yet the Book of James reminds us "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth." (James 5:17) As much as we may think Elijah was a super-human believer, he really had a nature just like ours.
Because of this, we can know that our faith in God to do the miraculous can and should be just like Elijah's. The God who intervened on Elijah's behalf still moves on our behalf. Elijah's faith didn't question the odds, he drew a line in the sand (trust God or not), and his obedience put God on display.
An interesting profile in courage in the New Testament is John the Baptist. John is not a character we see for too long. But his mission is clear: he is to prepare the way for the Messiah. In so doing, he called people to a baptism of repentance...of readying one's heart. He was bold in his approach; so much so that he offended the religious leaders of his day. But he did not shy away from pointing out their hypocrisy. The same opponents he faced would be the ones Jesus would face.
Today's profile encourages us to be bold in Christ and to persevere, no matter the circumstances. It can often be tempting to play it safe and not speak out for fear of opposition or rejection. But John the Baptist feared none of these things and as a result, his ministry was blessed. Let us be so bold as well today!
In this relaunch of a series introduced last year, we are looking this episode at Noah. Noah may seem like this larger than life character in the Bible. An ark, a flood, a rainbow, and a charge to repopulate and fill the Earth. It is popular in some circles to dismiss some Old Testament Bible stories (like Noah) as mere mythological fantasies. Stories that became tall tales, but didn't actually happen.
But consider if Noah actually did happen and that his context wasn't so different than what we experience today. A man righteous before God but living amongst wicked people. A man obedient to God to build and ark and prepare...for what was next. A man who was rewarded for his obedience by the Lord by being shut in the ark, just him and his family. There's a lot we can learn from Noah as we live in a time that looks a lot like his day. Wickedness and a growing apathy or even opposition to Godly things are all around us. Noah is a bold man and another profile in courage worth our examination today.
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 6:15The story of Gideon is a compelling one for anyone ever confronted with feeling inadequate or undeserving to follow God's call. Gideon is an unlikely choice as a leader of God's people but God sees the potential in him before he sees it in himself. Through the process, Gideon finds confirmation of God's call to lead Israel against the Midianites. And in the end the battle is fought God's way; through His means and timing.
There are many takeaways from this story...things that are important for all of us to remember as we step out in faith. God sees the potential in us when He calls us. He is faithful to lead us out of our fear and into boldness. And He gives us the tools to use as He takes us through the battles we face. Listen and be encouraged today as Derek and Corrie lead off this new series of "Profiles In Courage."
Finishing up the Book of James series, James tackles some big topics in the final chapter. He is direct and to the point when it comes to the dishonest wealthy in society -- whether in the church or outside of the church. It is wrong to act fraudulantly with workers and to use wealth as a means for unchecked power. From there, James shifts to a theme that we've seen before in his opening verses of Chapter 1: be patient and endure suffering. He mentions Job and the prophets of the Old Testament as examples we can look to as we walk this path. Finally, James ends on a note about prayer. "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16)It is prayer that marks the true faith life of a believer. We can expect that God hears the prayer of the righteous. James compares us to Elijah and points out a simple truth: Elijah was a simple man just like us but his prayers caused the rain to cease and start again. Amazing!
In James 4, there are some new themes being introduced as well as the repetition of various ideas the author has already addressed. As a side note, any time the Bible repeats something, our ears should perk up. James does this often and by the end of the book we have a fairly strong grasp on the key takeaways from these 5 chapters. James 4:14 states "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. "This is an important concept because the acknowledgement of life's brevity impacts how we live and our character that follows. Much of this chapter once again addresses matters of conduct. It is clear who we are in Christ is different than who we once were before meeting Him.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21One very prominent theme in the Book of James is the concept of Christian conduct. How are we to live? What are the markings of our faith? What are the words and things we say (or don't say)? James 3 is the backdrop for this episode and much of the chapter includes the famous "Taming of the tongue" passage. James believes that the tongue is a small, yet powerful part of our bodies. Powerful enough to do great harm if left unchecked. In order to walk in closeness with Christ we must acknowledge that our words have power. Making the choice to be wise with our words is important. This comes back to "faith in action" which is something James calls us to consider carefully.
Continuing on in James, the second chapter introduces some new themes will elaborating on some truths already presented in the first chapter. James places a high priority on morality and ethical responsibility in Christ. As such, there should be no partiality within the Body. Furthermore, the law of liberty we have in Jesus frees us to keep all the commands and live a life worth of His calling. Finally, James extends further the idea of not just hearing but acting upon the word. Faith without works is dead and this is a central focus throughout the book; especially in chapter two.
I'm really excited to take the next few weeks of the podcast to jump into the Book of James. James is a book that is sort of a New Testament answer to the Book of Proverbs. There's much in terms of action steps of faith. Much in terms of wisdom and acting upon the wisdom of the Lord, not man. "Authentic faith" is a phrase I think of when I read James. He challenges us to not just hear the word, but to do something with it. Today's episode sets up some of the context and then dives into some of the themes central to chapter 1.
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 43:19Today's podcast is foundational for a new year and looks at what things must mark the life of a believer if he or she is to grow in Christ. Some of these are basic points and seemingly "no-brainers." Yet it is by reading God's word, being in prayer and in fellowship with other Christians that we grow and mature. As we do, we see God leading us into deeper and deeper levels of faith and commitment. Those faith steps may look uncomfortable at times and they are meant to. In order to grow in the Lord we must allow our lives to take the "road less comfortable" and be bold and courageous in our faith. For anyone looking to take that journey, today's podcast is for you!
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Joel 2:28Coming to the end of another year, this week's podcast challenges us to look at where we've been and where we are going and evaluate what God is impressing on our hearts. There are a lot of questions we have coming into 2022. But one thing is certain: we serve the God who makes impossible things POSSIBLE. There has been a stirring in my own heart to ask the Lord what His will is once again in my life. Perhaps that stirring is in yours as well. If you've been held back by fear and endless "what-ifs," it is time to make 2022 a year that we dream again and step out in faith! Happy New Year!
Each podcast in the Songs Of The Season series will feature a Christmas hymn. Join me all month long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved carols.
SILENT NIGHT (SONGS OF THE SEASON)Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace
Lyrics: Joseph Mohr
Musical Arrangement: Franz Xaver Gruber
LISTEN TO AND WATCH DEREK'S COVER OF THIS SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTsg4UTnx3g
Each podcast in the Songs Of The Season series will feature a Christmas hymn. Join me all month long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved carols.
AWAY IN A MANGER (SONGS OF THE SEASON)Away in a manger
No crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky
Looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep in the hay
The cattle are lowing
The baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus
No crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus,
Look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle
’Til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children
In thy tender care,
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there.
Lyrics: James R. Murray, William Kirkpatricks
Melody: William Kirkpatrick
LISTEN TO AND WATCH DEREK'S COVER OF THIS SONG: https://youtu.be/0dwcficy22E
Each podcast in the Songs Of The Season series will feature a Christmas hymn. Join me all month long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved carols.
O HOLY NIGHT (SONGS OF THE SEASON)O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices
O night, divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, divine, O night, O night divine
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord, Oh praise His name forever
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night divine, O night, O night divine
Lyrics: Adolphe Adam, composed to the French poem “Minuit, chretiens” (Midnight, Christians) by poet Placide Cappeau
LISTEN TO AND WATCH DEREK'S COVER OF THIS SONG: https://youtu.be/iPSze1tFSA0
Each podcast in the Songs Of The Season series will feature a Christmas hymn. Join me all month long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved carols.
O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL (SONGS OF THE SEASON)
O come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Sing choirs of angels
Sing in exultation
O sing all ye citizens of heaven above
Glory to God
All glory in the highest
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Hallelujah Jesus is born
He’s the Savior of the world
We rejoice with saints and angels
Come and worship and adore
Yea Lord we greet Thee
Born this happy morning
Jesus to Thee be all glory giv’n
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Lyrics: C Frederick Oakley, John Francis Wade
Additional lyrics: Derek Charles Johnson
Melody: John Francis WadeLISTEN TO AND WATCH DEREK'S COVER OF THIS SONG: https://youtu.be/bYAyHDV40Jw
WATCH THE DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON - O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO): https://youtu.be/zaLPCZ3KKe4
Each podcast in the Songs Of The Season series will feature a Christmas hymn. Join me all month long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved carols.
O COME O COME EMMANUEL (SONGS OF THE SEASON)
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
O come, Thou Day-Spring
Come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
O come, desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease
And be Thyself our King of peace
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
Lyrics: Jason Mason Neale (translator, original Latin “Veni, veni, Emmanuel")
Musical Arrangement: To the tune “Bone Jesu dulcet cunctis,” perhaps arranged by Thomas Helmore
LISTEN TO AND WATCH DEREK'S COVER OF THIS SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08fq5I7USm8
Each podcast in the Songs Of The Season series will feature a Christmas hymn. Join me all month long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved carols.
WHAT CHILD IS THIS? (SONGS OF THE SEASON)
What Child is this Who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud
The Babe, the Son of MaryWhy lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and lamb are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through
The cross be borne for me, for you
Hail, hail the Word made flesh
The Babe, the Son of Mary
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Come peasant, king to own Him
The King of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Raise, raise a song on high
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born
The Babe, the Son of Mary
Lyrics: William C. Dix
Melody: Greensleeves
LISTEN TO AND WATCH DEREK'S COVER OF THIS SONG: https://youtu.be/Ssd-5C1hbLs
Each podcast in the Songs Of The Season series will feature a Christmas hymn. Join me all month long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved carols.
JOY TO THE WORLD (SONGS OF THE SEASON)
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders of His love
Lyrics: Isaac Waats
Musical Arrangement: arranged by Lowell Mason with melody from George Frederick Handel (“Antioch”)
LISTEN TO AND WATCH DEREK'S COVER OF THIS SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUU1aZP9J9o
Each podcast in the Songs Of The Season series will feature a Christmas hymn. Join me all month long as we dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of these beloved carols.
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING (SONGS OF THE SEASON)
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With th’angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ by highest heav'n adored,
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a Virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Lyrics: Charles Wesley and George Whitefield
Melody: “Festgesang” by Felix Mendelssohn, adapted by William H. CummingsLISTEN TO AND WATCH DEREK'S COVER OF THIS SONG: https://youtu.be/3uF7XwQy0Qw
Excited to close this My Favorite Verses series with this last podcast, taken from Joshua 24:15 - And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.This verse is important because just as it laid a choice before the Israelites, a choice is laid before us as well. Follow God or not. Choose the Lord or not. There are other gods. There are other paths. But the nation has been led to the promise and indeed, has now inherited it. The next generation would have to make a choice to stick with God's ways. We have that choice as well. Our faith must be our own, it cannot be the faith simply inherited from our parents or passed down from someone else. We desire our own relationship; to put roots down and have a firm foundation.
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:25-27A couple months ago, I did a podcast/blog series titled "Letters To The Hurting." Much of what Jesus addresses in Matthew 6:25-27 could be used in those same messages. Those who are hurting; those afraid, broken, worried, etc...the needs of all are met through the Father. See the birds and see nature as a whole: God created it all and sustains it all. If He cares that much about just the little things (insignifcant birds), how much more does He care about you and I? Today's podcast is a reminder of that and also a charge to say worry must not be a word in the believer's vocabulary. Fear not, God is in control!
Listen to Derek’s cover of His Eye Is On The Sparrow here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMOwJbYmvnM
This week we are diving into a verse that perhaps isn't too popular for many people. I grew up listening to various genres of Christian music and one band I heard (a metal group), had a song with this verse in it. So every time I heard the song, I was reminded of the verse: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;). Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4,5 (KJV)Really what this verse is about is the battle we face as believers: a fight between the forces of evil and the truth of Christ. This battle must be fought through the weapon of prayer and Scripture. Paul, the author of these verses, reminds us that it is in our thoughts where this battle starts. We must take thoughts captive and obedient to Christ. When we do, we help rewire our brains for truth and refute the lies of the enemy.
This month's blog series, My Favorite Verses, focuses on some verses and passages from the Bible that are near and dear to my heart. To dive into these verses and pull out some key truths has been a goal of mine for awhile. It is difficult to pick just a few...this might be a series I have to come back to again! But I have picked 4 verses and 2 are from the Old Testament and 2 are from the New Testament.
This week is Proverbs 3:5,6 -- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 This is a familiar verse and is one we can gain wisdom from as we consider its meaning and application. As we trust the Lord more and ourselves less, we find that He guides us and makes our paths straight. There is much comfort and solace in knowing God has a plan and we can put our lives in His hands. I hope you are blessed and encouraged by today's podcast!
Listen to Trust by Sixpence None The Richer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXmmmPLDKdA
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4Rounding out this Letters To The Hurting series, we are ending on a subject matter that is difficult but necessary. So many are hurting due to grief; both in the church and in the world at large. We know many are walking paths of silent sorrow and the journey through pain of loss can be a hard road. Still, we are called to minister to those who are dealing with such things. We are to point to Christ in all matters, knowing He suffered as well and was acquainted with grief.
We hope this series has been a helpful one, whether you fall into any of these categories or know of someone who is battling these things (weariness, insecurity, doubt, worry, and grief). The podcast is taking a small break for the rest of October. It will resume again next month but until then, please feel free and go back to other episodes you may have missed. And we always appreciate it when you SHARE these messages! God bless. See you soon.
The past few months have brought much in terms of fear into our daily lives. As Christians, we are told repeatedly in Scripture to "Fear not." But why is this so hard to put into practice, especially as we see a world deteriorating around us? When fear rises, we must put into practice other patterns of behavior and ways of thinking. We must consistently rest in God's word. We must remain in prayer. And we must put fear underneath the authority of Christ, day after day.
Knowing that we are seen and that we are loved are powerful reminders. God knows us. He formed us. And He knows us beyond the fear we may get tripped up by. We can trust Him and we can know we have a destiny that is beyond any temporary fear or anxiety. We must step into that destiny and bring His hope to the world. Because He overcame His fear, we can also overcome (by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony). Hallelujah!
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11Doubt is a real thing we can struggle with at time to time as Christians. We can start to face certain situations that cause us to stand back and say "Is all of this Jesus stuff real? Is there a Heaven? Is there a Hell? Does God even exist?" Those questions are not bad in and of themselves. It is good to allow our faith to go through seasons where we our questions lead us to investigate further. It is unfortunate however, that a certain segment of folks that used to claim Christ have now allowed "deconstruction" to dismantle and destroy their once real faith.
When we come to periods of doubt, it is important to ask a few things as we wrestle. One is simply, "Am I in prayer?" Another is "Am I in the Word?" Finally, we must ask ourselves if we are truly seeking fellowship with other believers and even allowing our faith to be challenged as we bring our doubts before those we are accountable to. This week's podcast tackles this topic of doubt and is meant not to condemn but to encourage and hopefully provide something of substance if you (or someone you know) is wrestling with their faith right now.
Insecurity, I believe, comes from putting our hope in the wrong thing. As Christians, we know and understand hope is in Jesus. Yet when circumstances in life press us, we often turn to other things to give us peace or comfort. Insecurity pops up when we haven't properly understood our standing in Christ -- our identity comes from Him. When we have the proper knowledge of who we are and Who He is, we struggle much less with insecurity.
This week's podcast looks at those big questions: "Who am I? What is my identity? What will I be known for?" When we have Jesus, those questions aren't ones we need to wrestle with. He is all we need.
Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength. It is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less. Charles SpurgeonIn this first week of a new series, Derek and Corrie dive into the area of weariness in the life of the believer. Burn out, stress, feeling tired...these are all natural things we can feel from time to time. But how are we called to balance the demands of life as we trust in Jesus? The example of Mary (from Mary and Martha) is one we can look to. Mary chose what was best when it came to being with Jesus. She was after His presence and in that place, she found rest and renewal. She found His heart.
We know Jesus calls to us: "Come to Me and I will give you rest." But the offer can be rejected. We can dismiss the invitation to His presence and try instead to do things our own way. When we do, we miss the opportunity to draw near and we take upon ourselves the weight of our burden. What a freeing thought to know He doesn't add to the burden. When we come to Him, His yoke is easy. His burden is light. Mary found this out. May we also!
Looking for a simple way to get into God's word throughout the week? May I suggest signing up for my weekly blogs and devotionals? You can do so here: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions
Closing out this series on The Blessed Hope, we turn our eyes to Heaven and pull out some Biblical truths that tell us about what it will be like. Being this is such an enormous topic, a podcast like this only begins to scratch the surface. But what are the some of most notable things we learn about Heaven? Streets of gold, no night or day, continual light (from the Son), new bodies, mansions/houses for those who go there, and continual worship around the throne. These are just a few of things we take from Scripture.
It is important as we close this series to remember these truths: we must be ready for Christ's return AND we must be willing to share Jesus with others. Those two things are enough to keep us busy until He comes back! I hope this series encourages and blesses you and if it has, if you would kindly share and leave a review, I would so greatly appreciate it. God bless.
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9This week's podcast and blog take a bit of a turn in focus and format. This week is a bit of a rapidfire, "Sharing Your Faith 101"-type of discussion. There is a way that I believe we can prompt discussion and ask questions for those who are perhaps on the fence about Jesus and salvation. Much of the time it is simply allowing God's word to speak and the Holy Spirit to lead. It may not be one conversation but a series of them; making time for more questions to be asked and to plant seeds along the way.
To share our faith in these days is to point people to "the blessed hope." That is what we must be about in this time as the we know the days are short and evil. God works through you and I to bring the unbeliever to a place of understanding. We are not the ones who do the saving. We are simply obedient vessels through which God can work.
There's a song by the late Larry Norman that the group DCTalk covered in the latter years of their career. The song is titled "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" and in it are these lines: There's no time to change your mind, the Son has come and you've been left behind. This episode centers on the topic this song addresses: the return of Christ. To be ready means to be prepared and we can learn much about preparation through Jesus' parable about The Ten Virgins (or Bridesmaids). Those who had their lamps full of oil were prepared for the moment the Bridegroom returned. Those who were not ready were shut out and left out of the wedding feast.
In looking at the blessed hope, there is a personal responsibility we each have to "keep our lamps full." How do we do that? We stay in fellowship with the Father. We commit to prayer and growing in His word. We share the Gospel and live it out. If we have Christ, the Holy Spirit's presence will appear and our lamps will be full. We know some will not be ready and Jesus will catch them unprepared at His return. We know this event will occur. We must live with it always in the front of our minds.
Link cited in this episode: https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/parable-ten-virgins.html
Picking up a new series, The Blessed Hope, we are looking at the return of Christ and some of the elements surrounding this glorious event. From Titus 2 we read: Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 Jesus' return IS the blessed hope. It is what our hearts long for: the hope of spending eternity in Heaven with our Savior is a hope nothing in this world can compete with.
This podcast episode looks more specifically at the question of "When?" When will all of this occur? The Bible gives us clues while not giving exact dates/times. We can know through the words of Jesus and the prophets much about the Second Coming. The main thing is, will we be ready? It is more important to have our house in order than to make predictions. We must be living out the Gospel in light of the blessed hope.
A true profile in courage, Esther is the story of a Jewish girl who became Queen over Persia and was God's instrument to save her people. If you've read the story, you know the almost "Hollywood-like" sequence of events. There's good vs. evil in the narrative of Mordecai and Haman. There's the unlikely rise to queen by Hadassah; who becomes Esther. And there's God's providence through it all...knowing there was a plan in place and He used simple, obedient people to usher it in.
What about us? Do we read a story like Esther and then close the book and walk away leaving unchanged? That same God who used Esther uses people like you and I today. He is still looking for those who will take stand and rise up "for such a time as this." This last profile in this series is critical: will we acknowledge the weight of the times we live in AND will we be obedient to what God is asking us to do?
As the first martyr of the early church, we see a unique boldness in the character of Stephen. He is a man full of the Holy Spirit. He has a wisdom that cannot be argued with since he speaks the truth about Jesus. Still, he came up against an authority that did not like what he was saying -- true or not. The Jewish leaders brought him up on false charges, held a sham trial, and hauled him out to execute him by stoning.
We don't like to think much about persecution but it has become a reality for many in our world...and it's only growing across many places. In the United States, we realize that our freedoms to worship and preach the Gospel may not always be guaranteed. Are we prepared to stand up and speak out even if it is unpopular with the ruling authorities? We must make that decision now, long before we are ever in a place where our lives could be asked of us.
Another profile that is worth consideration is Joseph. Perhaps the path of Joseph's life would not have been the one he would pick if given the choice. Most of us would rather not endure the suffering that Joseph went through. Sold into slavery as a young man and abandoned by his brothers, Joseph started at the lowest place possible. Still, God's favor was upon him and he was given the opportunity to advance. When we pick up the story of Joseph in this episode, he is being summoned by Pharaoh to interpret a dream.
Joseph's whole life changes because of this one moment. He was patient to wait for this opportunity and he did not take any of the glory/credit for himself. He pointed to the Lord as the one Who interprets dreams and provides the knowledge and understanding needed. We learn from Joseph the importance of waiting on God's timing and abiding in Him, despite the unknowns we face. As we do, we experience the same type of blessings that Joseph had. We see God as the source of our strength and hope while we walk through hidden years.
We are starting a 4 week podcast series on PROFILES IN COURAGE; Bible characters that we can draw strength from as we examine how they lived in a moment of time that challenged their faith. The opposition we face in this world: trials, tests, and persecution...none of them are new. The tried and true stories of the Bible (David and Goliath, Daniel in the lion's den, Noah and the flood, and others) all show us how to conduct ourselves in the midst of a world or culture opposed to the things of God.
This week we take a look at David and his encounter with the giant Goliath. Even though we have heard this story perhaps dozens of times, it is always good to go back and remind ourselves again. David was confident in his God. He stood up against the odds even when the rest of his countrymen did not because of fear. He fought for the sake of the name of his God. We must stand up today and be bold as well...Christ and the Holy Spirit lead us into boldness. It is always worth it!
Wrapping up this series, Summer of Psalms, this podcast focuses on Psalm 138. This is a passage that deals with the notion of being grateful and thankful before God. An "attitude of gratitude" is not something we naturally have within us. But when we stop and consider what God has done for us and His very nature, we are drawn into a place where we see Him as good. That goodness leads us to trust Him and thank Him for who He is.
We also see in this Psalm that God answers our prayers and will act AND He always finishes what He starts. The promises that lie within this Psalm are life-giving and are worth circling and highlighting in our Bibles. This is a wonderful place to conclude this month as we consider the goodness and love that we can tap into as we accept Christ and grow in Him!
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1,2Psalm 91 is referred to as the "Soldier's Psalm" and for good reason: it is a Psalm about doing battle. In a world that projects hate and animosity towards Christians, we sense that the days we live in are full of evil. The enemy is strong and real, but our God is just as real and so much stronger. Walking through this Psalm, we see God as our refuge and protector. We see that we need not fear when we are abiding in Him. And we see that as we step out in faith, He grants the victory! This is a passage we must turn to in perilous times. We have hope! God is in control and we can trust Him.
Psalm 51 is a compelling Psalm about broken fellowship with God and the desire to have that fellowship restored. In context, the Psalm was written by David after his sin with Bathsheba. We know that the sins of adultery and murder weighed heavily on David's heart. Although his sin affected others around him, it was ultimately the Lord that he sinned against.
David recognizes all of this and through Psalm 51, he implores God not to take away the presence of His Holy Spirit. In being restored, he also believes he can be used as someone to teach transgressors the ways of the Lord. Through reading this passage, we can learn much about our process of redemption...whether we are brand new to accepting Christ OR if we have backslidden in some aspect of our faith.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. Psalm 19:1,2In my opinion, some of the most poetic and beautifully written words of Scripture are those found in Psalm 19. The Psalm starts out pointing us to the nature of the Lord: His vastness and His soverignty over our lives. It then takes a turn. It considers the law of the Lord and the fact that His law is good and perfect. Because the Lord is a good Creator, we can trust His law is for our good and not harm. Finally Psalm 19 finishes with applying all that we have learned: if God's law is good, we should follow and obey Him. Our lives are kept pure and blameless as we follow the teachings of the Psalmist, the commands of the Lord, and the example of Jesus.
Starting a new podcast series in conjunction with a blog series that posts at derekcharlesjohnson.com/blog. Summer of Psalms is the series and all month long, we'll be diving into various Psalms in Scripture and pulling out meanings and themes.
Psalm 23 is probably the most well-known Psalm in the entire Bible. It is a passage that acknowleges who God is and what our reponse should be to His revealed character. We find our rest in Him. We find our hope in our Shepherd. And that knowledge should lead us into deeper and deeper trust. At the same time, we proclaim the Gospel to a worn out and weary world.
An interesting encounter to finish up this batch of episodes, we are looking at Peter: prior to Jesus' death and after His resurrection. Why is this encounter important? We know a lot about Peter but in the hours immediately preceding Jesus' crucifixion, he is led astray but doubt and fear. He denies Christ 3 times. It is probably his lowest point. From there, he and the other disciples scatter. In 3 day's time however, Jesus is raised and He goes on to appear to the disciples, including Peter. He makes a point to address Peter and asks him, "Do you love Me?" This is not only part of Peter's restoration but also a charge to fulfull the calling he now will have: "Feed My sheep." This encounter is an important place to end this series. Peter had doubts yet Jesus sought Him out and gave him purpose and vision for his life. We can have doubts as well. But Jesus is always in the process of revealing Himself to us. He does this so that we can trust Him more fully and be partners with Him in advancing His kingdom. Amen!
Please reach out if these episodes and podcast in general have been a blessing. You can email me at info@derekcharlesjohnson.com. I am also available through messaging on my Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/derekcharlesjohnson1/) and Instagram (http://instagram.com/derekcharlesjohnson) pages.
God bless!
In John 4, Jesus has an unlikely encounter. He approaches a Samaritan woman who is drawing water from a well and asks her for a drink. This request of course, sets up a conversation that for the woman, is life-altering. Jesus establishes Himself as the Messiah and for this woman, there are definitely implications. She must now go and tell others about this man who “Told me everything I ever did.” Her life is now changed because she encountered Jesus.
We see in Jesus the need to approach those we perhaps see as unloveable or even undeserving of the Gospel. Jews would not normally associate with Samaritans. And women were given second-class status in the ancient Roman world. None of this holds Jesus back. He reaches out to this woman and shows her where true "living water" is found. Come and drink of Jesus and thirst no more!
He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5The Transfiguration is a watershed moment for the disciples. It is a moment in which they see Jesus in radiant glory. It is an encounter that changes them as it is validates who Jesus is: He is the Son of God. The Father is pleased with the Son. There is unity between them. The moment of this mountain was meant to tell the discipes (Peter, James, and John) that Jesus being fully human, was also fully divine.
This encounter teaches us many things but perhaps the single greatest thing is that it foreshadows the promise of eternity. One day we too will see Jesus as He really is. One day we will sit in the presence of His full glory. And the weight of that truth should give us boldness and authority to preach the Gospel in our present time.
Of all the encounters we talk about with Jesus, there are some that don't always go as we think they should. The Rich Young Ruler meeting Jesus is one such encounter. Here we see a man who has it all; wealth, a strong stature in society, and he's overall a "good person." But as we dig deeper, we see he comes to Jesus with an aching in his heart. He's done all that he can to obey the law and check all the boxes in life. What else is left that he must do to earn eternity?
Jesus' answer must have shocked and surprised the man. Indeed, we see that he left Jesus' presence downcast and dismayed. He was instructed to sell all his riches, give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus. Jesus pointed out the very thing that separated this man from being able to find the Kingdom. His heart was still set on earthly, temporary things. There is a lot that we can take away from this encounter. Once again, we learn much about Jesus (and ourselves) as we study the people He met.
All that we have been talking about over the past few weeks (singleness, dating, getting engaged), culminates in the step of "taking the plunge" and getting married. The time leading up to this day and the days, weeks, and months following are very critical. Several things discussed in the podcast and blog (available at www.derekcharlesjohnson.com) are the need to build a firm foundation in Christ and to develop good, godly habits even before going to the altar. By taking the time to truly get to know each other and how one another ticks, there are certain potential disasters that can be avoided. Find out each other's strengths and weaknesses. Helpful tools can be personality tests, love language quizzes, and spiritual gift assessments. Above all, it is grace that must be extended towards the other person. Christ first imparted grace to us. We must choose to do the same with our spouse.
Derek and his wife Corrie share about "Walking The Path," a new podcast series accompanying a blog series of the same title at www.derekcharlesjohnson.com/blog
This week we are looking at dating from a Christian perspective. This is part 2 of 2 and encompasses several key bullet points that believers should follow as they enter into a dating relationship. There is much that can be said on such a topic and much has been written. Derek and Corrie share information that they believe would have been helpful as they were in this stage of life. Certainly as our kids grow up and enter the "dating pool," there is a need to do it with intentionality and a knowledge of God's word.
Who should I date? Who should I marry? How do I know if this is "the one"? As we think about dating, it is important to look at the relationship in context of marriage and whether or not we are pursuing marriage with this individual. Intentional dating means we date with this in the forefront of our minds. It's too important not to consider!
Derek and his wife Corrie share about "Walking The Path," a new podcast series accompanying a blog series of the same title at www.derekcharlesjohnson.com/blog
This week we are looking at dating from a Christian perspective. This is part 1 of 2 and encompasses several key bullet points that believers should follow as they enter into a dating relationship. There is much that can be said on such a topic and much has been written. Derek and Corrie share information that they believe would have been helpful as they were in this stage of life. Certainly as our kids grow up and enter the "dating pool," there is a need to do it with intentionality and a knowledge of God's word.
Who should I date? Who should I marry? How do I know if this is "the one"? As we think about dating, it is important to look at the relationship in context of marriage and whether or not we are pursuing marriage with this individual. Intentional dating means we date with this in the forefront of our minds. It's too important not to consider!
Derek and his wife Corrie share about "Walking The Path," a new podcast series accompanying a blog series of the same title at www.derekcharlesjohnson.com/blog
This week we are tackling the topic of singleness and looking at being single from a Christian perspective. Part of the hardest part we can struggle with as singles is waiting on God's timetable and waiting for the right mate. The patience that we must exhibit can sometimes get compromised, leading to hurt and pain if we decide to rush the process. God wants us to avoid such pain and in our season of singleness, we are called to bring Him glory. Some of the things God wishes to do through us may only be possible (or is at least easier) while we are single.
For some singleness is just a season. For others it may be a lifelong calling. Whatever the case, we are called to remain pure and remain faithful while we are single.
For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21Just a short word of encouragement this week as we move towards Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. The cross is the focal point of our belief in Christ. Everything centers upon it and flows from it. In addition, the empty tomb is a reality a watching world cannot ignore. Jesus died but He did not stay in the grave. We must ask "Why did He have to die and what are the implications of a risen Savior?" We must be able to settle those questions in our hearts and minds; it is the truth a desperate and dying world must hear!
Hope you have a wonderful Easter. I would love to hear from you and how you are doing. You can email me at info@derekcharlesjohnson.com
God bless.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18,19Perhaps no other buzzword has come along in the last year or so than the term "cancel culture." That and the idea of being "woke" are pervasive points of view seeping into society as a whole and also the church. In this week's episode, Derek and Corrie unpack a bit of what cancel culture is and how we can approach it as Christians. In Christ, we are made new. Our lives are redeemable, even as the new rules of society want to punish and "cancel" any behavior it believes wrong. Jesus is the standard we must cling to, even if persecution is around the corner. Standing on truth rooted in the word of God is our best weapon against the evil practice of cancel culture.
Encounters with Jesus often reveal much about Jesus as well as much about the person He encounters and the other bystanders (family/friends/onlookers). In the story from John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind from birth. This causes quite a stir because it was a Sabbath and the Pharisees did not believe Jesus should heal on a day of rest. The Pharisees go to great lengths to discredit Jesus and the miracle. They call in the healed man to ask him who did this and how or what did He do to make him see. They also call in the man's parents...those who raised this man and knew of his condition. The parents really want little to do with the whole event. They know to be associated with Jesus meant banishment from the synagogue and living outside of community. They asked that the Pharisees just investigate the matter directly through their son.
No matter what happens when we encounter Jesus, there are sure to be different reactions from those around us. Some will be encouraged and choose to believe as well. Others will mock or ridicule our faith. Whatever the response, we can rest assured that Jesus is the Messiah, just like He revealed to the man whose blindness was removed. He is faithful to watch over us if we choose to receive Him.
An encounter that always troubles me a bit when I read it is Jesus’ encounter with the demon-possessed man, or demoniac. This week we are focusing on the account taken from Mark 5. Through various onscreen adaptations, this encounter has been “fleshed out” to some degree and is usually a bit disturbing. This man lived among the tombs and had not just one demon, but a whole “legion” of demons. The man is not in his right mind. The demons make him do harmful things to himself. And he is beyond the point of being bound up or chained.
What is the one thing these demons fear? It is the name of Jesus. Jesus shows up on the scene with his disciples and casts out the demons — into a herd of pigs. The pigs rush to the edge of a cliff, fall off, and are drowned in the water below. The townspeople and farmers connected to these animals are more concerned about their livelihood than the healing of this man. For them, the demon-possessed man living apart from them was the status quo. Jesus interrupted that and now things were uncomfortable for them. They asked Him to leave.
This message of this week’s encounter is to see clearly we have a calling AND that Jesus holds the power over sin and darkness. We must be open to these truths as we personally encounter Jesus in ways we may not expect. He is always at work.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16Perhaps one of the most famous verses in the Bible, John 3:16 takes place during an encounter with Jesus. A Pharisee (a Jewish ruler and scholar) named Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. Nicodemus has questions. He is truly seeking after something. The conversation develops into an opportunity for Christ to define what it means to be born again. He uses illustrations that Nicodemus understands and takes a concept that perhaps seemed abstract and makes it accessible.
What about us? Are we able to come to Jesus with the questions we have and surrender them to His authority? Nicodemus is an example that we can follow. His encounter left him walking away with more answers than questions and I believe, a peace followed. The Bible doesn't give us a thorough account about what happened to him after this conversation. But it does leave us some clues that lead us to believe his encounter was life-changing and life-defining.
Do you ever consider the one-on-one encounters Jesus had with people in the Gospels? How did each of those encounters affect the people involved and beyond? We know from each of these accounts no one met Jesus and went away unchanged. Everyone He touched, talked to, or delivered was drastically changed.
These events speak to us today because we still need to encounter Jesus on a regular basis. When we come to know Him, we surrender our will and submit to His authority. He causes our hearts to soften; our lives will never be the same once we've seen Him.
Today's encounter is the first in a series of podcasts. Here we are unpacking the meeting Jesus has with the woman with the issue of blood (from Mark 5:24-34). We don't the woman's name and we don't know too much about her story besides the fact that the Bible says she has suffered for 12 long years. Her medical condition was nothing that doctors could solve; in fact, she only got worse. It isn't until she encounters Jesus and touches His robe that she is made well. This story is worth retelling and revisiting. In so doing, we must ask: is our faith like this woman's?
Rounding out a series based on the home, co-hosts Derek and Corrie Johnson discuss what it means to build a legacy for Christ within our homes. In order to do this, we must see that our mission is to be first and foremost, like Jesus. We have no higher goal or aim than to live out His Gospel as the standard for everything we do. Part of leaving a Godly legacy means we finish well. We do not allow our lives to retreat as we get older, rather we continue to engage those who follow us and impart wisdom and truth. Finally, in order to leave a strong legacy we realize our lives must constantly choose CALLING over COMFORT. In order to do this, we have to pick faith over fear and when we are forced with tough decisions, we do the thing that brings God the most glory.
A few verses guide our discussion today:
*Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4*
Continuing in this podcast series about the home, Derek and Corrie discuss the topic of raising kids in a Christ-centered environment. The reminder for us all is that our children are our primary mission field and that we must present the Gospel to them as parents. The years at home are when our kids are the most impressionable. Studies show that after leaving the home, they are less and less likely to follow the Lord if they never made a faith decision growing up. Talking about Jesus, reading the Bible, and praying are all aspects that mark the daily life of Christian families.
A verse that guides our discussion this week is Deuteronomy 6:4-9: Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
The very first episode of the As Bold As Lions podcast! This episode features a conversation between Derek and Corrie Johnson about marriage in conjunction with the HOMEFIRES blog series that is featured all month long at derekcharlesjohnson.com/blog.
A verse that guides the HOMEFIRES series: But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15Focusing on building Christ-centered marriages and homes, we examine 3 questions:
- What are our priorities?
- Are we centered upon on Christ?
- Are we examining what truly matters?
Books mentioned in this episode:
Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe by Sharon Jaynes
The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie Omartian
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman