In this message, I talk about the story of David’s miraculous escape from Achish, King of Gath, and the psalm he wrote immediately after—Psalm 34.

Psalm 34 is a celebration of the astounding deliverance and provides characteristics of the type of person that God delights in delivering.

Deus Vult

Pastor Matt Johnson

In today’s Lord’s Day service, the text was Proverbs 9, comparing the invitations of the “Woman of Wisdom” and the “Woman of Folly.” It is a beautiful text and a clear warning of the consequences of following folly instead of wisdom.

The message can be summarized concisely: wisdom leads to life, and folly leads to death. There is no middle ground where we can avoid choosing one or the other. If we are not actively choosing wisdom, we are choosing folly by default.

As we exegeted the text, it struck me as highly “chiastic.” For those unfamiliar with the term, here is a definition:

A chiasm (or chiasmus) is a literary and rhetorical device in which words, phrases, or concepts are presented in a specific order and then repeated in reverse order, creating a symmetrical or mirrored structure. The term derives from the Greek letter chi (Χ), which visually resembles the crossing pattern of the structure.

In literature, particularly in biblical texts, a chiasm organizes ideas in an A-B-B-A pattern (or more complex variations like A-B-C-C-B-A) to emphasize a central point or theme, often highlighting the middle element. For example:

• Simple chiasm: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” (A-B-B-A).

• Biblical example (Isaiah 6:10, NASB95):

  • A: “Make the heart of this people dull,

  • B: And their ears heavy,

  • B': And their eyes blind,

  • A': Lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed.”

Proverbs 9 not only exhibits a chiastic pattern but is also a comparative chiasm, meaning the “A” elements communicate contrasting opposites. The text presents two mirroring characters at the ends, with the keys to discerning between them in the center.

My contention is that Proverbs 9 forms an A-B-C-D-C'-B'-A' chiasm, with D being the central teaching of the text, where we find its greatest meaning.

Let’s examine this in detail:

A and A’: We have a comparison of Wisdom’s house with Folly’s house. Proverbs 9:1-3 (NASB95) states about Wisdom:

“Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars; she has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table; she has sent out her maidens, she calls from the tops of the heights of the city.”

In contrast, Proverbs 9:18 (NASB95) describes the outcome of Folly’s house:

“But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.”

This thematic contrast of life versus death frames the chapter.

B and B’: Both Wisdom and Folly call out to the same type of person with nearly identical language. The Hebrew word peti is commonly translated as “naive” (referring to a young, impressionable individual) or “simple” (indicating a gullible, thoughtless person lacking understanding).

Here is the Woman of Wisdom’s call in Proverbs 9:4-6 (NASB95):

“‘Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!’ To him who lacks understanding she says, ‘Come, eat of my food and drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding.’”

And here is the Woman of Folly’s call in Proverbs 9:16-17 (NASB95):

“‘Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,’ and to him who lacks understanding she says, ‘Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.’”

Wisdom offers life and generosity, while Folly offers illicit pleasure that leads to death. Wisdom gives generously and promotes understanding, whereas Folly tempts with sweetness and hedonism, portraying stealing and isolation as pleasant.

C and C’: This section contrasts the wise, who accept correction, with scoffers, who reject it. Proverbs 9:7-9 (NASB95) teaches Wisdom’s principle:

“He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.”

In contrast, Proverbs 9:13-15 (NASB95) presents Folly’s imitation:

“The woman of folly is boisterous, she is naive and knows nothing. She sits at the doorway of her house, on a seat by the high places of the city, calling to those who pass by, who are making their paths straight.”

Notice that Folly does not promise anything substantial but instead calls out to those attempting to walk righteously, tempting them off the path. She sits high, projecting authority, while Wisdom’s setting resembles a home. (This contrast is significant and worthy of further exploration, perhaps another time.)

Before we address the central premise of Proverbs 9, consider this: If you are the person being called by both Wisdom and Folly, how do you discern the right choice? In some cases, the distinction may be clear, but often it is not. Honestly, choosing wisdom over folly is not always straightforward. You may know that folly is bad and leads to death, while wisdom is good and leads to life (though, if you are not a Christian, I might challenge how you claim to know this). Why, then, are there so many foolish people? According to the text, Folly falsely offers pleasure and goodness in rebellion, while Wisdom offers instruction and correction leading to righteousness.

D: The central teaching of Proverbs 9 answers how to choose wisdom over folly. The key is that it is not your wisdom. See Proverbs 9:10-12 (NASB95):

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.”

Do you fear the Lord? Do you know the Lord? In these verses, it is as if the Holy Spirit breaks the “fourth wall” to speak directly to us. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, the starting point.

So, who can fear the Lord? In the Classical Reformed view, only the Christian, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, can truly fear the Lord. Only the Christian, by the power of the Holy Spirit, can intentionally choose wisdom over folly. Consider Romans 5:10-11 (NASB95):

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

Before the Holy Spirit grants new life through Christ Jesus, we are enemies of God, preferring folly over wisdom. Romans 1:21-22 (NASB95) further explains that, in our fallen state, we reject God knowingly because we love our sin:

“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.”

Thus, the call is clear: Choose wisdom. Fear the Lord. And navigate your life and your relationships with this understanding: most of the world operates in folly because they don’t have Christ. As Christians, it is part of our job to help them navigate people to see that true wisdom comes from the Lord and the Lord alone.

For King and for glory.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

This is your weekly update on our progress as my family prepares to move from Colorado to Kentucky to plant Rampart Reformed Church. Here’s what’s happened this week!

• Website: We’ve secured a church domain name, and the website (in beta) is NOW LIVE. Our church URL will be rampart.church.

• Social Media: We’ve secured uniform handles across all major social media platforms, matching our website URL! To find Rampart Reformed Church online, simply search “Rampart Church” on any platform, and you’ll find our profiles. My personal profiles are either @pastormatt_j or @pastormatt.j, depending on the platform. This consistency is a huge blessing from the Lord, as it’s common for handles and URLs to be taken, leading to conflicts later. As a reminder, you can visit my personal Substack profile, where all my social media profiles are linked.

• 501(c)(3): We have officially secured our 501(c)(3) status and are now INCORPORATED in Kentucky. This means all donations and financial support are tax-deductible. You can make a donation THROUGH OUR WEBSITE. Every contribution, no matter the size, greatly advances our efforts to expand God’s Kingdom. We are deeply grateful for your support.

• Residency: As many of you know, I’ve been accepted into one of Colorado’s premier church-planting residencies with The Well Church in Boulder. This officially begins in early July. The residency provides support from a de-facto “sending church” and places me under the guidance of faithful, godly men who have successfully planted churches.

• Content Creation: With help from many friends, we’ve begun building a framework for a sustainable social media presence, including the ability to stream LIVE content. I’ve also established a modest content creation schedule and am slowly easing into a writing routine (please pray for me!).

I’m amazed by the support we’ve received from volunteers offering their time, effort, and even referrals. The Lord is moving powerfully, laying the groundwork for a church that will stand the test of time, long after I’m standing with Jesus in heaven.

That’s our goal! Rampart Reformed Church is not meant to be a “flash in the pan.” It will be a generational church, built to last until Jesus returns in glory.

Please continue to pray for us and consider donating financially if the Lord leads you. We are blessed by both your prayers and support.

Christ is Lord!

—Pastor Matt Johnson

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We are blessed to have

so many people asking how they can pray for us as we embark on the adventure of moving states and planting a church—no small task! From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your prayers. Our family truly needs all the support we can get.

Family

• Matt: Please pray for wisdom, open doors, and protection from the enemy’s attacks.

• AJ: Pray that her sleep is multiplied and that the Lord’s grace pours out on her, giving her great peace and confidence in His plans.

• Ezekiel (5): Pray that he continues to grow in his love for Jesus.

• Lydia (2): Pray that she becomes more verbally articulate.

• Reuben (1): Pray that his health issues are resolved and that we receive clear answers from doctors on how to proceed.

• Hannah (3 months): Pray that we can successfully sleep train her.

Rampart Church Plant

Please pray for progress in the following areas:

• The 501(c)(3) and EIN are issued—this is critical for receiving donations.

• The church website launches successfully this week.

• Social media and content creation grow and drive people to our page.

• Our launch team grows and develops, with people and families confirming their commitment to move with us.

• We hold successful vision meetings on a regular schedule.

Above all, please pray for God’s provision for our family’s finances. We need wisdom as we face decisions about the timing of our move and a consistent income stream to support our family of six.

Thank you all so much for your prayers. We will continue to update you as we go!

—Pastor Matt

Do you have any prayer requests? Share them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to pray for you!

For my part, I helped establish the Colorado White Rose Resistance chapter, and we have seen God’s grace in the public square. Our teams are present weekly at multiple abortion clinics, offering sidewalk counseling and proclaiming the gospel of Christ to all who enter.

Through these efforts, multiple babies have been saved, and the most notorious late-term abortion clinic in the country, located in Boulder, Colorado, was permanently closed due to the faithful opposition of God’s people against this wickedness.

In this talk, I explain how Colorado reached this point politically and outline strategies to combat the evil policies that have held our state captive for nearly three decades.

Soli Deo Gloria!
-Pastor Matt Johnson

Pastor Matt Johnson is the founder and senior pastor of Rampart Reformed Church. He has a passion for deep rooted and Christ-centered community helping to build families with Biblical foundations that result in active faith. He has been a pro-life activist, sidewalk councilor, and as a pastor is not afraid of taking faith into the public square.

In 2020 the Lord put a call on Pastor Matt’s heart to plant a church and build strong, thick, and sticky interdependent Christian community to help families and individuals weather the storms of culture with Christ as their rock and anchor.

Pastor Matt is happily married to his wonderful wife Alex (AJ) and together with their four children they seek to glorify God and enjoy Him, and their family forever.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

My family and I are embarking on a bold calling to plant Rampart Reformed Church in Henderson, Kentucky—a Gospel-centered community dedicated to glorifying Christ by standing as an uncompromising rampart for faith, family, and truth. Our mission is to build a church that fearlessly confronts cultural and spiritual decay, fosters ordered love, and ignites hope through the uncompromised proclamation of Scripture.

As we prepare for this move from Colorado, I am honored to have been accepted into one of Colorado’s premier church plant residency programs at The Well Church in Boulder. This residency equips us for the challenges ahead, providing invaluable training and support as we lay the foundation for Rampart Reformed Church. However, during this critical season, my family of six relies on the generosity of supporters like you to sustain us while we dedicate ourselves to this calling.

Your financial contributions will go directly to supporting our family—covering essential living expenses as we transition to Henderson and work to establish a vibrant, countercultural church. Every gift, no matter the size, will greatly bless us and help propel the vision that God has given our family, empowering us to focus on building a community that strengthens families, raises courageous men, and transforms Henderson into a beacon of Christ’s truth.

We invite you to join us in this mission. You can contribute securely THROUGH OUR WEBSITE. Your generosity fuels a church steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel with clarity and grace.

Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to join us in building a rampart for Christ in Henderson. Together, we can restore the church as a fortress of hope and purpose.

For King. For Glory. For Henderson.

Matt Johnson
Rampart Reformed Church
Deus Vult

Mission: Rampart Reformed Church exists to glorify Christ by building an uncompromising, Gospel-centered community in Henderson, KY, that boldly defends faith, family, and truth against cultural and spiritual decay through ordered love and courageous proclamation of Scripture.

Vision: We envision a vibrant Henderson transformed by a church that stands as a resolute rampart, where families are strengthened, men lead with courage, and the uncompromised Gospel ignites hope, purpose, and fearless devotion to Christ in every heart.

• Countercultural Courage: We will launch a bold, Gospel-centered church in Henderson, KY, rejecting moral relativism and restoring the church as a spiritual fortress to preserve faith and values.

  • Core Value: Courage: We fearlessly confront wickedness, standing as a steadfast rampart for our community.

  • Transforming Community: We aim to spark renewed faith and resilient families, making Henderson a beacon of Christ’s truth.

• Ordered Love: Our church will prioritize love for God, family, and neighbors, as Christ commanded, fostering a purposeful, God-glorifying community.

  • Core Value: Love: We embody patient, kind, and truthful love, prioritizing our neighbors over distant distractions.

  • Local Bonds: We will build deep relationships in Henderson, creating a vibrant community united in purpose.

• Fearless Masculinity: We will raise courageous men to lead and defend faith, family, and community, rejecting comfort’s compromise.

  • Core Value: Faith: We trust in Christ alone as the Way, Truth, and Life, our hope of glory.

  • Defying Comfort: We will disciple men to embrace risk and protect their families with unwavering conviction.

• Uncompromising Truth: Our foundation will be the bold proclamation of Scripture, guiding people to Christ’s narrow way with clarity and grace.

  • Core Value: Truth: We uphold the uncompromised truth of the Gospel, standing firm against unrighteousness.

  • Confronting Sin: We will lovingly address sin, equipping our congregation to follow Christ’s path.

• Fervent Prayer: We will be a church devoted to prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength to stand as a rampart against evil and to fulfill our calling in Henderson.

  • Core Value: Dependence on God: Our commitment to prayer reflects our faith in Christ’s power to transform hearts and communities, trusting Him to lead us in battle against spiritual decay.

  • Empowering Our Mission: Through fervent prayer, we will align our hearts with God’s will, interceding for Henderson and equipping our people to love boldly and proclaim truth courageously.

We invite you to join us in building a church that stands as a rampart for Christ in Henderson.

Matt Johnson