1. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n Jesus plainly taught that all acceptable service must come from the heart. (Mark 12:29-30)

2. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n (Mark 12:29-30 NKJV) Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. ‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.

3. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n It is easy to neglect the heart. (Prov 4:23)

4. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n (Prov 4:23 NKJV) Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

5. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n Often people find themselves in religious activity purely as a result of tradition and peer pressure. These need to be converted.

6. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n Often people find themselves in religious activity purely as a result of tradition and peer pressure. These need to be converted. n Also we need to understand how the heart is changed.

7. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n Again this change of the heart does not come from “making people” outwardly conform.

8. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n Again this change of the heart does not come from “making people” outwardly conform. n In our case we must do more than just getting people in the pews.

9. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n Again this change of the heart does not come from “making people” outwardly conform. n In our case we must do more than just getting people in the pews. n The battle for the hearts takes place one person at a time with the powerful gospel. There is no other way. (2 Cor 10:3-5)

10. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n (2 Cor 10:3-5 NKJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. {4} For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, {5} casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

11. Where does acceptable service to God begin ? n We will see these truths illustrated clearly in the reign of the OT king Josiah.

12. The Reforms of Josiah n The background of Josiah. (2 Chron 33:22-34:1)

13. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chron 33:22-25 NKJV) But he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done; for Amon sacrificed to all the carved images which his father Manasseh had made, and served them. {23} And he did not humble himself before the LORD, as his father Manasseh had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.

14. The Reforms of Josiah n {24} Then his servants conspired against him, and killed him in his own house. {25} But the people of the land executed all those who had conspired against King Amon. Then the people of the land made his son Josiah king in his place.

15. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chr 34:1 NKJV) Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.

16. The Reforms of Josiah n His grandfather was Manasseh and his father was Amnon. These were two of the most wicked kings Judah ever knew.

17. The Reforms of Josiah n His grandfather was Manasseh and his father was Amnon. These were two of the most wicked kings Judah ever knew. n The later fall of Judah was credited to the evil of Manasseh. (2 Kings 24:3-4)

18. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Kings 24:3-4 NKJV) Surely at the commandment of the LORD this came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, {4} and also because of the innocent blood that he had shed; for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the LORD would not pardon.

19. The Reforms of Josiah n He was only eight years old when he began to reign. What kind of advisors did he have?

20. The Reforms of Josiah n He was only eight years old when he began to reign. What kind of advisors did he have? n What chance would you give this young man of doing right?

21. The Reforms of Josiah n He was only eight years old when he began to reign. What kind of advisors did he have? n What chance would you give this young man of doing right? n God called Josiah a son of David. (2 Chron 34:2-3)

22. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:2-3 NKJV) And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

23. The Reforms of Josiah n {3} For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images.

24. The Reforms of Josiah n Why is he called a son of David? Was not Amnon his father? In truth you are a son of who you act like! (Matt 5:44-45; Mark 3:17)

25. The Reforms of Josiah n (Matthew 5:44-45 NKJV) “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, {45} “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

26. The Reforms of Josiah n (Mark 3:17 NKJV) James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”;

27. The Reforms of Josiah n Every man in spite of his background can make a choice to do right. (Josh 24:15)

28. The Reforms of Josiah n (Joshua 24:15 NKJV) “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of 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.”

29. The Reforms of Josiah n The conversion and early reforms of Josiah. (2 Chron 34:3-5)

30. The Reforms of Josiah n 2 Chron 34:3-5 - {3} For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images.

31. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:4-5 NKJV) They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and the incense altars which were above them he cut down; and the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images he broke in pieces, and made dust of them and scattered it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. {5} He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

32. The Reforms of Josiah n At 16 years old he began to seek after God. What did he learn?

33. The Reforms of Josiah n At 16 years old he began to seek after God. What did he learn? n At 20 years old he cleansed the city of Jerusalem.

34. The Reforms of Josiah n At 16 years old he began to seek after God. What did he learn? n At 20 years old he cleansed the city of Jerusalem. n How many years had these things been allowed to go on unopposed? What if they argued “we have always done it this way?”.

35. The Reforms of Josiah n The truth is the people were not that concerned, they were willing to go along with whatever the king wanted. (Jer 5:31)

36. The Reforms of Josiah n (Jeremiah 5:31 NKJV) The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?

37. The Reforms of Josiah n How much could Josiah do? He did not stop at Jerusalem but went on a rampage! (2 Chron 34:6-7)

38. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:6-7 NKJV) And so he did in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali and all around, with axes. {7} When he had broken down the altars and the wooden images, had beaten the carved images into powder, and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.

39. The Reforms of Josiah n How many enemies did he make? It did not matter because he was serving the Lord. (1 Pet 3:12-13)

40. The Reforms of Josiah n (1 Peter 3:12-13 NKJV) For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” {13} And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?

41. The Reforms of Josiah n Later reforms of Josiah.

42. The Reforms of Josiah n Later reforms of Josiah. n He began the work of restoring and repairing the temple. (2 Chron 34:8)

43. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:8 NKJV) In the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.

44. The Reforms of Josiah n For the first time in years the book of the law was found. (2 Chron 34:14-15)

45. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:14-15 NKJV) Now when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given by Moses. {15} Then Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan.

46. The Reforms of Josiah n How could this have happened? They had long stopped reading it to follow the Lord’s will. Where do we stand?

47. The Reforms of Josiah n How could this have happened? They had long stopped reading it to follow the Lord’s will. Where do we stand? n The tender heart of Josiah.

48. The Reforms of Josiah n How could this have happened? They had long stopped reading it to follow the Lord’s will. Where do we stand? n The tender heart of Josiah. n He has the law read to him. He reacts in deep mourning.(2 Chron 34:18-19, 21)

49. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:18-19 NKJV) Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. {19} Thus it happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes.

50. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:21 NKJV) “Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for those who are left in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do according to all that is written in this book.”

51. The Reforms of Josiah n Did others hear the same words? What is their reaction? What is the difference?

52. The Reforms of Josiah n Josiah now wants to know exactly where he and his nation stands. He was not willing just to “try to have positive thoughts”. He wanted the truth of God.

53. The Reforms of Josiah n Josiah now wants to know exactly where he and his nation stands. He was not willing just to “try to have positive thoughts”. He wanted the truth of God. n The answer should not have surprised him. (2 Chron 34:23-25)

54. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:23-25 NKJV) Then she answered them, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me, {24} “Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah,

55. The Reforms of Josiah n {25} ‘because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.’”

56. The Reforms of Josiah n God however recognized Josiah. (2 Chron 34:26-28; 2 Tim 2:19)

57. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:26-28 NKJV) “But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard;

58. The Reforms of Josiah n {27} “because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the LORD.

59. The Reforms of Josiah n {28} “Surely I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place and its inhabitants.” ‘ “ So they brought back word to the king.

60. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Timothy 2:19 NKJV) Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

61. The Reforms of Josiah n Is this your heart? Is this your strength?

62. The Reforms of Josiah n Is this your heart? Is this your strength? n The efforts of Josiah to save his nation. (2 Chron 34:30-33)

63. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 34:30-33 NKJV) The king went up to the house of the LORD, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; the priests and the Levites, and all the people, great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant which had been found in the house of the LORD.

64. The Reforms of Josiah n {31} Then the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book.

65. The Reforms of Josiah n {32} And he made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. So the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. {33} Thus Josiah removed all the abominations from all the country that belonged to the children of Israel, and made all who were present in Israel diligently serve the LORD their God. All his days they did not depart from following the LORD God of their fathers.

66. The Reforms of Josiah n Have you ever thought: “I will make them do what is right!”?

67. The Reforms of Josiah n Have you ever thought: “I will make them do what is right!”? n He had them observe the Passover. (2 Chron 34:1,5,7, 18-19)

68. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 35:1 NKJV) Now Josiah kept a Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month.

69. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 35:5 NKJV) “And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the fathers’ houses of your brethren the lay people, and according to the division of the father’s house of the Levites.

70. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 35:7 NKJV) Then Josiah gave the lay people lambs and young goats from the flock, all for Passover offerings for all who were present, to the number of thirty thousand, as well as three thousand cattle; these were from the king’s possessions.

71. The Reforms of Josiah n (2 Chronicles 35:18-19 NKJV) There had been no Passover kept in Israel like that since the days of Samuel the prophet; and none of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah kept, with the priests and the Levites, all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. {19} In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah this Passover was kept.

72. The Reforms of Josiah n He had to try and he did! What did God think of the fruits of his efforts?

73. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Jeremiah started preaching during the reign of Josiah. (Jer 1:1-2)

74. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n (Jeremiah 1:1-2 NKJV) The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, {2} to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

75. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Would you liked to have preached with such a king in power?

76. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Would you liked to have preached with such a king in power? n n If Jeremiah looked at what he could see with his eyes, all is well!

77. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Would you liked to have preached with such a king in power? n n If Jeremiah looked at what he could see with his eyes, all is well! n n What did Jeremiah say about the reforms of Josiah?

78. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Would you liked to have preached with such a king in power? n n If Jeremiah looked at what he could see with his eyes, all is well! n n What did Jeremiah say about the reforms of Josiah? ---- NOTHING!

79. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Why? God does not look at the number in the temple, the lambs offered, or how many knees were on the ground. He sees the heart. (1 Sam 16:7)

80. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV) But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

81. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Josiah could make them go to worship but he could not make them serve God.

82. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Many went because the king said so. Maybe it even became the popular thing to do. Jesus never trusted the crowds that followed Him. (Jn 2:24-25)

83. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n (John 2:24-25 NKJV) But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, {25} and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

84. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Jeremiah was not a popular preacher.

85. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n Jeremiah was not a popular preacher. n n He called Judah’s actions a pretense. (Jer 3:9-10)

86. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n (Jeremiah 3:9-10 NKJV) “So it came to pass, through her casual harlotry, that she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees. {10} “And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense,” says the LORD.

87. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n The people thought that they could blackmail God because His temple was in their midst. (Jer 7:4)

88. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n (Jeremiah 7:4 NKJV) “Do not trust in these lying words, saying, ‘The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these.’

89. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n He went so far as to tell them that prayer will not help. (Jer 7:16; 15:1)

90. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n (Jeremiah 7:16 NKJV) “Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you.

91. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n (Jeremiah 15:1 NKJV) Then the LORD said to me, “Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me, My mind would not be favorable toward this people. Cast them out of My sight, and let them go forth.

92. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n What about their sacrifices? He told them to eat them, that was the only profit they would be for them. (Jer 7:21)

93. Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah n n (Jeremiah 7:21 NKJV) Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat meat.

94. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nThis is the God we serve, know Him! (Isa 40:15-16)

95. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nIsaiah 40:15-16 NKJV) Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing. {16} And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, Nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering.

96. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nWe should be asking the question: “What does God want?” (Micah 6:8; John 4:23-24)

97. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n(Micah 6:8 NKJV) He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

98. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n(John 4:23-24 NKJV) “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. {24} “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

99. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nWhat are we saying in our worship? (Ex. Laughing and ignoring the invitation song.)

100. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nOutward conformity has never been the only test of faithfulness.

101. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nOutward conformity has never been the only test of faithfulness. n nGod wants a circumcised heart. (Jer 9:23-26; Micah 6:6-8)

102. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n(Jeremiah 9:23-26 NKJV) Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; {24} But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.

103. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n{25} “Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “that I will punish all who are circumcised with the uncircumcised; {26} “Egypt, Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all who are in the farthest corners, who dwell in the wilderness. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.”

104. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n(Micah 6:6-8 NKJV) With what shall I come before the LORD, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? {7} Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

105. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n{8} He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

106. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nWhy do we conform to the outward things? (Heb 5:9)

107. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n(Hebrews 5:9 NKJV) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

108. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nAre you weary in your worship? (Mal 1:13; Isa 43:22-24)

109. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n(Isaiah 43:22-24 NKJV) “But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob; And you have been weary of Me, O Israel. {23} You have not brought Me the sheep for your burnt offerings, Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not caused you to serve with grain offerings, Nor wearied you with incense.

110. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n{24} You have bought Me no sweet cane with money, Nor have you satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices; But you have burdened Me with your sins, You have wearied Me with your iniquities.

111. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n(Malachi 1:13 NKJV) You also say, ‘Oh, what a weariness!’ And you sneer at it,” Says the LORD of hosts. “And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?” Says the LORD.

112. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nIf the answer is yes, you have a heart problem.

113. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nIf the answer is yes, you have a heart problem. n nSome look at men rather than God in their worship. Why are you here?

114. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nLet us open our hearts to real change. Are you willing to open the door? (2 Cor 7:1-2)

115. We cannot Obligate God to us. n nLet us open our hearts to real change. Are you willing to open the door? (2 Cor 7:1-2)

116. We cannot Obligate God to us. n n(2 Corinthians 7:1-2 NKJV) Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. {2} Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.