where does acceptable service to god begin ? n jesus plainly taught that all acceptable service must...

Where does acceptable service to God beginWhere does acceptable service to God begin??Where does acceptable service to God beginWhere does acceptable service to God begin??

Jesus plainly taught that all acceptable Jesus plainly taught that all acceptable service must come from the heart. service must come from the heart. (Mark 12:29-30)(Mark 12:29-30)


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


It is easy to neglect the heart. It is easy to neglect the heart. (Prov 4:23)(Prov 4:23)


(Prov 4:23 NKJV)(Prov 4:23 NKJV) Keep your heartKeep your heart with with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.of life.


Often people find themselves in religious Often people find themselves in religious activity purely as a result of tradition and activity purely as a result of tradition and peer pressure. These need to be converted.peer pressure. These need to be converted.


Often people find themselves in religious Often people find themselves in religious activity purely as a result of tradition and activity purely as a result of tradition and peer pressure. These need to be converted.peer pressure. These need to be converted.

Also we need to understand how the heart is Also we need to understand how the heart is changed.changed.


Again this change of the heart does not Again this change of the heart does not come from “making people” outwardly come from “making people” outwardly conform.conform.



In our case we must do more than just In our case we must do more than just getting people in the pews.getting people in the pews.



In our case we must do more than just In our case we must do more than just getting people in the pews.getting people in the pews.

The battle for the hearts takes place one The battle for the hearts takes place one person at a time with the powerful gospel. person at a time with the powerful gospel. There is no other way. There is no other way. (2 Cor 10:3-5)(2 Cor 10:3-5)


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


We will see these truths illustrated clearly We will see these truths illustrated clearly in the reign of the OT king Josiah.in the reign of the OT king Josiah.

The Reforms of JosiahThe Reforms of JosiahThe Reforms of JosiahThe Reforms of Josiah

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


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


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


(2 Chr 34:1 NKJV)(2 Chr 34:1 NKJV) Josiah was Josiah was eight years eight years oldold when he became king, and he reigned when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.thirty-one years in Jerusalem.


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


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

The later fall of Judah was credited to the The later fall of Judah was credited to the evil of Manasseh. evil of Manasseh. (2 Kings 24:3-4(2 Kings 24:3-4))


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


He was only eight years old when he began He was only eight years old when he began to reign. What kind of advisors did he have?to reign. What kind of advisors did he have?



What chance would you give this young What chance would you give this young man of doing right?man of doing right?



What chance would you give this young What chance would you give this young man of doing right?man of doing right?

God called Josiah a son of David. God called Josiah a son of David. (2 Chron 34:2-3)(2 Chron 34:2-3)


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


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


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


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


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


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


(Joshua 24:15 NKJV)(Joshua 24:15 NKJV) “And if it seems “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for choose for yourselves this dayyourselves this day whom you will serve, whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served whether the gods which your fathers served that that were were on the other side of the River, or on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”serve the LORD.”


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


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


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


At 16 years old he began to seek after God. At 16 years old he began to seek after God. What did he learn?What did he learn?



At 20 years old he cleansed the city of At 20 years old he cleansed the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem.



At 20 years old he cleansed the city of At 20 years old he cleansed the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem.

How many years had these things been How many years had these things been allowed to go on unopposed? What if allowed to go on unopposed? What if they argued “we have always done it this they argued “we have always done it this way?”.way?”.


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


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


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


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


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


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


Later reforms of Josiah. Later reforms of Josiah.


Later reforms of Josiah. Later reforms of Josiah. He began the work of restoring and He began the work of restoring and

repairing the temple. repairing the temple. (2 Chron 34:8)(2 Chron 34:8)


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


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


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


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



The tender heart of Josiah.The tender heart of Josiah.



The tender heart of Josiah.The tender heart of Josiah. He has the law read to him. He reacts in He has the law read to him. He reacts in

deep mourning.deep mourning.(2 Chron 34:18-19, 21)(2 Chron 34:18-19, 21)


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


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


Did others hear the same words? What is Did others hear the same words? What is their reaction? What is the difference?their reaction? What is the difference?


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


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

The answer should not have surprised him. The answer should not have surprised him. (2 Chron 34:23-25)(2 Chron 34:23-25)


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


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


God however recognized Josiah. God however recognized Josiah. (2 Chron 34:26-28; 2 Tim 2:19)(2 Chron 34:26-28; 2 Tim 2:19)


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


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


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


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


Is this your heart? Is this your strength?Is this your heart? Is this your strength?


Is this your heart? Is this your strength?Is this your heart? Is this your strength? The efforts of Josiah to save his nation. The efforts of Josiah to save his nation.

(2 Chron 34:30-33)(2 Chron 34:30-33)


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


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


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


Have you ever thought: “I will make them Have you ever thought: “I will make them do what is right!”?do what is right!”?


Have you ever thought: “I will make them Have you ever thought: “I will make them do what is right!”?do what is right!”?

He had them observe the Passover. He had them observe the Passover. (2 Chron 34:1,5,7, 18-19)(2 Chron 34:1,5,7, 18-19)


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


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


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


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


He had to try and he did! What did God He had to try and he did! What did God think of the fruits of his efforts?think of the fruits of his efforts?

Jeremiah’s Response to the Reforms of Josiah


Jeremiah started preaching during the reign of Josiah. (Jer 1:1-2)



(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.



Would you liked to have preached with such a king in power?




If Jeremiah looked at what he could see with his eyes, all is well!





What did Jeremiah say about the reforms of Josiah?





What did Jeremiah say about the reforms of Josiah? ---- NOTHING!



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)



(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.”



Josiah could make them go to worship but he could not make them serve God.



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)



(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.



Jeremiah was not a popular preacher.



Jeremiah was not a popular preacher. He called Judah’s actions a pretense.

(Jer 3:9-10)



(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.



The people thought that they could blackmail God because His temple was in their midst. (Jer 7:4)



(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.’



He went so far as to tell them that prayer will not help. (Jer 7:16; 15:1)



(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.



(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.



What about their sacrifices? He told them to eat them, that was the only profit they would be for them. (Jer 7:21)



(Jeremiah 7:21 NKJV) Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat meat.

We cannot Obligate God to us.We cannot Obligate God to us.

This is the God we serve, know Him! (Isa 40:15-16)


Isaiah 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.


We should be asking the question: “What does God want?” (Micah 6:8; John 4:23-24)


(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?


(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.”


What are we saying in our worship? (Ex. Laughing and ignoring the invitation song.)


Outward conformity has never been the only test of faithfulness.


Outward conformity has never been the only test of faithfulness.

God wants a circumcised heart. (Jer 9:23-26; Micah 6:6-8)


(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.


{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.”


(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?


{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?


Why do we conform to the outward things? (Heb 5:9)


(Hebrews 5:9 NKJV) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,


Are you weary in your worship? (Mal 1:13; Isa 43:22-24)


(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.


{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.


(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.


If the answer is yes, you have a heart problem.


If the answer is yes, you have a heart problem.

Some look at men rather than God in their worship. Why are you here?


Let us open our hearts to real change. Are you willing to open the door? (2 Cor 7:1-2)


(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.

where does acceptable service to god begin ? n jesus plainly taught that all acceptable service must...

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