When we use the word “church” we are often referring to the place where a local group of believers gather as one in order to worship, pray and serve together. There is a lot of activity that goes on in a local church. It requires vision, volunteers, money and organization. Yet a church can have all of those things and more, but if it is lacking one specific component, that church will not last long for the glory of Jesus. Josiah found out what that one missing component was and, when he did, the young king of Israel made some immediate & sweeping changes.
Something’s Not Right Here
2 Kings 22:3-11
March 7, 2018 • Jeff Lyle
More from
Josiah
Committed Unto The End
May 9, 2018 • Jeff Lyle
The man on a mission was on the mission until the end of the man. Josiah was ancient Israel’s version of the Energizer Bunny who never seemed to run out of ways to lead Israel into deeper faithfulness to God. In this closing chapter of Josiah’s life, we see him cement his testimony as the godliest king ever to sit on Israel’s throne. At the end of his life, Scripture records his testimony that sets him above all his predecessors. Yet, with all of Josiah’s glory, we see at the end of his life that he was still a mere human as one hasty decision brought him to the end of his life. Only one King is perfect, and his name isn’t Josiah.
A Large-Scale Burst of Joy
May 2, 2018 • Jeff Lyle
One of the marks of a great leader is that he or she understands the importance of celebration. For some leaders, it’s only about mission, hard work and accomplishment. They grind our success after success but rarely stop to enjoy what has taken place. When King Josiah finished his large-scale reformation work in Israel, he sought to honor what God had accomplished with a massive commemorative celebration. He planned the festival in a way that blessed everyone, both great and small. This message highlights that often-ignored part of God’s heart which calls His people to cease their hard work for a moment and to joyfully celebrate His goodness and favor.
Revival & The Sanctity of Life
April 25, 2018 • Jeff Lyle
Abortion is, perhaps, the most divisive topic that is frequently discussed in the United States. Well educated people will find themselves on the polar opposite side of the spectrum concerning their views on the topic of how they regard the lives of the unborn. In Josiah’s day, the people of Israel had adopted the pagan practices of sacrificing the lives of their babies and children. Why did they do this? How did their God respond? What must we learn from them? King Josiah took a stand and left no room for doubt concerning the heart of God as it pertains to the sanctity of life in the womb. Today, we stand in great need for the Church to be the primary voice on this polarizing issue.