ISRAEL MY GLORY

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Jul 12, 2023  |  Lev. 26:14-35; 2 Chron. 36:20-21; Jer. 25:8-11; Dan. 9:1-2, 20-27; 11:21-45; 12:1-4  |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we review and transition to the final segment of Israel's prophetic timeline.  We spend some time going back to the courses of punishment recorded in the law per Leviticus 26 and rapidly stepping through the timeline in order to appreciate again the flow of Israel's history up to the current point of the study.  Passages from 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah & Daniel also contribute to the appreciation for the issues of the timeline.  Finally, we land on the final week, or 7 years, of Danie's prophecy and take note of the prince that shall come and confirm the covenant to trigger Daniel's 70 week.  The prince's tactics and peace and deceit are highlighted as well as the geopolitical conditions that lead to his rise and acceptace in the time to come.  All of this is meant to serve as a general overview of the types of things that the nation can expect to experience in the ages to come.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Jul 19, 2023  |  Matthew 24:1-51  |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we explore Matthew 24 and the Lord's Olivet Discourse.  The parallels of the Lord's answers to the disciples questions is based on and Daniel's prophecies and the Lord Himself admits.  In this spectacular explanation from the Lord, many of the prophetic details concerning "the end" are expounded on as He prepares the apostles for what lay ahead on Israel's timeline.  We survey the Lord's answers after providing a basic framework for the chapter and tie the details in with the outline from Daniel that we reviewed in the last message.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Jul 26, 2023  |  Hebrews 1:1-14; 2:1-18  |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we explore the opening chapters of the book of Hebrews and God's resumption of the prophetic program following the conclusion of the dispensation of grace.  We point out some key points about God's design to reorient the Hebrew people to their dispensational position on the prophetic timeline and deal with the urgency of the matter of heeding God's words given by His Son for the last days.  Christ as the fulfiller of the Davidic Covenant is in prime view and the expectation of the Lord's day of wrath followed by the kingdom of the world to come is at the heart of the doctrinal content of this great epistle.  This is installment one of that examination.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Aug 2, 2023  |  Hebrews 3:1-19; 4:1-16 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we consider the middle sections of the book of Hebrews as the first principles of the doctrines of Christ are set before the Hebrews and they are exhorted to hold fast to their profession.  These include the Apostleship and High Priesthood of Christ Jesus on behalf of the nation as they labor to enter into the kingdom rest and wait with hope and confidence upon their kingdom salvation.  As before, Christ is seen to be "better" in all aspects.  Not only is better than angels, Adam & Abraham, but He is also better than Moses, Aaron and the Levitical priests.  He is Son over His own house, worthy of more glory than Moses was, and He is made an High Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  He has a better priesthood, offers better sacrifices upon a better altar in a better sanctuary and mediates a better covenant that makes better promises.  In all points, Christ is better!  This is the basis of Hebrew profession and they must hold it fast firm unto the end.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Aug 9, 2023  |  Hebrews 5:1-10; 8:1-13; 9:11-15, 23-28; 10:19-31, 35-39  |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we continue our look at the Hebrew profession of Christ Jesus as their great High Priest.  The Son of God that has passed into the heavens is the divinely appointed representation on behalf of His people, bearing the true children of Israel upon His heart.  He is able to be touched by the feeling of their infirmities, for He has been tempted as they are, yet without sin.  Furthermore, He has not taken the priesthood to Himself by His own appointment, but the one that declared Him to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection has also called Him to be an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  This role of Christ on behalf of the Hebrews from His power position at the Father's right hand is full of "betterness" in all of its aspects.  He is a better high priest who offered a better sacrifice once an for all, and it He who has thereby been made the author of eternal salvation to all that obey Him.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Aug 16, 2023  |  Hebrews 11:1-40; 12:1-3, 12-17, 25-29; 13:5-6, 10-14  |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we conclude our brief survey of the epistle to the Hebrews by looking at a series of exhortations to hold fast in view of the attacks against the hope of the believing remnant by Israel's apostate religious system.  The saints and faithful of old are pointed to as examples of patience and endurance of faith by which the little flock might also please God.  This great cloud of witnesses speak into the situation of the last times and provide key insights into the proper esteem for the greater riches of God versus those that are only temporal in the world.  Furthermore, the hope of the unshaken, immovable kingdom is set before the Hebrews as they are exhorted to look unto Jesus and run with patience the race set before them that they might receive the recompence of reward.  All of this and more is touched upon in this study.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Aug 23, 2023  |  James 1:1-27  |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we begin to examine the doctrinal objectives of the epistle of James.  Per the writer of Hebrews, the remnant still possesses a need for further exhortations beyond those few words with which he has exhorted them.  Due to the time needed to establish the Hebrews in the first principles of the doctrines of Christ, the apostle had not been able to fully exhort them in relation to everything necessary to bring about their doctrinal perfection and patience.  For this reason, he exhorts them to suffer the word of exhortation that would be subsequently provided and go on to perfection.  That work via the word of exhortation is precisely what James provides in his five chapter epistle.  After noting the connection between the end of Hebrews and the beginning of James as well as their shared audience, we go on to examine the opening chapter of the epistle and the continuation of the doctrinal thread that will grow them up unto a full age.  Join us on this studious endeavor as we examine part one of the word of exhortation.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Sep 6, 2023  |  James 2:1-26; 3:1-18  |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we continue by examining the doctrine of James and his exhortations to the remnant nation of scattered Israel.  Building upon the need of the believers to be doers of the word by giving heed to the perfect law of liberty and practicing pure and undefiled religion, James goes on to expound upon various areas in which they be and do what the corrective doctrine of the Lord has taught them.  The contrast between the devilish wisdom of Israel's vain religion and that of the Father of lights from above is repeated matter of exhortation.  The remnant is exhorted to perform the mercy, judgment and faith of the royal law with respect to their service, charity and patience as they await the coming of the Lord which draweth nigh.  Warnings are issued concerning friendship with the world and the lust for evil things as the remnant is reminded that world will soon pass away, but he that doeth the will of God will abide for ever.  These and other exhortations are dealt with in this lesson as we see the doctrine of James ring out with the principles of the Lord's corrective doctrine and the liberated law that they might be doers thereof in truth.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Sep 13, 2023  |  James 4:1-17; 5:1-20  |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we conclude our examination of the epistle of James and the word of exhortation.  The focus in the message is on the final two chapters and the friendship of the world vs. the friendship with God.  The lusts for temporal things that leads to warring and fightings among them is a revealing matter concerning where some among them stand.  The manifestation of such shows that the wisdom upon which they operate is not that which is from above and exhibits the doublemindedness that will cause them to be unstable and fall.  The only solution is to cease from this and be single minded in the divine wisdom.  Furthermore, the apostle system of vain religion is condemned and the remnant is prepared for the physical afflictions that will come their way as they are patient unto the coming of the Lord.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Sep 20, 2023  |  1 Peter 1:1-12 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we examine the introduction to 1 Peter and begin to establish his audience and purpose.  The trial of faith by fire is the subject and the gold that it produces.  How will the remnant endure the heaviness of the manifold temptations for the cause of Christ?  The answer is in their kingdom hope.  Who they are as the elect of God, the sanctification they have received through the Spirit and the vocation to which they are called are provided for their endurance of faith.  Join us as we explore these issues and rightly divide this Hebrew epistle for the glory of God.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Sep 27, 2023  |  1 Peter 1:10-25 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we continue to explorer 1 Peter 1 and the doctrine for the remnant of Israel who faces the season of a fiery trial.  The prophets prophesied of Israel's gracious salvation.  It was revealed to them that this grace concerning the time of Christ was not for themselves, but for the remnant that would be the literal partaker of it in the Lord's day.  Peter holds this out to the little flock as their hope and encouragement for suffering affliction and that their faith and hope might be in the God that raised the Lord Jesus from the dead.  As they stand faithful on the word of the Lord that liveth and abideth for ever, they will be able to endure and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to them at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Oct 4, 2023  |  1 Peter 2:1-25; 3:1-12 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we move into the middle section of the book of 1 Peter and begin looking at the identity issues of the remnant and what that means in terms of their suffering for it.  Their conduct and behavior stands in contrast to both the apostate Jews and the Gentiles among whom they dwell, and the shew that they make by their good works is ordained unto the glory and praise of the Lord.  The significance of this for the time and the enduring of those sufferings in hope of the kingdom is motivation for taking the affliction patiently, knowing that their salvation and glory is yet to come.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Oct 11, 2023  |  1 Peter 3:13-22; 4:1-19; 5:1-14 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we round out the epistle of 1 Peter by looking at the final two doctrinal sections.  In these, Peter continues to exhort the remnant to be followers of that which is good and bless in the place of cursing.  The little flock must understand what they are suffering in connection with and be content with the will of God as they await the reward of the kingdom.  Justice will be theirs in the righteous kingdom, but for the time present they are called upon to put up with the abuse and false accusations that are levied against them.  Furthermore, they must be sober and vigilant, giving heed to the word of God, for they have an adversary that is looking to devour them.  In the end, the ought not think their suffering strange, but as a gift that will soon be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ in His revelation.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Oct 18, 2023  |  2 Peter 1:15-21; 2:1-3; 3:1-18 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we begin to take a look at Peter's second epistle.  In this short book in God's word, we find the Apostle Peter further addressing the little flock in regards to the Satanic policy of evil against them.  By the time of its writing, twenty to thirty years have passed in the dispensation of God.  Peter is aware of Paul's message and ministry, along with the special wisdom that the Lord had made known to him about the present period of God's longsuffering and salvation for men.  In view of the interruption to the prophetic timeline, the kingdom doctrine preached by Peter and others looked as nothing more than cunningly devised fables to the false teachers.  The way of truth was being evil spoken of and many were being led away from their steadfast profession.  For this reason, the Holy Ghost has Peter take pen in hand to dispel this error and exhort the little flock to faithfulness and reliance on the more sure word of prophecy.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Oct 25, 2023  |  2 Peter 1:1-21; 2:1-22; 3:1-18 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we explore Peter's second epistle further with a brief overview of the doctrinal flow of the chapters and verses.  Taking the truths from the last lesson and allowing them to inform our understanding of the context and intent of Peter's writing, we are able to glean insights into the thought process of the Holy Ghost through Peter as he exhorts the little to go on in their spiritual perfection.  The faith that they have been given in the exceeding great and precious promises empowers them and enables them to add thereto with all diligence and be fruitful as those that abide in the True Vine where divine power is found.  Those that abound in the knowledge of the Lord make their calling and election sure and are not at the mercy of the many false teachers speaking evil of the way of truth.  These and other truths are highlighted as 2 Peter is covered in this single message.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Nov 1, 2023  |  1 John 1:1-10; 2:1-29; 3:1-24; 4:1-21; 5:1-21; 2 John 1-13; 3 John 1-14 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we take a general look at the doctrinal themes of John's epistles.  At the forefront is the division and manifestation policy that John deals with concerning the children of God vs. the children of the devil.  These things were based upon what had been spoken from the beginning by the Lord and the manifestation of the liars in contradistinction to the true ones is a hallmark feature of the last time.  There will be many seduces in the ages to come that will seek to lead the little flock astray, but with the test provided by the Holy Spirit through John, the remnant will be able to know the true from error.  This message is designed to serve as the foundation for further studies in the epistles of 1-3 John.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Nov 8, 2023  |  1 John 1:1-7; 2:18-26 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we continue to develop the theme of the doctrinal background for John's epistles by looking into some of the time past scriptures in order to see how the coming of the seducers was foretold by the Lord and the elementary elements of identifying them was spoking during the gospel period.  Furthermore, we also consider the prophetic issue of the exposure policy and division that was coming in Israel as Jehovah judged between lean and fat cattle, His servants and the wicked, the precious jewels of His crown and the stubble.  We also begin to see the division ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was recorded by John in unique fashion along with its designed purpose related to the matter of the manifestation of the life of God in men.  What was manifested in the eternal life of God in Jesus Christ was given to the believing remnant, and this fundamental reality severs between the children of God and the children of the devil.  The tests whereby this is manifested as the spirits are tried is the theme that sets the stage for the doctrine of John's epistles.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Nov 15, 2023  |  1 John 1:1-10; 2:1-29; 3:1-24; 4:1-21; 5:1-21 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we explore the concept of the "eternal life" that was manifested in the Jesus Christ as presented by John's gospel and its relationship to John's epistles.  As we have learned in past weeks, 1-3 John rests upon the foundation laid in the gospel of John, both with respect to the exposure policy & its division in Israel and the fundamental issue of the eternal life provided for the little flock in the Son of God.  We survey these issues in the gospel of John to set the stages and then show the connection to the various tests presented in 1 John in how to identify the children of God vs. the children of the devil.

Bro. Joshua Edwards  |  Nov 29, 2023  |  Jude 1-25 |  Download Audio  |  Youtube

In this message, we evaluate the basic theme of the epistle of Jude by noting the obvious similarities with 2 Peter and highlighting the emphasis upon the issue of ungodliness as it exists in the world in its latter state.  As the ungodliness of man and the ungodliness of Israel's vain religious system come together in an unholy union, zenith of rebellion against God comes to its climax in which He will come with ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.  Jude provides for the understanding of the advancement of ungodliness and the remnant's proper response to it in view of the Lord's day.