Bro. Joshua Edwards | Feb. 9, 2022 | 1 Sam. 9:1-3, 15-17; 10:17-25; 11:11-15; 12:1-25 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we take a brief look at the king that fits Israel's desire to be "like all the nations." Saul, a well-to-do and attractive young man of strength from the tribe of Benjamin comes into the scriptural picture, and we follow Samuel's interactions with him as he is chosen to become Israel's first human king. While the LORD chooses Saul for Israel, He does so according to "their voice" and makes this selection according to the heart that is manifested in His nation. Saul, therefore, is the people's king; a man after their own heart. With initial successes in military deliverances, Saul is embraced by the populace. Will he be the answer that Israel has been looking for throughout the first course of punishment and finally usher in the blessing in the land? In this study, we examine these issues and more as we look at Saul, a king after their own heart.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Feb. 16, 2022 | 1 Sam. 13:6-18; 14:28-32; 15:1-3, 7-15, 20-29; 16:1-13 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we examine the track record of Saul's disobedience and the LORD's rejection of him as Israel's established king. Saul's repeated failure with respect to the commandments of the LORD demonstrated that the nation is no better off under a king of their choosing. The kingdom is, therefore, rent from Saul and given to another of the LORD's choosing. David, a man after God's own heart, is sought out and anointed by the LORD to take the reigns of the kingdom in due course. David had no outward appearances of kingly greatness, but there was a heart inside his bosom of which the LORD took note. As we progress through this study, we survey the details of David's anointing and circle back into Israel's former history to see that God's timing for David and the kingdom, though seemingly derailed by Israel, is still right on track.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Feb. 23, 2022 | 1 Sam. 16:13; 18:5-9; 23:1-5; 30:16-20; 31:3-6; 2 Sam. 2:1-4a; 3:1; 5:1-5; 1 Ki. 1:39-40; 2:10-12; 11:41-43
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In this message, we transition into the next phase of Israel's prophetic timeline by overviewing the Interlude of Mercy & Blessing. This period of 80-100 years under the reigns of David & Solomon is Israel's historic golden age, a time when the courses of chastisement are rolled back and the LORD, in mercy, blesses Israel with a foretaste of kingdom glory that is theirs when Jehovah is for them. This time of glory and exaltation was a pure gift from the LORD, for by their own works, Israel deserved none of it. Despite their evil way, the LORD undertakes a work "for his great name's sake" and Israel's rise begins to impact the world with kingdom glory. There is much significance to this block of time in Israel's program, and this study is designed to give the lay of the land for this period of time.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Mar. 2, 2022 | 2 Sam. 7:1, 11; 8:12-15, 56; 1 Ki. 2:12; 4:21, 24-25, 29-34; 1 Chr. 14:17; 29:28; 2 Chr. 1:15
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In this message, we continue our overview of the interlude of mercy and blessing by summarizing the major characteristics of the reigns of David & Solomon. In the last study, we worked through the historical event flow of the period. Now, the focus will shift as we layer in a host of scriptures for added context concerning the overarching character of the time. The interlude of mercy and blessing involves Israel's experience of rest from their enemies as the first course of punishment is rolled back, the establishment of national righteous rule as Israel is united under a centralized government and the dramatic increase in land, wealth and influence as the nation flourishes with abundant prosperity. Get your Bible handy and join in with us in this study as we explore God's word together!

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Mar. 9, 2022 | 1 Sam. 12:19-22; 2 Sam. 7:12-13, 22-26; Mic. 4:1-8 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we further our study of Israel's interlude of mercy and blessing as found in the days of David and Solomon. This study emphasizes the LORD's reasons for giving Israel such a period of glory and prosperity and builds upon the foundational characteristics of the time examined in the previous messages. The name of the LORD and Jehovah's purpose for kingdom glory on earth are key issues for our understanding during this time. Through a cross selection of scriptures, we deal with these topics in a summary fashion with the aim of enhancing the special significance of this period in Israel's program and the prophetic timeline of Jehovah's purpose on earth.In this message, we further our study of Israel's interlude of mercy and blessing as found in the days of David and Solomon. This study emphasizes the LORD's reasons for giving Israel such a period of glory and prosperity and builds upon the foundational characteristics of the time examined in the previous messages. The name of the LORD and Jehovah's purposed kingdom glory on earth are key issues for our understanding in the time. Through a cross selection of scriptures, we deal with these topics in a summary fashion with the aim of enhancing the special significance of this period in Israel's program and the prophetic timeline of Jehovah's purpose on earth.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Mar. 16, 2022 | 2 Sam. 7:1-17 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we dive into the initial declaration of the Davidic Covenant. The context of its first declaration to David is examined in view of David's desire to build an house to the name of the LORD. While David understands the goal of the LORD's program with Israel, he is yet ignorant of God's timing. He does not understand that the interlude of mercy and blessing that the LORD has ushered in for Israel is only a temporary foretaste of kingdom glory. For this reason, the LORD has to inform David about his role in the outworking of God's plan. However, in a monumental reply to David's wonderful desire, the LORD makes with David a covenant to establish his house, kingdom and throne for ever. Wrapped up in this glorious covenant is the issue of the incarnation of Jehovah in David's seed line as the mechanical means whereby all His will is to be brought to pass. This is glorious truth that you will want to know! Open your Bible and study along for God's glory.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Mar. 23, 2022 | 2 Sam. 7:11-29; 2 Sam. 23:1-5; Acts 2:25-31 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we continue our look at the Davidic Covenant and focus upon David's assigned role in connection with it as "a prophet." To David is given, not only the promises of the covenant, but also the "words" of it. The LORD deputized David to expound and manifest the glorious truths resident within it, and "the sweet Psalmist of Israel" is used by the Spirit of the LORD to feed Jehovah's people with wisdom and knowledge concerning Christ, the Son of David. In addition to this, we take some time to look backwards on the timeline and consider the preparation of Israel for the Davidic Covenant in David's time. The period of the Judges serves as a time of education for Israel based upon what the LORD records in His word, and the Davidic Covenant is declared as the solution to all Israel's former predicaments. This message serves as the setup and base for the next in which these core doctrines concerning the Christ will be explored further.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Mar. 30, 2022 | 2 Sam. 23:1-5; Ps. 1:1-150:6; Isa. 7:10-14; 9:6-7 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we conclude our dedicated examination of the Davidic Covenant by summarizing the sweet Psalms that expound the five mandates of the Davidic Covenant. In the five books of the Psalms, we see the doctrinal package of Israel's full salvation in the LORD extolled as the name of the LORD undertakes the provisions for all their predicaments. After hopping through the Psalms, we examine a couple passages from Isaiah's prophecy to tie together the various elements of the previous two messages. In the passages from Isaiah, we can clearly see the link between the house, throne and kingdom of David and the five mandates which Jehovah undertakes by His name in the person of the Christ. The glory of the LORD will yet be on full display when the Immanuel comes in the zeal of the LORD as the "child born" and "son given" who will order and establish David's kingdom on the earth for ever!

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Apr. 6, 2022 | 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:1-15; 6:1, 11-14; 9:1-9; 10:26-29; 11:1-14, 23-24 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we move on to take a quick look at the reign of Solomon, the son of David. In the beginning, Solomon was small in his own eyes; nothing more than a child without the sense to discern between good and bad. For this reason, Solomon perceived his great need of the LORD and the furtherance of His mercy toward Israel in order that the days of blessing might continue with them in the land. This humility and uprightness of heart pleased the LORD, and the LORD granted Solomon's petition. However, with time came corruption. The pride of power and the prosperity of riches led to a cancer of sin that ate at the heart of Israel's prosperity in the land. Solomon's great wickedness manifests toward the latter end of his reign, and the consequences of such are dire. These issues and others are explored in this study and the fundamental details laid in place for a deeper dive in the next lesson.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Apr. 13, 2022 | 1 Kings 10:26-29; 11:1-14, 23-24, 33 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we continue our brief look at King Solomon with an excursion into the depth of the apostasy with which he became involved. Having given himself to the pursuit of strange women, Solomon became entangled with the depravity of their idolatry. The man that had been used to build the house of the LORD, now focuses his building efforts on the high places of vanity and iniquity. The Satanic influence that fills Israel during the latter end of Solomon's reign is astounding, and the depth of the apostasy is frightening. With Solomon, great wickedness is once again reintroduced in Israel and the anger of the LORD kindled for the resumption of the courses of punishment. Join us as we explore these issues together and set the stage for upcoming events that will be witnessed as Israel's history continues to be followed through the word of God.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Apr. 20, 2022 | Leviticus 26:18-20; 1 Kings 11:9-13, 26-43 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we begin our transition into a study of the second course of punishment from Leviticus 26. The resumption of the courses of punishment is announced to Solomon in response to his abominations with the gods of the heathen. We take some time understanding the first phase of the second course of punishment, the terminology used in the law, and from a variety of passages equip ourselves with the necessary understanding to comprehend the LORD's words to Solomon in 1 Kings 11. Finally, we see highlight the final days of Solomon's reign, the trouble that began in his time, and prepare ourselves for the transition of power to his son, Rehoboam, and with it the arrival of the second course of punishment. Study with us with a Bible in hand as we seek to develop our understanding of these important matters in God's word.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Apr. 27, 2022 | Leviticus 26:18-20; 1 Kings 11:26-43; 12:1-33 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we probe the details of the historical account of the breaking of the pride of Israel's power. Per the terms of the law contract and the second course of punishment announced to Solomon, we see the history of the divided kingdom unfolding after his decease according to the word of the LORD. The servant/son division becomes a reality with Jeroboam and Rehoboam, and our study examines these men and the events that led to the division of the kingdom of Israel. Additionally, we discuss some of the implications that these events will have on the timeline moving forward, and lay another brick on the house of doctrine that the LORD is building throughout time as recorded in His word. Turbulent times lay ahead for the nation from this point, and understanding these matters is essential for properly handling the word of truth going forward in our study.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | May 4, 2022 | Lev. 26:18-20; 1 Ki. 13:33-34; 14:7-11, 14-16; 15:25-34; 16:8-10, 11-13, 17-19, 23-34; 18:1-46; 21:51-53
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In this message, we survey the iniquity of the kings of Israel that reigned over the northern kingdom during the second course of punishment.  Particular emphasis is given to the sins of Jeroboam in which these kings walked and how that they all provoked the LORD to anger with their vanities.  The worst of these in succession was Ahab, who not only walked in Jeroboam's sins concerning Baalism, but also sold himself to work wickedness at the stirring up of his Zidonian wife, Jezebel.  As the spiritual state of Israel continues to erode with each successive king, the LORD moves to implement the second phase of the second course of punishment during the reign of Ahab.  This He does by raising up a prophet named Elijah, who vigorously contends with the house of Ahab, announces the next phase of divine judgment upon the northern kingdom, and is used of the LORD mightily to shew that there is no God in Israel but Jehovah!  Much is covered in this message, so prepare to study along with a Bible in hand as we allow the word of God to instruct us in these matters.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | May 11, 2022 | Lev. 26:21; 1 Kings 21:17-29; 2 Kings 1:1-8; 2:1-22 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we move on in the second course of punishment to further consider Ahab's abominations and what it will mean for the northern kingdom. Despite having great witness to the LORD held before him, Ahab continues down his abominable path. His idolatry becomes so horrific that the LORD will describe it as being on par with what the Amorites had done in the land, meriting their expulsion. In this way, Ahab and Israel had begun to "walk contrary" to the LORD and were deserving of the next intensification of legal chastisement. Nevertheless, while judgment is pronounced upon the house of Ahab, the king humbles himself before the LORD, and for this, Jehovah grants a stay of "the evil" until the days of his son. While wrath continues to be a theme in Israel's history under the law, we are nevertheless given another gleaming picture of Jehovah's mercy. However, consistent with His word, the third course of punishment arrives in Ahaziah's day and we are given to see the second course of punishment transition to the third in dramatic fashion. Keep your Bible hand and study along with us as we continue our examination of Israel My Glory.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | May 18, 2022 | Lev. 26:21-22, 25; 2 Kings 2:1-25; 4:1-7; 6:1-7, 24-31; 7:1-20; 8:7-15 | Download Audio | Youtube

In this message, we dive into the ministry of Elisha and the third course of punishment in Israel. The third course starts in dramatic fashion just as the second was concluded and Elisha is confirmed as prophet in the room of his master, Elijah. Quickly, the further chastisements of the law begin to ravage the northern kingdom with the prolific rise of wild beasts on the countryside and the economic depression brought about by disease, warfare and famine. The evil that the LORD spoke has now become Israel's reality, cumulatively stacked upon the horrors of the first two courses of punishment that were already present in the land. Things are very bad in Israel, nevertheless, the LORD's mercy is still there with a remnant as Elisha administers a series of physical salvations that counteract the effects of judgment upon the faithful. After a brief survey of these matters, we are given to see the indicator that Israel's rebellion is not being healed during this time, and the first glimpses of the fourth course of punishment make it inevitable that Israel will continue down this path of their destruction. While the events covered in this message are predominantly negative, we are left with a sense of awe and respect for the faithfulness of the LORD to His word, whether it be in mercy or in judgement.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | May 25, 2022 | Lev. 26:23-25; 2 Kings 8:16-29; 9:1-31; 10:1-33; 2 Chr. 18:1-3; 19:1-3; 20:35-37
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In this message, we begin to familiarize ourselves with the chastisements of the fourth course of punishment. We do this by, once again, examining verses from Leviticus 26 and allowing the scriptures to explain to us what it will mean when Jehovah begins to walk contrary to Israel. After spending some time getting these concepts in our mind, we return to the historical account of 2 Kings and bring our knowledge of what happens in Judah up to speed with where we are with Israel in the third course of punishment and Elisha's ministry. We see the affinity that Jehoshaphat had with Ahab continue to materialize throughout his reign and eventually turns into a partnership with Ahab's son, Ahaziah. The affinity leads to a marriage of Jehoshaphat's son with Ahab's daughter and the evil of the northern kingdom begins to creep into Judah through Jehoram and Ahaziah of the house of David. Finally, execution of judgment upon Ahab's house is carried out to its full extent according to the word of the LORD by Elijah the Tishbite and both of the wicked kings of Israel & Judah get caught up in the destruction by the hand of Jehu. This, in turn, does not lead to Israel's reformation despite initial progress under Jehu, and through four generations Israel begins to be "cut short" & the fourth course of punishment commences.

Bro. Joshua Edwards | Jun. 1, 2022 | Lev. 26:23-26; 2Ki. 10:30-33; 13:1-7; 14:23-27; 2Ch. 24:17-25; 27:1-2; 28:1-8,16-25; Amo. 4:6-13; Mic. 6:13-16
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In this message, we briefly review the curses of the fourth course of punishment and then dive into the historical scriptures relating to this time. Passage by passage, we survey several instances in which we can see the onset of the promised chastisements exacting their wrath upon both the northern and southern kingdoms. In addition to the survey of the kings, we find that the writing prophets begin coming on the scene to confront the people with their sins, their rebellion against the law of the LORD, and their irrefutable worthiness of the fifth and final course of punishment. Nevertheless, in all their afflictions, Jehovah is afflicted and sorrowful about the oppression of His people. He shows them great grace, mercy and compassion that is truly astounding! Grab your Bible and study along with us through this insightful passage of God's word.