Dear Family,  

Today is Sunday, May 24, 2026. Today is Day 50 in our Count to Pentecost.  

We come to the end of Counting the seven Weeks and the 50 Days of Counting. The Day of Pentecost had fully come.  

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 

Jesus promised His disciples that He would not leave them as orphans or alone or in need. He had been their Helper and Comforter, and now in His absence He would send another Helper, the Holy Spirit.  

John 14:16-18 (16) And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (18) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 

The word translated Comforter in the KJV and Helper in the NKJV; and, the same Greek word has other translations.  

According to Adam Clarke‛s Commentary on John 14:16; The Greek word is paracletos signifies not only a comforter, but also an ‘advocate’, a ‘defender‛ of a cause, a ‘counsellor’, ‘patron’, ‘mediator’. 

At that point Jesus’ disciples had the Holy Spirit with them; and, He told them, the Spirit would soon be in you (verse 17). This “Promise of the Father” would come to them on the Day of Pentecost. 

Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. 
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus and the Father dwell with us, enabling us to produce fruit in our lives; spiritual fruit such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Let‛s also notice some things Jesus told His disciples He would do for them as well as some things He expected of His disciples to be doing.  

• John 13:34-35 (34) A new commandment I give unto you; That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another  
• John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  
• John 15:10 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. 
• John 16:20-22 (20) Verily, verily, I say unto you; That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. (21)  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. (22) And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.  
• John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 

During our 50 Days of Counting to Pentecost we have only scratched the surface of things we could have written about our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.  

So, we close with these words of the Apostle John. 

John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. 

Happy Pentecost! May God Bless us all! 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Sabbath, May 23, 2026. Today is Day 49 and Day 7 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost. 

There were seven statements made by our Lord and Savior as He was dying for the sins for all humanity. We will examine one of them. If you have never really studied these last sayings of Jesus from the cross, I recommend that you do so. 

The first of Jesus‛ saying from the cross were; Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing; are found in Luke 23:34. Jesus looked down from the cross upon a scene that must have been sad to Him.  

• The Roman soldiers who had mocked Him, spit on Him, beat Him, yanked out His beard, whipped Him, put a crown of thorns on His head, and nailed Him to the cross, were now gambling for His clothing (John 19:23–24) 
• The criminals next to Him on either side were criticizing Him (Matthew 27:44)
• The religious leaders were mocking Him (Matthew 27:41–43) 
• The angry mob that had mocked Him and called for His crucifixion were now blaspheming Him (Matthew 27:39) 

Surrounded by this group of people present during the crucifixion who were actively mocking, gambling, or insulting Him, representing a scene of profound human sinfulness in contrast to His willing sacrifice 

Brethren, we are represented there; so, we can put our name there; Jesus praying for them. “Father, forgive them” is a prayer of unmatched mercy and love! 

Even in His pain, suffering, and torture, Jesus‛ concern was for the forgiveness of those who counted themselves among His enemies. In this awesome illustration of outpouring love, Jesus asked the Father to forgive all. 

It is important to notice that Jesus‛ prayer, “Father, forgive them,” does not mean that everyone was forgiven, unilaterally, without repentance and faith. It does mean that Jesus was willing to forgive them; after all, forgiveness was, in fact, the reason He was on the cross. The words “Father, forgive them” was part of the Plan as well as showing the merciful heart of God.  

Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them,” because He was fulfilling Old Testament prophecy: He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12).  

From the cross, Jesus interceded for sinners (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; of course, we can put our name there). Today, the risen and glorified Jesus, remains the “one mediator between God and mankind” (1 Timothy 2:5).  

Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them,” because He was putting into practice the principle He had taught in the Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard that it was said; ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.‛ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew  5:43–44). Jesus, the persecuted, prayed for His persecutors.  

Also, coupled with the willingness of Jesus to forgive His tormentors is the fact they did not know what they were doing (Luke 23:34). The sinners who put Jesus on the cross were ignorant of the real significance of their actions. The soldiers personally held no ill will toward Him. They were simply following orders. This was how they normally treated condemned men, and they believed that He truly deserved it. They didn‛t know they were killing the Son of God.  

The mob didn‛t really know who it was they were trying to destroy. Yes, even the Jewish leaders had been deceived into believing that Jesus was a fake and a troublemaker.  Acts 3:17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 1 Corinthians 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  

In praying; “Father, forgive them,” Jesus revealed His infinite mercy; He still loved them and would forgive them if only they would humble themselves and repent (Matthew 18:14; 2 Peter 3:9).  

Jesus‛ prayer; “Father, forgive them” was answered in the lives of many people. The Roman centurion at the foot of the cross, upon seeing how Jesus died, exclaimed, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39).  

One of the two thieves crucified with Jesus exercised faith in Christ, Who promised him paradise (Luke 23:39–43).  

On the cross Jesus asked the Father for forgiveness for all those who would ever believe in Him (Matthew 20:28).  

Jesus paid the penalty for the sins that we commit in our ignorance; as well as the ones we‛ve committed deliberately. When we are called and chosen and faithful, we, too, become part of that answered prayer of Jesus from the cross; “Father, forgive them!” 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Friday, May 22, 2026. Today is Day 48 and Day 6 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost. 

Jesus is Emmanuel. This name for Jesus comes from a Hebrew word that means “God with us.” The Day of Pentecost now reminds us who have been begotten by God’s Holy Spirit that God by Jesus is also “in us.” 

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 

This verse comes from a famous verse in Isaiah. 

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel. 

This intimate contact that we now have with God is a beautiful and glorious mystery few understand. He is our Righteousness. 

1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

We are in the process of growing into the full stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). And Jesus in us is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27)  

2 Corinthians 13:5(B) prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is  in you, except ye be reprobates? 

Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 

Galatians 2:20(A) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: And, in God’s time He will be fully formed in us.  

Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Thursday, May 21, 2026. Today is Day 47 and Day 5 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.  The Bible describes Jesus as a man Who was despised in Isaiah. 

Isaiah 53:3(A) He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… 

In hindsight, we now recognize Jesus as the Savior He is and we may wonder why He was ever despised. One of the simplest reasons is the same as why men love darkness rather than light. 

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 

Other specific reasons may include Jesus’ public recognition of and criticism of the Jewish leaders as hypocrites who were holding up their beloved traditions over the clear commandments of God and laying heavy burdens on the people they should have been serving and teaching. The hypocrites were of the “world. 

Matthew 23:4, 13 (4) For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (13) But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 

Jesus’ being despised and hated was prophesied. 

John 15:18, 25 (18) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you… (25) But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law (Psalms 35:19;  69:4), They hated Me without a cause. 

Jesus’ has forewarned us that as His faithful followers we will also be hated. His Example has been set to encourage us through whatever trials of hatred and persecutions may come. 

He leaves us great words of comfort. 

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Today is Day 46 and Day 4 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost. 

Jesus gave us as Believers directives or teachings or sayings for us to live by.  

Notice what Jesus stated in . . .
John 14:15 If ye love Me, keep My Commandments (directives).  

Notice the wording in the . . .
(NASB) If you love Me, you will keep My Commandments (directives). 

Also, notice Jesus’ words in . . .
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said; It is written (Deut. 8:3), Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  

And now, please go with me to . . .
John 12:49 (NIV) For I did not speak on My own, but the Father who sent Me commanded Me to say all that I have spoken. 

Therefore Brethren, for us to be keeping Jesus’ directives; obviously words that proceeded out of the mouth of God, our Father; we must first acknowledge that this begins with recognizing what they are; and, we need to be asking ourselves; are we living by every Word of God? 

Please know, there are over 1200 recorded directives/teachings/sayings of Jesus; and, everyone of them are recorded as words we are to be living by! 

So Brethren, let’s notice one point. And, as we are doing this, we all need to be asking ourselves; am I living by them? 

(1) Repent 

Matthew 4:12-17 (12) Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee; (13) And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum (@29-30 miles), which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: (14) That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, (15) The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; (16) The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. {Isaiah 9:1- 2} (17) From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say; Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  

Now, notice the parallel account in Mark.
Mark 1:14-15 (14) Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (15) And saying; The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 

The Greek word used here for repent is metanoeó (met-an-o-eh’-o); and, it comes from two Greek words, metá; meaning, changed after being with; and, noiéō, meaning, think; that is; think differently after; after a change of mind; to repent (literally meaning); think differently afterwards; or, to change one’s mind or purpose; it begins with the mind or thinking. 

Yet, since we know Matthew was originally written in Hebrew, let’s look at the Hebrew word for repent. The Hebrew word here for repent is, shub, meaning; to turn back, return. 

Matthew 4:17 (Complete Jewish Bible) From that time on, Yeshua began proclaiming, “Turn from your sins to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near!”  
Mark 1:14-15 (CJB) (14) After Yochanan/John had been arrested, Yeshua came into the Galil/Galilee proclaiming the Good News from God: (15) “The time has come, God‛s Kingdom is near! Turn to God from your sins and believe the Good News!”  

Looking again at the Greek, we need to realize, since the Greek word for repent simply means, to change one’s mind; it is going to require some additional information; I mean, because we don’t know what to change our mind about; simply by just using the Greek usage. 

And, as we should imagine, the Word of God gives us the needed additional/supplemental information here in Mark 1:15(B).  
Mark 1:15(B) Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. 

Therefore, we can see; to change our mind is referring us toward the Gospel/good news itself! The Gospel (good news) is what the change of mind is about.  

Looking again at the Greek word, the sense is that it applies to anything and everything that would discourage a person from believing the Gospel (good news); that is, what Jesus is focusing on or talking about!  

Whatever that-is-that-discourages a hearer of Jesus’ Words from believing His Words; the Word of God instructs us to think differently toward God and to believe the Good News! 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,  

Today is Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Today is Day 45 and Day 3 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost. 

When Jesus was on trial for His life, the soldiers twisted thorns into a makeshift crown and jammed it on His head (John 19:2). They hung a purple robe on Him and ridiculed Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews,” while they punched and kicked Him.  

Jesus was the king; yet, His rule was preceded by rejection and ridicule and suffering. His painful crown of thorns was one more demonstration of His right to rule a world filled with pain and suffering.  

However, at the same time, it was a symbol of hope for us; reminding us that we are joined to Jesus in this severe trial of intense adversity; that is, His sufferings! This crown of thorns is not just a movie scene where we are overwhelmed with the suffering that Jesus went through to be our Savior. In fact, Jesus said that if we want to follow Him, we must take up our cross each day (Luke  9:23). He could just as easily have said that we must put on our crown of thorns. We are joined symbolically to Jesus in His suffering!  

Notice what Paul states over in . . .  

Romans 8:17-18 (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together (share in His glory). (18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  

Jesus accepted the crown of thorns as part of what He was to endure what all humans endure, as part of opening the door for us to escape with Him from this world filled with grief and loss and cruelty and tears.  

In this world, oppressors jam thorns on their victims! And, in this world, Jesus suffered whatever they wanted to do with Him to redeem us (all) from this world of ungodliness and thorns. As a result, we need to notice what He says to every man, woman and child over in  Matthew 11:28-30 (28) Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden {weary and  burdened}, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and low in heart {gentle and humbled in heart}; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.  

We all experience our crowns of thorns. We all have our crosses to bear. We all live in a fallen world and take part in its pain and sorrow. However, the crown of thorns and the cross of death have met their match in Jesus (John 16:33)!  

In Him we have life; and, in-that-life that cannot be seen at this present time; nevertheless, it is real! Praise God! 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,  

Today is Monday, May 18, 2026. Today is Day 44 and Day 2 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost. Why did Jesus perform miracles? 

Performing miracles was part of the work He came to do. Jesus‛ miracles helped fulfill some of the prophecies of the Messiah, confirming that He was who He said He was. 

For example, Matthew records, “And He cast out spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet (Isaiah 53:4), saying: ‘He Himself  took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses‛” (Matthew 8:16-1)  

Miracles also helped bring a crowd to hear His message, though there were times when they brought too much attention, too early. He sought to avoid bringing persecution and crucifixion on Himself before the right time, so He even asked some of those He healed to keep it secret (Matthew 9:30). But they did not always obey (verse 31). 

Some of the most memorable miracles of Jesus include His walking on water, calming the storm, feeding 5,000 and the 4000, turning water into wine and all the healing miracles of Jesus. John explained that he had included some of Jesus‛ miracles for our benefit. “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31). 

The Bible says some of miracles Jesus performed were because of His great compassion for those who were suffering. For example, Matthew 14:14 says, “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” 

Jesus is loving and compassionate; and, we need to follow His example of being loving and compassionate to others.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Sunday, May 17, 2026. Today is Day 43, Day 1 of Week 7 in our Count  to Pentecost. 

Jesus is our Redeemer. He is our Deliverer. He is the Ransom paid for us and many others. He is our Freedom! 

The Book of Ruth is a story of physical redemption. The characters in the book are symbolic of a spiritual reality. Boaz is a type (prophetic symbol) of Jesus Christ and Boaz’s marriage to Ruth shows the redemptive work of Jesus in our lives today. 

The Good News that Jesus taught 2000 years ago is about redemption and deliverance. Jesus becomes the Ransom that must be paid to free us. By His ransom He paid the ultimate price for His Church; His Body; and, for all of mankind. He came to deliver us and to set us free from all our pride, self-centeredness, fear, fleshly appetites, antagonism toward God’s law and all other forms  of sin and sin’s penalty of death. 

Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. 

Jesus is the Only One worthy to redeem, ransom, and deliver us. And, what He has done can totally set us free. 

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Sabbath, May 16, 2026. Today is Day 42, and Day 7 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost. 

Jesus was a Teacher “come from God.” He is the greatest Teacher ever. 2000 years ago, the  Jewish community referred to Him as “Rabbi” which basically means teacher or master. And many Jews today speak of Jesus as a Teacher. For example, we see Nicodemus equated the title Rabbi with that of Teacher.  

John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him; Rabbi, we know that Thou art a  teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with Him. 

Jesus’ teachings were different from that of the scribes.  

Matthew 7:29 For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Jesus taught with authority because He knew exactly what He was teaching. 

When He was 12 years old, He was already preparing for His adult teachings by studying the Scriptures and asking questions to learn to share the Scriptures. Luke 2: 41-52 shows Jesus in the temple with the scribes. 

As our Great Teacher, Jesus was the Perfect Example of what He taught. And, He has commissioned us, His Disciples/Students to follow in His footsteps.  

Matthew 28 shows that just before His ascension, Jesus instructed His followers to continue His job of teaching what He had taught to them. 

We are learning today to teach as Jesus did. As we study the Holy Scriptures and fellowship with one another, we are to teach and admonish one another. 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

Today, True Disciples have access to God’s Spirit for our continuing education. Let us all remember that our Great Teacher left us with the commission to teach others to observe what He taught and exemplified. 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Friday, May 15, 2026. Today is Day 41, and Day 6 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost. 

Jesus is the Christ. The title is now commonly used as a name for Jesus. The title Christ comes from a Greek word (Christos) meaning “the Anointed One.” Christ in the Hebrew (Mashiach) also means the “Anointed One.” English speakers often say “Messiah.” 

At His crucifixion, the Jews wanted Jesus to “tell us if You are the Christ” 

Matthew 26:63 But Jesus held His peace, And the high priest answered and said unto Him, I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 

Jesus told Peter that his recognition of Jesus as the “Christ” was something God had revealed to Peter (Matthew 16:15-16). 

In Luke 4:41 we find that demons had come to know that Jesus was the “Christ.” 

The Jewish people were expecting a Messiah. They expected an “Anointed One” that would save them physically, especially from the heavy-handed Roman Empire. They expected the Mashiach would exalt the Jews to great international power and position. They did not expect their long expected Savior to be a Suffering Savior Who would save them from their sins. 

However, God had His own order and in His own timing for the final appearance of the Christ. Isaiah 61 prophesies about the work of the Christ. God anointed Jesus as the Christ Who would fulfill the prophecies.  

Isaiah 61:1-2 (1) The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; (2) To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.  

After Jesus overcame the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 5; Luke 4), He went to Nazareth and there proclaimed His appointment as the “Anointed One.” Then, He set out in His ministry to fulfil  the first part of that prophecy. 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God