Dear Family, 

Today is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Today is Day 11 and Day 4 of Week 2 in Count to Pentecost. 

In the Old Testament, we find mention of the Messenger of the Covenant. As we can also see from  Scripture, Jesus is the One assigned and anointed to bear the responsibility of making a New  Covenant or agreement between God and man (Malachi 3:1). 

The Old Covenant was intended to be temporary and only be a foreshadowing of heavenly things and  the permanent New Covenant.  

Hebrews 8:13 A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth  old is ready to vanish away. The Old was ready to vanish and be replaced by the New which was  based on better promises. 

In Matthew 26:28 Jesus announcing to His Disciples that His blood is the blood of that New  Covenant; and, Jesus is the One Who fulfilled every one the requirements of the Old; and, He is the  only One capable of establishing and sealing the New Covenant. And, we also notice this New  Covenant has a better kind of promises (Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 11:10,13-16). 

So, we ask, was there a reason for the Old Covenant knowing the New One has better rewards?  Yes! In fact, we can see there was a need for a New Covenant for several reasons.  

• It was not possible that animal blood could pay the penalty for sin (Hebrews 10:4; 9:14;  Romans 5:9). ,\li>
• In the Old, Sacrifices had to be repeated over and over (Hebrews 10:1-3) because the  people did not have the heart or the power to keep the Old Covenant requirements.
• In the New Covenant, the laws are written on the heart and the New Covenant grants  access to the power of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 10:16). 
• The promises involve everlasting life (Hebrews 9:15). 

Matthew 26:28 For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the  remission of sins. 

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Today is Day 10 and Day 3 of Week 2 as we Count to Pentecost. 

There are three main “offices” spoken of in the Old Testament; prophet, priest, and king. Jesus  fulfills all three of these roles. We will look briefly at these three offices. 

Jesus as King 
The office of king in the Old Testament was clearly depicted by David. We know God called David; a  man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).  

Now, notice God‛s promise to David.  

2 Samuel 7:16 (AMP) Your house (royal dynasty) and your kingdom will endure forever before Me;  your throne will be established forever. 

This promise was fulfilled in the Messiah; Who was also given the title “Son of David.” Jesus is  this Son of David and the rightful King.  

Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I  am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 

We also notice that the angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus “will be great and will be called the Son  of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over  Jacob‛s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:32-33) 

The Son of David would be a ruler of God‛s people; and, also, their deliverer.  

The Jews of Jesus‛ time expected a political king (Matthew 21:1–11). This is Jesus the prophet of  Nazareth of Galilee.  

Instead, Jesus conquered sin and death 1 Corinthians 15:54–57). 

He promised He will also return to the earth to rule as a king; first in the Millennial Kingdom; and,  then, forever (1 Corinthians 15:24–28). 

Jesus has “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). 

He has “the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9-11). 

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). 

And, one day, He will be King in the earthly, political sense of the word, as the weight of governance  is borne on His shoulders, He reigns on Mt. Zion, and the nations bring Him homage (Psalm 2:6;  Psalm 48:1–2; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 11:10). Even before then, He truly is the ultimate authority!  

Even though His enemies are not yet made His footstool (Psalm 110:1), Jesus should be reigning fully  in our minds and hearts.

Normally, the three offices of prophet, priest, and king were distinct from each other, with no  overlap. That is, a king was not a priest or a prophet. A priest did not function as a prophet or a  king. And a prophet simply did a prophet‛s job without trying to be a either king or a priest.  

However, Jesus the Christ perfectly fills all three roles simultaneously: He is the Prophet, Priest,  and King, to the great blessing of the world.

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Monday, April 13, 2026. Today is Day 9 and Day 2 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost. 

There are three main “offices” spoken of in the Old Testament; prophet, priest, and king. Jesus  fulfills all three of these roles. We will look briefly at these three offices. 

Jesus as Priest 
Old Testament priests served as mediators between humans and God. It was the priests who  offered sacrifices on behalf of the people. Jesus is our Mediator and our High Priest: “For there is  one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Hebrews 4–10 details how Jesus is our ultimate High Priest and how His priesthood is far superior  to the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament. The writer of Hebrews also explains how the Old  Testament system of priests served to foreshadow the ministry of Jesus. The Levitical priesthood  of Aaron‛s line was not intended to continue forever. Jesus‛ priesthood is eternal. Hebrews 4:14–16 says, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,  Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest  who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every  way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God‛s throne of grace with confidence,  so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” With Jesus as our High  Priest, we can go before God boldly, knowing that Jesus has true compassion on us and that,  through Him, we will experience the grace and mercy of God (see also Hebrews 10:19–23). Hebrews 7 shows how Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was both a  priest and the “king of Salem” who blessed Abraham (Hebrews 7:2; Genesis 14:18). Likewise, Jesus  is not just a “priest forever,” but also a king. 

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Sunday, April 12, 2026. Today is Day 8 and Day 1 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.  

There are three main “offices” spoken of in the Old Testament; prophet, priest, and king. Jesus  fulfills all three of these roles. We will look briefly at these three offices. 

Jesus as Prophet 
In the Old Testament, men of God were tasked with speaking God‛s Word to the people; and, this  included both proclaiming God‛s truth to others and revealing God‛s plans for the future. Some of  the prophets also performed miracles and healings. 

The people of Jesus‛ day referred to Him as a prophet many times; and, He took the title upon  Himself as well (Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16; John 4:19; Mark 6:4).  

Both Peter and Stephen spoke of Jesus as being the ultimate fulfillment of Moses‛ prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15; Jesus is the prophet like Moses who must be listened to (Acts 3:17–23; 7:37– 38, 51–53). 

Jesus taught God‛s Word, often speaking in parables. “The people were amazed at his teaching,  because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law” (Mark 1:22). 

Much like the Old Testament prophets, Jesus also foretold the future. For example, He told His  disciples of His pending death and resurrection (Matthew 17:22–23; 20:17–19), Judas‛ betrayal  (Matthew 26:20–25; John 13:18–30), and Peter‛s denial (Matthew 26:31–35; Mark 14:27–30; Luke  22:61; John 13:31–38). He predicted the coming of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7–15; Luke 24:49; Acts  1:4–5), the persecution of His followers (John 16:1–4, 33), and the destruction of the temple  (Matthew 24:1–2). Perhaps most encouraging for believers today, Jesus prophesied of His coming  return (Matthew 24:30–31; John 14:3). 

Like many of the Old Testament prophets, Jesus performed multiple healings and miracles  (Matthew 8:1–17; 9:18–33; Mark 1:32–34; 2:1–12; Luke 17:11–19; 18:35–43; John 2:1–11; 6:1–24). He  even compared Himself to Elijah and Elisha (Luke 4:24–27). The people of Nazareth rejected Jesus,  just as the people of Israel did not believe Elijah and Elisha. 

Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1). He does not simply speak the Word of God as a mere human  prophet, but is Himself the Word made flesh (John 1:14). He is the final word, the ultimate  revelation of God: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and  in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all  things, and through whom also he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1–2). 

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

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, April 11, 2026. Today is Day 7 of Week 1 in our Count to Pentecost.

Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

One of the ways the Bible describes Jesus is “arm of the Lord.” This is a beautiful reference to God’s Anointed One, the Messiah, our Savior. It also is a reference to God’s power as He conquers His enemies. Soon, all of God’s enemies will be destroyed (crushed) and all the world will see God’s salvation in and by Jesus Christ, Who is the Mighty Arm of the Lord.

Psalm 89:10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.

Psalm 98:1 O sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.

Isaiah 52:10 The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God.

God’s great victories through Jesus Christ, the Arm of the Lord, will ultimately take us as His people into His promised land.

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Sunday, May 16, 2021. This is the 50^th Day in our Counting toward Pentecost. The  Feast of Pentecost has fully come for another year.  

Happy Feast of Weeks! Happy Pentecost! 

Let us go before God today with rejoicing, prepared to meet Him and receive every blessing  He will pour forth upon us.  

Please pray for the unity of the Body of Christ. Let us love one another deeply. God bless each one of us with His love, mercy, and truth this Holy Day.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2021, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Sabbath, May 15, 2021. This is Day 7 of Week 7 in our Counting toward Pentecost.  It is our 49^th day of Counting. We have entered HOLY TIME which will now last until  sundown as Pentecost ends. 

Traditionally, the book of Ruth is read in its entirety on the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost.  It is a beautiful story with wonderful symbolism for Christ and the Church. There is  redemption, a kinsman-redeemer, a husband and wife, and a new born baby, plus a lot more in  this story. 

Back in the Garden of Eden where we first see God instituting marriage, God said it was not  good for Adam to be alone. 

Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said; It is not good that the man should be alone; I will  make him an help meet for him. 

Were these words spoken about “Adam” also an indication of what God was going to do in  the future for His Church, the Bride, and for the Messiah? Was God foretelling us that He  was making a help meet for Himself? It’s a magnificent possibility, isn’t it? 

Let us remember that God has revealed that He was making man in His image, after His  likeness. We have come to understand the awesome doctrine about becoming true sons of  God. God is making a family. And, one of the most beautiful and touching aspects of this  concept is the wonderful mystery Paul spoke of in Ephesians. 

Ephesians 5:30-32 (30) For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.  (31) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife,  and they two shall be one flesh. (32) This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ  and the Church.  

God bless us to love each other as He loves us; and, together pray for the perfection and  unity of the Body of Christ.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2021, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Friday, May 14, 2021. This is Day 6 of Week 7 in our Counting toward Pentecost.  It is our 48^th day of Counting. Today we are preparing for two days of holy time, the weekly  Sabbath and the annual holy convocation. 

Ancient Israel spent several days preparing themselves to meet with God. In the New  Testament, we find that the disciples of Jesus Christ were also preparing for a special  meeting with God. Jesus had promised them that they would receive power from on high, so  they went to Jerusalem and spent their days in the Temple praising God. 

What will God grant to us when we truly prepare to go before Him in our commanded holy  convocations? Of course, we may prepare ourselves by reading the Bible passages that  apply to our upcoming Holy Day. We will clean our clothes and dress our best. Some people  fast at least one day prior to each annual Sabbath.  

Yet, whatever it is we choose to do to prepare ourselves, let us not forget to prepare our  hearts. Here are a few verses that underscore the importance God places on preparing our  hearts. You may want to read each of these in their full context.  

1 Chronicles 29:18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this  for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of Thy people, and prepare their  heart unto Thee: 

2 Chronicles 12:14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD. Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and  to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. 

Psalm 10:17 LORD, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble: Thou wilt prepare their  heart, Thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: 

Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the  hearts. 

May God bless us as we prepare for the additional blessings that He will pour forth on us  during this very special season of the year.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2021, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Thursday, May 13, 2021. This is Day 5 of Week 7 in our Counting toward  Pentecost. It is our 47^th day of Counting.  

After nearly 7 full weeks of their journey from Egypt, Israel camped before the mountain  where they were to encounter God in a special way. They had griped, complained, and  criticized nearly all the way from Egypt. They had accused both Moses and God of horrible  motives, such as to “kill” them. Yet, now they were cleaning themselves, bathing, and  washing their clothes to meet with God. They were given clear instructions about how to  approach God; what to do and what not to do. And, they agreed. Moses told them God’s  words, and Israel said YES! 

Have you ever wondered why they agreed? Up to this point in their travels, ancient Israel  had not shown much faith. Israel had been very disagreeable. Why were they willing to  agree now? 

Perhaps there are several answers. They wanted a land of their own. They probably liked  the idea God had presented to them about being His “special” people. And, they had just  come from a bitter battle with the Amalekites.  

The battle with Amalek may have given Israel a different perspective and made them more  agreeable, even if it was only for a short time. The battle with Amalek was a different kind  of challenge to Israel than they had faced since Egypt. This battle was against an enemy  that tracked them down. This battle was hand to hand combat. Amalek’s forces sneaked  into Israel’s camp and attacked the weakest. And, the battle they were required to fight  was ONLY won when Moses’ hands were lifted to God. How ancient Israel and Moses  reacted made the difference in whether Israel was winning or losing at any given time.  Israel had to fight; yet, Moses had to hold up his hands! Did the battle soften their hearts  toward God?  

Clearly, God can allow attack; physical or spiritual; or, He can prevent it. And, even in  warfare, God can give us the battle, or He can allow us to lose. Sometimes God may allow us  to do spiritual battle against an enemy that sneaks up on us, so that we can become more  agreeable toward God’s will in our lives. Most often than not, a period of fighting with our  spiritual enemy makes us humble, more willing to listen to God’s directions, and more  agreeable. 

Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at  peace with him. 

May God bless us to remember the words of Proverbs and live in as much peace as is  possible. Perhaps God will spare us from many battles.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2021, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family, 

Today is Wednesday, May 12, 2021. This is Day 4 of Week 7 in our Counting toward  Pentecost. It is our 46^th day of Counting.  

Before Israel was rescued from Egypt, Moses had told Pharaoh to let God’s people go so  they could WORSHIP Him.  

Exodus 8:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the  LORD says: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me 

Now, in the 7^th week, the people are camped before the mountain where God would present  Himself and offer them a covenant relationship. This covenant was a foundation for the  worship God expected from Israel. 

As the Israelites prepared themselves to go before God at Mt. Sinai, they were given very  important and specific rules. There were serious consequences if those specific rules were  broken.  

Exodus 19:12-15, 21 (12) And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying;  Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it:  whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: (13) There shall not an hand  touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall  not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount. (14) And Moses  went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed  their clothes. (15) And he said unto the people; Be ready against the third day: come not at  your wives. (21) And the LORD said unto Moses; Go down, charge the people, lest they  break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.  

Many cultures have devised their own so-called gods and their rules of worship. However,  God introduced Himself to Israel, the nation He wanted as His special people. As the ONE  and ONLY TRUE God, He sets up the rules of worship. He expects them to be followed.  

So, it is today. God does not accept just any and all kinds of things people want to do  toward God. He still wants His people to be holy, sanctified, and clean. He still determines  and requires how we are to enter His presence. God expects us to approach Him with awe  and respect. 

May God bless us as we learn true worship of the true God.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
© Copyright 2021, Church of the Sovereign God