Dear Family,

Today is Monday, May 13, 2024. It is Day 16 and Day 2 of Week 3 as we continue our Count to Pentecost.

After Jesus washed His disciples‛ feet, He introduced the new symbols of His Passover Sacrifice. They ate of the Bread (His broken, sinless body), and drank of the cup (His blood to be shed). They were told, “Drink ye all of it.” He also said He would not drink of “this fruit of the vine” until they and He were together “in my Father‛s kingdom.”

Matthew 26:27-29 (27) And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying; Drink ye all of it; (28) For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (29) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father‛s kingdom.

Yet, Jesus did drink of another cup that same Passover day. Although He asked His Father to consider another way to accomplish their plan, He did submit, and He willingly drank of the cup the Father provided.

John 10:18 No man taketh it (My life) from Me, but I lay it down of Myself; I lay down My life for the sheep.

Remember, no one dragged Jesus to His death. He was not passive, nor was He aggressive or resistant. He did not take the part of a self-pitied victim. Rather, He was a willing participant Who endured the cross, despising the shame “for the joy that was set before him.”

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

According to the Apostle Paul, He did all of this because He loves us.

Galatians 2:20(B) I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

The Old Testament prophesied just such a willing sacrifice.

Isaiah 50:5-6 (5) The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. (6) I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

John 13:1 Having loved His own … He loved them unto the end.

During our times of rest and contemplation, let us keep this wonderful truth about God‛s wondrous love in the forefront of our minds and hearts.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 12, 2024. It is Day 15 and it is Day 1 of Week 3 in our Count to Pentecost.

Have you ever imagined what it must have been like for the Israelite families to take their best little lamb, pen him up from the 10th day to the 14th day and then to kill him, roast him, and eat him? Only the hardest or most calloused of hearts could have accomplished this bloody task without some level of emotional pain.

Remember, the little lamb had to have no visible flaws (be perfect). This little lamb would have still been very energetic and playful. Penning up the lamb would have helped to ensure that he would not be subject to an accident and therefore not be a suitable sacrifice.

But, penning up the lamb would also mean that he would have to be handfed and watered. That took eye-to-eye contact. The whole congregation was to take part in the killing! Did all of the Israelites have dry eyes? Then, after the lamb was dead and the blood drained, he was roasted with his head, legs, and purternance (in essence, it was the entire lamb, including his wool and entrails). The smell would have been quite powerful.

Sometimes we simply read through the passages in Exodus regarding the Passover lamb and fail to experience it as something real. What is God saying to us as we rethink the original Passover? There are many lessons. And, how much more important is it for us to grasp the meanings in the reality of the gruesome sacrificial death of our Savior, the Perfect Lamb of God? What was Mary, His mother, feeling? What was John the beloved Apostle feeling? What do we feel as we remember the details?

It is also important to remember that the original Passover lamb was not beaten, but our Savior was. His sacrificial death was FAR more gruesome. And, the original lamb was not betrayed, taunted or mocked, but Jesus was.

Take a few moments and allow the realities of the painful price Jesus paid for us as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Appreciate God‛s GIFT of overwhelming love and commitment.

References follow.

Matthew 27:41-43 (41) Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, (42) He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. (43) He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Exodus 12:3-10 (3) Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: (4) And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. (5) Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: (6) And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. (7) And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. (8) And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. (9) Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. (10) And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May 11, 2024. It is Day 14 and Day 7 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

God certainly loves the peoples of ancient times; and, He favored ancient Israel in very special ways. However, the favor they received then is far short of the great favor God is demonstrating towards the Church He is building today.

One extremely important reason the Israelites experienced what they did is so that the lessons could be written down for the benefit of God‛s called out ones as He is creating a Bride for His Son.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

As Israel rested at Elim they had no idea that in a few days, at their next camp site, they would face another enemy power that wanted to wipe them out completely.

One important issue we can learn today from ancient Israel is our need to recognize the enemy and be prepared. Israel could see the physical enemy; Pharaoh, a type of the devil; yet, they were basically unaware of the spiritual reality of Satan when they gave into mistrust, bitter quarreling, and other significant sins.

God revealed to writers of the New Testament much about the real enemy. And, God specifically warns us to be aware of the devices the enemy uses against us so Satan does not get an advantage.

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

As we move through this special season between the acceptance of the first of the firstfruits (Wavesheaf) and Pentecost (representing the remainder of the firstfruits), let us be aware of what God wants us to know and experience. God already knows what we need to experience and learn. He has ALL of the information and ALL of the power we need to be more than conquerors. He is able!

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Our God has invested much to offer an everlasting place of honor at His side.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 10, 2024. It is Day 13 and Day 6 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

During Israel‛s time of rest at Elim, there were many issues they could have been contemplating. Rest is typically a good time to reflect on what has happened and prepare for what is to come.

Today, one area that true disciples of Jesus can reflect upon is how the original Passover symbols have been fulfilled through the sacrificed Lamb that God Himself prepared. We can also benefit by understanding what God has told us to do in the New Testament.

Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship Him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith; Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Luke 22:19 And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying; This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.

Hebrews 10:1, 4, 9-12 (1) For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect…. (4) For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins…. (9) Then said He, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second. (10) By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (11) And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: (12) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

The original Passover was a foreshadowing. The blood of the Son of God IS worthy to take away the sins of the world, unlike the blood of mere bulls and goats. Originally, the Great I Am God gave mankind a beautiful promise! And, our Savior Christ is the complete fulfillment of that promise. Let us lavish our praises on our worthy Savior and our Great and Wonderful Father God.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, May 9, 2024. It is Day12 and Day 5 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

Did God have a specific purpose in mind when He provided the exact number of springs and palm trees at the oasis of Elim? At this point in God‛s plan, we can only assume that these exact details provide some sort of witness of God‛s plan. There are probably many ways we could use the details God provides. There appear to be themes of life, good news, healing, provision, and fruitfulness in several passages of Scripture.

Here are a few of the significant contexts where we find 12 and 70. There were 12 tribes of Israel. 70 people went with Jacob into Egypt to be sustained during the time of famine.

Bible commentaries indicate there were 70 nations listed in Genesis 10 that God used to repopulate the earth after the flood. Jesus chose 12 disciples (Luke 6:13). Jesus sent out 70 to preach (Luke 10:1).

In the book of Revelation, we find water and trees mentioned together again. In this passage, there are trees fed by a great river. Together these provide fruit (12 “manner of fruits”) and healing for the nations.

Revelation 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

And, David describes the man who loves God‛s way as a fruitful tree.

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, May 8, 2024. It is 11 and Day 4 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

Exodus 15:27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

This part of the story of ancient Israel can remind us that our God is able to give us much more than we can ask, much more than we expect, much more than we even need, and certainly much more than we generally deserve because of our lack of faith, our griping and complaining, or any of our other typical sins.

The Bible is full of other examples that teach us the same general truth about our amazing God‛s generous and miraculous ways of providing for us.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Psalm 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

Matthew 14: 19-20 (19) And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. (20) And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

John 10:10(B) I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Ancient Israel missed this lesson about God‛s generosity and His willingness and power to provide. Let us be sure to hold on tightly to our confidence in God‛s goodness

Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

God wants us to know Him for the awesome Being that He is!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, May 7, 2024. It is Day 10 and Day 3 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

Exodus 15:27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

After the Israelites‛ experiences at Marah, God led them forth to another area. They moved on to encamp at a peaceful desert oasis called Elim. God gave them a space to rest in peace and abundance.

Frequently, we also need a place of quiet rest from our tests. So, God grants us space in a gentle, often lush spot. Hopefully, when God grants us such a time of tranquility, we use the time and space wisely.

God fully intended to lead Israel to the promised land; and, on the way, He was to prove and test them over and over. The land God has promised to give to us is an everlasting one.

Surely we must realize there will always be specific experiences, tests, and lessons God has prepared for us as He shapes and molds us to fit where He wants us to fit in His future eternity.

As we look toward Him, He will deliver us through (not from) (1 Corinthians 10:13) the lessons we must learn. He is faithful to do so! And, He is also faithful to give us periods of quiet rest from time to time.

Let us analyze the experiences of ancient Israel and begin to recognize just where we are on our journey to our promised land. At any given time, we may be in the midst of a major test and lesson or we may be in a time of tranquility and rest.

We are exhorted to be content and to thank God in all circumstances.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, May 6, 2024. It is Day 9 and it is Day 2 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

Even though we do not know the number of Egyptians who saw the signs and wonders during the 10 plagues, we do understand that Egypt was very populated. The land of Egypt had been devastated. The lives of the Egyptians were turned upside down, but most of the Egyptians did not acknowledge and turn to the true God. Only a few Egyptians joined the Israelites as they left Egyptian bondage. The Bible infers they were among the “mixed multitude.”

Exodus 12: 37-38 (37) And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. (38) And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.

It is easy for us in hindsight to see the errors of the Egyptians, as well as the ancient Israelites. Yet, we must remember that God had not called them. It was not time for God to favor the Egyptians.

As we contemplate important concepts regarding God-level prerogatives, let us remember with great positive emphasis that God‛s calling and His favor is so very special. God did not choose to favor the Egyptians thousands of years ago. However, He did choose to show specific favor to the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. And, the time will come for those who died in ancient Egypt! Egypt‛s time will also come as God‛s salvation plan unfolds for all of mankind.

God has a time line He follows for when He favors specific individuals. He has a time line for when He calls them and reveals specific things regarding Himself and His plans. Yes!

God keeps secrets! It‛s a God thing! Consider that even the angels have desired to look into many of God‛s secrets.
1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

And, we get to know much of God‛s plan now. We are favored! We are blessed!

Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Romans 16:25 Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.

During this time of year we have an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves to enjoy God‛s favor and appreciate His calling, with all of its wondrous ramifications. Let us begin to actually experience this wonderful reality at the deepest possible levels of our awareness.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 5, 2024. This is Day 1 of Week 2. It is Day 8 in our Count to Pentecost.

Throughout the Scriptures, the Sovereign God reveals that He has numerous prerogatives that are His and His alone. For example, He clearly chooses whom He will call and when He will call them. In essence, that also means that He chooses whom He will not be calling at a particular time. This God-level prerogative is unmistakably and openly demonstrated in the story of the Exodus, especially regarding Pharaoh, who is symbolic of God‛s archenemy, the devil.

Pharaoh and his people lived through some horrific plagues, but he continued to make very bad decisions. He refused to submit to God. The signs and wonders did not persuade him.

Why is that?

Scripture tells us that God “hardened” Pharaoh‛s heart for His own divine purpose. God wanted to show that He is God. Romans 9:17 says God did this so His name would be known throughout the earth.

Many Bible readers have misunderstood the concept of God‛s “hardening” Pharaoh‛s heart.

Let US be sure we do not misunderstand. God knows how to work out His purposes. He has a PLAN!

Notice carefully that Scripture does not say that God created the evil heart in Pharaoh, nor does it say that God forced Pharaoh to make bad choices. God only hardened the heart Pharaoh already had. God knew just how strong evil was growing among the people (Amorites) of the general region and exactly how long it would be for the evil to be full enough to enslave His people. God told Abraham (Genesis 15) about the captivity of his children. He also told Abraham it would be some time before He would deal with this situation because “the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full.”

Further, Scripture also reveals, in several places, that Pharaoh hardened his own heart as well.

Exodus 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Exodus 8:32 And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.

What God‛s servants MUST remember is that God is just and good; and, He has a generous, marvelous plan to save mankind. According to 2 Peter 3:9 it is not God‛s will that any should perish. We can trust those words!

God has a plan, and some of it is still a mystery to most of mankind. WE are truly privileged for God to have shared so much of it with US now.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May 4, 2024. It is Day 7 of Week 1 in our Count to Pentecost.

God challenged Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Egypt was the most powerful nation on earth when the time came to deliver the people He had chosen to favor. God also challenged the supposed gods they worshipped, those they believed had brought them to their massive wealth and to domination of other peoples and nations throughout the known civilized world.

God chose to challenge Pharaoh and show His power. The Apostle Paul understood this strategy and disclosed it to the Church in Rome; also, a world dominating empire at the time.

Romans 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh; Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew My power in thee, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth.

During this display of some of God‛s signs and wonders, He revealed much about Himself that had not been previously known to His people. God did many wondrous and completely new things. For example, no one had ever considered walking through the Red Sea on dry ground.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (8) For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

As we fellowship with God during our Count to Pentecost, let us keep in mind that God always has ways we currently know nothing about. His ways and His thought are not ours at this time. Let us never underestimate God‛s great love for us, His chosen ones, and His infinite capacity and will to fight for His people.

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
@ Copyright 2024, Church of the Sovereign God