Dear Family!

Today is Sunday, April 12, 2020; and, it is Day 1 in our Counting toward Pentecost.

HE IS RISEN!  (Luke 24:6) And, HE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED OF THE FATHER!  Today is the day after the Sabbath during the Days of Unleavened Bread.  We begin counting 50 days starting today.  

We will complete seven full Sabbaths; and then, comes the Feast of Pentecost.  There is great significance in these Feast days, and there is also great significance in actually counting 50 days, 7 Sabbaths (7 X 7 = 49) plus the fiftieth day. 

During these Days of Unleavened Bread, it would be good to think upon Jesus being accepted of the Father as the Wavesheaf.  Scriptures pointing to this are throughout the Bible.  Here are a few:  Leviticus 23:11-15.  Also, compare John 20:17; where Jesus had not yet ascended to the Father and would not allow Himself to be touched; with Matthew 28:9; this is where Jesus allowed His disciples to hold Him by the feet and worship Him.  Thereafter, He remained with them for 40 days and then was taken up into heaven (Acts 1).  

Over 2000 years ago, God prepared and accepted the spiritual Wavesheaf; and, the counting has begun.  As we do the counting physically now, day-by-day, let us learn the lessons God has prepared for us.

Leviticus 23:10-17 (10) Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:  (11) And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.  (12) And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD.  (13) And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.  (14) And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.  (15) And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be complete:  (16) Even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.  (17) Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals; they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.  

May God Bless you and put His name upon you.  You are the firstfruits He has chosen!

Ben Faulkner
© Copyright 2020, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Once again we will begin our Counting to Pentecost for 2020.

The Wave Sheaf counting will start on the Sunday within Unleavened Bread, which is April 12, 2020, Day-1. There will be an entry for each day until Day 50.

The 2020 counting was originally written in 2020 and done by email. It is being added in to the COTSG website in 2026 so that it can be referenced.

Love and Blessings to you and your families,
Ben Faulkner
© Copyright 2026, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,  

Today is Sunday, May 3, 2026. Today is Day 29 and Day 1 of Week 5 in our Count to Pentecost.  

Jesus is the Light. He is the Light of the World, and He is the Light of men. 

The word “Light” can be used in many ways. Light stimulates sight and makes vision possible. It illuminates. The word can refer to both the physical and the spiritual types. As this word applies to  Jesus, it means Goodness and Truth, and it is a Truth that others are meant to see and understand.  It is intended to be the opposite of darkness which is often used as an analogy for evil. Light dispels and overcomes darkness. It shines to show the way. It is intended to steer us away from evil and into righteousness and truth. And, that’s exactly what Jesus has done and continues to do for  those who will follow Him. 

The Apostle John wrote about Jesus’s being the “Light” of men. Those who choose to follow Jesus will walk in Light 

John 1:1-5 (1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. (4) In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. (5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 

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. 

Scripture tells us that unbelievers hate the Light and avoid it because they refuse to see the Truth they need to see. (John 1:5; 3:19–20). They do not want their deeds to be exposed. For wise Believers, walking with Jesus is the equivalent of walking in Light. He is the Source of our Light as well as our Perfect Example. As we follow Jesus, we also will shine. Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

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

Dear Family,  

Today is Sabbath, May 2, 2026. Today is Day 28 and Day 7 of Week 4 in our Count to Pentecost. 

Jesus is our High Priest. 

• He entered the true Holy Place in heaven to be in the presence of God (Hebrews 9:24)
• He alone is holy, undefiled, able to atone for our sins and to ransom back all of us who are  worthy of death (Hebrews 7:26) 
• His Perfect Sacrifice had to occur only once (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12) 
• He is a Merciful and Faithful High Priest because He is our Brother Who was tempted in all  points but did not sin (Hebrews 2:17-18) 
• His blood cleanses our consciences from dead works (Hebrews 9:14) 
• God appointed Him as High Priest. Priests cannot appoint themselves (Hebrews 5:4)
• Jesus is now in heaven at God’s right hand He is the born again (Firstborn) Son of God  (Hebrews 4:14; 10:12; Romans 1:3-4; Colossians 1:18)
• Jesus lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25)

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Friday, May 1, 2026. Today is Day 27 and Day 6 of Week 4 in our Count to Pentecost.  

In John 15 the Apostle John recorded that Jesus told His Disciples He had revealed to them many things about our Father and what the Father had said. Jesus no longer wanted His Disciples to consider themselves just His servants. Jesus announced that He intended to call them His friends. Our Lord wanted His Disciples to know what He was doing. Then, He mentioned one prerequisite.  They had to obey His commandments.  

John 15:14-15 (14) Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you. 

Something very similar occurred in the life of Abraham. God tried and tested Abraham to ensure that he would believe God and faithfully obey. Abraham past the tests and proved he would trust and believe God and live in a faithful and obedient manner. Now we refer to Abraham as the “Friend of God.” And, God revealed to Abraham many things He would be doing in the future (see  Acts 7).  

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith; Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 

Acts 7:6-7 (6) And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. (7) And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve Me in this place.  

Jesus now wants His True Disciples today to trust, believe, and obey His commandments. He wants to give us the honor of calling us His “Friends.”

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Thursday, May 30, 2026. This is Day 26, and Day 5 of Week 4 in our Count to Pentecost. 

Jesus is referred to as a Stone (as well as the Rock) in the Scriptures. Referring to Jesus as a Stone has powerful and meaningful symbolism. The meaning of this title carries with it issues of endurance, power, stability, and permanence. Among other things, it represents strength, resilience, and being well grounded. 

1 Peter 2:4,6-8 (4) To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (6) Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded…. (7) Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (8) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 

Daniel, Isaiah, and the Psalmist describe aspects of the Stone; also in Daniel 2:34, 45. 

Isaiah 8:14 And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Psalm 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

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

Dear Family,  

Today is Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Today is Day 25 and Day 4 of Week 4 in our Count to  Pentecost.  

Jesus is the Mediator of the New Covenant. He is the One and Only Mediator. He has standing in heaven‛s court and He along can bring harmony between God and man.  

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 9:15 (KJV) And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  

Hebrews 9:15 (NIV) For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.  

Hebrews 8:6 But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 

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

Dear Family,  

Today is Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Today is Day 24 and Day 3 of Week 4 in our Count to Pentecost.  

Jesus is our Friend. In John 15 the Apostle John recorded that Jesus told His Disciples He had  revealed to them many things about our Father and what the Father had said. Jesus no longer wanted His Disciples to consider themselves just His servants. Jesus announced that He intended to call them His friends. Our Lord wanted His Disciples to know what He was doing. Then He mentioned one prerequisite. They had to obey His commandments.  

John 15:14-15 (14) Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call  you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.  

Something very similar occurred in the life of Abraham. God tried and tested Abraham to ensure that he would believe God and faithfully obey. Abraham past the tests and proved he would trust and believe God and live in a faithful and obedient manner. Now we refer to Abraham as the “Friend of God.” And God revealed to Abraham many things He would be doing in the future (see  Acts 7).  

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  

Acts 7:6-7 (6) And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that  they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. (7) And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve Me in this place.  

Jesus now wants His True Disciples today to believe, to trust and to obey His commandments. He wants to give us the honor of calling us His “Friends.”

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

Dear Family,  

Today is Monday, April 27, 2026. Today is Day 23 and Day 2 of Week 4 in our Count to Pentecost. 

Jesus is the Messenger of the New Covenant. In the Old Testament, we find mention of the Messenger of the Covenant. Jesus is the One assigned and anointed to bear the responsibility of making a New Agreement/Covenant between God and man.  

Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.  

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

Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith; 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.  

Matthew 26:28 shows Jesus announcing to His Disciples that His blood is the blood of that New Covenant.  

Jesus is the One Who fulfilled all of the requirements of the Old; and, He is the only One capable of establishing and sealing the New Covenant. There was a need for a New Covenant for several  reasons.  

• It was not possible for animal blood could pay the penalty for sin. (Hebrews 10:4; 9:14;  Romans 5:9)
• In the Old, Sacrifices had to be repeated over and over. (Hebrews 10:1-3) 
• 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) 

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Sunday, April 26, 2026. Today is Day 22 and Day 1 of Week 4 in our Count to Pentecost. It is clear that Jesus is Lord. Here are four points on this topic. 

(1) Writing about Jesus‛ birth, Luke quoted this truth from the Old Testament.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

(2) Paul declared it, and every tongue will confess it. 

Philippians 2:9-11 (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

(3) As True Disciples of Jesus Christ, we only have One Lord. 

1 Corinthians 8:6 (NIV) yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and  we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him 

(4) Paul preached Jesus as Lord and told the Corinthians we are bond-servants for Jesus‛ sake. 

2 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV) For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as  your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.

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