Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, June 13, 2024. It is Day 47 and Day 5 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

Prior to entering into covenant with Israel, God wanted Moses to “sanctify” the people “today and tomorrow.” He also wanted them dressed appropriately in clean clothes. God also instructed the people to “come not at your wives.” These instructions to sanctify or separate the people were a vital part of the necessary preparation for this important marriage covenant.

Exodus 19:10-11, 14-15 (10) And the LORD said unto Moses; Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes, (11) And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai; (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.

There are numerous instances in both the Old and New Testaments where God required sanctification, cleansing, and appropriate attire for those He expected to interact with Him or to act for Him in a situation. We find specific instructions for Aaron and his sons as they were to serve before the Lord. Here are a few examples from the Torah.

Exodus 29:4 And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

Exodus 40:12 And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

Numbers 8:21 And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.

Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:

Exodus 39:28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen

Leviticus 6:10(A) And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh….

Today, God requires His people to be sanctified and clean, as well. Of course, there should be proper personal dress, cleanliness, and hygiene. Yet, for the Church of God today, God shows us that Christ is sanctifying us and cleansing us “by the word” in order to prepare us to be His wife. He obviously directs that the Church “should be holy,” with appropriate, clean clothing, having no spot, wrinkle, or blemish.

Ephesians 5:25-27 (25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Of course, while we obviously need to physically comply with these instructions, God is far more focused on the spiritual significance of these instructions and our spiritual approach and intent. Let us be ready to fellowship with God and His sanctified ones this Pentecost.

Revelation 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, June 12, 2024. It is Day 46 and Day 4 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

A few days before God poured out His Holy Spirit and began the Church of God, the disciples had gone to Jerusalem as they had been commanded. The Bible names some of the people who were assembled together in an upper room.

They all knew that spectacular events had just transpired by the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. And, they waited in anticipation for the next strategic step in God‛s magnificent plan of salvation. The Bible says they were in “one accord,” and “in prayer and supplication.”

Acts 1:12-14 (12) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day‛s journey. (13) And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. (14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.

As they met and prayed, it became evident because of prophecy in the Psalms that another Apostle had to be chosen to take the place of Judas. And, they were aware that the Apostle had to be someone who had been an eye witness of the crucial events.

Acts 1:15-17, 20-22 (15) And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty,). (16) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. (17) For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry; (20) For it is written in the book of Psalms; Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. (21) Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, (22) Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.

So, those assembled appointed two men who fit the criteria, and they all prayed for God to show which one God Himself would choose by lot.

Acts 1:23-26 (23) They appointed two; Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. (24) And they prayed, and said; Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two Thou hast chosen, (25) That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. (26) And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, June 11, 2024. It is Day 45 and Day 3 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

At Mt. Sinai, God entered into a marriage covenant with ancient Israel. He took them as His special people and placed His name on them. For centuries, God worked with this group of people, giving them awesome favor. And, of course, we know they proved to be an unfaithful wife.

In addition to this wonderful marriage relationship, God also offered ancient Israel another great place of favor. He offered them to become a kingdom of priests unto Him. However, the process of making them a kingdom of priests was never completely fulfilled.

Exodus 19:5-6 (5) Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine: (6) And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Today, the Church of God has received God‛s calling to His “marvelous light.” We have been chosen to be His royal priesthood. And, we are in the midst of God‛s creative process.

Individually, we will all be new creations in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17), and collectively, we will become God‛s royal priesthood as well as a people who will show forth His praises forever.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;

Through the gift of His Holy Spirit, we have received the power from God for this to eventually be fulfilled. At the return of our Beloved Savior, these particular objectives will finally be complete.

These are all themes of the Feast of Pentecost. Let us look forward to this special time with renewed fervor and anticipation.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, June 10, 2024. It is Day 44 and Day 2 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

As Israel camped near Mt. Sinai, God sent a message to the people through Moses. God described His actions toward Israel as carrying them “on eagles‛ wings.”

Exodus 19:3-4 (3) And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying; Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; (4) Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles wings, and brought you unto Myself.

This beautiful eagle metaphor appears again in Revelation and relates to the Church of God. There it is a clear indication of protection and nourishment.

Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

God‛s lovely poetic words in Exodus 19 precede the actual covenant agreement. These words seem quite a bit like a proposal. They present details of what God intended to do, and that was to make them His people through a marriage covenant (see Jeremiah 31:32 below).

Exodus 19:5-9 (5) Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine: (6) And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (7) And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. (8) And all the people answered together, and said; All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD. (9) And the LORD said unto Moses; Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.

Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

God‛s people have to be where God wants them to be (physically and spiritually) as He disperses His gifts. Ancient Israel needed to be at the base of Mt. Sinai, and Jesus‛ disciples needed to be in unity in Jerusalem. Let us be where we need to be to receive God‛s gifts.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, June 9, 2024. It is Day 43 and Day 1 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.

Exodus 19 tells us that ancient Israel moved to a camp near the base of Mt. Sinai. Moses had organized the people, placing captains of 1000‛s, 100‛s, 50‛s, and 10‛s as judges.

Exodus 18:24-26 (24) So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said. (25) And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. (26) And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

This was the beginning of a number of different ways God blessed ancient Israel with “rulers.” Israel was a nation grown very big and was destined to grow even bigger, so order and leadership were important aspects of God‛s leading His people and teaching them His way of life.

Since the True Passover has come and the Holy Spirit has been given to lead us, God continues to allow us the blessing of His appointed leaders to help protect and nourish the Church that our Lord will one day take as His wife in an everlasting marriage contract.

Organization and orderly leadership among the people help to teach, to edify, and to establish order and peace. And, as the Holy Spirit works within God‛s people today, we all benefit from submission to God‛s appointed authority, as well as to one another, giving honor where honor is due, comforting one another, fellowshipping with one another, exhorting one another, bearing one another‛s burdens, and many other great acts of love and service through the Spirit of God.

This year, let us be prepared to receive even more of God‛s Spirit of power and wisdom so we can all be stronger in the Lord and be a greater blessing to one another.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, June 8, 2024. It is Day 42 and Day 7 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

Exodus 19:1-2 (1) In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. (2) For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.

As we follow along with Israel on their journey to Mt. Sinai, we see they moved out of Rephidim early in the third month. And, as we follow along with Christ‛s disciples after His resurrection and ascension to the throne of God, we find the early disciples moving toward Jerusalem where Jesus told them to stay until they were to “be endued with power from on high.”

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the City of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Where are we (spiritually speaking) as we move again toward Pentecost this year? Let us be sure that we are in the place where He has lead us and told us to be so that we can receive more and more of God‛s blessings and awesome power.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, June 7, 2024. It is Day 41 and Day 6 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

During the Exodus, Moses had been involved in many different experiences. As we read the accounts in the book of Exodus and subsequent writings, it is clear that God was using Moses in a mighty way. And, the New Testament tells us that Moses was faithful in all his house. (Hebrews 3:2,5)

The job of dealing with ancient Israel had to be a tough one, but God provided Moses with everything he needed to accomplish the job He had given him to do. The work God appointed Moses to do may have been quite difficult for many other people who could have been called upon to participate in such tremendous miracles and have rule over so many people. However, the Bible tells us Moses was a very meek man (Numbers 12:3).

One outstanding evidence of the meekness of Moses is his reaction to the visit of his father-in-law, Jethro. Moses was not in the least offended by the counsel he received from Jethro. God gave Moses the ability to see the wisdom in the advice from his father-in-law.

Exodus 18:13-24 (13) And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. (14) And when Moses father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said; What is this thing that thou doest to the people? Why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? (15) And Moses said unto his father-in-law; Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: (16) When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. (17) And Moses father-in-law said unto him; The thing that thou doest is not good. (18) Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. (19) Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: (20) And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. (21) Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: (22) And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. (23) If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. (24) So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said.

Moses recognized the wisdom of the advice and implemented it right away. May God give all of us the humility and insight to recognize wisdom when God specially sends it to us.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, June 6, 2024, It is Day 40 and Day 5 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

Today marks the 40th day since Jesus offered Himself and was accepted by the Father as the True Wavesheaf. Today marks the day that the resurrected Jesus Christ ascended in the clouds to our Father in heaven. Today also marks the day Jesus‛ disciples were reminded that our Savior is coming again!

Jesus had told the High Priest during His illegal trial that He would return in this manner.

Matthew 26:63-64 (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. (64) Jesus saith unto him; Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you; Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Jesus had also promised His disciples He would return in power and great glory.

Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

And, today, as He was ascending, “two men” in “white apparel” confirmed the promise again.

Acts 1:11 Which also said; Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.

This is what New Testament believers have as a hope for the near future; the return of our Savior in power and glory! Let us think on these things and be encouraged.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, June 5, 2024. It is Day 39 and Day 4 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

A key point for God‛s people to grasp about the story of Amalek and Israel is that Amalek did not fear God. Amalek‛s attack against Israel was a form of attack against God.

Deuteronomy 25:17-18 (17) Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; (18) How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God.

When people (or angels) do not fear God, there is little or nothing to keep them from sinning. God makes this connection between “fear” of God and not sinning in Exodus 20.

Exodus 20:20 And Moses said unto the people; Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

There are many characteristics God lists for us that describe someone who lives before God with the proper awe and respect. One of the primary characteristics is “to hate evil” just as God hates it. Notice God lists pride, arrogancy, the evil way, and the forward mouth as examples of evil.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the forward mouth, do I hate.

However, sometimes people live as if there is no distinction between good and evil, or they have their own list of what is “good” and “evil” where these categories do not agree completely with God. Ancient Israel, for example, would be hard pressed to believe they did not know the difference between the two. They might find it difficult to admit that they often chose what God labeled as evil. Frankly, many “Christians” have the same problem today.

In the story of the Exodus and Israel‛s journey to Mt. Sinai, we learn that neither ancient Israel nor Amalek feared God. The difference between the two nations was that one was favored through Abraham‛s seed and had the absolute certainty of God‛s promises.

Brethren, we are truly privileged; we are favored today. God has brought us into covenant with Him and has made sure and certain promises to us. Let us do our part faithfully, and learn carefully what God labels as “good” and “evil.”

Israel did not hate evil. Do we? Can we recognize it in all its forms and truly hate it? As we move toward Pentecost, let us become more aware of the differences between good and evil and be more and more determined to choose the good (as God defines it) in the fear of God.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, June 4, 2024. It is Day 38 and Day 3 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.

While the children of Israel, camped at Rephidim, were complaining about having no water, God sent Moses to “smite the rock” in Horeb. That was some distance away from the Israelite camp. And, Moses took the elders of Israel to the rock in Horeb as witnesses.

Verse 6 of Exodus 17 says Moses smote the rock “in the sight of the elders.” They were all away from the main camp.

Exodus 17:5-6 (5) And the LORD said unto Moses; Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. (6) Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

It is interesting to consider that Amalek‛s forces waited until the leaders were away from the main body of people to attack. That should give us all great pause to think about God‛s emphasis on leaders and leadership in our battles against God‛s enemies.

God is investing a tremendous amount of effort and energy to develop those who will sit with Him in His throne forever, leading and sharing leadership in fantastic capacities.

Amalek‛s tactics should also give us occasion to think about how God gives us human leaders and leadership skills to help protect us. We must all learn to be both followers and leaders.

And, we must all come to understand the great importance God places on their being present in our lives.

As we move towards Pentecost, let us align ourselves with God‛s way of doing things and appreciate the lessons along the way.

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