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

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 3, 2024. It is Day 6 of Week 1 in our Count to Pentecost.

Moses lived a life of many ups and downs. His life was intriguing to say the least. Summarizing the first 80 years of his life, we find Moses had been saved from being a victim of infanticide, was reared in the royal courts of the most powerful nation of earth at the time, was a significant figure in both military exploits and political strategies of the royal family, murdered an Egyptian to save a fellow Hebrew, escaped Pharaoh‛s justice as a wilderness wanderer, and ended up leading sheep around a desert for forty years.

When Moses finally met God in the burning bush, he was small in his own eyes, “Who am I?” he asked, “that I should go to Pharaoh and deliver Israel?”

Exodus 3:11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

Interestingly, God did not answer that question directly. Instead of telling Moses about who Moses was, God told Moses Who GOD IS!

Exodus 3:14 God said unto Moses; I AM THAT I AM: and He said; Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

God revealed His divine presence to Moses. Later, He provided His divine presence to all of Israel in the pillar of fire and the cloud by day.

Moses eventually learned that the focus MUST be on Who and What God Is and the plans He is carrying out. Moses got the lesson. However, the ancient Israelites were much slower to get the big picture.

During this Count to Pentecost, let us be sure we get the big picture and focus on the everlasting truths about the great God Who delivered ancient Israel and the One Who has delivered us, His Church, as a prelude to His deliverance of all of mankind! It is through God‛s service to us, His deliverance of us, and His providing for us, that we begin to experience God and to see Him for Who He truly is. We can come to experience the divine presence more fully of the I AM that I AM as we trust Him and walk with Him.

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

Dear Family,

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

God‛s great wisdom, purpose, and power are manifested in His preparation of Moses to confront Pharaoh, lead Israel out of Egypt, and work with them for forty years during the wilderness journey. There are great lessons for God‛s people in this intriguing story.

The birth of Moses occurred at a time when all Israelite (or Hebrew) newborn boy babies in Egypt were under a death sentence pronounced by Pharaoh. Moses‛ parents, Amram and Jochebed, were both of the tribe of Levi. Moses‛ parents hid him for three months after his birth. When he could no longer be safely hidden, they used pitch to coat a basket made of bulrushes and floated the newborn into an area of reeds that were growing in shallow water near the bank of the Nile river, positioning Moses‛ older sister, Miriam, to carefully watch the events.

God‛s timing is always perfect, as evidenced by Pharaoh‛s daughter going to the Nile to bathe, just in time for her to discover the floating ark with its precious contents inside. So captivated by finding this vulnerable baby and being filled with compassion, she decided to adopt the Hebrew baby as her own. Pulling him from the water, she named him Moses. Then she called for a Hebrew nurse to feed the child temporarily. And, through a continuation of what can only be called a miraculous set of events, God returned Moses into the care of his own birth mother to feed and sustain him for a time.

Historical sources outside of the Bible tell us that Moses grew up in the royal court as an honored prince and eventually led Egypt‛s mighty armies into victories against the Ethiopians. Scripture indicates Moses was also educated in “all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22).

When Moses was forty years old, he attempted to “deliver” one of his Hebrew “brethren” his way, by his own power and human reasoning. But, it was not yet time for Moses to come to such a responsible position. Because of this incident, killing an Egyptian in the process, Moses lost favor with Pharaoh and was forced into exile. More training and preparation was needed to become the leader God was fashioning by circumstances.

Although, by human standards, Moses seemed well able to lead or rule a vast group of people because of his royal experiences, God continued Moses‛ preparation by moving him south into a wilderness area of Midian to humbly tend sheep for forty years, and to wait upon God to deliver Israel by doing things completely His way! Sometime during this training process, Moses became the person God later described as “meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.”

Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

It was in the wilderness area where Moses met the true God and was finally ready for God‛s work of deliverance. After forty years in the wilderness and meeting God on the mountain, Moses was a changed man. He was finally ready to listen to God‛s voice and to do things His way.

Hebrews 11:23-27 (23) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king‛s commandment. (24) By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh‛s daughter; (25) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (26) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. (27) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.

All of the events of Moses‛ preparation for the job God gave him are astounding, miraculous, and extraordinary. They are witnesses of God‛s power to design, to prepare, and to execute His plans perfectly.

As we experience the Holy Day season and continue on in our days of Counting to Pentecost, let us take courage, knowing that God is surely preparing each of us for a very special place in His own, eternal future. God knows what He is doing. By faith we can know that the events of our life are in God‛s capable hands. Let us be sure we trust Him, submit to His will, and cooperate fully and wholeheartedly.

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

Dear Family,

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

The lessons we learned yesterday from the experiences of Marah are demonstrated in stories throughout the Bible. It is certainly a lesson we can learn from the story of Joseph.

God had arranged before time for the children of Israel to experience living in Egypt.
Interestingly, Joseph was sent into Egypt as a slave. He was placed in Egypt years ahead of time by God‛s design to prepare a place for the rest of Jacob‛s family. Joseph‛s first experiences in Egypt were very bitter indeed.

Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelite for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

In Egypt, God had Joseph released from slavery to prepare for what was to come.

Genesis 41:41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph; See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
He gave Joseph great favor and high position in order to store up food to sustain Israel during a famine that was to come upon the entire earth.

Genesis 41:56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

Exodus 1:1-5 (1) Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob. (2) Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, (3) Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, (4) Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. (5) And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. Eventually, the Pharaoh who knew and trusted Joseph died, and the Israelites grew so vast in number that the Egyptians began to fear them. Bit by bit the Egyptians ensnared Israel in a severe bondage. In time, of course, Israel cried out for release, as God knew they would. And, of course, God responded.

Exodus 2:23-25 (23) And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. (24) And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. (25) And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

Just as God knew Israel would become slaves in Egypt, He also knows that all human beings will eventually become slaves to sin. The bondage Israel endured in Egypt is a symbol of the bondage all humans experience toward sin. We have all sinned and have come to be slaves to sin.

Romans 3:10, 23 (10) As it is written; There is none righteous, no, not one: (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

And just as God worked out very precise purposes as He delivered Israel from bondage, revealing Himself as the great God He is, He also works out His purposes as He delivers us from sin and slavery today.

Exodus 6:7 And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

The same is true today in a very real and spiritual sense. God sent ancient Israel a human deliverer the people could see, but it was Almighty God, a Being of covenant and promises, Who truly delivered Israel from Egypt.

Exodus 6:1-8 (1) Then the LORD said unto Moses; Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. (2) And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him; I am the LORD: (3) And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by My name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. (4) And I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. (5) And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered My covenant. (6) Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched-out arm, and with great judgments: (7) And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. (8) And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.

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