Dear Family,

Today is Friday, April 28, 2023. It is Day 20; and, Day 6 of Week 3 as we Count to Pentecost.

Counting the omer to Pentecost everyday is a spiritual training in obedience and overcoming. Are we faithful? Throughout the pages of the Bible, we learn over and over that God really does pay attention to little details. We learn from the Book of Luke that when we are faithful in little, we can be trusted to be faithful when given more.

Luke19:17 And he said unto him; Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

There are so many lessons in the Counting to 50 and in the recalling of the details of Israel’s experiences. We can find many beautiful and significant parallels between what happened to the ancient Israelites and what occurs in the lives of true disciples today. Here is a partial list. Egypt pictures our living in bondage to sin. The Passover lamb pictures the sacrifice of God’s Perfect Lamb, the Son of God. The blood over the door pictures the blood of our Savior covering our sins. The death angel passing over the homes where the inhabitants were obedient, pictures our being spared from the second death. Israel’s walk out of Egypt pictures our moving away from our old life of bondage. Crossing the Red Sea pictures our baptism and the beginning of our walk with God. The trials and tests of the journey to Mt. Sinai picture the life we live after our calling, repentance, and baptism.

Israel’s meeting with God at Mt. Sinai and making a covenant with Him on the 50th day pictures a covenant being formalized between Christ and His Church. The Book of Ruth (especially chapter 3), which is traditionally connected to Pentecost; also shows such a covenant being made between Boaz and Ruth regarding their eventual marriage.

The 50th day, like the Jubilee that occurred every 50 years, is a type of the great liberation and TOTAL SALVATION that will occur for the Church eventually. There was a tremendous display of God’s power at Mt. Sinai thousands of years ago and again in Jerusalem about 2000 years ago. On that first Pentecost, God’s people received the Law and made a marriage covenant with Him. On another Pentecost, God sent His Holy Spirit that provides us with the power to become Sons of God. We need both of these for God to finally prepare us for our eternal release from the bondage of human flesh that will occur at the Feast of Trumpets. Let us remember that much of God’s Plan remains a mystery that He will “finish” in His time and in His way.

May God make us faithful!

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, April 27, 2023. It is Day 19; and, Day 5 of Week 3 as we Count to Pentecost.

Today we find the ancient Israelites still at their encampment at Elim. There they rested and were refreshed by the wells of water and the palm trees.

“Elim” is a plural Hebrew word (noted by the suffix im). The word “El” means, “strong one.” It is often used in reference to God. The word Elim can also be translated as “strong trees.” Either way, the name of this desert oasis may symbolically refer to God and to those with whom God is now working.

Let us hope and pray that we are flourishing like the palm tree. The Bible tells us that is what the righteous will be doing.

Psalm 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Our greatest refreshing comes from the presence of the LORD. He is the Source or the Fountain of Living Waters. He is our Life! God refers to Himself in these ways in several Scriptures.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 36:9 For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light.

Jeremiah 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.

As we continue our Count to Pentecost and continue our life’s journey, let us examine ourselves to be sure that the spiritual water we are drinking has God as its only Source. May all of our springs be in our God; and, may our roots go deeply into that Fountain. For then, we will be refreshed and grow strong in the LORD.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,
Today is Wednesday, April 26, 2023. It is Day 18; and, Day 4 of Week 3 as we Count to Pentecost.

Let us remember that God had made ancient Israel very rich in a physical sense. Scripture says they spoiled the Egyptians; and, we know they carried much wealth with them into their wilderness journey.

Exodus 12:36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians. The children of Israel were being tried and tested along their way to Mt. Sinai. Somehow, they neglected to acknowledge and use the gifts and blessings God had provided for them along with their freedom.

God gives many gifts to us. We have received gifts such as His calling, love, truth, understanding, wisdom, grace, forgiveness, mercy, purpose, His righteousness, and many, many more.

After we are freed from our bondage, we need to realize God must purify us so we become what He is spiritually creating. He knows exactly what He is doing. As disciples of our Creator, Savior, and Teacher, we surely realize that God is trying and testing each of us on our journey. On our journey we need to be using what He has already given to us as He tests, tries, and purifies us.

May God bless us to become acutely aware of just how RICH God has made us spiritually since He delivered us from our bondage to sin. Let us use these spiritual riches to bring forth much fruit for God’s glory. And, let us be thankful and cooperative as we experience God’s methods for purifying us and making us ready for Him to grant us even greater, eternal blessings.

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

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, April 25, 2023. It is Day 17; and, it is Day 3 of Week 3 in our Count to Pentecost.

As all thinking adults know, every life has plenty of temptations, challenges, and adversities. And, they come in all varieties.

During this week of Counting to Pentecost and our following the journey of the Israelites, we find ancient Israel resting comfortably at the oasis of Elim. God’s presence was with them as they rested. He was in the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.

Exodus 13:22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

During periods of plenty and rest from powerful challenges, some people tend to take good things like food, water, peace, health, freedom, unity, stability, and access to God for granted. The wise ones remember the blessings as well as the challenges and adversities that are bound to come again, and they prepare ahead. They gather the resources that need to be gathered. They stay in intimate contact with God. They grow while there is plentiful physical and spiritual nutrition.

The story of Israel at Elim demonstrates one of God’s patterns of interacting with His people. At times, God does grant us all periods of rest from our trials. He knows exactly what level of challenge we can face. And, He promises to be with us in both the good times and the times of adversity.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful; Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

In the book of Matthew, we learn of 5 wise virgins and 5 unwise ones. Half of the group had prepared ahead while the other half did not. Let us be wise enough to enjoy our times of rest and plenty while we prepare ourselves physically, mentally, and especially spiritually for what lies ahead for us in God’s Master Plan.

While we may not know exactly what to expect in our near future, surely, we all realize that we must be alert and prepared while we enjoy a time of relative peace and plenty.

May God bless and strengthen each one of us.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, April 24, 2023. It is Day 16; and, Day 2 of Week 3 in our Count to Pentecost.

We know from Scripture that God called, tested, and blessed Abraham, enriching him with physical wealth, the promise of many blood-line children, and spiritual blessings that will go on forever. His offspring did multiply as promised.

God also told Abraham that his seed would go into a foreign land where they would be afflicted. That also happened thousands of years ago.

Genesis 15:13 And He said unto Abram; Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

Then, God faithfully brought the children of Israel, the children of Abraham, out of Egyptian bondage.

Exodus 12:40-41 (40) Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. (41) And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

Please do not be confused by the 400 years and the 430 years. When you compare the two dates, remember that Israel was not afflicted for the entire time they were in Egypt. We can be sure that God knows how to tell time and how to record the details He wants recorded. The main point is that God predicts what He is going to do and then proceeds to keep His Word. God records details about Israel’s experience in Egypt again in the book of Acts.

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.

God’s sense of timing is dependable, exact, and perfect. We can be sure that God has a purpose for the seven weeks and 50 days of Counting from the Wavesheaf to Pentecost. As we faithfully do what God commands, we can rest assured that God will fulfill His purposes, whatever they are, for the Counting. And, we can be confident He will accomplish in us and through us what He desires.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, April 23, 2023. It is Day 15; Day 1 of Week 3 in Count to Pentecost.

As we enter this third week of our Counting to Pentecost from the Wavesheaf Offering, it is good to remind ourselves of exactly what God has told us to do regarding the Counting.

Let us be careful to learn and remember that God instructed the Counting of seven weeks as well as the Counting of 50 days.

Deuteronomy 16:9 Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from such time as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn. God labeled the weeks exactly as “seven weeks.” Notice He did not say just any period of time would do. For example, we know God created the first week beginning on the first day of the week. It is the day that English speaking people call Sunday. Then, He ended the first week by creating and resting on the seventh day, the Sabbath.

Along with the 50 days He tells us to Count, God was also careful to make sure we understand that the weeks must “be out” when we are to meet in the commanded holy convocation.

Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:

Exodus 34:22 And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest….

Clearly, these verses indicate seven full weeks, beginning and ending as weeks have begun and ended since God created time for us back in Genesis 1. That means we begin our Count on the first day of the week, a Sunday. Then after our weeks are out, we have a holy convocation. That would, of course, take place on the 50th day. And, in this Counting, that day would obviously be a Sunday, the first day of another week. That is when the Counting ends.

As children, most of us have experienced the anticipation of something significant happening when we Counted toward a particular date. The Counting seemed to impart more positive expectations for whatever we were waiting for. May God bless us with a renewed sense of hope and an increased expectation of good from our God as we eagerly await Pentecost this and every year.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, April 22, 2023. It is Day 14; and Day 7 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

For many days, Israel camped at Elim where they enjoyed 12 wells of water and the food and shade of 70 palm trees. Just as a matter of interesting Biblical information, we find the numbers 12 and 70 frequently appear in Scripture. They all appear to be a pattern of using these numbers in dealing with leadership or government and foundations. Here are a few of the references.

• In Genesis 10, we learn of 70 nations
• Genesis 46 tells us that 70 souls went into Egypt
• Jacob had a family with 12 sons who eventually grew into the 12 tribes of Israel
• Man is generally given threescore and ten (i.e., 70) years
• Jeremiah 35:11 tells us Jerusalem had 70 years of rest while Judah was in Babylon
• 70 men were chosen as elders for the tribes of Israel

The Bible makes distinct mention of 12 people who were specially anointed; five of these men were priests while seven of them were kings.

(1) Aaron, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
(2) Nadab, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
(3) Abihu, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
(4) Eleazar, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
(5) Ithamar, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
(6) Saul, 1 Samuel 10:1
(7) David, 1 Samuel 16:13
(8) Absalom, 2 Samuel 19:10
(9) Solomon, 1 Kings 1:39.
(10) Jehu, 2 Kings 9:6
(11) Joash, 2 Kings 11:12
(12) Josiah, 2 Kings 23:30

Jesus appointed and sent out 70; He chose 12 Apostles; He is introduced publicly at 12 years of age. There are many other situations where God describes a group of twelve, including 12 men sent to spy out Canaan, 12 loaves of bread, 12 stones for the altar, 12 jewels on the high priests’ breastplate, 12 foundations for new Jerusalem, 12 gates, 12 pearls, 12 angels.

New Jerusalem is 144 (12 X 12) cubits, and there is a special group of 144,000 (also a multiple of 12).

There are many mysteries still contained in God’s Word; and, it is not until the 7th trump that the mystery of God will be finished.

Revelation 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. God is preparing leaders for important work ahead in His great plan for mankind. Those of us called now in this present Church age are sharing an exciting journey. May God bless us to enjoy the journey as well as the fellowship of all that our God has now called to take part in what He is doing in this end time.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Friday, April 21, 2023. It is Day 13; and, Day 6 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

Off and on for 40 days our Savior remained in physical contact with His disciples following His resurrection. What an incredible period of time this must have been! It is interesting that these very special 40 days receive so little space in the New Testament Scriptures.

Clearly, Jesus showed Himself to many individuals, with the focus being on His resurrection. Much of the story that is recorded for us is found in Luke 24. Additionally, there are a few Scriptures in 1 Corinthians and Acts.

1 Corinthians 15:4-7 (4) And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (5) And that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: (6) After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. (7) After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

Acts 1:1-8 (1) The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. (2) Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: (3) To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence. (6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? (7) And He said unto them; It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. (8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Notice that the risen Savior; now a Spirit Being; told them of many things; things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Also notice, however, that they still did not grasp the timing of the Kingdom of God. Even after 40 days with the risen Messiah, they again asked if He would restore the Kingdom to Israel “at this time.”

As we consider these 40 days of special teaching, we must remember that the disciples were still 10 days away from receiving the Holy Spirit when they asked this question. They were still 10 days away from the “power” to become sons of God and to be “witnesses.”

As we read and meditate upon these Scriptures, may God bless us with a fuller understanding of just how much we need both the law of God and the power of His Holy Spirit to complete His plan for us. Without the Spirit of God, knowing, understanding, and even trying to keep the law is of little consequence toward salvation. True understanding and the Power of God is required to write His Torah in our hearts. Then, we can be effective witnesses of what God has done and will do for mankind.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, April 20, 2023. This is Day 12; Day 5 of week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

In the Old Covenant Writings where God has recorded the story of ancient Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage, we find a very impressive and wonderful account of God’s power and His demonstration of great love for His people. We find even more extraordinary proof of God’s power and love for His people in the New Testament Writings.

About 2000 years ago, our Savior became the literal Lamb of God, our Passover. He also became the literal Wavesheaf; and, the resurrected Son of God, born now of Spirit, rather than flesh and blood and bone; appeared to His disciples on many occasions for a period of 40 days. First, our resurrected Savior appeared to Mary Magdalene and the “other” Mary at the garden tomb just prior to His ascending and being accepted as the True Wavesheaf by His Father.

Matthew 28:1 In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

In Mark 16:12 and 14 we find that He also appeared to other disciples.
(12) After that He appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. (14) Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen.

Sometimes the disciples did not believe Him or recognize Him, and He had to show the scars in His hands and side. Eight days after showing Himself to a group of disciples, He showed Himself to Thomas, a disciple who seemed very skeptical about the eyewitness accounts of the other disciples.

John 20:26-27 (26) And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them:
then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said; Peace be unto you. (27) Then saith He to Thomas; Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing.

These early disciples had so much proof of God’s power and love appearing to them; yet, they tended to be skeptical. There is a good reason for this. They did not yet have the Holy Spirit. It is God’s Spirit that gives humans the ability to see and understand spiritual things.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Our need for God’s Holy Spirit is a great lesson, demonstrated for us by these early disciples. These accounts have tremendous ability to warn us and instruct us about human “knowing” versus the “knowing” we can have by way of God’s Spirit. We need Pentecost! May God bless us on our journey.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Today is Day 11; Day 4 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

After their brief stay at Marah, the ancient Israelites followed the cloud to an oasis named Elim (meaning big trees). There they found 12 wells and 70 palm trees. Many have speculated about what these numbers of wells and trees might symbolize, but Scripture is not clear about this.

Apparently, Israel rested at Elim for several weeks. Here is a Scriptural overview of their journey and camping sites during their first month out of Egyptian bondage.

Although this journey to the Promised Land was thousands of years ago, God has maintained a record for us today, containing specific details for His purposes. May God bless us to trust Him and learn the details He has provided as well as all the lessons He intends for our edification.

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God