Dear Family, 

Today is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Today is Day 11 and Day 4 of Week 2 in Count to Pentecost. 

In the Old Testament, we find mention of the Messenger of the Covenant. As we can also see from  Scripture, Jesus is the One assigned and anointed to bear the responsibility of making a New  Covenant or agreement between God and man (Malachi 3:1). 

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

Hebrews 8:13 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. 

In Matthew 26:28 Jesus announcing to His Disciples that His blood is the blood of that New  Covenant; and, Jesus is the One Who fulfilled every one the requirements of the Old; and, He is the  only One capable of establishing and sealing the New Covenant. And, we also notice this New  Covenant has a better kind of promises (Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 11:10,13-16). 

So, we ask, was there a reason for the Old Covenant knowing the New One has better rewards?  Yes! In fact, we can see there was a need for a New Covenant for several reasons.  

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

Matthew 26:28 For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the  remission of sins. 

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Today is Day 10 and Day 3 of Week 2 as we Count to Pentecost. 

There are three main “offices” spoken of in the Old Testament; prophet, priest, and king. Jesus  fulfills all three of these roles. We will look briefly at these three offices. 

Jesus as King 
The office of king in the Old Testament was clearly depicted by David. We know God called David; a  man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).  

Now, notice God‛s promise to David.  

2 Samuel 7:16 (AMP) Your house (royal dynasty) and your kingdom will endure forever before Me;  your throne will be established forever. 

This promise was fulfilled in the Messiah; Who was also given the title “Son of David.” Jesus is  this Son of David and the rightful King.  

Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I  am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 

We also notice that the angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus “will be great and will be called the Son  of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over  Jacob‛s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:32-33) 

The Son of David would be a ruler of God‛s people; and, also, their deliverer.  

The Jews of Jesus‛ time expected a political king (Matthew 21:1–11). This is Jesus the prophet of  Nazareth of Galilee.  

Instead, Jesus conquered sin and death 1 Corinthians 15:54–57). 

He promised He will also return to the earth to rule as a king; first in the Millennial Kingdom; and,  then, forever (1 Corinthians 15:24–28). 

Jesus has “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). 

He has “the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9-11). 

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). 

And, one day, He will be King in the earthly, political sense of the word, as the weight of governance  is borne on His shoulders, He reigns on Mt. Zion, and the nations bring Him homage (Psalm 2:6;  Psalm 48:1–2; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 11:10). Even before then, He truly is the ultimate authority!  

Even though His enemies are not yet made His footstool (Psalm 110:1), Jesus should be reigning fully  in our minds and hearts.

Normally, the three offices of prophet, priest, and king were distinct from each other, with no  overlap. That is, a king was not a priest or a prophet. A priest did not function as a prophet or a  king. And a prophet simply did a prophet‛s job without trying to be a either king or a priest.  

However, Jesus the Christ perfectly fills all three roles simultaneously: He is the Prophet, Priest,  and King, to the great blessing of the world.

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Monday, April 13, 2026. Today is Day 9 and Day 2 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost. 

There are three main “offices” spoken of in the Old Testament; prophet, priest, and king. Jesus  fulfills all three of these roles. We will look briefly at these three offices. 

Jesus as Priest 
Old Testament priests served as mediators between humans and God. It was the priests who  offered sacrifices on behalf of the people. Jesus is our Mediator and our High Priest: “For there is  one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Hebrews 4–10 details how Jesus is our ultimate High Priest and how His priesthood is far superior  to the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament. The writer of Hebrews also explains how the Old  Testament system of priests served to foreshadow the ministry of Jesus. The Levitical priesthood  of Aaron‛s line was not intended to continue forever. Jesus‛ priesthood is eternal. Hebrews 4:14–16 says, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,  Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest  who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every  way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God‛s throne of grace with confidence,  so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” With Jesus as our High  Priest, we can go before God boldly, knowing that Jesus has true compassion on us and that,  through Him, we will experience the grace and mercy of God (see also Hebrews 10:19–23). Hebrews 7 shows how Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was both a  priest and the “king of Salem” who blessed Abraham (Hebrews 7:2; Genesis 14:18). Likewise, Jesus  is not just a “priest forever,” but also a king. 

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

Dear Family, 

Today is Sunday, April 12, 2026. Today is Day 8 and Day 1 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.  

There are three main “offices” spoken of in the Old Testament; prophet, priest, and king. Jesus  fulfills all three of these roles. We will look briefly at these three offices. 

Jesus as Prophet 
In the Old Testament, men of God were tasked with speaking God‛s Word to the people; and, this  included both proclaiming God‛s truth to others and revealing God‛s plans for the future. Some of  the prophets also performed miracles and healings. 

The people of Jesus‛ day referred to Him as a prophet many times; and, He took the title upon  Himself as well (Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16; John 4:19; Mark 6:4).  

Both Peter and Stephen spoke of Jesus as being the ultimate fulfillment of Moses‛ prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15; Jesus is the prophet like Moses who must be listened to (Acts 3:17–23; 7:37– 38, 51–53). 

Jesus taught God‛s Word, often speaking in parables. “The people were amazed at his teaching,  because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law” (Mark 1:22). 

Much like the Old Testament prophets, Jesus also foretold the future. For example, He told His  disciples of His pending death and resurrection (Matthew 17:22–23; 20:17–19), Judas‛ betrayal  (Matthew 26:20–25; John 13:18–30), and Peter‛s denial (Matthew 26:31–35; Mark 14:27–30; Luke  22:61; John 13:31–38). He predicted the coming of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7–15; Luke 24:49; Acts  1:4–5), the persecution of His followers (John 16:1–4, 33), and the destruction of the temple  (Matthew 24:1–2). Perhaps most encouraging for believers today, Jesus prophesied of His coming  return (Matthew 24:30–31; John 14:3). 

Like many of the Old Testament prophets, Jesus performed multiple healings and miracles  (Matthew 8:1–17; 9:18–33; Mark 1:32–34; 2:1–12; Luke 17:11–19; 18:35–43; John 2:1–11; 6:1–24). He  even compared Himself to Elijah and Elisha (Luke 4:24–27). The people of Nazareth rejected Jesus,  just as the people of Israel did not believe Elijah and Elisha. 

Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1). He does not simply speak the Word of God as a mere human  prophet, but is Himself the Word made flesh (John 1:14). He is the final word, the ultimate  revelation of God: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and  in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all  things, and through whom also he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1–2). 

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

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, April 11, 2026. Today is Day 7 of Week 1 in our Count to Pentecost.

Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

One of the ways the Bible describes Jesus is “arm of the Lord.” This is a beautiful reference to God’s Anointed One, the Messiah, our Savior. It also is a reference to God’s power as He conquers His enemies. Soon, all of God’s enemies will be destroyed (crushed) and all the world will see God’s salvation in and by Jesus Christ, Who is the Mighty Arm of the Lord.

Psalm 89:10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.

Psalm 98:1 O sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.

Isaiah 52:10 The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God.

God’s great victories through Jesus Christ, the Arm of the Lord, will ultimately take us as His people into His promised land.

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

Dear Family,  

Today is Friday, April 10, 2026. Today is Day 6 of Week 1 in our Count to Pentecost.  

As we consider some of the many signs, exorcisms, raising the dead, healings and other types of miraculous works Jesus did while He was Human, as His disciples, we will be growing in grace and knowledge of Who and What God is.  The Apostle John emphasized that Jesus did many miracles that He was not able to write about.  

John 20:30-31 (30) And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. (31) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.

Jesus’ miracles served God’s purposes, including showing Jesus’ glory.  Jesus began doing miracles at the beginning of His public ministry. John wrote that the first miracle Jesus did was to manifest His glory.  When the disciples witnessed miracles He performed, they believed on Him. 

John 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him. 

We continue to experiences various miraculous works.  And, that will continue to happen in God’s timing.  The Word promises more to come. Jesus’ works showed God’s love and Jesus’ compassion, and they met the real needs of people.  We learn from the Apostle John that Jesus promised that His disciples would do greater works than He did while on earth.  How is that to be accomplished?  

John 14:10-13 (10) I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. (11)  Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. (12)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. (13)  And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

All miraculous works we will ever experience begin and end with Jesus’ doing the will of His Father.  Jesus said the miraculous works He did were done by the Father, and Jesus will continue to do them now that He is in heaven with His Father. Greater works are not only possible; they will be done.

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

Dear Family,  

Today is Thursday, April 9, 2026. Today is Day 5 of Week 1 in our Count to Pentecost.  

Although there are few references to Jesus’ physical looks, there are hundreds of references that  show us His approach to life, His character/nature, and His choices. Below are listed of a few of  the verses that describe Jesus as tenderhearted, with mercy, empathy, and compassion. As a  Human, He took on the feelings of others in a vicarious way.  

Jesus cares about our pains and our needs! Isaiah describes Jesus as carrying our griefs and our sorrows. These griefs were in addition to His own sufferings as He was being beaten and crucified.  

Isaiah 53:4 Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him  stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

Jesus is touched by our feelings! 

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our  infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

Mark describes Jesus as being moved with feelings of compassion for the multitudes that followed  after Him. Jesus recognized the needs of others. 

Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward  them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to teach them many things. 

Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion  toward them, and He healed their sick. 

Jesus wept over Jerusalem for their evil deeds. 

Luke 19:37 And when He was come near, He beheld the City, and wept over it 

Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which  are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth  her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 

Let us remember to follow His Example. Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ  forgave you. 

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

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Today is Day 4 of Week 1 in our Count to Pentecost.

There is very little in Scripture to indicate what the Human Jesus looked like nor what His personality was really like. Scripture only gives us a few hints about Jesus’ physical look and dress. It appears that there is a bit more of a direct description and detail about John the Baptist’s look, his dress, and the kind of food he ate (Matthew 3:4). We simply do not know how tall Jesus was, nor even the color of His hair and eyes.

Throughout the last 2000 years, much of what has been painted as portraits of Jesus shows a frail, effeminate man with very weak, soft looking features and long hair. Certainly, that depiction of Jesus does not take into account that Jesus is described as traveling on tough journeys by foot for many miles across Judea and Galilee. Apparently, He and His disciples slept outside and walked in sunshine. His skin may have been quite tanned; and, He may have been as muscled as any of His disciples as He is described as a carpenter from Nazareth.

Below are a few of the places where the physical appearance of Jesus is mentioned to some degree:

(1) He probably looked like a typical Jewish man of His day and was able to slip through a crowd of Jews and had to be identified when He was arrested.
Luke 4:29-30 And rose up, and thrust Him out of the city, and led Him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went His way.
Matthew 26:48 Now he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast.

(2) Apparently, Jesus was not especially handsome.
Isaiah 53:2 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.

(3) He wore a beard. His tormentors ripped His beard away from His face.
Isaiah 50:6 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.

(4) He likely had short hair.
1 Corinthians11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

As true Disciples of Jesus and serious Bible students, we can be comforted to know that God inspired the Bible as we have it today. God will tell us what we need to know in His time and in His sequence. And, one day, we will all finally get to see the face of our Savior. Today, Jesus is described for us in Revelation.

Revelation 1:14-15 (14) His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire; (15) And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Today is Day 3 of Week 1 in our Count to Pentecost.

Are we aware there is an abundance of symbolisms that God gave Israel throughout their wilderness journey? Consider in addition to the Tabernacle, the sacrificial system, and the priesthood; God also provided for their physical needs at specific time in some ways that can only be described as being supernatural; only from God. And, here is the point; are we aware these were given as symbolic pictures of the coming Messiah.

We know this is true because of what Jesus told Nicodemus in the Gospel of John.

John 3:10,14-15 (10) Jesus answered and said unto him; Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? (14) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Jesus also taught the Jews who followed Him that He symbolically pictured the manna that their forefathers ate in the wilderness.

John 6:41,48,51 (41) The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said; I am the bread which came down from heaven. (48) I am that bread of life. (51) I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

And, of course, we also know; Paul correctly taught the Corinthian Brethren that the rock in the wilderness; where the waters came out; was Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

We can also add the account of the bitter water that was healed by the tree thrown into it (Ex. 15:22-27) to the account of the rock and the bronze serpent and the manna.

So, we repeat again, there is an abundance of symbolisms that God gave Israel throughout their wilderness journey; and, these were given as symbolic pictures of the coming Messiah!; our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ!

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

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, April 6, 2026. Today is Day 2 of Week 1 in our Count to Pentecost.

As we begin another year of Counting to Pentecost, these daily write-ups will focus on the life of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will not necessarily follow a chronological order.

It is clear in scripture that Jesus was a Jew and so were most of His early followers. Even though Jesus had a short ministry and a short human life of about 33 years, His life as a Human Being is a central issue in the work God did by Him and through Him.

The Bible gives two lines of genealogy for Jesus. One line was a legal line through Joseph, the husband of Mary, that the Jewish populace would have thought of as Jesus’ father (Luke 3). Yet, Jesus’ bloodline goes through Mary’s genealogy that is recorded in the book of Matthew. Correct Jewish genealogy was very important to the Jews. And, it was very unusual for genealogies to be counted through the mother; however, the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:13) was extremely unusual. Clearly, the Bible shows Jesus was a Human Jew.

As we begin this focus on Jesus as we Count to Pentecost, what is most important to always remember is that Jesus was truly a flesh and blood and bone Human Being. And, His Father was Almighty God. Both of those truths are foundational and vital to our salvation. Those truths set the stage for all of the work Jesus accomplished for our salvation. He finished the work God had sent Him to do as a Human Being through the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

John 3:34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

As a Jew, Jesus knew the Jewish traditions and legal requirements very well. He was very aware that no Jewish tradition and no animal sacrifice would suffice and fit God’s requirement. Jesus never broke God’s law and became the Perfect Sacrifice God’s righteous judgment required as the penalty for sin. And, only as a Human Being, living the Perfect and righteous life, could this penalty be paid.

While Jesus walked as a human, He participated in certain activities that many Jews of His day observed. And yet, He observed all of God’s commandments, making a clear distinction between Jewish tradition and God’s law. His teachings and His approach to Jewish tradition brought Him into open conflict with the religious leaders of His day. The leaders saw Him as something of a rebel Rabbi; and, at His trial, the Jews accused Him of rebellion against Caesar. Jesus was put to death by the hands of the Romans, but the Jewish religious hierarchy and the Jewish populace they worked up against Jesus, were largely responsible of His crucifixion.

One of most the astounding truths about Jesus was that He knew He became Human to die for mankind. His death was not a surprise. Jesus proved Himself to be the willing Sacrifice as He submitted to God’s will.

Hebrews 10:4-7 (4) For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. (5) Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared Me: (6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. (7) Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God.

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