Dear Family,

Today is Friday, May 17, 2024. It is Day 20 and Day 6 of week 3 in our Count to Pentecost.

There are some verses in the Bible regarding Moses that can give us some very special insights about how God deals with leaders He has specifically chosen and equipped for the work He has given them to do. We find in the book of Exodus that God‛s presence was with the children of Israel in the cloud by day and in the pillar of fire by night.

Exodus 13:20-22 (20) And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. (21) And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: (22) He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

However, it is clear from the actions, grumbling, and complaining of the people that nearness of the true, powerful, generous, protective God did seem to affect the Israelites as it did Moses.

Moses was submitted and faithful to God; the Israelites were not. There are at least three verses that tell us Moses was faithful in all God gave him to do.

Numbers 12:7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all Mine house.

Hebrews 3:2 Who was faithful to Him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

Hebrews 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

While we think on this aspect of faithfulness in Moses, let us remember that he ate the same food Israel ate, had just as much water as they had, never left the desert for a vacation, and never received a financial bonus for his putting up with Israel‛s stubbornness and complaining.

The closeness God granted to Moses was very special. God talked to him face to face, like a man speaks to his friend. Apparently, Moses never took this special interaction for granted.

Exodus 33:11(A) And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

Brethren, Jesus calls us His friends. He laid down His life for us, and offers us a special closeness. At this time it is not the same closeness as He granted Moses, but it is a VERY special closeness granted to those of His Body, who are the called and the chosen. Let us be sure that God finds us faithful in what He has given us to do.

Revelation 17:14(B) for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Thursday, May 16, 2024. It is Day 19 and Day 5 of Week 3 in our Count to Pentecost.

As we continue to rest with the Israelites at Elim, let us also continue to contemplate the lessons of the entire season from Passover to Pentecost. One of the more mysterious and glorious events of the true Passover story, written by God‛s love through the life and sacrifice of Jesus is the sufferings Jesus endured, and their connection to us today.

The Apostle Paul was aware of the magnitude of the sufferings of Christ, and he also understood that he himself was also set apart to endure some of the “afflictions of Christ.” As he puts it, “for the body‛s sake.”

Colossians 1:23-25 (23) If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body‛s sake, which is the church: (25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Paul spoke of this concept to the entire Church at Corinth. He admonished them to truly consider the Body of Christ, in His full sacrifice, symbolized by the wine for His blood, and the bread for His broken, sinless flesh. He also spoke of “discerning” the Lord‛s Body from the point of view of the Church. In essence, God is telling His people through Paul that we are to be very careful how we interact with others, especially those in the Body of Jesus Christ.

There may be some suffering on our part required of us, also, from time to time.

1 Corinthians 11:26-31 (26) For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord‛s death till He come. (27) Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. (28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord‛s Body. (30) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (31) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Notice that Paul reminds us that if we judge ourselves, we will not be judged later. And, we learn from passages in 1 Peter that if indeed, there is some suffering we must endure for the sake of the Body of Christ, we need to commit ourselves to our faithful Creator in faith and confidence so that God is glorified in us.

1 Peter 2:21-22 (21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: (22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

1 Peter 4:15-19 (15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men‛s matters. (16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Wednesday, May 15, 2024. It is Day 18 and Day 4 of Week 3 in our Count to Pentecost.

At the Elim oasis, God provided spring water and trees for Israel‛s enjoyment and refreshing.

There are a number of places in Scripture where God‛s faithful people are compared to trees, and in these passages we can find a very important spiritual lesson.

In Isaiah they are to “be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD,” as they live by God‛s appointment, when the spirit of heaviness or mourning in Zion is exchanged for the garment of praise. Notice in this Scripture that the reason God does this is so that He will be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

In Psalms 92, God‛s people are compared to the palm tree and to the cedar. And, they will be bringing forth fruit, even in old age.

Psalm 92:12-14 (12) The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. (13) Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. (14) They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

In other Scriptures, God says these faithful are blessed as He plants them near waters, and they continue to bring forth fruit. They don‛t even whither.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (7) Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. (8) For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

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.

In each of these Scriptures, there is an emphasis on bringing forth fruit and glorifying God. This fruit provides clear evidence that we are true disciples of our Lord.

John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Tuesday, May 14, 2024. It is Day 17 and Day 3 of Week 3 in our Count to Pentecost.

The oasis at Elim had twelve springs; plenty enough for the Israelites and their flocks and herds.

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.

God provided water for the thirsty in the middle of the desert. God has put physical water in many places on this earth. There is no lack of thirst-quenching water when we depend on God.

Of course, this supply of physical water for the thirsty has a wonderful spiritual counterpart.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said those who were hungry and thirsty for righteousness were blessed, because they would be filled. It is God‛s will to fill such thirsty ones with His righteousness. He actually wants us to thirst after it, and He promises to give it.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Isaiah 41:17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Let us recognize our need for God‛s water of life, His righteousness, His salvation, and truly thirst after it!

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

Dear Family,

Today is Monday, May 13, 2024. It is Day 16 and Day 2 of Week 3 as we continue our Count to Pentecost.

After Jesus washed His disciples‛ feet, He introduced the new symbols of His Passover Sacrifice. They ate of the Bread (His broken, sinless body), and drank of the cup (His blood to be shed). They were told, “Drink ye all of it.” He also said He would not drink of “this fruit of the vine” until they and He were together “in my Father‛s kingdom.”

Matthew 26:27-29 (27) And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying; Drink ye all of it; (28) For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (29) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father‛s kingdom.

Yet, Jesus did drink of another cup that same Passover day. Although He asked His Father to consider another way to accomplish their plan, He did submit, and He willingly drank of the cup the Father provided.

John 10:18 No man taketh it (My life) from Me, but I lay it down of Myself; I lay down My life for the sheep.

Remember, no one dragged Jesus to His death. He was not passive, nor was He aggressive or resistant. He did not take the part of a self-pitied victim. Rather, He was a willing participant Who endured the cross, despising the shame “for the joy that was set before him.”

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

According to the Apostle Paul, He did all of this because He loves us.

Galatians 2:20(B) I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

The Old Testament prophesied just such a willing sacrifice.

Isaiah 50:5-6 (5) The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. (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.

John 13:1 Having loved His own … He loved them unto the end.

During our times of rest and contemplation, let us keep this wonderful truth about God‛s wondrous love in the forefront of our minds and hearts.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Sunday, May 12, 2024. It is Day 15 and it is Day 1 of Week 3 in our Count to Pentecost.

Have you ever imagined what it must have been like for the Israelite families to take their best little lamb, pen him up from the 10th day to the 14th day and then to kill him, roast him, and eat him? Only the hardest or most calloused of hearts could have accomplished this bloody task without some level of emotional pain.

Remember, the little lamb had to have no visible flaws (be perfect). This little lamb would have still been very energetic and playful. Penning up the lamb would have helped to ensure that he would not be subject to an accident and therefore not be a suitable sacrifice.

But, penning up the lamb would also mean that he would have to be handfed and watered. That took eye-to-eye contact. The whole congregation was to take part in the killing! Did all of the Israelites have dry eyes? Then, after the lamb was dead and the blood drained, he was roasted with his head, legs, and purternance (in essence, it was the entire lamb, including his wool and entrails). The smell would have been quite powerful.

Sometimes we simply read through the passages in Exodus regarding the Passover lamb and fail to experience it as something real. What is God saying to us as we rethink the original Passover? There are many lessons. And, how much more important is it for us to grasp the meanings in the reality of the gruesome sacrificial death of our Savior, the Perfect Lamb of God? What was Mary, His mother, feeling? What was John the beloved Apostle feeling? What do we feel as we remember the details?

It is also important to remember that the original Passover lamb was not beaten, but our Savior was. His sacrificial death was FAR more gruesome. And, the original lamb was not betrayed, taunted or mocked, but Jesus was.

Take a few moments and allow the realities of the painful price Jesus paid for us as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Appreciate God‛s GIFT of overwhelming love and commitment.

References follow.

Matthew 27:41-43 (41) Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, (42) He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. (43) He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Exodus 12:3-10 (3) Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: (4) And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. (5) Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: (6) And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. (7) And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. (8) And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. (9) Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. (10) And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

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

Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, May 11, 2024. It is Day 14 and Day 7 of Week 2 in our Count to Pentecost.

God certainly loves the peoples of ancient times; and, He favored ancient Israel in very special ways. However, the favor they received then is far short of the great favor God is demonstrating towards the Church He is building today.

One extremely important reason the Israelites experienced what they did is so that the lessons could be written down for the benefit of God‛s called out ones as He is creating a Bride for His Son.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

As Israel rested at Elim they had no idea that in a few days, at their next camp site, they would face another enemy power that wanted to wipe them out completely.

One important issue we can learn today from ancient Israel is our need to recognize the enemy and be prepared. Israel could see the physical enemy; Pharaoh, a type of the devil; yet, they were basically unaware of the spiritual reality of Satan when they gave into mistrust, bitter quarreling, and other significant sins.

God revealed to writers of the New Testament much about the real enemy. And, God specifically warns us to be aware of the devices the enemy uses against us so Satan does not get an advantage.

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

As we move through this special season between the acceptance of the first of the firstfruits (Wavesheaf) and Pentecost (representing the remainder of the firstfruits), let us be aware of what God wants us to know and experience. God already knows what we need to experience and learn. He has ALL of the information and ALL of the power we need to be more than conquerors. He is able!

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,

Our God has invested much to offer an everlasting place of honor at His side.

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

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