God’s Power to Create

Johnny Harrell

May 28, 2023

We, as the Church of God—PKG, we understand about God’s power that He is using to create His Family, Elohim, His spiritual creation, but it’s interesting what mankind keeps striving to do. Man has now launched another telescope, and it’s called the James Webb Telescope, and that telescope is a hundred times more powerful than the previous telescope, the Hubble Telescope.

Mankind is looking at the creation of God, but mankind does not give God any credit for what they see. All they see is what they call “the Big Bang,” that happened a long, long time ago. But you and me, we can look at those pictures that come back from those telescopes and we can see just a glimpse of the magnitude of our God.

We understand that what we see is the power of God. We know that it was His power that He used to create all that is out there, the physical planets and the stars that we see. But it’s an unseen power to mankind. They do not give God any credit for that creation.

But we understand that God is creating, is in the process of a more important creation. We know that God is creating His Family, the spiritual creation. But to man, it’s an unseen power. They have no comprehension of what God is creating. It’s only to us, the Church of God.

But we know, we understand we limit God with this physical mind that we have. We know that mankind does limit God and doesn’t give God any credit. But we limit God also because we are physical; we have a physical mind, and we are a physical being.

But mankind is continually searching for the origins of creation and is using those telescopes to try to find the origins. But those of us in God’s Church know that it was God’s power to create all that mankind can see through those telescope. And if we all remember the Powers of 10, and the video that was produced where the video would go into the earth, past the grass into the ground, and then it would return and go back up into outer space and see some of the things that are out there, it’s an awesome thing to see, that Powers of 10 video.

But we know that God created man from the dust of this earth. That’s what man was created from, another of God’s creation, and He did it right here upon this earth. Not from any other place that man can see out here. Not from the moon. Not from the stars. Not from any other planet. He was created right here from the dust of this earth.

God created what we can see of these physical things, and we understand that He is creating a much greater creation, and He is creating His Family, Elohim, as we spoke about earlier, but that power is unseen to mankind. But that’s what it’s about at this time, God’s spiritual creation.

The day of Pentecost is much about God’s spiritual creation. God gave us examples in this book of how to live our lives while we are in these physical bodies, so that you and I can become part of that spiritual creation that is ongoing.

So, those of us in God’s Church, we focus on God and His power to create His Family. That is the subject today, God’s Power to Create.

God used His power when He made a move to deliver the Israelites, a physical nation. Actually, this was a time of deliverance for the Israelites, but now it is almost time for another deliverance. It is almost time for the deliverance of the Church of God that is being prepared for the return of God’s Son back to this earth. He’s coming back with 144,000, as we know, 144,000 of God’s spiritual creation that will be manifested in the near future to mankind. Mankind will once again see the power of the Great God of this universe.

It’s not by chance, what is about to happen on this day of Pentecost that is in our future. It’s written for us. It’s like a picture for you and me; it’s like a picture that God painted for His Church, His people, the one that is being prepared for the return of His Son back to this earth. But it is an unseen power at this time for mankind.

Joshua the Christ made a statement, would he find faith when he returns to this earth? So, by this statement we understand what the condition will be upon this earth when he begins to return to this earth. Would he find faith? That’s what he said. So, this tells us the state of the condition of this earth at that time for His Family, His Church.

Let’s turn over to Hebrews 11 and let’s begin there, and let’s see what was written. We’ll begin in verse 1. We know most of these scriptures by heart. This is known as the faith chapter and it’s where it’s explained.

In Hebrews 11:1 it says, Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. And let’s notice—By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God. So here it tells you and me about God’s great power, and He used that power to create those physical things, those worlds, those things that are out there.

We can see those pictures of planets supported by nothing that we can see. They’re just suspended in space without any gravity of any kind that you and I know of, but there they are in an orderly orbit. It’s God’s unseen power by mankind, but you and me, we can see that power. We can see the power the Great God of this universe, the power that He used to create those things that mankind can see through those telescopes.

It’s beyond the physical mind. It’s not something that the physical mind can comprehend, how those things are there. That’s why we say we so limit God with this physical mind because it really is limited. We can’t understand those things that are there.

And mankind has now, he has now the ability to see what is really out there, a little deeper because of the telescopes that he has created. But like I said, we cannot fully comprehend and understand how those things were created. But we know that God created everything that is out there and that it is for a future use in God’s plan. God has a plan for those things that we can see through those telescopes.

It says, let’s notice, So that the things which are seen—let’s notice what is said by this statement—were not made of things which are visible. So, this is far above the limits of the human mind, this statement, and we cannot understand this very statement. But this is what God tells you and me about His unseen power. But now we can see those pictures of planets and stars that are just sitting there with nothing supporting them, just suspended in the nothingness of space.

What it says here, “That the things which are seen were made of things which are not visible.” So, the human mind cannot comprehend that very statement, and when we try to comprehend the power of the Great God of this universe we can see only this minute part of His creation.

But we know that He is now creating His spiritual creation, which mankind cannot see. But you and me can see it because of God’s power. He used that power to instill in these minds, the ones that He has called, and it is the power of the Great God of this universe that gives you and me understanding. This is God’s greatest creation of all, the creation of His Family, Elohim.

We understand that there is a spirit world that contains Satan and the demons, and the angels that God created also. We understand that it is a spirit world that is not visible to the human eyes. We know it’s there and we cannot comprehend even this. But we know that this is part of God’s creation, the creation of the angels, a spiritual creation.

Let’s continue on in verse 7 and see what else was written. By faith Noah, being divinely warned, in other words, warned by God, of things not seen moved with godly fear. Noah is believing what God is telling him. Sometimes we can just read through this and miss what is really being said. But you and me are being warned just as Noah was, but we don’t always focus on that.

We understand it says that “he moved with godly fear.” But the same is for you and me. We should move with godly fear as we move through God’s plan at this end-time. Fear to disobey our God. That’s what Noah realized. He understood that he was dealing with the Great God of this universe, and he believed God. That’s why Noah prepared that ark, and he “prepared it for the saving of his household,” because he believed what God had told him about the flood that would come.

By which he condemned the world—let’s notice… So, this is saying that undoubtedly Noah understood how corrupt everything was. He could see it. Mankind had become so corrupt. And by what is written here we know, and through other sermons, that Noah agreed with God that man had become so corrupt. Noah agreed with God.

By faith Abraham obeyed God when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance, and he went out. You notice he understood that he would receive an inheritance. It’s much about that inheritance. The day of Pentecost is much about the inheritance that some will receive on this day in the future.

But he didn’t know where he was going, but he believed God, and he obeyed God, and he had faith in God. He did not know where he was going, but the context here, it’s about that inheritance. That’s what it’s about. But now it’s about the inheritance for those of us in God’s Church that is preparing for the Kingdom of God. It’s about those and their inheritance that are in the grave also, some of those, God’s spiritual creation, His creation for the firstfruits that will now be manifest on this day of Pentecost in the future.

That’s what this day of Pentecost pictures, a time when God will use His great power to bring the firstfruits and His sons back to the earth and set up the government upon this earth, and the Kingdom of God upon this earth.

Down in this next verse it says that He waited for the city, and that’s what it’s about, the City, the day of Pentecost, the city that which has foundations, whose builder—let’s notice—whose builder and maker is God. God’s spiritual creation. The unseen power of God that mankind cannot see. But the day of Pentecost is when the firstfruits will be manifested to all this earth.

It says they waited on the same city that you and I look forward to, the city of peace that is coming to this earth. We are on a road to deliverance, and some will see this city established. So, we believe God just as they did. We have faith that God will send His Son back to this earth and bring some at that time with him, the first of God’s spiritual creation.

Verse 13—These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims upon this earth. For those who say such things plainly declare that they seek a homeland. Those of us in God’s Church are really pilgrims upon this earth. We understand this. We understand we really do not fit in Satan’s world. This is not our world.

But now they desire a better, that is a heavenly country. The same thing that you and me desire, the same thing that you and I have faith in, that this city of peace will be here. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared this city for them.

Verse 24—By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing… So, we can see he chose. It was his choice. Just like all of us have to choose, we have to make that choice. We understand God does not force anyone. So, we choose. We can see that Moses believed God and he had faith in his God, and he chose to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. So, we can see and understand that he made that choice, the choice that all of us have to make to obey God. Then we have to choose this way of life.

Verse 26—Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he looked to the reward. The same that you and I look forward to, the return of Joshua the Christ to set up the Kingdom of God upon this earth. That’s what we look forward to. We look forward to that spiritual Body, to shed this flesh.

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king. It’s a lot of faith that Moses had. He had to have it to do the job that he would have to face. I cannot imagine being in that position to do the things that he had to do, to go before a king, to go before Pharaoh that had power to immediately lift your head from your body.

But he endured, it says, as seeing Him who is invisible. So, we understand that that’s talking about the Great God of this universe, the same one that created this universe, everything that we can see. But Moses personally saw the power of the Great God.

God says there will be some alive when His Son returns back to this earth. They will see some awesome sights. Some will partake of this great power when He sends some back to this earth. Some that are now will live to see these awesome events take place.

For some, it’s to live into the Millennial reign of Joshua the Christ upon this earth and to see the awesome power of their God. It’s the same one that created everything that is out there in space. It’s a magnificent creation just floating, waiting for another time. But mankind now will not give God any credit for what is out there.

So, when you and I look we begin to realize just how limited our minds really are. What is it God says? We’re “like dust on the scales.” Kind of puts it into perspective when you say it that way, “dust on the scales.” I hope all of us understand we are just like a dot on the head of a pin in the space of time. That’s how minute we are in God’s creation. God down through time has been creating a people for Himself to become kings and priests also upon this earth.

Let’s turn over to 1 Thessalonians 4:13. God tells us, He had it written, I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believed that Joshua died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who sleep in Joshua. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who are asleep.

This explains the order of how it will take place on this day of Pentecost. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, and with the voice of an archangel, and with the Trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. We know by these scriptures, we know that there will be those that are alive at the coming of our Savior.

Verse 17—Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words. So, we believe God also. We believe this will take place.

1 Thessalonians 5:1, this is when it was concerning the times and the seasons, and he said, You have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they will not escape.

We understand what Paul was writing about. We see these labor pains taking place. We see it everyday when we look at the news. It’s all we hear; nuclear weapons, war, countries rising up, building more weapons. So, we see those labor pains. We see the destruction that is on the horizon.

Verse 4—But you are not in darkness. That’s true because we can see these pains. We know that God has a plan, and we know He has a plan for this day that we are here celebrating, the day of Pentecost.

God tells us that we are not in darkness so that this day should overtake us as a thief. He tells us, You are sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night or darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be sober. So, that’s what God is telling you and me.

When we look around at this world, this world that Satan has created, we see all those threats of those nuclear weapons. Russia and Ukraine, and what he is doing, the atrocities that he is committing and the threats that he is making now to the rest of the world, to use nuclear weapons, and the UK and the US and probably others that I don’t even know about. North Korea is now building their nuclear program again.

We can look around at all these things that are taking place, and everything that we hear on the news now, that’s a labor pain and it’s a sobering event that is about to take place. God is telling you and me to watch and be sober. Even though it’s like looking through a dark glass, as He tells us, we can still see what’s in our future. We have a glimpse of our future.

Verse 8—But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. We do hope we can be there on this day or live into the Millennium for another time and still take part of our salvation.

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Joshua the Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep we should live together with him. Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter what time. Therefore, comfort each other and edify one another just as you also are doing.

Verse 19 tells us not to quench the spirit, God’s spirit. That is so necessary in the times that you and me live in. We have seen so many that walked side by side with you and me, and we know that that’s what they have done, and now they are cut off from God’s spirit.

We are in the most serious and the most dangerous times of man’s history. God tells us in this book about a time of Jacob’s trouble. God tells us to watch and be sober.

Joshua the Christ came the first time as the Passover lamb, and we understand because of that we are forgiven of our sins. He was beaten beyond recognition for who he was, and he died a horrible, horrible death to make it possible for you and me at this time. He was beaten with a cat-o-nine-tails that just tears the flesh from the body. But he was willing to do this for you and me and for all that will want what you have been called to now.

But this time, he’s returning not as a lamb but as a lion and he’s returning as King of kings to set up the Kingdom of God upon this earth. He’s coming to rescue us from Satan’s world that has been created. It’s a system that God calls Babylon in His book, the Babylonian system, Satan’s world. Regardless of wherever you may be upon this earth, it’s Satan’s influence upon man.

We are being rescued from Satan’s world through God’s power. God says we’re being rescued from the captivity unto the path of the promised Kingdom of God, God’s promise.

I hope all of us understand that we are on a countdown to the return of God’s Son back to this earth. God tells you and me to make our calling and election sure, and He also says that if we are obedient, in other words, if we obey God and believe God, we will never stumble. He tells us that an entrance will be supplied to those that do this, that are obedient. There will be an entrance supplied. We know what He’s speaking about, “into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Joshua the Christ.” That’s what God says.

It’s being offered to those that are called now. So, we need to heed these words and not forget what God has done for you and me. We know that it’s a miracle that we have been called. That’s a miracle that God has already performed. It’s a miracle that you are sitting here today. The only reason that you are sitting here is because of that miracle that God has put in your mind.

He's opened your mind. That’s why you’re here, through His power, God’s great power. It’s through that unseen power to this world mankind cannot see this. But we can see it; we can see that power.

Christ said when the pharisees and Sadducees were questioning him (and they were testing him), and they asked him to show them a sign, and he told them, he came back with an analogy He said, “When it is evening, you will say it’s fair weather. He said the sky will be red, and in the morning it will be foul weather, for the sky is red and threatening.” So, he called them hypocrites. He didn’t mince his words. He said, “You can discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the sign of the times.”

It’s no different today. When we look around at the sky today, so to speak, and see the condition that the world is in, if we cannot discern the times that we are in you would be in deep trouble…if you cannot see all these pains that are there. The only way that we can know the real condition is by God revealing it to this mind through His spirit. That’s how we know. That’s how we understand.

Some in the world now because of the nuclear threats that are being made, they know the power of those weapons, but they have no idea of the magnitude of what is about to take place upon this earth. They think they can survive. But we know that unless God intervenes this world is headed for total destruction. Man has that power now.

All of us should be thankful for what God has revealed to us, these truths that we now have. I hope everyone is thankful for the knowledge that God has given you. I hope everyone is thankful for the privilege of knowing the correct way to live their lives. I hope everyone is thankful for the truth, to know who God is, just some of that knowledge, and to know who His Son is, Joshua the Christ that became the Passover for you and me at this time, and to know the plan of God. I hope you are thankful for all those truths that have been revealed since the Apostasy.

Let’s turn over to 1 John 2:15. God had it written, Do not love the world or the things in it. It’s Satan’s world, brethren, but there’s a new world coming in just a short while. God said that If anyone loves this world, speaking about Satan’s world, the love of the Father is not in him, for all that is in the world, Satan’s world—let’s notice—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of Satan’s world. And the world, Satan’s world, this age is passing away, and the lusts of it.

Sometimes we can just read, like I said earlier, and we miss all that is being said. Here we read that “the lusts will pass away.” So, sometimes we can just read through this and not grasp it. It’s so important that the lusts pass away, and we know when those lusts are completely done away, we know that God’s plan has come to fruition when that takes place. But these lusts have been the downfall of so many, those lusts that are in mankind. Those lusts have destroyed so many lives. So, this is a wonderful, wonderful thing to understand.

Let’s notice what else is being said, But he who does the will of God abides forever. It will be accomplished through the power of the Great God of this universe to create His Family. But when we look around we see this sick world that’s been created, and we see all these lusts that we just spoke about.

Satan’s world does not have long for a new age to begin where their lusts will begin to be done away with at the end. I long for this day of Pentecost when it will all begin, when God’s Son will be here.

When Joshua stood on trial for his life Pilate asked him a question, and we know this account. He asked him was he a king? And Joshua answered and he said, “You say that I am a king.” He told him that that was why he was born and that’s why he came into the world. Joshua told him that “My kingdom is not of this age.”

Luke tells us that when the angel was speaking to Mary he told Mary that she would conceive in her womb, and she would bring forth a son and she would name him Joshua. He told them, told Mary, that he would be great, and he would be called the Son of the Highest. The Great God of this universe would give unto him the throne of his father David, and he would reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there would be no end.

These scriptures tell us that Christ was born to be a king and that his kingdom will rule for all eternity, and it would, there would be no end.

Luke tells us about the nobleman, and we understand that this nobleman is about Christ. It tells us the story of when he went to the throne of God, calls it “a far country,” and he would be coronated as King of kings over all the nations, and then he would return back to this earth. The day of Pentecost is when he will return back to this earth, on this day in the future.

This time he is coming as King of kings and Lord of lords to establish world government upon this earth, and then he will begin to teach mankind the correct way to live their lives, the way that you and I are learning about now. We understand that Christ’s very gospel was about the Kingdom of God that would come to this earth to save mankind. We understand that he would come and stop the wars that would annihilate every living thing upon this earth. We understand that he’s coming to stop the pain eventually, and he will stop the suffering eventually for those that accept this way of life, that want what God is offering them.

He's coming to usher in peace, peace that has so eluded mankind. But God says that he will bring peace and it will be done. That peace will be brought about through the power of the Great God of this universe to create His Family, Elohim.

Let’s turn over to Hebrews 12:22 and let’s notice what was written. We’ve come to Mount Zion—and let’s notice—to the city of the Living God. So, I hope everyone understands that that’s what takes place when we come before our God. I hope we understand that we are coming before the Great God of this universe, the one that has created everything, the one that is creating His Family, Elohim.

Let’s notice the rest, the way it’s said, to the heavenly Jerusalem, to that city of peace that is coming to this earth, and to an innumerable company of angels.

Let’s notice verse 23—To the general assembly—and let’s notice—Church of the firstborn. So, it says a lot about Pentecost, the Church of the firstborn. I hope everyone understands what they have been called to be a part of, a part of God’s creation, His spiritual creation, who are registered in heaven. To God, the judge of all, to the spirits of just men and women being made perfect; see that you do not refuse him who speaks.

For if they did not escape who refused him who spoke on earth much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth. But now He has promised saying, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also heaven. Now, this yet once more indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken as of things that are made. Let’s notice—That the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

We know that God’s Kingdom is coming to this earth, and that’s what this day of Pentecost is about.

Verse 28 says, Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence—let’s notice—in godly fear, fear to disobey our God. Just like Noah. Just like Moses. Just like Abraham had, and all those that have gone before you and me. We know that all of those served their God with godly fear, fear to disobey their God, to be obedient to their God.

So, this day of Pentecost is a day in God’s plan where He shows us the importance of the firstfruits. We understand, as we read earlier, that there will be some alive when Christ returns, but we also understand that the Church of God does not cease to exist.

Let’s turn over to Leviticus 23 and let’s see where God painted a picture a long time ago. He painted us a picture of His plan for His firstfruits. The Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, everything is connected, brethren. It’s all connected.

We understand that Christ fulfilled the wave offering that was presented during Unleavened Bread. We understand that Christ fulfilled that symbolism. He is now sitting at his Father’s throne.

In Leviticus 23:15 we find, And you will count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, seven Sabbaths will be completed.

So, it’s talking about the sheaf, the wave offering which represented Joshua the Christ. It was part of the ceremony that was carried out during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Verse 16 tells us, Count fifty to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you will offer a new grain offering to the Eternal.

The instruction for Pentecost now begins in verse 17, and let’s see how it was written. You will bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephor. They will be of fine flour—and let’s notice—and they will be baked with leaven. This is our picture of what it’s speaking about. We know that that leaven speaks about sin (it’s how it’s used).

They are the firstfruits to the Eternal. This is where the picture of Pentecost begins. As we go through the sermon today it will bring us up to those who will be alive at the return of Joshua the Christ.

And let’s notice, You will offer with bread seven lambs of the first year, without blemish, one young bull, two rams. They will be as a burnt offering to the Eternal with the grain offerings and the drink offerings, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma to the Eternal. Then you will sacrifice one kid of the goats as a sin offering and two male lambs of the first year as a sacrifice of a peace offering.

And in verse 20 we find The priest will wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the Eternal with the two lambs. They will be holy to the Eternal for the priest. And you will proclaim on the same day that it is a holy convocation to you. You will do no customary work on it; it will be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

So, it’s about those who will be the firstfruits in the Kingdom of God. It shows us this day of Pentecost. It shows us the plan of God that He has for a people who will become firstfruits, and they will then become a part of the God Family at that time. Then they will live in the God Family as spirit beings for all eternity.

It is the power of God to create the firstfruits that become part of His Family, to become Elohim. It will be manifested on this day of Pentecost, the picture that was painted during the ceremony, the ceremony of the firstfruits. They were pictured by these two wave loaves that were waved. These wave loaves, as we read, were with leaven. So, there’s some symbolism in what was done.

We understand that Joshua the Christ was pictured in the wave offering as being unleavened, without sin. So, we understand the analogies, we understand that this is speaking about sin. These two wave loaves that were waved were with leaven, which pictured sin, and we know that their sins were forgiven by Joshua the Christ that became the Passover.

But these two loaves picture the ones that God has called out of all of mankind during all of mankind’s years upon this earth. So, let’s turn over to Revelation 14 and this is where we will find that God had it written in His book who they were, through John.

Revelation 14:1. Let’s go through this today. I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him—let’s notice—a hundred and forty-four thousand, having his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. So, this is what John was hearing and this is how he wrote what he was shown.

He wrote it down in God’s book. And they sang, as it were, a new song before the throne—let’s notice—before the four living beings, and the elders, and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand.

It tells us who they are and where they came from. God tells us that the hundred and forty-four thousand were redeemed from the earth. In God’s plan this day of Pentecost is a picture, and it’s about those that would be redeemed from the earth. This is the day that they will come back to this earth…on this day, what we’re reading here, that 144,000.

And these are the ones that were not defiled with women, so, we understand the symbolism, for they are virgins. It’s speaking about something that is spiritual. This is where it tells us, These are the ones who followed the Lamb wherever he goes. So, it’s about the ones that were faithful. That’s what it was speaking about earlier, the symbolisms, the ones that are called virgins, and the ones that were not defiled with the ways of this world, the religions of this world. “And these are those that followed the Lamb wherever he goes.”

It explains it even further. It tells us these were redeemed from among men—let’s notice who they are—being firstfruits. The two loaves that were waved, those that were waved with leaven, those two loaves. This is the picture that we just read about in Leviticus 23. It’s a picture that they were brought out of sin, that they were forgiven of their sin, the 144,000, those firstfruits.

The firstfruits of Revelation, it’s the same ones that have been redeemed to God through the blood of God’s Son, Joshua the Christ, and it was done through the great power of the Great God of this universe. It’s how it will be brought to fruition on this day of Pentecost, through that power, God’s power to create His Family, the firstfruits. It will be manifested on the day of Pentecost in the future, and it will be manifested to the whole earth when it takes place.

The exodus, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, the giving of the 10 Commandments were given on this day also, on this day of Pentecost. All of it together paints us a beautiful picture of God’s plan. The wave offering of Joshua the Christ, the wave offering of those two loaves, and all of it paints us a picture so that we can understand more about this day of Pentecost in God’s plan.

Let’s turn over to Acts 1:1—The former account I made, O Theophiles, of all that Joshua began to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, and he through the holy spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom he had chosen, to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs.

And let’s notice verse 2—Being seen by them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. And then assembled with them he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which he said you have heard from me. For John truly baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the holy spirit not many days from now. Therefore, when they had come together they asked him, saying, Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?

So, they understood that there was a kingdom coming but they don’t have what we have, brethren. They were limited to what they knew in their day. They had no comprehension of what would take place through time, they were so limited. But they had to go back after Pentecost so they could understand what Christ had spoken to them.

Let’s notice what he said to them in verse 7—It’s not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. Just what we’re speaking about. There was so much that they didn’t know in their day.

Let’s notice how this is saying, For it was not for them to know because the Father had put it in his own authority. That’s why. But you will receive power when the holy spirit has come upon you, and you will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria. And let’s notice the rest, and to the ends of the earth. Because we understand, because God names them, they will be the firstfruits that come back. They will be in that 144,000 group that will be here. It will go to the ends of the earth at that day, on this day.

Then when he has spoken these things to them, while they watched he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, we know it was two angels that stood by them in white apparel. We know that’s who it was. …who also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven. This same Joshua who was taken up from you into heaven—let’s notice—will so come in like manner as you saw him go into heaven.

Now, you and I know that when Christ makes his move to come back on this day of Pentecost, we understand that mankind will turn and fight. They will actually fight Christ as he’s returning back to this earth.

I find it so interesting that this week I was watching the news, the national news network, and they were having discussions about the UFO’s. I think it’s the first time it’s really been on a national news channel, and they were discussing UFO’s. For those that may not know what a UFO is, it’s an Unidentified Flying Object. The Undersecretary of the United States was on a national news channel with a panel of senators and others, and they were discussing these unidentified flying objects.

Then they showed video’s that the pilots had encountered. And others had captured those videos of flashes of light that was flying this way and that way. But what I found interesting is that this type of discussion is now taking place. Because we know that mankind will fight Christ as he is returning back to this earth on this day of Pentecost.

These discussions are being done now. The whole world can now see all these videos that were classified in the past. They are making it available to the public, all of those pictures and videos of things that have been seen in the atmosphere that have been recorded. So, I found this interesting.

But let’s return back. We know by the scriptures that there will be some among the Church of God, as I said earlier, that will be alive. They will be a witness to these things that we are speaking about when Joshua the Christ makes his move to return back to this earth, the coming Kingdom of God at this time. The statement that was made to those disciples, it was not to them; it was not for them to know the time or the seasons. But it is for you and me at the Church of God. We know that it will take place at this day of Pentecost, the return of God’s Son. We have so much more knowledge than any that have lived before you and me, that have gone before you and me. We have so much knowledge.

Those that are in the grave that lived 4-5,000 years ago, they have no idea of the technology that you and I have. We can pull this little box out of our pocket, and we can talk to someone around the earth. That’s the technology that we have. They were riding on mules and donkeys in their day, some horses, I’m sure. They will be astonished just to see what has taken place through time.

Let’s turn over to Revelation 7. God has explained to you and me who the firstfruits are. We know that they represent down through time that 144,000 that will become kings and priests upon the earth.

Revelation 7:1 we pick up the story and we find an event that has to take place. God tells us through John, Revelation 7:1—After these things I saw four angels standing on four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow upon the earth, or upon the sea, or upon any tree. So, this paints you and me a picture of an event that has to take place.

Verse 2—John saw another angel ascending from the east. Let’s notice it’s got a lot to do with Pentecost, having the seal of the living God. And cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted—so let’s notice what was granted—saying, Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God upon their foreheads.

We understand that the Church of God has to be clean. Here we find the number again, same number of firstfruits of Pentecost. And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand. We understand this about the tribes of the children that were sealed.

Verse 9—We understand about these tribes, and it’s explained a little further down, actually. After these things I looked, and behold, a great number which no one could number. So, we understand this is speaking about the same group of people. You couldn’t number them if they were standing there before you.

Let’s notice, this is where it explains where they all came from—of all the nations, tribes, peoples, tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. So, this tells us that they came out of all the nations, all the tribes, all the peoples, all the different languages, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.

Verse 10—and crying out with a loud voice, saying, Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb! All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living beings and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom—let’s notice—thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever.

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from? And I said to him, Sir, you know.

So he said to me, These are the ones who came out of great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits upon the throne will dwell among them. They were neither hunger anymore nor thirsty anymore; the sun will not strike them, nor any heat. Because they are spirit beings, and they are God’s creation of the firstfruits through the power of the Great God of this universe to create those firstfruits.

For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to fountains of waters, living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes at that time, brethren, from them. No more pain. No more suffering. No more crying.

There’s part of this group, sitting here probably, that will be a witness and will see Joshua the Christ as he returns back to this earth to see these events take place. Those that are alive and live into the Millennium, your eyes will see some awesome sights as these events begin to unfold.

So, let’s turn over to 1 Peter 1:3—Blessed be the God and Father of the Lord Joshua the Christ, who according to His abundant mercy—let’s notice—His abundant mercy. Mercy shown to you and me, brethren, abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Joshua the Christ from the dead.

It’s what it’s about. It’s about the inheritance, brethren. …to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and it will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, speaking about that inheritance.

It’s speaking about the firstfruits at this time. We know that they will be the first, and then the rest. We understand that God’s Church does not cease to exist when Christ returns. We understand in His plan that those that are first—that’s what we’re speaking about today, the day of Pentecost, and they are kept—let’s notice—through the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. We understand God has a plan for the firstfruits.

In this you greatly rejoice now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials. We have an adversary that is running loose, and he and the demons make sure that this takes place. We’ve all been grieved by these trials, these various trials that it’s speaking about. We’ve had difficult trials, and that’s why it says great tribulation, came out of great tribulation.

Let’s notice that the genuineness of your faith, so, let’s notice how valuable it is, being more precious than gold that perishes, and it’s tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revealing of Joshua the Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see him, yet believing; just like all of those who have gone before you and me we believe just as they did. And we rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of [our] faith—the salvation of [our] souls, our lives.

We’re blessed to live at the end of an age when the firstfruits will be revealed. It’s the most awesome time to live, brethren. We understand we’re in the time of Jacob’s trouble. And you want to make sure that your house will stand, so please heed these words that God had written in this book and make your calling and election sure, so that all of us can become part of God’s spiritual creation. When he returns he can say, “Well, done, my faithful servant.”

So, let’s turn over to Daniel 7 and see what was written a long time ago through Daniel. It’s been a while since we’ve been through some of these scriptures. Daniel 7 and we’ll begin to finish up. Daniel 7:22. It tells us more about the story that was revealed a long time ago to Daniel.

We know the end of the story, but the near future has some awesome sights that are ahead. I know that I would not want to live at any other time except where we are in time. I think it will be the most exciting time in man’s history just to see when our God makes a move to deliver His people, to see that event. It’s an awesome blessing and honor to see this event, whether you’re a part of the spiritual creation or you live on into the Millennium.

We have had an adversary for 6,000 years, but his days are numbered, and his days are coming to an end. He will be put in his prison for a thousand years.

God revealed to Daniel many, many years ago. Daniel 7:22 we find what God revealed to Daniel. I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints and prevailing against them.

So, when we bring it down to our time Satan has prevailed against some of those that were among you and me that have succumbed to those lust of man. Satan has actually prevailed against them. But he is behind all of it, brethren. So, we understand what Daniel was speaking about.

Verse 22 we find that The Ancient of Days came—let’s notice—and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High. And the time came for the saints—let’s notice—to possess the Kingdom. So, there is coming a time when the firstfruits of Pentecost will possess the Kingdom, and this is on this day of Pentecost in the future.

Verse 26—The court will be seated, and they will take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, we know who this is speaking about – Satan’s world, brethren. Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, will be given to the people—let’s notice who it’s given to—the saints of the Most High. Those of Pentecost, brethren.

His Kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions will serve and obey Him. There’s coming a time when the Millennial reign of our Savior will be here, and he will set up the Kingdom of God upon this earth. It will be the firstfruits of Pentecost that bring it about, God’s power to create His Family; the first, the first of that Family. They will set up the government of God upon this earth.

You know, David made a statement in God’s book, and he asked God, “What is man that You are mindful of him?” And we’ve seen through the sermon today the answer to some of David’s questions about this very thing, “What is man?” “What is mankind that You are mindful of them?”

We understand that this day of Pentecost is the first of God’s spiritual creation, the answer to David’s question. It’s through God’s wisdom and His plan by which is being done through the power of the Great God of this universe to create His Family, Elohim. It will be done with the firstfruits at the beginning of God’s spiritual creation, to finish God’s plan.

“You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor and set him over the works of Your hands.” That’s an awesome statement that was written. He said, “You have put all things in subjection under his feet,” man’s feet.

That’s what Satan did not like, brethren, and he rebelled at this plan for you and me. He rebelled because of what God was going to do with mankind to create His Family, Elohim. Satan did not like that plan.

“For in that He put all in subjection under him,” speaking of man, “He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.” It’s like looking through that dark glass.

But this is what we do see now on this day, verse 9, "We see Joshua the Christ.” That’s what we see. We see him. We know that he is sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and he is waiting to come back to this earth and set up the Kingdom of God upon this earth and set up the government of God upon this earth on this day of Pentecost.

1. Chapter 1