“With All My Love,” God

Pentecost

(Sermon Notes) By Warren Zehrung 6/5/2022

When God was calling me out of my Pagan roots of Catholicism, the first way that I was aware of His bearing on my life was by the tremendous impact that Herbert W. Armstrong’s book, “The United States and Britain in Prophecy,” had on me. Up until that time, I certainly believed that God was real—It was just that He was very, very far away. After reading, “The United States and Britain in Prophecy,” for the first time in my life, I realized that God was active with “hands-on” direct intervention in the affairs of our nation—and even my life. I looked around at the brief history of the United States and wondered how our nation had so quickly risen from obscurity to become the entire world’s greatest power.

Genesis 35:11 And God said unto [Jacob], I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee.

For the first time in my young life, knowing who and where modern Israel was today became very important to me because it was a big factor in the Plan of God coming to fruition. I realized that the “Ten Lost Tribes of Israel” were not lost at all, and that the English speaking peoples today were the descendants of ancient Israel. It finally became apparent to me that the great wealth and power of the USA was “God Given,” and not our own doing by any means.

The enormous wheat fields, the vast mineral deposits, the unmeasurable petroleum reserves—were gifts from God. It made perfect sense that the might, wealth and influence of the English speaking peoples of the British Empire and the United States of America during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries were a direct result of God’s promise to Abraham to make of him a [great] nation and a company of nations (Genesis 17:5)

1Chronicles 17:9 [God said] I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, [establish them], and they shall dwell in a place their own, and shall be moved no more (2 Samuel 7:10).

The United States and Britain had won WWII and no enemy could touch us! Are we thankful to Almighty God who gives us the victories?

I was reminded this week of God’s might hand in the fulfillment of his prophecies to make His people a “a nation and a company of nations.” Brethren, did you see all the magnificent pageantry coming out of England and Buckingham Palace?

Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration

At the same time that we are celebrating the Feast of Pentecost, the people of Great Britain, the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth, are being treated to the tributes and commemorations of Queen Elizabeth II’s historic Platinum Jubilee celebrations! There was Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William and his son, young Prince George – four generations of royalty seated together. The crowned heads themselves, described the pageantry as a great party, with Elton John, Diana Ross, Andrea Bocelli, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and a host of celebrities. In Charles, William, and George, we could have three future kings. Prince Charles is next in the line of succession and will possibly become King after the sad event of the Queen’s death.

Millions upon millions of Brits do not realize the Biblical implications—the prophetic implications—of this great Jubilee – which is in actuality a Jubilee plus 20 years!

Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes [Jesus Christ]; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.

The Queen wears the Imperial State Crown, and holds the Sovereign’s Sceptre … that is the ornamented staff borne by rulers as an emblem of authority and sovereignty. How many people realize that prophecy is being fulfilled right before our eyes?

Jeremiah 33:17 For thus says the LORD; David shall never lack someone to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;

That Scripture alone shows that Queen Elizabeth is sitting upon the throne of the house of Israel—keeping it in perpetuity—until its rightful heir—Jesus Christ, returns.

Though the British nation is a birthright people, Jacob foretold that his son Judah, not Ephraim and Manasseh, would receive The Staff of Rulership – the scepter, until Shiloh comes, meaning the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The world is blinded to the fact that the scepter shall not depart from Judah—meaning that even now there remains the throne of Judah—the very throne upon which Queen Elizabeth is seated—and it will remain in existence until the return of Jesus Christ!

Incredible as that may seem, Jesus will soon sit on that very throne ruling the entire world! Her Majesty the Queen is the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, seventy years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 when Her Majesty was only 25 years old. Queen Elizabeth I acceded to the royal throne way back in 1558.

On 9th September 2015, The Queen became the longest reigning Monarch in British history, surpassing the reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. Brethren, let’s realize just how much the Queen’s life is tied into Biblical prophecy. Let’s go back to the beginning of the Bible.

Some 4000 years after Abraham lived, the Queen has visited over 100 countries as Monarch.

Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Genesis 17:2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

Multiply you exceedingly! What does that mean? Britain brought the English language, civilization, trade and commerce, culture, science and technology to the entire globe—the sun never set on the British Empire! All around this earth—that is what “multiply thee exceedingly” means.

Genesis 17:3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

Genesis 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Genesis 17:6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

Think of Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and their familial ancestors going back many generations.

Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and your children after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy children after thee.

Granted, America, England and the Commonwealth nations are certainly not Godly nations—but never the less, God has great plans for those nations. That pageantry we see in London this week gives testimony to God’s everlasting covenant. Then we see Isaac’s Birth promised:

Genesis 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.

Genesis 17:16 And I will bless her, and give you a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall come from her.

Genesis 18:18 … Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

We understand that Jesus is the seed of Abraham – so we know that all the nations are spiritually blessed through Jesus Christ. God promised to bless not only Abraham, in Genesis 12:1-3, but to also bless all the families of the earth, including Gentile strangers through Him. And in Galatians 3:14, Paul connects this blessing as being bestowed upon the Gentiles.

Then the promises are repeated to Jacob who becomes the father of all the Israelitish peoples:

Genesis 35:10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

Genesis 35:11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation [that is the USA] and a company of nations [that is Great Britain, the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms, and the Commonwealth of nations] shall come from you, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

Before many of us were born, Princess Elizabeth was already at work. Over 80 years ago, before most of us were born, and at 96 she is still lively and spry. Her Majesty’s first solo public engagement was on 21^st of April 1942, her sixteenth birthday, when – then Princess Elizabeth – inspected the Grenadier Guards at Windsor Castle.

Devoted Service

In 1947 Princess Elizabeth, pledged nothing less than her life’s work to her subjects, saying, “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.”

It is admirable – especially when compared to America’s basest rulers – Her Majesty is a committed Christian and Churchgoer and has often spoken of her faith in her speeches and broadcasts. The Queen said,

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace…, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life.” “A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, He stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.”

Though the Queen is not yet called of God, her sentiments are most admirable. The Kingdom of God is not possible unless there is a way for all humanity, no matter when they lived, no matter what culture they came from, to come into being one people, the Israel of God.

Galatians 6:16 As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

It is God’s Spirit that makes that possible, that unites humanity to become of one spirit. Pentecost pictures God sending His Spirit.

At 96-years-of age, Her Majesty the Queen has become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service to her people. The coronation traditions go back centuries, all the way to King David!

1Kings 1:34 Let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

“With the trumpet!” Interesting, in that the last Trumpet will sound on a Pentecost at Christ’s return!

Little do the British peoples realize that that Biblical, prophetic language was cited in Queen Elizabeth’s coronation 70 years ago—even the mention of Zadok the priest. Brethren, I think it no coincidence that Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration comes to its finale—its conclusion today on June 5^th – this Pentecost Day in the Plan of God which highlights the powerful working of His Holy Spirit. As I conclude this offertory message let’s be thankful for the active hand of God in working out His Plan for our salvation.

Special Music – and Offertory.

All the Church of God is observing Pentecost today as we commemorate those events gone by and those to come. Pentecost is a great gift God has given to us. He sends us this anniversary message, and He signs it this way:

“With All My Love,” God

That is the title of today’s sermon. For a half-year now, Sharon has tried to answer every one of the cards and letters of prayers offered up for her speedy recovery. After bringing the well-wishers up to date with her treatment details, when she comes to the end of her note, she often signs her cards this way: “With All My Love,” Sharon.

Pentecost is God’s personal message to the true saints. So that is a good title for today’s sermon—“With All My Love,” God.

We are celebrating the giving of the Law of God at Sinai, and the establishment of the New Testament congregation at Jerusalem on this Pentecost Day. God sent forth His Spiritual Law on that first Pentecost after Israel was delivered from Egyptian bondage:

Exodus 19:1, 16 In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai… And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon mount [Sinai], and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.

Exodus 19:19-20 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice. And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.

Exodus 20:1-3 And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me… [10 Commandments]

That prophetic Law from God foreshadowed not only the coming of God’s Spirit to 120 people at Jerusalem, but God’s Spirit being given to all those who would follow them over the next ~2000 years. (Acts 1:15)

The First New Testament Pentecost

Acts 2:2-4 Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with Holy Spirit.

That New Testament Pentecost brought so much more than the breath of physical life that Adam received on Friday in Creation Week, it brought God’s spiritual breath that brings us to Life eternal (Genesis 2:7). Most of all today, we are celebrating the future aspects of this Day of Pentecost. In the not too distant future—on this very Day—the Last Trumpet will sound:

The First Resurrection

1Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (Revelation 11:15)

On that last Pentecost as Jesus returns in power to establish the Kingdom of God, the Saints will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and brought before God’s throne (Revelation 4:6; 15:2) to be accepted just as Jesus was accepted on the fulfillment of the Wave Sheaf Day (John 20:17). In the same way that the Wave Sheaf offering—with oil—represented Jesus Christ, the two wave-loaves offered on Pentecost—baked with leaven, (Leviticus 23:13, 17) represent all of God’s spiritual firstfruits. The faithful brethren of God’s Church will be spared the horrors of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 3:10).

We have counted from the day of the Wave Sheaf offering – and today is Day #50.

God’s calendar is based on a solar/lunar yearly timetable because the Scripture reads, “Let them [the sun, moon, stars] be for seasons.” So, even when Passover falls somewhere in the midst of the week, we always start counting on a Sunday—‘the morrow after the Sabbath’—to find which day is Pentecost.

Jesus ascended to His Father on Sunday, the first day of the week to be accepted by Him. We count Pentecost in order to bring this Holy Day back into sync with the seven weeks. The other Holy Days are fixed by the solar/lunar yearly timetable causing them to fall on various days of the week – but Pentecost is always on a Sunday. The Wave Sheaf and Pentecost are connected by the counting of “seven” weeks. None of the other Feasts of God are connected by counting – they are fixed dates on God’s Sacred Calendar. We are commemorating the events of Pentecost today—those events gone by and those to come.

We are celebrating the establishment of the New Testament congregation on this Pentecost day. On this Day of Pentecost, after the ascension of Jesus into heaven (Acts 1:9-10), the founding of the New Testament Church of God came about. God began to pour out His Spirit on a very special elect people.

The Sights and Sounds of Pentecost

Miraculous signs marked the beginning of the New Testament Church and God’s sending His Holy Spirit. God wanted to spotlight, highlight and draw attention to this event as He began to call a sizable initial base from which the Church would expand into the entire world.

God poured out His Spirit in great power and with wonderful gifts in order to show clearly that great changes were taking place. God underscored that first Pentecost with sight and sound so that everyone there – even the apostles – could attest to the fact that something new and marvelous was occurring. What about that yet future Pentecost we all long for?

1Thessalonians 4:14 If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

That is the harvest we are concerned about on this Feast of Pentecost:

1Thesalonians 4:16 The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Thesalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Time is short – we are getting so close! Today, we are remembering how God gave His spiritual law to us on Mt. Sinai on this day about seven weeks after departing Egypt.

It is those with God’s Holy Spirit who will be born again in the better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35). When we die we must be born again because the only things that remain of us when we die is some dust – and – what is in God’s mind and memory of us. Paul explains:

1Corinthians 15:22-23 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.

1Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [that is Jesus] was made a quickening spirit.

‘Quickening spirit’ means – able to give life—even eternal life. God’s Children – that is us – we are in the thoughts and mind of God. God remembers exactly who and what we are in every last detail – and the important part is that He remembers the Godly Character that was formed in us through the working of His Holy Spirit.

1Corinthians 15:49 As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (1John 3:2)

At Pentecost, God’s Spirit bestowed on 120 people at Jerusalem, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus’ brothers and sisters, foreshadowed – all those who would follow them over the next ~2000 years. (Acts 1:15)

That New Testament Pentecost brought so much more than the breath of physical life that Adam received (Genesis 2:7), it brought God’s spiritual breath that brings us to Life eternal. Most of all today we are celebrating the future aspects of this Day of Pentecost—the resurrection of the firstfruit Saints of God. In the not too distant future—on this very Day—the Last Trumpet will sound:

1Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

That Day is very close—closer than we might imagine! The Beast power is rising before our very eyes—for those who have eyes to see. Jesus will very soon establish the Kingdom of God over all this earth.

Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded [with the Seventh Trumpet]; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever.

On that last Pentecost as Jesus returns in power, the Saints will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and brought before God’s throne (Revelation 4:6; 15:2) to be accepted just as Jesus was accepted on the fulfillment of the Wave Sheaf Day (Leviticus 23:11, John 20:17).

In the same way that the Wave Sheaf offering—with oil—represented Jesus Christ’s perfect sinless work, the two wave-loaves offered on Pentecost—baked with leaven, (Leviticus 23:13, 17) represent all of God’s spiritual firstfruits from the time of Righteous Abel until Christ returns.

Brethren, are we spiritually wise enough to utilize the timing, the analogies, the types and the symbolism that the Holy Scriptures incorporate – in order to comprehend the deeper meanings that God has for us? This “sheaf of the firstfruits” represents the resurrected Jesus Christ.

Pentecost pictures the Spiritual Creation when we, the Children of God, become full-fledged members of the Spiritual, Eternal Family of God. At our resurrection on a future Pentecost, that is when we shall be like Him; When we shall see Him as He is. We shall be like Him (1John 3:2).

But great change yet needs to take place in us – and that is what the Feast of Pentecost pictures. The Lord God – Jesus Christ – God of the Old Testament, when He had formed man out of the dust of the ground to become a living soul, man did not yet resemble the spiritual image of God very much—though we are created in His image. At this time, we Christians are a work in progress – we are not yet complete – not yet like Him—as He is. Pentecost shows us how to become like God. After Jesus had completed His earthly ministry, and had paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind, and had risen from the dead, and had ascended to heaven, God’s Holy Spirit was sent on the Day of Pentecost just as Christ had promised.

Thousands of worshipers were in Jerusalem for this Feast of the Lord. When the Spirit of God came upon and into the disciples that Day, the thousands of worshipers came in awe and wonder to see what had occurred. Then Peter preached to the curious multitude gathered there.

As a result of Peter’s preaching, thousands of people were convicted in their hearts. They realized their sinful and lost condition. They realized Christ was indeed the Messiah, the Savior!

“What shall we do?” they cried out to Peter and the disciples (Acts 2:37). Then, Peter, inspired by God’s Holy Spirit, answered straight and clear.

“Repent,” cried Peter, “and be Baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of Holy Spirit.”

The spiritual harvest began with Jesus Christ being Glorified by His Father.

John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

The first spiritual harvest will end with Pentecost – at the last trumpet and return of Jesus Christ. That is the harvest we are concerned about on this Feast of Pentecost. We are now able to look forward to another Pentecost – a soon coming Pentecost.

The acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Wave-Sheaf of the harvest – pictured 50 days ago – was necessary before the rest of the spiritual harvest could begin. God the Father will accept us as a wave-offering – presented by His Son, the High Priest – as well. We will become God’s eternal children forever!

God’s goal for mankind is that we become God-beings, possessing His complete image – in form, in spirit, and in Godly character.

God’s Law is the expression of His Mind. It is God’s Holy Spirit that transforms a Christian into the Life and realm of God, making him a partaker of God’s divine nature (2Peter 1:4). That is what this Feast of Pentecost pictures!

End: “With All My Love,” God