by John Carpenter | Mar 16, 2026 | Devotional
“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the Righteousness of Faith. (14) For if those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure to – to all the Seed; not to that — only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the Father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a Father of many nations – before Him – whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He (God) had Promised – He (God) was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
Last month we made some brief comments on Ro.4:13 – the context of which truly describes and defines God’s “Promise” unto Abraham – and his “Seed”. This text plainly reveals that our Sovereign Lord God is the One who makes His “Promise” unto Abraham (and Sara) and his (Earthly and Spiritual) “Seed”! It is, also, “This Gospel Truth Event” which the Holy Spirit uses to — inspire the Apostle Paul when he declares unto the pagan and demon worshipping Galatians – that when God Promised Abraham and his “Seed” – that the Galatians, too, were included among the “Seed of Abraham”! Why? because they, also, truly believed in God through his preaching! It is through the Righteousness of Faith that describes and defines Who really are Abraham’s Seed!
This is what the Word of God says: “Even as Abraham believed God, – and it was accounted to him for Righteousness. (7) Know ye therefore – that they which are of Faith – THEY – are the Sons of Abraham. (8) And the Scripture foreseeing [or, more literally: God’s Word Foreknowing] that God – would Justify the Heathen through Faith [i.e. God would Justify the Heathen – meaning lit. His elect unto eternal Salvation – even – God’s Elect from out of all heathen nations] Just like He did with Abraham — him being a pagan Chaldean. It is God – who Preached before [i.e. Preached in advance] the Gospel – unto Abraham – saying – In thee shall all nations be Blessed. (9) So then – that which be of Faith [i.e. “of the Faith of Jesus Christ”; see Gal.2:16] – are Blessed with faithful Abraham.” [Gal.3:6-9]
And, hence, there is more than one Righteous conclusion to be made from the overall context of the Ro.4:13-17 and 20-21 texts. Each conclusion that can be drawn — directs all our thoughts directly to the Person and the Eternally Accomplished Work of Christ, our Savior! First of all – Everything that God Promised to Abraham – Abraham “Believed”– Not that he could perform and fulfill God’s Promise – but that Only God, Himself – would be able to perform and fulfill – His own Word of Promise! And, this Eternal Salvation Truth – is the very foundation of a true living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ while we are still here throughout our entire walk through this sinful age! If our Salvation is not – ALL Christ – then it is ALL wrong!
Before we leave this all important Context – we will bring forward more pure Truth Points of the Gospel of Glory, only, of the Lord Jesus. Praise the Saving Name of the Lord!
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Mar 16, 2026 | Camp News
As we transition from winter into warmer Spring days – Please be in prayer as we prepare for our Family Camping Times coming this summer. Pray that our Lord causes us to be well received by all the families we have made a connection with – not only for the sake of ministering to their children, but to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the parents and care providers as well. What a truly wonderful opportunity this has become for the ministry of Camp Del-Haven to proclaim Christ to children and their parents at the same time – and all in the same beautiful outdoor camp environment! Incidentally, if any of you would like to join us as we minister to a family during a scheduled Camping Day – just let us know and we will be happy to include you in the group. You can even participate in the fun activities (like fishing and swimming and hiking).
Currently, we need your prayer support for the urgent work that needs to be done to improve our failing roads. As soon as we get bids from different businesses that do this sort of work, we will report to you what we can expect to pay. Pray that our Lord will lead us to the right source to accomplish this task. If any of you have any suggestions along this line of work – we would welcome them.
We also need some repairs and renovations done on the ceiling of our Dining Hall. If any of you know of an excellent company that we can contact to do this – we would appreciate the suggestions. You can call or email Jeff and let us know. His phone number and email address are located at the right bottom corner of our website.
By the way, we are still trusting, seeking and waiting on our Lord to answer our prayers for His provision of both male and female staff leaders and helpers — so that we can resume holding regular camp sessions with the children. Any and all suggestions in regard to this need will be greatly accepted.
As always – we love and appreciate all of you – for all of your prayerful and faithful support.
May God richly Bless You!
by John Carpenter | Feb 17, 2026 | Devotional
“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the righteousness of Faith. (14) For if those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure – to all the Seed; not to that — only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the Father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a Father of many nations – before Him – whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He had Promised – He was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
These texts were a large part of the context of our January Prayer/Newsletter. We hope to expand on the fact that the “Promise” is the same as what is being referred to from He.10:23. However, from what is being descriptively declared in the texts above from Ro.4 – the “Promise” is contextually being declared and examined in view of God as – “the Promiser” – instead of Abraham — the one unto whom “the Promise” was given! It is This fact that makes all the difference in the world! And, in addition, through what means “the Promise of God” was being given unto Abraham! Was the “Promise of God” being delivered unto Abraham “through the Law” (?) or “through the Righteousness of Faith”(?). The answer to that is obvious since God would not give His Law until over 400 years later. This descriptively declares that the “Promise of God” was given to Abraham “through the Righteousness of Faith”.
Now then – what exactly does all this really mean? Or, more pointedly – to “Whom” does this phrase really give attention to? We must look a little closer at what Ro.4:13-17 says about God’s Promise to His chosen one – Abraham – whom He “alone” (Is. 51:2) called out of the sinful, pagan environment of Ur of the Chaldees. This great text says of God’s Promise unto Abraham (and his seed) – that it would NOT be fulfilled “through the Law”. No! He told Abraham that His Promise would be fulfilled through a means that was not noticeably even in existence in Abraham’s present sinful, pagan world! God – revealed Himself unto Abraham – and told him to get out of his country – and away from even his kin – and even away from his father’s household! God “Promised” Abram that his family would be made into a “Great Nation”! And, that He would be blessed and that his name would be blessed – and that he would be God’s blessing unto all the families of (sinful, fallen) earth! [See Ge.12:2-3] Indeed, God’s Promised Blessing unto Abraham and his seed would come to pass – NOT through the Law – But through the Righteousness of Faith!
So then, the direction of the communication from Ro.4 – to which — God’s Written Word is taking us – is directly unto Christ Jesus, the Lord! He is forever our heavenly Advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous. It is through Him and His eternal wonderful accomplished work – that through Him — as our Kinsman Redeemer – that we have been forever Declared Righteous – and – Forever Saved!
We will continue to look more into this matter – until next time… — John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Feb 17, 2026 | Camp News
Well, Dear Ones, our Lord – in this year of 2026 – has certainly brought to us some cold and wintry weather. This has naturally increased our ongoing need for firewood for our woodstove in the Dining Hall — but the Lord has us in the midst of a very good place to fill that need. The Scripture says: Our God (lit.) shall “fully supply” — All our need – “according to His riches in glory – through Christ Jesus”! Isn’t that just wonderful!? Praise His Name!
We are so thankful to our God and Savior for all of you who prayerfully support Del-Haven. It is a great comfort and source of strength to us — to know that you are standing with us – and praying for us! We – pray for all of you also!
Things that we do during this time of year – center on all the plans, repairs and upkeep projects that we see needs to be accomplished by the Spring and Summer time of year. When you pray – please seek the Lord with us for His guidance and direction — that we definitely long for. Del-Haven is His ministry – to do with it as He pleases – and to bring glory to His Son – our eternal Savior.
We have had Mike Raysik of Mike’s Site Work come out and take a look at our roads into the camp and the lay of land as well to effectively improve our ditches to more efficiently deal with detouring the rain. We are currently awaiting his proposal for this major work that we need taken care of on the camp-ground. Please pray that the Lord guides us through this project.
We definitely plan to make the campground available — to and for – whole families of both children and parents to come out for hours at a time to experience and enjoy at least a day of Del-Haven Camp. This has been well received by those that have taken advantage — of our taking the time to show them a little preview what a whole week of our camp program contains. This includes our Bible Classes (where we proclaim the pure Truth of the Gospel of the Glory, only, of the Lord Jesus Christ) – and also – to Swim and Fish and Do Crafts and Gather around a Camp Fire (and roast marshmallows) – all while being surrounded by God’s beautiful outdoors! Please pray that our Lord God continues to bless this particular format and be Glorified.
by John Carpenter | Jan 10, 2026 | Devotional
“Let us hold fast the Confession of (He – who is our) Hope – without wavering – for He who promised is Faithful.” [He.10:23]
“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the righteousness of Faith. (14) For IF those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure – to all the Seed; not to that only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations – before Him whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He had Promised – He was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
There’s no better way to begin – a New Beginning – of a whole New Year — than encouraging one another to “hold fast” the “Confession of our Hope” (the KJV says: “Profession” – which rightly emphasizes the fact that the testimony comes right out of our mouths, but the word literally refers to that which God – or His Word – has already said!) The word “Confession” that is used in this context, literally means: To say the same thing – as God (or His Word) has already said. So then, the confession of our Hope – is actually the confession of Christ being our Eternal Savior – for our Hope – is Christ! This is what the Truth is that He has declared about Himself being our only Hope of ever being truly and eternally saved from our sins – about our ever really and truly being Redeemed and Reconciled Forever with Holy, Holy, Holy – God!
For it is Jesus who is the Eternal Son — of Almighty, All Knowing, All Present, All Holy and All Glorious — God – whom He (God) sent into the actual history of this entirely fallen-in-sin world – to save sinners…like you and like me [see: 1Ti.1:15]. God’s Word says of Jesus – “For in Him – dwelleth all the Fullness of the Godhead – Bodily…” that’s all the Fullness of the Father – the Son – and the Holy Spirit! Why? So that the next phrase would be absolutely true also – “And ye are Complete (or, full) in Him – Who is the Head of all principality and power.” [Col.2:9-10]
The Triune God – chose us and placed us – In Him (Jesus) – “before the foundation of the world that we should be Holy and Without Blame – Before Him – in Love…” [See Eph.1:4] This means that He chose us and placed us – in Christ – In Eternity – From Eternity – and For Eternity! He, Jesus, is the only Eternal Savior — that there ever was – is – or ever will be!
From the very context of Eph.4:4-6 – the Word of God descriptively declares that “There is one Body – and One Spirit – even as ye were Called – in One Hope of your Calling – (5) One Lord – One Faith – One Baptism (6) One God and One Father of all – and through all – and in you all!”
All those whom the Father gave to His Son – to be their Savior; Jesus has come and He has done just that! That’s why He is said to be our “All and in all” [Col.3:11]. Until the next time… Amen!
— John Carpenter
