by John Carpenter | Aug 27, 2025 | Camp News
“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) Because – He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in Righteousness – by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance (or more lit. faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom God Hath Given – TO THEM – THAT OBEY HIM.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ…(18) When they heard these things – they held their peace – and glorified God, saying – Then hath God – also to the Gentiles – Granted Repentance unto life!” [Ac.11:17-18]
The second portion of scripture written above gives to us further elaboration in regards to the Bestowal of God’s grace of Repentance. It introduces to us the role of the “servant of the Lord”. It is His servants whom He raises up and sends forth to spread the Commandment of God – to sinners everywhere – that they should Repent! This is related to us from the first portion of Scripture. Wherein there is also given to us the news of an absolutely perfect Righteous Judgment on everybody’s schedule that God has ordained (see: He.9:27) – by the man that God has also ordained to be the Judge – and that Man is the Lord Jesus Christ!
Hence, the bond-slave of the Lord – it says from the next section – must not strive – nor quarrel or dispute – but be gentle unto all – that the Lord, Himself, draws unto him – or providentially draws His servant into their presence. Whatever the case might be – in this world and at this time – “the servant of the Lord…must be apt (or Holy Spirit–skilled) “to teach” – all the while forbearing whatever ills and wrongs they may be confronted with – the Lord’s servant must in “meekness”– “instruct those that oppose themselves”– “if God peradventure (or, if perhaps) God – will give them (by His Saving Grace) genuine and true “Repentance”!
And, Dear Ones, This is the Only way – anyone of us – Can or Will obey God’s Command to Repent! Why? Because Repentance is the Holy Spirit’s revealing unto US – all our own sins! Indeed our own sins – in this world – become our greatest regret and source of disappointment and despondency! And, “by the Faith of Jesus Christ” – Himself – along with the leading of the Holy Spirit – by the Word of God – We walk out the rest of our time in this fallen world – following our Savior — right into our Savior’s Holy–heavenly and eternal world! Praise His Wonderful Name!
We will make further comments especially concerning the context of the next section of scriptures – on this most vital and wonderful subject – in our next monthly news and prayer letter. Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Aug 27, 2025 | Camp News
We Praise our Savior that we can report that we have got our Swimming Pool issues resolved and we have a family scheduled – to come to our camp activity program on the 24th of this month. Please be in prayer for us that our Lord will give them ears to hear – eyes to see – and opened hearts to receive and believe the Truth (which is the Lord Jesus Christ) in their hearing the Gospel. Jeff is feeling so much better – and we are excited about the prospects of serving the Lord to this family (they have five children). We have another family scheduled next month as well.
There is still a lot of work that is in front of us in regards to the trees that have been blown down as a result of the all the wind and rain storms that we have experienced this year. We are glad to see a drop in the price of gas to the extent that has happened. We do love and appreciate those of you who continue to – not only pray for us (that is so very important) but also – when you can – give to us out of what the Lord blesses you – where your finances are concerned. Glory to His Name He is ever Faithful to all us – in supplying our needs! Amen? – yes – Amen!
Speaking of needs – it is still our earnest supplication for the Lord to lead unto us – some male and female candidates for Del-Haven Staff. Camp program staff that have a genuine heart of passion for the souls of 6 to 12 year old – boys and girls souls. This would be a real opportunity – to be a vital part of their hearing the pure truth of the Gospel of the Glory, only, of the Lord Jesus Christ – the only Sovereign Savior Substitute – that there ever was – is – or ever will be! We have a venue for just such True Christian Zeal – and we would love to talk with you – if you are at all interested! Dear Ones – Please make this a real matter of Prayer for us!
We love all of you – and we are praying for you as well – that God’s guiding and providing will by each of you – constantly and completely – to the pleasure of His will and purpose for your lives.
by John Carpenter | Jul 26, 2025 | Devotional
“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) Because – He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in Righteousness – by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance (or more lit. Faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness — instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom God Hath Given – TO THEM – that obey Him.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ…(18) When they heard these things – they held their peace – and glorified God, saying – Then hath God – also to the Gentiles – Granted Repentance unto life!” [Ac.11:17-18]
The context of the first passage of scripture above — from Ac.17:30-31 – right up front – reveals the Source of Genuine True Repentance into Eternal Salvation. If, indeed, it truly exists in each of our lives, it is in an irresistible action that is generated – or, originated — completely by God – from within us – to come forth from us – as an obedient response to a Command from God that is directly given to us – on a personal and individual basis! The scriptures literally say that God Commands “all everywhere to repent”. But, to all of exactly – whom – does He command to repent? The answer to this question is given unto us in the Context of – unto “whom” Paul is here addressing – which is both Jews (like Paul, himself) and non-Jews — like the Greeks in Athens! In other words – God personally and individually commands all kinds of fallen and sinful men – everywhere – to Repent! It is God’s sovereign and personal prerogative – as to whom He individually and personally enjoins – to Repent of their sins and Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words – it is a Command of God – unto all – those of His choice! Which, according to God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – will be fulfilled – that through them (lit.) “shall all the families of the earth be blessed”. Praise His Holy Name! [see: Gen.12:3 and 28:14]
Hence, do the scriptures here in Acts 17 go on to clarify that God’s Command to Repent of their sins – is to — all — unto whom — as vs.31 goes on to say – to all those – of all men – that He has given “Assurance” to. And, the word “Assurance” is the same new testament – Holy Spirit inspired word for: Faith. And, “God given “Faith” (which comes into fruition only by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God) is the Firm Foundation – that our “Hope is built on nothing less – than Jesus Blood and Righteousness”! Once again: Praise His All Glorious Name!
What Paul is declaring here in Acts 17 is the same Truth that he announced 2 years prior unto the Galatians! Paul wrote from Gal.2:16> “knowing – that a man is not justified (lit.) out of works of the law – but through the Faith of Jesus Christ”. This is a statement that is so important for us to understand! It’s a statement of Gospel Truth that the Apostle declares — concerns – not just him, but also the whole family of God – as he further explains! For he says: “also WE – into Christ Jesus – Believed – that WE might be justified by – the Faith of Jesus Christ – and not out of the works of the law – because – shall NOT be justified – out of works of law – any and all – flesh.”
We will continue to unfold the Word of the Truth of the Gospel – found – in these four contexts in regards to true and genuine Repentance. Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jul 26, 2025 | Camp News
Well, Dear Ones, here we are – already in the month of July — and still in a recovery mode where any regular camp activity and ministry is concerned. Jeff’s health is continuing to make some real good progress. He is – by God’s grace – making some real strides at regaining his physical strength. Please continue to lift him up before our Lord in prayer – where this is concerned.
We have also some real progress to report on a different level. The Lord has led unto us an added ally and asset. Thanks to His leading – we now have a new member on the Del-Haven Board. That’s right — our board of directors have prayed for – and responded in obedient faith – in interviewing and deciding to add a new person to our Board of Directors. Our Board has been increased in that — Mr. Skip Stevson – of Strasburg Union Church — of Strasburg, MO — has officially become a part of us. He has (along with Strasburg Union Church) faithfully and prayerfully supported Del-Haven in all that we are endeavoring to do for the Lord in the furtherance of His Kingdom. Skip is a man of much knowledge and many skills that we are sure will prove to make him a valuable asset to this ministry. Please remember him in your prayers for Del-Haven – that the Lord will continue to bless us in His divine leadership of this ministry.
We – recently — have had to make some much needed parts replacements in our swimming pool. It has required a new Pump Motor plus we needed to replace a large “O” ring for the new motor. And “when it rains – it pours”– we had to replace our Breaker Box — a major double breaker – that was bad. All total – the higher than usual cost of just getting our swimming pool serviced and ready for use has been $943.00! But, do you know what? Our ever faithful Lord and Leader has more than provided for us in that we had the funds to cover it. Once again – Praise the Lord!
We really do love it when the Lord manifests His ever faithful presence and provision for our needs! By the way, it appears that our new president is successfully making a positive impact on the economy. We definitely could use a lowering of the inflation that has been so oppressive. Let’s continue to pray for our government and those that have ruling authority over us [1Ti.2:1-2]. May the Lord through them lead us in a quiet and peaceable life – in all Godliness and Honesty. Do not forget to seek the Lord in putting together a spiritually capable staff so that we can once again – bring out “cabin-fulls” of children into the hearing of the Word of the Truth of the Gospel!
Thank you for all your continued loving and prayerful support! We love you – and we continue to pray for you as well. We thank our Lord and Savior God for you all!
by John Carpenter | Jun 21, 2025 | Devotional
“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) Because – He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in Righteousness – by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance (or more lit. faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them — Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom God Hath Given – TO THEM – that obey Him.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ...(18) When they heard these things – they held their peace – and glorified God, saying – Then hath God – also to the Gentiles – Granted Repentance unto life!” [Ac.11:17-18]
The last several monthly devotionals have followed a common theme of what the Word declares descriptively – concerning our following the footprints of our Savior through this world – right into His heavenly presence. Now – we embark upon a subject that is not at all that far removed – from that same topic — in that we begin to examine a common characteristic that is very much a part of what the Word also describes as an obvious trait that indicates that we have truly been Holy Spirit Quickened – into truly following Jesus, who is without a doubt – our Sovereign Savior Substitute! Praise His Holy Name Forever!
Genuine Repentance is another unique and personal aspect of God’s genuine work of salvation – in every chosen sinner/child’s providence and experience – in this world. It, too, is not something that God expects the sinner – from themselves, to muster together and self-contrive, or manifest, or perform. If He waited for us to truly repent of our sins — in His plan to redeem us – then none of us would ever truly be saved by His grace. True Repentance – is also all done by Christ – or, True Repentance – does not truly exist – or, has not yet come to pass. So, what exactly is True and Genuine Repentance – and from what source does it spring into action – and why is it so important?!
“Repentance” is a marked characteristic of a True believer’s New Birth from above – by the Holy Spirit – and by the Word of God. [see: 1 Pe.1:23] Hence, Repentance draws attention to this True and Genuine characteristic of – the True Believer’s genuine experience, relationship and walk – with the Lord Jesus Christ through this evil world (or, through this world – of the Evil One). [see 2Co.4:4-6]
This is so important because – God Commands it! We will be going through the above four scriptural contexts – and we will attempt to unpack from them the pure Truth of exactly what True Repentance is – and how its character is continually being experienced in all who have been – genuinely spiritually awakened and quickened to follow – Christ Jesus – and Him alone! Amen. — John Carpenter
