by John Carpenter | Oct 29, 2025 | Devotional
(9) “Now I rejoice – not that ye were made sorry – but that ye sorrowed unto Repentance: for ye were made sorry after a Godly manner…(10) For Godly sorrow – worketh Repentance to Salvation – not to be repented of: but sorrow of the world – worketh Death! (11) For behold this selfsame thing – that ye sorrowed after a Godly sort! What Carefulness it wrought in you – yea – What Clearing of Yourselves – yea – What Indignation – yea – What Fear – yea – What Vehement Desire – yea – What Zeal – yea – What Revenge! In all things ye have Approved Yourselves to be Clear in this matter!” [2Cor.7:9-12]
Before we go any further in our devotional study – let’s be sure to clarify the difference – between True and False Repentance. This particular text from Second Corinthians is one from which we can do just that. The pure truth of a chosen sinner/child of God – under the leading of the inescapable and irresistible influence of the Holy Spirit of God – awakening in them the foreboding reality of their being a hopeless and helpless sinner – is here very graphically – and descriptively announced! And, this experience must happen to any and all – who have truly been Saved by God’s Grace! Jn.1:17 literally says: “For the Law was given through Moses – the Grace and the Truth – through Jesus Christ – came.” Praise the Lord that our Eternal Salvation is not accomplished – in the Law – but only – In Christ our Lord and Savior! And, we – who are His true sinner/children in this fallen-in-sin world – God has placed us in His Son – and chosen us in His Son – unto His Eternal Salvation — “before the foundation of the world” (see: Eph.1:3-4).
From Mt.13:38 Jesus tells us in His Parable of the Wheat and the Tares that this world is His field — and His Good Seed that He has planted in His field represents the Children of His Kingdom. He also goes on to additionally say that the Tares – are the Children of the Wicked One! This explains a lot! When we are born into this world – we are born to be either the Seed of the Savior — that He has planted to come to life at His appointed time — or we are the Seed of the Serpent, the Wicked Devil. Those who are the Seed of the Savior – are totally dependent upon the Savior for their survival and their growth – especially while they are in this world – to inevitably come into hearing of the pure truth of the Gospel of the Glory – only – of Christ — so as to be awakened and quickened by His eternally saving Gospel of His Grace! Jesus said from Jn.15:5 “I am the Vine and ye are the branches; he that abideth in me and I in him – the same bringeth forth much fruit – for without me ye can do nothing!” And then from Jn.15:16 He goes on to declare “Ye have not chosen me – but I have chosen you – and ordained you – that ye should go and bring forth much fruit – and that your fruit should remain – and whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father – in my Name – He may give it you. These things (that’s all the things He has said in Jn.15) I Command you that ye love one another!”
Does not our Lord Jesus mean exactly what He says? Indeed He does – therefore, without Him – we cannot truly and genuinely Repent as 2Co.7:11 says! Without Christ – it’s ALL wrong! By God’s Grace — We are made Complete – In Him!
Make no mistake about it – the Repentance described in the New Testament is no different than the Repentance taught in the Old Testament. John the Baptist – whom Jesus declares from Lk.7:28 that there is no greater prophet than him – baptized sinners unto Repentance as a ministry of Preparation — for the Redeeming and miraculous work of the Messiah, Himself! And, when John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism – he said unto them, “O generation of vipers (seeds of the Serpent> see Gen.3:15) who hath warned you to flee from the Wrath to come? Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet (or, truly describing and displaying real) Repentance! And think not to say within yourselves – We have Abraham as our father – for I say unto you – that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham! And already also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees! Therefore, every tree which bringeth not forth Good Fruit – is hewn down – and cast into the fire!” Then John goes on to say unto them: “I indeed baptize you with water unto Repentance – but He that cometh after me is mightier than I – whose shoes I am not worthy to bear – He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and Fire; whose fan is in His hand and He will thoroughly purge His floor – and gather His Wheat into the garner – but He will burn up the Chaff (the Tares) with Unquenchable Fire!” [Mt.3:7b-12]
This devotional message needs to be sounded out to churches everywhere. Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Oct 29, 2025 | Camp News
Well, Dear Ones, in spite of all the adverse circumstances of our Summer ministry unto families – we do rejoice for what we were able to do for our Lord – Who is (and always will be) the real Leader of this ministry. We Praise Him for everything that He has both done and is doing!
What a blessing it was to offer families (like the one featured above) with a day of camp activites featuring the preaching and teaching of the Gospel message. If you get a chance, please visit our website’s Photo Gallery to see the latest pictures from this past summer’s Family Day Camps, and join us in the hope that next year’s camp season will be blessed by God with even more campers to hear His Truth.
Last but not least, please remember to continue to support us in your prayers – for us personally – and for the rebuilding of a staff of truly awakened and quickened – and zealous to serve the Lord in a ministry unto children…and their respective families. We love that you are there before the sovereign throne of our Lord – on our behalf. We need you – and we love you – and we pray for all of you. Please be in Prayer for our great country and its leadership!
by John Carpenter | Sep 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]
If ever there was any doubt that God’s Word descriptively declares that Repentance was a Gift from God – and not at all a humanly contrived act by any sinner – then Peter and the other apostles would never had said that which is written in these last two texts out of the book of Acts!
In fact, both of these texts — attribute the sinner’s Genuine Repentance — to the presence and power and accomplishment – of the Holy Spirit of Christ our God!
Make no mistake about it – Genuine Repentance is a very personal activity – that is performed by each individual True Believer in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a fact of each one whose names have been written – by God — in His “Book of Life of the Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World” (see Rev.13:8).
All those – whose sins have all been washed away by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ – “They” are the “Children of the Kingdom” of Jesus Christ. “They” are represented by the “Good Seed” in Christ’s Parable of the Wheat and the Tares – spoken of – by Him — out of Mt.13:24-30 and explained – by Him — from Mt.13:37-43.
Jesus said from Jn.6:37 “All that the Father giveth me – shall come to me! And him that cometh to me – I will in no wise cast out!” And then from vs.39 He goes on to say> “this is the Father’s Will which hath sent me – that of all which He hath given me – I should lose nothing – but should raise it up at the last day!”
Peter is the one who – in 2Pe.3:9 – is led of the Holy Spirit to declare concerning all those that the Father has given to Him – for Him to save by His grace — that “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise – but is longsuffering to us – not willing that any should perish – but that all should come unto Repentance.” Praise His Wonderful Name – His Great Work of Eternal Redemption! Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Sep 26, 2025 | Camp News
Well everyone, as we quickly approach the end of Summer 2025, we are experiencing once again some rather high temperatures. Thankfully, as always – our Lord is in control – even where the weather is concerned!
Our last Family Camp occurred on September 6th. This was with a mother and her 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls). She, herself, was a camper almost two decades ago! She of course grew up to an age where she was able to serve as a staff helper for our girls camps. What a joy to see a live testimony – with her children – showing up for one of our family camp days.
She and her family had a wonderful time. They heard a presentation of the pure truth of the Gospel and we said the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag and then they had lunch. Next we had a time of Crafts — where the kids could make some souvenirs of their time at Del-Haven. Later they went swimming – and then they went fishing (and caught some fish too!). And then, they roasted marshmallows over an open camp fire. All of this in God’s wonderful outdoor environment! I heard the children say, “Hey Mom – can we come back here?” We hope and pray that we see them come back for another fun day at Camp Del-Haven!
Indeed, we sincerely hope and trust that you all are seeking from the Lord – with us and for us – His provision of another Staff of male and female helpers – so we can once again accommodate some regular weeks of camp for boys and girls like we used to do. Lord Willing, we will witness some more of those blessed Del-Haven Camp Experiences once again.
We do thank you, dear ones, for your continual prayerful support. Your prayers and gifts have been essential to us knowing and realizing the Lord’s divine presence and leadership of His ministry here at Del-Haven. We love and pray for you all!
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
