by John Carpenter | Nov 27, 2025 | Devotional
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ – according to the command of God our Savior – and of the Lord Jesus Christ – our Hope (2) to Timothy a true child (lit.) in the Faith — Grace, Mercy, Peace from God our Father – and Christ Jesus our Lord.” [1Ti.1:1-2]
“Christ – as a Son over (lit.) God’s own Household – whose house are we – if, indeed, (lit.) the boldness [or the confidence] and the rejoicing of the Hope – firm (or, stedfast) – unto the end – we should hold.” [He.3:6]
“But we desire each of you — the same diligence – to show – to the full assurance of the Hope – unto the end; (12) that ye be not slothful – but imitators of those who through faith and long patience – inherit the promises. (13) For God having promised to Abraham – since by no one greater than He (Himself) to swear by – He swore by Himself — (14) saying – Surely [or, Assuredly] Blessing – I will Bless thee – and Multiplying – I will Multiply thee! (15) And, thus — having had long patience – he [i.e. Abraham] Obtained the Promise.” [He..6:11-15]
“Let us hold fast – the confession of our Hope [which is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ] – without wavering – He is faithful that promised” [He.10:23]
The above texts describe the encouraging Truth that the Lord Jesus Christ – along with everything else that He is unto His saved ones – He is also: “the Full Assurance of our Hope”!
I printed out the exact wording of these texts from the original language of the New Testament in order to give you the impact of the original translation. What is described here is the actual God-Breathed communication. The first context above is simply Paul’s opening remarks to his first letter to Timothy wherein he identifies himself as an apostle according to the “Command” of God and (as he goes on to say) the Lord Jesus our “Hope”.
The next context comes from the book of Hebrews – and from this book in three different places. The first is from He.3:6 which text announces to us that the Lord Jesus as the Son of God incarnate is the Head of God’s own Household and in whom we have been eternally saved by Him – in fact, we are His Household! And, we always will be – even while we are still in this fallen-in-sin world – as long as we hold fast to the Truth – concerning Who it is that is our certain Hope – which is all and only Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior! Praise His Wonderful Name!
Next we turn to He.6:11-15 and we see this same theme more fully expanded. From this text it is announced that each one of God’s – by grace saved sinner/children – still in this world — have a full assurance of Hope that Jesus Christ is their full and complete salvation — all the way to the end! And it’s all Christ’s doing! We hold fast to Him – because He has an eternal hold upon each one of us! He has done it all – and that’s just way that it is – Praise His Name! This points us to He.10:23 where we are told that our Hope – has been by God – eternally fulfilled – in our Lord Jesus Christ.
What God has promised – He has done through His Son, our everlasting Savior! Lord willing we will see exactly what that means – more fully.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Nov 27, 2025 | Camp News
Well, once more we approach the end of another year. The environment of Del-Haven is made simply brilliant by the multicolored leaves of its trees. Plus, the sunsets have been just fabulous! I just love this time of year. The manifestations of our Creator God are indeed wonderful!
Thank you for your prayers concerning Jeff. He seems to be doing quite well – even though he is still under a doctor’s care. Please continue to lift him up before the Lord – as we trust that you do for all of us. We are encouraged about the fact that the last family that we ministered to during this last summer voiced that they all wanted to come back and also to put them on our monthly newsletter list. The drawing grace of our Lord and Savior – is it not grand? Thank you, Lord.
We have added some extra window covering to our Dining Hall – as preparation for the Winter that is coming right up. Anything that we can do to cut back the need for propane will be a help. Jeff, Theresa and Skip did a great job in the accomplishment of that task. Also, I have asked for a man to come out and survey our main road to see what – and how much – it would cost to make the road smoother so the bottom of our cars won’t continue to drag in some places. Please pray with us where this is concerned. Thank you in advance for doing so – please know that your prayers are highly treasured by us. We love you – have a great Thanksgiving!
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
