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
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
