by John Carpenter | Nov 24, 2022 | Devotional
“And whatsoever ye do – in word or (lit.) in work – do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus – giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.!” [Col.3:17]
“But God be thanked – that ye were the servants of sin – but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” [Rom.6:17]
The verse right before the first one (Col.3:16) exhorts us as being God’s elect-to-eternal salvation to: “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly”; or, “abundantly”! So much so (in accordance with 3:17) as to influence all our words and all our works! So that everything that we do – in the entirety of our beings — including all our thoughts, intents and motives – we do – we perform — as living proof that we are indeed the true children of the Christ, our God. And, this, in turn, brings forth the wonderful reality of that which is descriptively declared unto us from our second text, Rom.6:17! Which introduces to us something that we can truly be thankful to God alone for. Let us, therefore, examine this truly grand premise.
Rom.6:17 declares dogmatically that something fantastic has happened unto us by God’s grace! And, it is from Rom.6:18 that we have it clearly laid out what that something is. It says: “Being then made free from sin – ye became the servants of righteousness!” Wow! What exactly is this portion of scripture saying to us?
In order for us to get the full and actual impact of what God’s Word is declaring here we need to understand the language that it is really using here. When it says in its use of the word “servants” – it is literally meaning: “bondslaves”. A bondslave is always subject to the contextual reality of their actual circumstances. This is what they are bound (or, bonded) to. They are not truly free and independent contractors, or actors. They are the property of their taskmasters who have their entire being – and will — under their complete control – at all times!
When Jesus taught plainly and clearly from Jn.8, He said from vs.34: “Verily, verily, I say unto you whosoever committeth sin is the servant [or, lit., “the bondslave”] of sin.” This statement includes every single one of us – without exception! Who doesn’t commit sin?! So, who isn’t a bondslave of sin? Therefore, who in this fallen-in-sin world has a free will? No one – that’s who. Who isn’t a sinner? Again – No one – that’s who! “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God!” [Rom.3:23]. Rom.6:20-22 is extremely relevant to this premise – when it says: “For when ye were the servants [or, more lit., “the bondslaves”] of sin – ye were free from righteousness. (21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed(?) – for the end of those things is death. (22) But now – being made free from sin – and become servants [or again, more lit., “bondslaves”] to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness – and the end everlasting life!” Praise the Name of our Savior, God – the Lord Jesus Christ!
This brings us full circle back around to Col.3:17! “And whatsoever ye do in word or work – do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus – giving thanks to God and the Father – by Him!” And, Rom.6:17 “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants [or, “the bondslaves”] of sin – but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine [lit.] whereunto ye were delivered.” In other words, the real truth of the matter is that God always delivers His true children over into the hearing and seeing and receiving and believing the pure truth of the gospel of the glory, only, of the Lord Jesus Christ! Hence, Jesus says: “And ye shall know the truth – and the truth shall make you free!” Jn.8:32
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpnter
by John Carpenter | Oct 23, 2022 | Miscellaneous
Well, dear ones, we are truly in the midst of the magnificent beauty of all the Autumn colors for sure! What a wonderful time of year it is indeed! It’s like being in God’s own cathedral of illustrious beauty – that only He can create.
Let’s not forget, dear ones, to be in earnest prayer for all of the children that were led of the Lord through our camp program this year. The situation in our society today is very volatile to say the least. Our children are being subjected to evil circumstances all around them. Circumstances whether at school – or on the playground – or even at home. Please pray that the protective presence of the Lord be with them at all times – and in all places.
And, please be in prayer for our staff members as well. They are targets for the Evil One for sure. For they have been on the front line with all the boys and girls day and night throughout the camp sessions. This enrages the enemy to no end! “We are not ignorant of his devices” (2Co.2:11). Let us pray Job 5:12 which says: “He disappointeth the devices of the crafty – so that their hands cannot perform their enterprize.” God-willing this will take place throughout our land entirely – all for God’s glory and honor!
We want to thank you all for being faithful to pray for us – and to continue to support us in this uncertain time. Your prayerful support is so much appreciated…we thank our Lord God for all of you! May God richly bless all of you.
by John Carpenter | Oct 23, 2022 | Devotional
“Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep – through the blood of the Everlasting Covenant, (21) make you perfect in every good work to do His will – working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ – to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” [He.13:20-21]
We now continue to consider this wonderful text of scripture concerning our Lord Jesus Christ as being the “Great Shepherd of the Sheep”. This final descriptive of the Christ of God is also highly significant when it is put in conjunction with the opening statement of the epistle. From where Christ is also exalted as being God’s perfect representative and spokesman — declaring the things of God – to us who are His chosen sinner/children whom He has singled out of all of fallen-in-sin humanity to be made perfect by His great grace! These two statements are like bookends unto the whole context of the message of the epistle of Hebrews. It’s all about the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In the center of the epistle we find the astounding announcement of He.7:12-13 – which concerns all of us, His sinner/children in this law-cursed world – having been made perfect in order to be divinely approved and accepted into God’s all glorious and heavenly presence for all eternity. That great descriptive statement is: “For the priesthood being changed – there is – made of necessity – a change also of (the) law. For He of whom these tidings are spoken – pertaineth to another tribe of which no man gave attendance at the altar.” Hence, the Lord Jesus – the Christ of God – is also forever titled – not only – the Great Shepherd of the sheep – but also as being our Great High Priest! [see: He.4:14] This makes all the difference where all of God’s eternally loved and chosen are concerned! This descriptive declaration is that which connects God’s eternal purpose (for us) with His eternal performance making what He has done (on our behalf) to be entirely perfect!
Jesus, our eternal Savior and Surety, is – in every way – God almighty. Yes, Jesus is all-knowing, all-present, all-glorious and all Holy God. Col.2:9-10 plainly says: “For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead – Bodily…”! And, the next revealing statement of this text is just too wonderful for fallen human words – “…and Ye are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power.”
The preaching of the Word of the Cross declares dogmatically that this has all been done – finished – by our Great God, Jesus the Christ. It was all done when He – voluntarily – shed His own Blood and purged us from all of our sins (which the epistle of Hebrews declares dogmatically at it’s very beginning). Having eternally accomplishing the purging of all our sins – He rightfully occupied the sovereign, over-ruling throne of His Great Grace – from where He sovereignly rules over all His sinner/children throughout the generations of fallen humanity. [see: He.1:3;8-9]
This preaching of the Word of the Cross – according to 1Co.1:18 is: “to them who (lit.) are perishing – foolishness – but unto us (lit.) which are being saved – it is the power of God.” And, this is why our Savior is titled: “(that) Great Shepherd of the sheep (lit.) in – the Blood of the everlasting Covenant…” His sheep being all those whom He knows and all those whom they have – by His grace – come to know Him (Jn.10:14)! “Wherefore holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider [or, more lit., “fully behold”] the Apostle and High Priest – of our profession [or, more lit., “confession”] Christ Jesus” [He. 3:1]. Praise His All Glorious Name!
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Sep 23, 2022 | Camp News
The beautiful Autumn time of year is once again blessing our surroundings here at Camp Del-Haven. It is, indeed, nice to be greeted with some familiar realities – in this ever changing and constantly challenging world. God’s incessantly praying people are – (by Him) made to be able to stand strong and firm in the face of whatever this world may throw at them. Let us continue to seek our Lord for anything and everything that we need. He is our Rock! He is our Strength! He is our Surety! He is our Provider!
With that in mind please continue to pray for our Staff and campers that must face and contend with the wiles of the Enemy. The high inflation of our present economy definitely makes things more difficult to deal with, but nothing ever takes our Great God by surprise. That is why we follow Him – and Him alone! Our God shall supply all our needs – “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” [Phil.4:19]
Our prayers have been made – and answered — in reference to Sheri who had to undergo some surgery for a cyst that adversely affected her ankle. We praise the Lord that she seems to be recovering and healing quite well. Please pray for her complete and perfect recovery.
Thank you for your faithful and prayerful support of this ministry. We have received many kind comments expressing how happy to see that we were able to have regular camp sessions this year. We give all the glory to our wonderful Savior – for everything!
by John Carpenter | Sep 23, 2022 | Devotional
“Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep – through the blood of the Everlasting Covenant, (21) make you perfect in every good work to do His will – working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ – to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” [He.13:20-21]
The epistle of Hebrews is – by itself – a strong declaration of the sovereignty of Christ, our Savior. These two verses at the end of Hebrews once again, without reservation herald out the Truth that if our eternal salvation be not all Christ – then it is all wrong! “The God of all peace” dogmatically says that our Lord Jesus is – “that Great Shepherd of the sheep (lit.) in the blood of the Everlasting Covenant”! There is only one – “Great Shepherd”. This speaks volumes unto us!
The incarnated eternal Son of God – the Lord Jesus Christ – is as He.1:3 describes — the “express image” of the very person of Almighty and Sovereign God. And, it is Him who speaks unto us the soul-quickening and life trans-forming Word of God. Praise His Name! When He – “that Great Shepherd of the sheep (lit.) in the blood of the Everlasting Covenant” – “by Himself purged our sins”, [i.e. by Himself – He purified us from all of our sins; see 2Co.5:21] He, then “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High”! It is from this, Most High vantage point – that He sovereignly reigns over all those whom the Father has given Him [see: Jn.6:37]. It is these who are the “sheep” of His pasture. The “sheep” that He leads. The “sheep” that He loves and cares for. The “sheep” that He knows personally – and who know Him. The “sheep” for whom He died!”
The “Great Shepherd” of He.13 is the “Good Shepherd” of Jn.10. Jn.10:11 proves this to be true. From there Jesus says: “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” By the eternally accomplished atonement of Christ – “the Great Shepherd” – eternally secured “Peace” between God and all His sinner/sheep – by having purified them from all their sins in His shed blood! That’s why our text says that, “Now the God of Peace – that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus…(lit.) in the power of the blood of the Eternal Covenant”. This is the Covenant between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit – the Everlasting Covenant that concerns the Everlasting Salvation of each and every one of our Lord’s sinner/sheep. And, what’s more — our Lord Jesus is also the Lamb of God – the One Great Sacrifice! He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” [Re.13:8]
Then Jesus goes on to say in Jn.10:14: “I am the Good Shepherd – and know my sheep and am known of mine.” And, eventually our Lord plainly clarifies for the unbelieving Jews by saying to them vs.26-30: “But ye believe not – because – ye are not of my sheep – as I said unto you. (27) My sheep hear my voice and I Know them and they follow me (28) and I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish – neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (29) My Father which gave them me is greater than all – and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. (30) I and my Father are One.” How absolutely wonderful is that!? Praise the Savior!
Remember, the Shepherd doesn’t drive His flock – He leads it. This points to the fact that wherever we end up – our Shepherd was there first. Our “Great Shepherd” is also our “Great High Priest”.He.4:14 substantiates this truth: “Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest – that is passed into the heavens – Jesus the Son of God – let us hold fast our profession.”
We will look more deeply into these things next time.
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
