by John Carpenter | Feb 18, 2022 | Devotional
(2)“For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus – hath made me free from – the law of sin and death.(3)For what the law could not do – in that it was weak through the flesh – God – sending His own Son – in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us – who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” [Ro.8:2-4]
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth – that shall he also reap! (8) For he that soweth to his flesh – shall of the flesh reap corruption – but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap Life Everlasting!” [Gal.6:7-8]
To pick up where we left off last month – we are looking at what the “Law of sin and death” refers to. Once again – let’s look at how scripture interprets scripture. The Holy Spirit from 2Cor.3:7-8 says: “But if the Ministration of death – written and engraven in stones was glorious – so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which (glory) was to be done away: (8) How shall not the Ministration of the Spirit – exceed in glory!”
So, therefore, from the Ro.8:2-4 text the Holy Spirit of the Holy Word of God contrasts the “Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus” with that which He calls the “Law of sin and death”. And, from the 2Cor.3 text He is comparing the same two by calling the one “the Ministration of death” and the other “the Ministration of the Spirit”! These two different texts interpret and expand each other! Praise the Holy Spirit of the Holy Word of God!
It is obvious that the “Law of sin and death” refers to the “Holy, just and good Law of God” [see: Rom.7:12] that was delivered unto Moses on Mt. Sinai by God, Himself! Hence, does Gal.3:19 pose the question: “Wherefore then – the Law?” Or rather: For what purpose did our God give to us His Holy Law? Especially when we are plainly told from Ro.3:19: “Now we know (i.e. we know without a doubt) that what things soever the Law saith (or, whatsoever the Law literally means) it saith (or, it utters; or, it preaches; or, it declares) to them who are under the Law: (or, to them who have been born under, and in, the Law – which includes everybody in the history of fallen humanity) that every mouth may be stopped (or, that every language of every mouth of fallen-in-sin humanity may be silenced) and all the world may become guilty (or, condemned — by the curse of the Law) before God.”
This leads us right up to what is plainly put forth from Ro.3:20 which delivers God’s divine conclusion by saying: “Therefore, by the deeds of the Law – there shall no flesh be justified in His sight”. – Why?! – Because: “for by the Law is the (full) knowledge of sin.” So, you see, the scriptures from here declare the absolute weakness of the “Law of sin and death” to justify our fallen-in-sin flesh – or, to declare before Holy God – us, in our flesh, as being righteous in God’s sight. This is because by God’s Law we can only come to fully know and understand that we are hopeless and helpless sinners! We need God to be our Savior – from God – and ourselves – under “His Holy Just and Good Law”! In other words: We need the Lord Jesus Christ! He is the only Hope that we have of our ever being eternally saved! Praise His Holy Name!
The Lord willing – we shall continue to see how this plays out in our walk through this world.
by John Carpenter | Jan 21, 2022 | Camp News
Well, dear ones, the camp buildings have all been winterized and put to rest as usual this time of year. All is peaceful – except for the sounds an occasional chain saw and maybe a splitting mall. The work around here never ever really stops – it just changes forms. Nevertheless, our seeking the Lord on behalf of the ministry is perpetual. God’s Word tells us from Lk.18:1: “And He (Jesus) spake a parable unto them – to this end – that men ought always to pray and not to faint.” How true this is!
Hence, please do not forget to pray for all our children. Lift them up before our Sovereign Savior and pray for their spiritual and physical welfare and preservation. Satan has been after the children from the beginning of his wicked work in the Garden of Eden! Our Savior has been exalted to be the Head of all principality and power and might and dominion [see: Eph.1:19-21]. And, the devil – has never been – and, even now, is no match for He who Sovereignly rules over him! Praise His Name, our prayers are used by our God – not to change His will – but to accomplish it. This is why we are continually coming to know that it takes a great Savior like this to save any of us! That’s also why we ask, as always, that when you pray for the boys and girls – please do not forget to pray for Del-Haven’s immediate future for 2022 – that we be led of the Lord to be able to have regular camp sessions once again. And, also, include in your prayers — the provision and spiritual stability of our staff and their many helpers.
Also, dear ones, we ask that you pray for Ken Edens. Ken served on the board of Del-Haven for years until he had a stroke which hampered his ability to attend meetings. He has recently suffered another stroke and is once again in the hospital. He seems to be recovering well. Pastor Larry Tennant of Pleasant Grove Bible Church has had to have a quintuple bypass. The Lord has brought him through this event in a marvelous way. We ask that you pray for his complete recovery.
Once again, thank you, dear faithful friends, for your continual encouragement and support – especially during these difficult times. It is wonderful to know that you are there. We love you all and we do pray for you as well – that you all will have a richly blessed New Year.
by John Carpenter | Jan 21, 2022 | Devotional
(2)“For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus – hath made me free from – the law of sin and death.(3)For what the law could not do – in that it was weak through the flesh – God – sending His own Son – in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us – who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” [Ro.8:2-4]
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth – that shall he also reap! (8) For he that soweth to his flesh – shall of the flesh reap corruption – but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap Life Everlasting!” [Gal.6:7-8]
These two passages of holy scripture provide for us true children of 3xholy God — a wonderful New Year’s Resolution. In fact, they exhort us to pursue a resolution for a whole new life and walk through this sinful world. A resolution to follow – not the law – but the Spirit of Christ!
Rom.8:2 contrasts the freedom of “the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus” with the bondage of “the law of sin and death”. With the sound principle of studying the Word of God — that stands absolutely true when it tells us that — “scripture interprets scripture” – let’s examine what the whole context of Ro.8:2 is here saying.
First of all, let’s contemplate what God’s Word refers to when it says: “the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus”. Remember 1Co.15:45 that says: “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul – the last Adam (Christ Jesus) was made a quickening Spirit.”. And, from Jn.10:10 Jesus said in reference to those who are described as being His sheep (for whom He died) – He said, “I am come that they might have Life – and that they might have it more abundantly!” And then there is also Jn.5:21 from where our Lord Jesus declares: “For as the Father raiseth up the dead and quickeneth them – even so the Son quickeneth whom He will.” All of which makes perfect sense! Jesus is – without a doubt — the incarnated eternal Son of God. This means that He is – One with God the Father and One with God the Holy Spirit – and they are One with Him. This means that the Lord Jesus Christ — He is God!
Now what does the Word of God tell us concerning “the law of sin and death”? What exactly is this law? The Holy Spirit tells us from Ga.3:10-13> “For as many as are of the works of the law – are under the curse. For it is written, Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law – to do them. (11) But that no man is justified by [or lit. in] the law in the sight of God – it is evident! For “The just shall live by [or lit. out of] faith”. (12) And the law is not [out] of faith; but the man that doeth them [i.e. anyone that doeth — the works of the law] shall live in them.”
According to the Spirit, this scenario constitutes a fallen human effort in futility! Because, there is no approved and acceptable Justification before God that we can even hope to manufacture from our striving to live a righteous life out of the works of the law. But, Praise the Lord God our eternal Savior for vs.13 – which says: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law – being made a curse for us – for it is written: Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.” This is the truth of the Gospel of Christ’s glory only! He bore the consequences of our curse so we could be clothed with His perfect righteousness! We will look more deeply into this next time.
For Christ’s Glory Only! John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Dec 20, 2021 | Camp News
My dear friends and family in Christ, the end of 2021 being right upon us – let us not forget to continue to earnestly pray for the children who have been in the hearing of Del-Haven’s gospel preaching camp program. Please pray that our sovereign Lord will be pleased to allow us to be able to hold regular camp sessions once again. Pray for the boys and girls and also for our staff leaders and helpers. Nothing is too hard for our Lord. He can lead us victoriously through this whole ordeal!
From what we have experienced during this difficult time is indeed amazing! Our new thrust of ministering the gospel to family groups has been very rewarding as well. We may be able to incorporate a few sessions of that in addition to having regular camps. Pray with us – for the Lord’s leading in this regard. We love the opportunity of being able to proclaim the gospel to the whole family as well.
Again, we want to express our sincere thankfulness unto the Lord God for the way that you have maintained your much needed prayers and gifts during these last two years. By God’s great grace you have been so marvelous in hanging in there with us! We just Praise the Lord for all of you!
You are continually in our prayers. We love you – and wish all of you a wonderful and meaningful Christmas Season.
by John Carpenter | Dec 20, 2021 | Devotional
“We are of God – he that knoweth God – heareth us; he that is not of God – heareth not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. (7) Beloved, let us love one another for love is of God; and everyone that loveth – is born of God – and knoweth God! (8) He that loveth not, knoweth not God – for God is love! (9) In this was manifested the love of God – toward us – because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world – that we might live through Him. (10) Herein is love! Not that we loved God – but that He loved us – and sent His Son – a propitiation for our sins.” [1Jn.4:6-10]
At this time of year, from the last phrase of this passage of holy scripture, we see a descriptive announcement of God’s perfect purpose in His sending His only begotten Son into this lost, sinful and law-cursed world. This wonderful announcement plainly tells us that God loved us “and sent His Son – a propitiation for our sins”! In other words, God’s Son – was sent into this world to be the complete and total satisfaction of whatever divine requirements there are that need to be met for the perfect approval and acceptance of every chosen member of God’s eternal and heavenly household. This includes even the perfect Justice that God demands to be carried out where our sins are concerned. And, in Christ – and by Christ – this as been accomplished! This is the pure truth of the gospel of the holy glory, only, of our Lord Jesus Christ!
The question is – just exactly for whom has this great salvation been wrought – or totally worked out? And, from vs.6-9 John is inspired by the Holy Spirit to address this precise matter. These men and women – boys and girls – receive the announcement and presentation of the gospel of God’s grace and believe it! They “hear” by the presence and power of the Grace of the Holy Spirit – and they know that what they hear is the gospel truth of God. Furthermore – they “Love” what they hear because the love of Christ controls them and causes them to love the truth of the gospel of the glory, only, of Jesus Christ, this is what manifests that they are indeed the true children of God!
Before this – 1Jn.3:5 – states: “And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins – and in Him is no sin.” This text unfolds even more wonderful news! Not only has the incarnated eternal Son of God satisfied the total penalty and punishment that our sins deserve – but God has also used His Son to be all our perfect righteousness that makes us to be approved and accepted in God’s Holy Presence! “In Him is no sin”! In Christ is where God has created us (see: Eph.2:10)! “He has chosen us in Him – before the foundation of the world – that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (see: Eph.1:4)! The “Good News” just keeps getting better and better! God, Himself, fulfills that which He commands of us from Rom.13:14 which says: “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ – and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
This then leads us into “seeing” the Saving Purpose of God’s sending His only-begotten Son into this sin filled world as stated in 1Jn.3:8> “…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil.” And, vs.10 says: “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.”
And, just who are these children of the devil? They are even as 1Jn.4:5 describes> “They are of the world – therefore speak they of the world and the world heareth them.” Pr.20:12 declares: “The hearing ear and the seeing eye – the Lord hath made even both of them!” Praise His Name! Jesus Christ really did come into this world this world – “to save sinners”! All glory to Him! Let’s all celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, into the world of fallen humanity (see Rom. 8:3-4).
For Christ’s Glory Only! -John Carpenter
