by John Carpenter | Feb 23, 2020 | Devotional
“And you – that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind – by wicked works – yet now hath He reconciled (22) in the body of His flesh through death – to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.” [Col.1:21-22] “Christ…loved the church, and gave Himself for it; (26) That He might sanctify and cleanse it – with the washing of water by the Word, (27) that He might present it to Himself a glorious church – not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” [Eph.5:25-27]
These two texts describe a work performed by Christ. A work not unlike the very creation of the world itself, for, indeed, it is describing the “new creature” [2Co.5:17] that every saved sinner is “in Christ”! Yes, this work is one that could only be done by the incarnated eternal Son of God, viz., the Lord Jesus Christ – the absolute greatest human ever to be born in and upon the timeline of fallen human history! Through Him alone — and for His glory alone – this work of perfecting the saints has been completely and totally accomplished! Not only has it been accomplished by Christ Jesus, the Lord, but because He is the eternal Son of God incarnated – it has been accomplished from eternity – in eternity – and for eternity! Praise His eternally holy and almighty Name!
Dear ones, He is our perfect propitiation before eternal and holy, holy, holy God. This literally means that He, and He alone is our only perfectly holy satisfaction before God. Christ Jesus (the incarnated eternal Son of God) has perfectly and eternally satisfied all the holy and eternal requirements — for all those whom God the Father has given unto Him [see Jn.6:37;17:2]. This includes their eternal Redemption, eternal Justification and their eternal Reconciliation — before, and with the Lord our God. This is what constitutes eternal salvation! “Salvation is of the Lord”!
This also means that Christ has satisfied the perfect Justice – of Almighty God! Our sins deserve the Divine Justice of eternal Hell itself. Therefore, our eternal Redeemer was made to be our sin [See 2Co.:5:21] and He satisfied Divine Justice for us as our eternal Savior and Substitute! The apostle Peter was Holy Spirit inspired to write concerning Christ’s atonement of us in these words: “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree…” and, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins – the Just – for the unjust – that He might bring us to God – (lit.) having been put to death in the flesh – but quickened by the Spirit.”[1Pe.2:24;3:18] Praise His holy, holy, holy Name!
How else can we be described by the Holy Spirit through the pen of His messenger and preacher, the apostle Paul — in such language that has been recorded in God’s Word from two different places in holy scripture? We are said to be: “holy” – “unblameable” – and “unreproveable in His sight” – according to the text in Colossians; and we are presented (i.e. lit., made to stand) before Him, our glorious Savior/God – “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” – but we are before Him: “holy and without blemish”! This is what it means to be among all those who have been included in the eternal atonement of the eternal “Lamb of God” the Lord Jesus Christ! Praise His Wonderful Name! If it’s not all Christ – it is all wrong!
God sees us – right where He placed us “before the foundation of the world”[see Eph.1:3-4]! The truth of the gospel of the glory, only, of our Lord Jesus Christ is even better news than we all thought! Look at, and meditate upon, that which is written in 1Jn.4:16-19! This passage is a very present help in the time of our being in this world of our trouble. Let us contemplate the mind-blowing last phrase of 1Jn. 4:17 and Rejoice! It says: “because as He is – so are we – in this world.”
For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jan 20, 2020 | Camp News
Well, dear ones, this old sinful world has turned yet another annual page in the history of its passing away. [see: 1Jn.2:15-16] According to our sovereign Lord’s eternal and immutable purpose and decree — Del-Haven Ministry will be conducting its 68th camping season of proclaiming the pure truth of the gospel of the glory, only, of the Lord Jesus Christ! Our very existence for this particular purpose is, indeed, a real testimony of our Lord’s faithfulness in graciously guiding, providing and preserving us. And, all of you who have been moved to prayerfully support us in whatever way that you have – “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love which ye have showed toward His Name – in that ye have ministered to the saints – and do minister.” [He.6:8]
All of us here at Del-Haven want to — once again — thank all of you for being there and praying for us like you do. We love you, dearly, and we constantly pray for all of you as well!
Having said all of that – may we remind you to not forget to lift up in your prayers our ongoing staff situation – along with all of the many boys and girls that our Lord sends to camp each summer. We are always in need of many prayers for those whom the Lord sends to us to help work through the camp schedule with the children and communicate directly to them the Word of God’s great grace. And, we are always in need of God’s people to pray for Him to nurture the children that go through the scripture memory classes and the devotions after every meal and the daily Bible classes. Pray that God – as only He can do – will reveal Himself to them and lead them in their walk through this dreadful world. We have seen how our wonderful Lord hears and answers our prayers in His doing exactly that! So, please, dear ones, do remember to pray for us.
There are a total of 14 building structures on Del-Haven. After an inspection by our insurance company – there is some need for building maintenance throughout the whole camp. Some of the needed upkeep is urgent or our insurance company will not insure the buildings. The roofs on our Craft Building and our Restroom/Shower House Building need to be completely replaced. We have had a roofing company also do an inspection — and they can do a really good and thorough job on these two buildings for $4,910. As only the Lord could do – we somehow were able to get remodeled our Dining Hall Kitchen – and re-wired the whole building – put new shower stalls in the Restroom/Shower House Building – and still ended up with $4,191 left over from what was generously donated to do all of this wonderful work! So, we only need $719 and we can take care of the roofs of these two buildings and be back in good standing with our insurer. Please be in prayer with us, and for us, to be able to get this accomplished. Thank you and God bless you all.
by John Carpenter | Jan 20, 2020 | Devotional
“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, (79) to give Light to them that sit in darkness – and – in the shadow of death – to guide our feet into the Way of Peace.” “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” “But the path of the Just is as the shining Light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”[Lk.1; Ps.119:105; Pr.4:18]
The last phrase of the Holy Spirit inspired utterance that old Priest Zacharias (the father of John the Baptist) descriptively declares unto us – is also a reason why the Lord God sent His Son into this world. Christ was sent into our fallen human history to not only be our Savior – but also our guide through and out of this world into God’s heavenly eternal presence and Kingdom! There are two important things we should always be aware of each day we are in this earthly life: 1) Where we are in this Cosmos Diabolos (the world of the Devil) and, 2)Where we are being led!
It would be difficult to find a more relevant subject to seriously meditate on at the beginning of a brand new year. Every single one of us are being led throughout our temporary journey in this evil world – right into our eternal destiny. Who we are – whether a genuine true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, or a false believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, or an outright and total unbeliever – will reveal where in eternity we will ultimately end up as our eternal destiny. Ro.8:14 tells us: “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” And, 2Pe.3:17 warns us to: “beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the Wicked – fall from your own steadfastness.”
There is no question about it! We will, and we do, suffer in this trial filled world – but praise God 1Pe.2:21 tells us: “For even hereunto were ye called – because Christ also suffered for us – leaving us an example – that ye should follow His steps.” This means that He forged a one man path through this dark, dense valley of the shadow of death – right into His holy eternal loving presence and Kingdom. It is no wonder that the Psalmist says that God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet! We need “the shining Light” of God’s Word to show us the footprints of our Lord that will lead us through this dark and troublesome valley. 1Pe.2:9-10 describes us all collectively: “ye are a chosen generation – a royal priesthood – an holy nation – a peculiar people – that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous Light. (10) Which in time past were not a people – but are now the people of God – which had not obtained mercy – but now have obtained mercy.” This is all because we are being led by the Spirit of God through this sinful and cursed world. By virtue of this saving work of the Holy Spirit – we fulfill the scriptural description of He.10:19-22, which says: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (20) by a new and living way – which He consecrated for us through the veil – that is to say – His flesh. (21) And having [Him as] an High Priest over the House of God (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”
This describes “the path of the Just” that “is as the shining Light – that shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day!” Praise the holy Name of Jesus! He came into this dark and sinful world to lead us in the grand and glorious exodus out of its bondage and death [see: Lk.9:28-31]. Well does Ps.85:13 describe His powerful and protective leadership: “Righteousness shall go before Him – and shall set us in the Way of His steps.” Pr.15:9 says: “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord – but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness!” We will not fall victim to the wiles of the devil — when we faithfully follow the footsteps of Christ our eternal Savior and Surety.
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Dec 18, 2019 | Camp News
Well, dear family of God, we have come unto the close of yet another year in this sinful world. Yet another milestone of God’s will and sovereignty on the stage of our life and existence has been accomplished. The ministry of our Lord here at Del-Haven continues to manifest the testimonies of His presence, His purpose, His provision and His preservation. We continually praise and thank Him for this reality. And, this includes all of you who have kept – and continue to keep — us in your prayers. We know this is of the Lord’s doing! So, therefore, as we thank Him – we also want to thank you as well.
In many ways, we have seen days, weeks, months and years – come and go – but no matter the changes that have occurred over time (in this world) – God’s great faithfulness remains strong and sure! This means that — with the Psalmist do we declare: “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give glory – for thy mercy and for thy truth’s sake!”[Ps.115:1] Praise His Name!
Our prayers must be evermore constant for the staff and campers that God supplies for the work that is performed here. Everyone He has sent and continues to send needs the uplifting of our praying for them to survive the onslaught of the spiritual warfare that surrounds them in this ungodly worldly environment. The ramifications of this adverse reality are constantly upon them, and us! But, praise God, another constant is also always present – and that is — where sin abounds – God’s grace does much more abound! “That as sin hath reigned unto death – even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord!”[Ro.5:21] Your prayers, therefore, are invaluable to us! Hence, we continue to pray for all of you — that you will continue to pray for all of us. Thank you in advance for doing so. May you all have a blessed and wonderful time – a Christ centered time – all during this season.
by John Carpenter | Dec 18, 2019 | Devotional
“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, (79) to give Light to them that sit in darkness – and – in the shadow of death – to guide our feet into the Way of Peace.” [Lk.1:78-79]
We are continuing with our examination of these two final Holy Spirit inspired statements of old Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist – the prophet/forerunner of the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ – the only sovereign Savior/Substitute that there ever was, is, or ever will be! He is “the Dayspring from on high” who “hath visited us”. And, this visitation is referring to what the religious world around us celebrates at this precise time of the year – Christmas!
There is nothing about this particular extraordinary event in our history that took God by surprise. No – that is impossible to do! He planned, purposed and decreed every detail concerning the circumstances of the birth of John the Baptist through the barren Elizabeth and the old priest, Zacharias. In like manner, He planned, purposed and decreed the birth of Christ Jesus through the virgin Mary. This event marks the wonderful, marvelous, gracious, spiritual dawning — that literally takes us from the blackest part of the spiritual night that encompasses this lost and fallen world – and unfolds and reveals unto all those that God the Father has given to God the Son (see Jn.6:37) the beautiful and blessed Light of the gospel of the glory, only, of Christ Jesus, the eternal Savior! (see 2Co.4:3-6)
We all sit in the darkness of “the shadow of death” – which is the everyday environment that exists all around us within this ever constant passing-away-world. Here we sit until our individual and personal divinely covenanted and appointed time that God’s everlasting love finds us…and gives life unto our souls (see the scriptural descriptions of 1Jn.2:17 and Eze.16:4-8). This marks the divine quickening of the Holy Spirit of God that we all desperately need in order to be saved. Note the words of Jesus, Himself, from Jn.6:63> “It is the Spirit that quickeneth – the flesh profiteth nothing! The Words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [see also Jn.6:64-71]
The reality is this: God — who has brought to pass the eternally covenanted and accomplished incarnation of the eternal Son of God into the likeness of fallen human flesh – through His doing this – He has accomplished the absolute greatest miracle that He has ever done! Ps.115:2-3 descriptively declares: “Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? (3) But our God is in the heavens – He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased!” And, once again – from Ps.135:6 it says: “Whatsoever the Lord pleased – that did He in heaven – and in earth, in the seas, and all the deep places.” These texts dogmatically declare that God has done – He has absolutely accomplished all things — just as He pleases! That’s — in all of time — past, present, and future – and — in all of eternity! Praise His Sovereign, Almighty Name.
The gospel truth concerning Christ’s eternally atoning sacrifice is descriptively declared from Is.53:10. It says: “…it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief; when thou shalt make His soul and offering for sin, He shall see His seed – He shall prolong His days – and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” This is the substance of pure gospel preaching. And, 1Co.1:21 says: “…it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching (see 1Co.1:18) to save them that believe!” This is what constitutes the real eternal purpose of the birth of Christ.
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
