by John Carpenter | Oct 26, 2015 | Devotional
“Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my Word.” “He that is of God, heareth God’s words. Ye, therefore, hear them not — because ye are not of God.” [Jn.8:43,47]
These two verses are found in a context that involves a conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees. They declare and underscore an important spiritual reality. They reveal an immutable divine principle that determines who has and who has not received God’s sovereign grace among sinful, fallen mankind. This is why pure gospel preaching ministries are, for the most part, seed sowing ministries.
Earlier in Jn.8:21 Jesus told them: “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go — ye cannot come.” Then He said to them from vs.23-24: “Ye are from beneath; I am from above. Ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins — for if ye believe not that I am — ye shall die in your sins.” This is an astoundingly poignant descriptive declaration! It elicits from them the most relevant question: “Who art thou?” Which Jesus answers: “Even the same that I said unto you — from the beginning”.
Now that which our Lord is referring to here is everything that He had been saying about Himself from Jn.2:23 down through Jn.8:12. In this portion of scripture a definite distinguishing line is continually being drawn between those that do hear, see and believe the truth as to whom the Lord Jesus really is as being the eternal Son of God incarnated into the likeness of fallen human flesh, and those who do not.
Observe what is said from Jn.2:23-25 about certain ones that believed in Jesus because of the miracles that He did. Their faith was not genuine! It was based simply on sensationalism! Jesus did not close on their hearts so that they truly did believe in Him. Not like Nicodemus exemplifies in Jn.3. Nor like the woman at the well, or the other Samaritans from Sychar in Jn.4. Nor was it like the lame man in Jn.5 whom Jesus singled out from among all the other sick and infirm folk to be healed by Him. Jesus revealed Himself to only that one, and told the persecuting Jews who sought to slay Him, “My Father worketh hitherto – and I work.” They knew, right then, that He was saying that God was His Father, and that He was equal with God [Jn.5:18]. In Jn.6 Jesus explains that it is the particular work of His Father to cause lost and fallen men to believe on Him whom He had sent [6:29]; and that it is these — that make up all that the Father has given to Him – and they most certainly shall come to Him – and not one of them will be lost [6:37-40, 44-45]. Nevertheless, right before, Jesus tells them from vs.36, “You also have seen me — and believe not.” Jn.7 continues to unfold the line that divides and distinguishes the true believers from the false [observe 7:30-31 and 40-44]. Ch. 7 ends with Nicodemus showing up again as defending Jesus against the unbelievers [see 7:45-53]. Then in Jn.8:12 Jesus rescues the woman caught in adultery from being stoned to death, and declares Himself to be the sin cleansing Christ of God and the “Light of the world”.
For Christ’s Glory Only!
– John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Sep 15, 2015 | Ministry News
Firewood
One of the things that we discussed as a Board as a way to be a source of provision to some of you — as well as perhaps elicit some extra funds throughout this fall and winter — is firewood. We will cut some up and make it simple for you come and fill up a pick up truck load to take home with you for an additional donation of $100. What do you think? Would you, or someone you know, like to help us out? Just give us a call and let us know…(816) 690-8465 [leave your name and number and we’ll get back to you]
by John Carpenter | Sep 15, 2015 | Ministry News
Well, dear ones, Fall has officially fallen upon us, and along with the Autumn breeze there comes the color changes where the Autumn leaves are concerned (which is always a beautiful sight). There is also the end of the year responsibilities and expenses with which we must contend. As this newsletter is intended to be a “prayer letter” — we do covet your faithful prayers that our Lord and Savior will continue to provide for the meeting of Del-Haven’s ongoing financial needs. We are continually relying on the truth of God’s Word (which is faith’s “spiritual meat”) where it says from Mt.6:33: “Seek ye first — the Kingdom of God and His righteousness — and all these things (worldly necessities) shall be added unto you.”
2015 Staff Journal Entry
In your praying for us — please do not forget all those that God has sent to us to labor with us on the frontlines where the presentation of the soul saving, life transforming gospel is concerned. From the pages of our camp journal — here is an entry from, Brittany — which was written during our first older girls camp:
07/23/2015> “This is my fourth year of serving at Camp Del-Haven. Every year I learn more about Christ — connect with the kids — and sweat more that thought was humanly possible. Sometimes all the staff become irritated by one or two children, don’t get enough sleep, or just missed out on the coffee; but, that is life. Every detail is meant to bring patience, laughter, or even just bring us to our knees. When I am exhausted and have no energy left, I wonder why I came back. Then a child finds joy in a butterfly, or needs help using a broom — and it reminds me that I am here for the Lord. We are ALL here for Him! Our prayer times as a staff group is one of my favorite times here. (Note to anyone nervous about prayer: You’ll do fine! We won’t judge you. Just pray to Jesus — He will give you the words) To everyone: You have all been Jesus to me in some way. Thank you for letting Him use you here — befriending everyone here — caring for the kids. Thank you, Jesus, for this camp!!!
This journal entry, from this young and willing servant of the Lord, literally speaks volumes as to the outreach of this ministry of Camp Del-Haven. It is not only to the boys and girls that the Lord sends us each year — but also to those whom He sends out here to serve Him where the kids are concerned! Praise His Wonderful Name!
by John Carpenter | Sep 15, 2015 | Devotional
“And without controversy — great is the mystery of Godliness: God was manifest in the flesh — justified in the Spirit — seen of angels — preached unto the Gentiles — believed on in the world — received up into glory” “And the Word was made flesh — and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory — the glory as of the only begotten of the Father — full of grace and truth” 1Ti.3:16; Jn.1:14
It is without a doubt, or any argument whatsoever, that absolutely the most mysterious divine truth of God’s wonderful grace is — first of all — how that the eternal almighty, all holy, all powerful, all just and all righteous Son of God — is manifested in fallen human flesh. He, the creator God, not only entered and became a part of our human history, but He has also forever changed it! There is no disputing this fact — as the eternal Son of God and the eternal Savior Son of man, He historically lived, He died, He was buried, He was raised again and He was received up into Godly glory and grandeur as the only triumphant and totally sovereign Savior/substitute — that there ever was, is, or forever will be. He became this for all His eternally loved and chosen ones! Praise His all glorious Name! This is the very substance of the gospel of the glory, only, of our Lord Jesus Christ!
This is what the Word of God descriptively declares throughout its holy scriptures. This is why it is that John refers to Jesus as being the living “Word” of God.
Jn.1:1-2 declares this: “In the beginning was the Word — and the Word was with God and the Word was God; the same was in the beginning with God!” Hence, it is most definitely true that by, the “Word”, John is here referencing Christ Jesus as being the incarnated eternal Son of God — of whom he, also (under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit) goes on to write from vs.3 that “All things — were made by Him — and without Him was not anything made that was made!” And then, we see from vs.14, as is stated above, that: “the Word was made flesh”. Oh, think about that! The “Maker” of all things in all of creation was, Himself, made flesh! It in fact declares that: “He was made flesh — and dwelt among us…”. The Spirit chosen word here for “dwelt” is the verbal form of the word, “tabernacle”. In other words, the gospel is here declaring that the living and eternal Word of God became human flesh and blood and “tabernacled” among us. Wow!
Therefore, this same gospel of the wonderful grace of Jesus is that which is being descriptively declared by type — by symbol — by representation — throughout the Holy Bible wherever the “Tabernacle” is mentioned, or referenced. How grand is that, my friends!? The very place in which the sovereign saving sacrifice was symbolically performed by the chosen people of God — is, in Christ, made to be real and actual! Jesus, the eternal and living “Word” of God, became the very same eternal and living and saving sacrificial “Lamb” of God — for all of His eternally loved and chosen ones. He is the only begotten Son of God, full of grace and truth!
For Christ’s Glory Only!
-John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Aug 19, 2015 | Ministry News
Well, dear ones, as we conclude, once again, another blessed summer session of Del-Haven camps – we can, and do, bear testimony after testimony of our Lord’s guiding us – providing for us – preserving and perfecting us – all along the way. And, it is obvious to us – that the reason this is true is due, in a large way, to the overall faithfulness demonstrated by all of you – in your praying for us and in your supporting us! We constantly thank and praise the Name of our Savior for all of you!
This summer has been filled with some wonderful experiences that we will be progressively sharing with you in the coming months. Experiences that have involved – not only the children – but many of the staff as well. All of this will be made plain in future newsletters. God has definitely used the ministry of His Word in a marvelous manner in all of the lives who have been blessed to be chosen to serve Him on the platform that He has made of Del-Haven camp sessions. Praise His holy Name!
Due to the fact that we always have some post camp tasks that need to be tended to, we have decided to resurrect the Saturday Work Day routine for this fall. This means that if you – or your church group – have some time to spend helping us, you all can come out on some good fall Saturday and spend some time helping us tackle and complete some of the many things that we need to get done. Please pray about this and let us know if this might be possible for some of you. We will kick this off on Sat. 08/29/2015.
Urgent Prayer Request: Dear friends, please be in prayer for our Board Member, Dan McElwain – he suffered a severe stroke just last week! Praise the Lord, they got him to the hospital within the one hour widow of time in order for him to receive the necessary medication that provides the greatest percentage for recovery. He is at home and is doing remarkably well – with only some residual numbness on the right side of his face. Nevertheless, he is not out of harm’s way. In their thorough examination of him they discovered a foreboding hole in his heart and plan to perform some procedure to correct that condition. Please remember, Dan, in your prayers as he faces some major life altering decisions and expenses.
Thank you all! We love you and thank and praise our Lord God for your prayers and faithful support.
