by John Carpenter | Jul 16, 2012 | Devotional
“And be found in Him — not having mine own righteousness — which is of the law — but that which is through the faith of Christ — the righteousness which is of God — by faith.” Phil.3:9
From this verse we learn that there are, indeed, in existence two completely different righteousnesses. There is only one righteousness, however, whereby a true believing sinner may be accepted with God. But, both righteousnesses could — by today’s standard — look like — and be accounted as being — “Christian”.
This naturally raises the relevant question: What exactly is it that makes up the big difference between the two? And, the answer is found in the phrase, “through the faith of Christ”. For the reason that this is true — is because the righteousness that a fallen sinner needs — in order to be justified before God — is a perfect righteousness. Anything less is simply not acceptable. And, just such perfection — is found only in the person and work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
There is revealed from this text — that there is a righteousness that is indeed lived and performed — that is generated from a sinner’s fine — but imperfect — efforts at keeping the law of Moses. But, this is just not the same as that righteousness that has been lived and performed through the faith of Christ Jesus — the sovereign Savior Son of God! He is the object of the faith of the true believing sinner — for He — is the sinner’s substitute and perfect propitiation!
Ro.3 so aptly explains this divine and gracious premise unto us. Vs.21 announces it with the declaration: “But now — the righteousness of God — apart from the law — is manifested — being witnessed by the law — and the prophets”. In other words, the much needed perfection — where righteousness is concerned — has been lived and performed! (Vs.22) “Even the righteousness of God — which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all — and upon all — them that believe — for there is no difference” — and the reason why that there is no difference among believers is then stated from vs.23: “For all have sinned — and come short of the glory of God”!
Any sinner’s justification before God is next — put purely — in its right and proper perspective: (vs.24-25) “Being justified — freely — by His grace — through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus — whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation — through faith in His blood”! This — God did — in order: “to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins…” What a wonderful phrase of holy scripture this is!
Vs.26 continues to explain: “To declare, I say, at this time — His righteousness — that He might be just — and the justifier — of him (lit.) that is of the faith of Jesus.” Vs.27 reveals that the saved are ruled and governed by another law — “the law of faith” — in which the Lord Jesus Christ rightfully owns all the glory! Praise His Name!
by John Carpenter | Jun 15, 2012 | Ministry News
Thanks to all who have responded where the mattresses are concerned! Of the 32 that needed to be replaced — we only need 8 more to complete the job. That’s great! Things are really looking good. Also, we still need one more refrigerator. A good used one will do. In God’s good and perfect way — I’m sure these needs will be supplied.
by John Carpenter | Jun 15, 2012 | Ministry News
As I write this — and by the time that you will most likely receive this — our first camp for Del-Haven’s 60th season of ministry will be underway. It is all by grace — that we have come this far — by faith — leaning on the Word! Just last week we had a most appropriate bible conference on the sufficiency of scripture. Our very existence is a testimony to the validity of this truth!
Over the years we have learned well that this is a good seed sowing ministry. Even in what has seemed to be a dramatic and instant work of grace in a person’s life — it is only by the proof of a true walk that has emerged has the real testimony of the Lord’s presence and power. We have existed long enough to see family generations affected by Christ’s ministry through Del-Haven.
As usual — once the camp season begins — it will be non-stop till school reopens. Please remember to pray for us — our staff and our campers — that the Holy Spirit will make His presence known in demonstration and in power — as the truth of the gospel of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ is faithfully and boldly proclaimed!
by John Carpenter | Jun 15, 2012 | Devotional
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord — so walk ye in Him. (7) Rooted and built up in Him — and established in the faith — as ye have been taught — abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Col.2:6-7
Paul is here writing to a church that — as far as we know — he had never visited. He is — in this text — also explaining some precepts of true Christian walk and worship that will be evident in and among all true believing Christians.
Faith, indeed, is an integral aspect of “receiving” the Lord Jesus Christ. But, even faith is a grace that only God — can and will — bestow upon all those that He has given unto Christ to redeem and save them from their sins. Faith is the divine means whereby a person realizes that they are accepted by God in the person and work of His eternal Son who came into this world to be their divinely appointed Savior and Substitute. They receive — by the grace of faith — the truth of their having been saved from God’s eternal holy wrath against their sins through their Substitute’s walk — and their Redeemer’s sacrifice — who is both one, and the same Christ. Therefore, does scripture say: “For by grace are ye saved through faith — and that not of yourselves — it is the gift of God” and “All that the Father giveth me — shall come to me — and him that cometh to me — I will in no wise cast out”. [Ep.2:8; Jn.6:37]
We are saved by God’s grace — and, by the same means of grace — we are “rooted in Him” and “built up in Him”. What is true of one — is also true of all of those that are given by God to His Son, their Savior. Collectively, all of the saved are said to be like trees — planted by the rivers of water. Trees of righteousness — whose fruit will be seen in its season. And, it will be eternal fruit — that will never spoil. For it will have the eternal Savior, Christ Jesus, as its root! They are also regarded as God’s building — God’s temple — God’s house. God is the builder — and He has laid as a foundation — His eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! No other foundation will do for the holy habitation of God. Among this company alone will there be found the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit of true worship!
Next we see that those that have truly received Christ — will also be “established in Him” (i.e. in “the faith” of Him). Receiving Christ is the beginning of a learning process that concerns who He is as their Savior and Lord. One becomes stabilitated in the sound doctrine of the saving truth of the gospel of God’s great grace. This learning process — fills up the life and walk of the true believer in Christ. And, it becomes the source of an abundant exhilaration and joy — and thanksgiving — for all the times and experiences that they have of added illumination in the revelation of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
By grace, do we receive Christ Jesus — and by grace, do we walk and grow in Christ Jesus — all to the praise of His glory!
-For Christ’s Glory Only!
J. Carpenter
by John Carpenter | May 24, 2012 | Ministry News
June 4-7 (Staff Training)
June 18-21 (6 to 8 year olds)
June 25-28 (9 to 12 year old girls)
July 9 – 12 (9 to 12 year old boys)
July 16-19 (6 to 8 year olds)
July 23-26 (9 to 12 year old girls)
July 30 – Aug. 2 (9 to 12 year old boys)
