by John Carpenter | Jan 23, 2025 | Devotional
“I therefore, the prisoner of (or lit. “in”) the Lord – beseech you – that ye walk worthy of the vocation – wherewith ye were called” [Eph.4:1].
“Be ye therefore followers of God – as dear children (see: Mt.13:36-38) – (2) and walk in love – according as Christ also hath loved us – and hath given Himself for us – an offering – and a sacrifice to God – for (or lit. “into being”) a sweet smelling savour.” [Eph.5:1-2] (see also: Rom.12:1-2).
“Forasmuch, then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh (i.e. in His flesh) – arm yourselves likewise – with the same mind (or, with the same way of thinking as our Lord Jesus Christ) – for He that hath suffered in the flesh – hath ceased from sin. (see: Rom.8:1-4) (2) That he no longer should live the rest of his time – in flesh – to men’s lusts – but to God’s Will! (see: Mt.7:21) (3) For the time past – of our life – may suffice us – to have wrought (or, “to have fully worked out”) the will of the Gentiles (or, more lit. “nations of unbelievers”) when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries.”
It is a common practice — at this particular time of year – in its very beginning – that we are traditionally inclined to make new and better resolutions as far as our personal lives are concerned. Our Lord through the Apostle Paul does the same for everyone whom our Lord – through Paul’s personal testimony and witness – drew unto Him in their reconciliation and regeneration.
And, in regards to the Christian walk – of “the new man” (see: Eph.4:20-24) — what better resolution could we make than a resolution to be – more closely — a follower of God the Son – through this fallen-in-sin world? In addition to the worthy work of evangelizing the world around him – Paul also diligently sought to exhort his awakened and quickened bothers and sisters – to “walk worthy of the vocation” (or, the “calling”) wherewith ye were called” unto eternal salvation! And, what better encouragement can there be – but to exhort to obey the command to be the genuine “followers of God” as His dear children – as we walk through this world?! We should be earnestly praying that God the Holy Spirit – cause us to exude precisely — what the context of Eph.5:2 is describing! That we “walk in love according as Christ also hath loved us – hath given Himself for us – an offering and a sacrifice to God – (lit.) into becoming an odour of a sweet smell.” And this He did – all for us! Praise His Holy Name!!
We should not be surprised to behold Peter’s encouragement unto us in the same way! He wrote that Christ Jesus suffered for us – on our behalf — and that we should therefore exude the same way of thinking that He, Himself, was led by God, His Father, to do! He walked through this world entirely mindful of the fact that He was following His Father’s Will and agenda – in everything that He thought – everything He said and everything that He did! We also – in our walk through this world – as having been truly awakened and quickened – by His Holy Spirit! We, too, are following Him – having been chosen and placed in Him – before the foundation of this very world – to follow in His very steps – in His Holy and perfect obedience! Praise His Holy and Precious Name! Peter also reminds us from 1Pe.2:21> “For even hereunto were ye called – because Christ also suffered for us – leaving us an example – that ye should follow His steps” (see also: vs.22-25).
We will be looking a bit more closely to the spiritual reality that emerges for us – not only to understand – but also to come to emulate – all to the glory only of Christ our wonderful Savior! — John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Dec 11, 2024 | Devotional
The 2024 time to celebrate the incarnation of our Lord God into the image of our fallen-in-sin likeness is upon us. Every year at this time of the year we – together – share our love and affection toward one another through our mutual worship of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. His birth into our history is monumental to say the least! Why? Because His birth marks the fulfilling of God’s Covenantal Promise that He has provided – for all who truly are born from above according to His Word – and by His Holy Spirit – the One who is their Eternal Kinsman-Redeemer! He has redeemed everyone that truly believes and loves God’s only-begotten Son who is the one and only Savior (and conqueror) over sin and Satan! He has Redeemed all His saved ones – through His shed Blood upon the Cross of Calvary! It was for this purpose – that God the Father – gave and sent His eternal Son into our world.
The specific Covenant that this refers to is none other than the Everlasting Covenant as described in He.13:20-21. These verses announce and declare: “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, 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.”
Without a doubt, this is describing the Arch-Covenant of all the other covenants that have been – in our history — cut between God and all of His other chosen earthly, temporal mediators. They – each individual and temporal mediator — in their own way — have been divinely chosen to be types and shadows of God’s chosen and eternal Savior/Christ – who is the One Mediator/man of the truly Everlasting Covenant. It was Christ alone, whom was promised to come into this fallen-in-sin and passing away world to be the Sovereign Savior/Substitute of each one of God’s eternally loved and chosen/sinner children. The other earthly mediators, in turn, were God’s chosen patriarchal participants to be types of Christ throughout the unfolding history– and the unfolding mystery – of the gospel of the glory – only — of Christ Jesus, the one and only Mediator between God and men. It is He who has fulfilled God’s loving, magnificent and gracious plan of Eternal Redemption for each of His elect-to-eternal-salvation/sinners. The Redemption and eternal salvation of all of God’s eternally loved and chosen children throughout the history of fallen humanity – has been accomplished – through the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ [see and read He.9:11-15].
As previously stated — the “Everlasting Covenant” referred to in He.13:20-21 is the Covenant that was cut between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit — from eternity, in eternity and for eternity! This Covenant was cut — before even the creation/foundation of this fallen and sinful world (as we know it to be). From eternity is when Omniscience conceived the wonderful plan of our eternal salvation. And, whatever our God thinks in His Omniscience in regards to us – as far as He’s concerned — it has already happened in our history! The Word of God plainly states from Is.14:24: “The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as — I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.” That which His Omniscience conceives (where we are concerned) – it happens by His Omnipotence – and it is – and has been – eternally sustained and maintained by His Omnipresence. Hence, the Word of God also explicitly declares from Ps.115:3 “But our God is in the heavens – He hath done – whatsoever He hath pleased.”
Would not this statement necessarily have to include all the things which He centers on and around and with His dearly beloved and only begotten Son — in whom He is well pleased? Of course it does! It absolutely has to! Praise His Name! God has successfully accomplished – this – His perfect plan; His eternal purpose; His irreversible decree — via the person and work of His beloved incarnated eternal Son of God – whom is the validation and fulfillment of God’s incorruptible, unthwartable and infallible Word of Promise! He sent Him into our fallen and cursed world – in “the likeness of (our) sinful flesh!” [as is plainly stated in Ro.8:2-3 which says: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh [i.e. our flesh] God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh – and for sin – condemned sin in the flesh…”].
Christ, therefore, came into our lost world – in our exact likeness! I say in our exact likeness – that’s excepting the fact that — He was conceived into our fallen-in-sin humanity by the Holy Spirit of God. This means that He was a man exactly like us – only without any sin. He was holy! This means that it was impossible for Him to sin! He was as holy as His Father, God, is holy — but in fallen human bodily form [see Col.2:9-10]. 1Co.15:45-49 refers to Christ as being the last “Adam”: “And so it is written, The first man, Adam, was made a living soul – the last Adam – was made a life quickening spirit! (46) Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural — and afterward that which is spiritual. (47) The first man is – of the earth, earthy – the second man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy – and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” What a wonderful Truth of the Gospel!
He is proven to be the alpha and the omega of the first and last Adams’ written about in 1Co.15:45-49! Hence, He is the beginning and the end – of all that is involved in holy, just and righteous God – doing what He had to do – in saving our lost souls!
God’s Word from Mt.1:20-21 tells us concerning Joseph — God’s chosen husband for Mary – who was God’s chosen virgin – the one predestined to be the mother of Jesus. Joseph had natural misgivings about actually taking Mary to be his wife when it became known that she was pregnant. Therefore, God sent to him His angel to inform him – and to comfort him. The Word of God says: “…behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying: Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.”
This is when the eternal Son of God became – in our history — our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – the only sovereign Savior, Substitute that there ever was, is, or ever will be – the eternal Son of man and the eternal Lamb of God! He is our very own “Kinsman Redeemer”!
Now, what exactly does this mean – that He is our “Kinsman Redeemer”? This means that He is – as being our Lord and Savior – related directly to us and with us. This means that He must be – and absolutely is — one of us. In order for Him to be our eternal Redeemer (which He is), He must legitimately hold and occupy a true familial relationship with us! The Christ, by virtue of His incarnation into our human history, has become — just as Isaiah’s prophecy declares concerning Him: [Is.9:6-7 > “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end – upon the throne of David and upon His Kingdom – to order it, and to establish it, with judgment and with justice – from henceforth even forever! The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this!”] He has become our everlasting Father – and He is the greater Son of David – He is the rightful heir to His throne – He now eternally occupies that sovereign throne — from where He – as being both God and man, the last Adam — eternally governs His whole and entire Household. Praise His Holy Name!!
Please remember us in your prayers. God Bless you and keep you for His eternal glory – Amen!
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Nov 24, 2024 | Devotional
(6) “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 (or, more lit. “In”) Thanksgiving” [Col.2:6-7]
(11) “In Whom also – ye are Circumcised with the circumicision made without hands – In the Putting off the body of the sins of the flesh — In the Circumcision of Christ (12) Buried with Him – In Baptism – WhereIn also – ye are Risen with Him – through – The Faith — of the operation of God, Who hath Raised Him from the dead.” [Col.2:11-12]
“I am crucified With Christ – nevertheless I live — yet not I, but Christ – liveth In me – and the life which I now live In the flesh – I live by the Faith of the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me. (21) I do not frustrate the grace of God – for if Righteousness came by the law – then Christ is dead In vain.” [Gal.2:20-21]
In last month’s devotional we examined the message of the Holy Spirit from Gal.2:16 – which was the fact that – the Faith that saves us – is none other than the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ! Now, this month, we want to see clearly that – it is also the Faith of Christ by which we are clothed with – and by which we walk – day by day – through the deceitful darkness of this world. Hence, the first text listed above clearly states> “As ye have therefore received – Christ Jesus the Lord – so Walk ye In Him. Rooted and built up In Him – and Established – In the Faith – as ye have been taught – Abounding ThereIn with – THANKSGIVING!” [Col.2:6-7] HALLELUJAH!!
Remember last month how we also alluded to 2Cor.13:5? How that from that text we are commanded to Examine ourselves whether we are – “In the Faith”? And, the text goes on to say that we are to “prove” our own selves – “How that Jesus Christ” – is In us – “except” (or, unless) we be “reprobates”(?)! (which is a description of being the “seed of the Serpent” and not the “seed of the Savior”) [see Mt.13:37-39] This is why our obedience to 2Cor.13:5 is so important!
This all boils down to our being diligent and victorious in our battle over our own flesh! The Word of God declares plainly that our own hearts are – “deceitful above all things – and desperately wicked…” [Jer.17:9] This being true about us – what are we to do? We are no match against our own flesh – we (our very souls) are in a desperate and hopeless situation! The answer is once again found in the one and only hope – that is our Savior! Col.2:11-12> “In Whom also – ye are Circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands – In Putting off the body of the sins of the flesh – In the Circumcision of Christ! (12) Buried with Him – In baptism – WhereIn ye are Risen with Him – Through the Faith of the operation of God – Who hath Raised Him from the dead!” If it’s not all Christ – it’s all wrong!! Praise His Holy Name! Yes – even His Circumcision – is the Circumcision – of all the ones that God the Father has given unto God the Son (Who is the Savior Son of man – the Lord Jesus Christ).
This is why we can dogmatically say with the apostle Paul: “I am crucified With Christ – never–theless I live — yet not I, but Christ – liveth In me – and the life which I now live In the flesh – I live by the Faith of the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me. (21) I do not frustrate the Grace of God – for if Righteousness came by the law – then Christ is dead In vain.” [Gal.2:20-21]
And, dear ones, Christ our Wonderful Savior is absolutely not – Dead In Vain!” Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Oct 16, 2024 | Devotional
“Knowing that a man is not Justified — by the works of the law – but – by the Faith of Jesus Christ – even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be Justified by the Faith of Christ – and not by the works of the law. For by the works of the law – shall no Flesh be Justified!” [Gal.2:16]
(6) “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…” [Col.2:6-7]
(11) “In whom also – ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands – in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ – (12) Buried with Him – in baptism – wherein also – ye are risen with Him – through the Faith of the operation of God – who hath raised Him from the dead.” [Col.2:11-12]
What makes a person a true believer – in Jesus Christ? This is not a trick question by any means!
“Knowing” – the very first word of Gal.2:16 shown above – is a Holy Spirit inspired word that tells us a fact that is dogmatically known and understood. And, that fact which we all must absolutely agree with is the absolute truth that every human being – in this fallen-in-sin world – is not “justified” (or declared sinlessly righteous by Holy God) “by” (or more literally “out of”) “the works of the law.” No, not at all! All of us fallen-in-sin sinners – wherever we’re from – or wherever we are – are justified and declared by Holy God as being sinlessly righteous – by the only way that any sinner can be justified – and that’s “by” (or more literally “through”) “the Faith of Jesus Christ.” It’s His faith that we receive by grace from Him – that causes us to believe in Him. And then the apostle Paul goes on and declares more boldly – when he says – “even WE have believed (meaning himself and all the brethren which are with him in writing this letter unto them – they all – he says – have entered into being believers) in Jesus Christ.” And then he states dogmatically Why – he and they have entered into the company of true believers in Jesus Christ – it is in order that they “might be justified by (or “out of”) the Faith of Christ and not out of the works of the law; for out of the works of the law shall no flesh (i.e. no fallen-in-sin flesh – of which we all have) be justified”! {Note: By more accurately translating the prepositions – one truly helps to clarify the real message of Gal.2:16}.
This touches on a point that really needs to be emphasized. The Faith that saves – needs to be awakened and quickened and nurtured and strengthened by the Holy Spirit in us! Heb.12:2 tells us that Jesus is the author and finisher of our Faith – and that’s because – our Faith is His Faith – which, by His grace, He has given and awakened and quickened into Action inside Us! His Faith is – the Faith that God reckons, or imputes Christ’s righteousness unto us – so that His righteousness becomes – our righteousness. (just like He did unto Abraham; see Rom.4:3-5). 2Co.13:5 commands us to constantly be examining ourselves. How? By the Holy Spirit and the Word of God – in order to see whether or not – we are truly – in “the Faith”! We must be diligent to do just that!
Since we have embarked on this particular subject – there is so much more that is gloriously connected with understanding our truly believing in the Lord Jesus Christ – that we will be addressing more of what the above scriptural context has to deliver.
All of this – once again – underscores the fact that where our eternal salvation is concerned – If it’s not all (out of) Christ Jesus (His person and work entirely) – It’s all wrong! Praise His Name! — John Carpenter
“But without Faith it is impossible to please Him. For he that cometh to God – must believe that He is – and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
By Faith Noah – being warned of God of things not seen as yet – moved with fear – prepared an Ark to the saving of his house – by the which he condemned the world – and became heir of the righteousness which is by Faith.” Hebrews 11:6-7
by John Carpenter | Sep 15, 2024 | Devotional
“And Moses said unto the people, fear ye not! Stand still – and see the salvation of the Lord – which He will show to you today! For the Egyptians whom ye have seen today – ye shall see them again – no more forever! (14) The Lord shall fight for you – and ye shall hold your peace” (Ex.14:13-14).
“When I cry unto thee – then shall mine enemies turn back – this I know – for God is for me!… In God have I put my trust. I will not fear what man can do unto me… For thou hast delivered my soul from death – wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling – that I may walk before God in the Light of the Living?” (Ps.56:9,11,13).
All of us who have been quickened and awakened by the Holy Spirit – and the pure Truth of the Word of God – in regards to the eternally redeeming person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ – have become aware of the reality – of the Spiritual Warfare – that has been and still is raging all around us – at all times. If this reality is not being revealed unto us – then it – most likely must be true that – our spiritual quickening and awakening – is still needing to be fulfilled.
When the apostle Paul had his life-changing experience with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) – little did he realize that his whole life in this world would immediately be changed! After the Lord Jesus came and got him – nothing was ever the same! All that he had learned through his education as a church-going Pharisee – by his own admission (see Phil.3:7-10) became of no value to his saving relationship with the Lord Jesus. Suddenly – the completed work of Christ (as his Kinsman Redeemer) was revealed unto him – and from that moment on – Jesus – became his “all and in all” (Col.3:11). From that moment on – the real spiritual battles that surrounded him on every side – became the focus of his whole world.
This is what is depicted throughout the whole Bible – for ALL of God’s eternally saved ones!
Note the context of the first scripture above from Ex.14:13. The children of Israel had been sur-viving in Egypt for 400 years! Their whole lives in this world was becoming a generational heritage of bond-slavery to the Egyptians! They cried out to God for their deliverance from their oppression until the burning flame of all their hopes had become barely glowing embers. And this was the very providence of Moses – whom God raised up and sent to them – to lead them to victory and freedom from their enemies.
Dear ones, this is a picture of all of God’s people in every generation of this sinful world! Yes! This is a picture of us in this world right NOW! Like the Israelites – with the impossible depths of the Red Sea in front of them – and destruction and death from their enemies right behind them – their whole world looked like a disaster to say the least. But God – will always come through for His true children! Praise His Wonderful Name! Let us call unto Him – who has been and still is OUR wonderful Savior! Read the whole context of both Ex.14 and Ps.56.
The same Savior that Moses called on to do – what only He could do – is whom we call on today! All glory to God! This is the grand realization that is gifted to us when we read and study the Word of God. He communicates to us this same meaning and message of His Salvation. Note how God caused Moses to tell them to stop looking behind them – and move forward (see Phil.3:14). He told them – not to fear – but to “stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord”. And, how great it will be when our Lord will tell us, “The enemies we see today, we will see them no more forever.” — John Carpenter
by the Editor | Aug 18, 2024 | Devotional
1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. — Luke 19:1-10
Maybe some of you have heard the little song “Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man”. It is a fun little song to sing with a group of children. At Camp Del-Haven, we have sung this song many times throughout the years. This song does not adequately describe the change in Zacchaeus after the Lord Jesus met with him.
As we read in verse 2, Zacchaeus was a publican (a dirty rotten tax collector). In fact, it states that he was “chief “ among the tax collectors. During that time, the tax collectors would take taxes from the Jews and give it to the Romans. Tax collectors were known for collecting more than the required amount and they would keep the extra for themselves. Basically they would legally steal from the people.
Verse 2 also indicates that Zacchaeus was rich. So, he was good at stealing from the people. In John 10:27, we read, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” The Lord Jesus called Zacchaeus by name and saved him. Zacchaeus was made a “new creature”. He vowed to give half of his goods to the poor and pay back anyone that he had treated wrongly, plus interest.
This account of Zacchaeus in God’s Word clearly illustrates 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Can you see the change in Zacchaeus? Praise The Lord!
— written by Jeff Hall
