Bill Haynes Ministries

The Church

Bill Haynes — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:02:30 +0000

"CHURCH"

There are only two institutions on earth that were created by God. The first institution was marriage. The second institution was the Church. These two were created to compliment one another. Couples and families have great responsibilities in serving the church. Each local church has a great responsibility to couples and families.

Churches that promote and provide for marriage and family health prosper. Churches that offer nothing to the family usually die. Local churches must preach and teach on marriage and the family often. Titus 2:2-8 teaches that the older men and women of the church should teach and train the younger men and women of the church. This is not being done in very many churches. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why marriages within congregations are ending too often in divorce. Then the reputation of the church suffers along with the suffering children caught in the middle. Churches need to offer expert Christian, biblical, counseling. Most pastors are very capable of marriage counseling but it is often too big a liability and time consuming. Churches need to equip couples and families with God’s agape (divine) love. Teaching and preaching on true love, commitment, forgiveness, parenting, spiritual bonding, and faith are essential. The church needs to guide these couples and families in daily devotional studies and provide fellowship with other mature Christian couples and families.

The Christian couple and family also need to be faithful to the church in attendance, tithes, offerings, prayer, and service. Couples and families who never attend or drop out of church are far more likely to become miserable or divorce. Hebrews 10:25a, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another." Without this mutual support between couples, families, and the church, neither prospers nor functions very well.

Comments? Ck out our ebook, "The 7 c’s to Marital Bliss."

Christ

Bill Haynes — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:56:34 +0000

"CHRIST"

Christ is the key to marital bliss. He must be the Lord of the home. He is the unseen guest at each meal, the silent listener to every word. Except Christ be allowed to build the home, its on shifting sand and will fall short of God’s master plan. Christ is the necessary ingredient. He instituted marriage. He created them male and female and declared it was good. Christ is the divine architect. Couples must look to His divine blue print, floor plans, and furnishing to be blessed.

Christ must be the center of all our relationships. In Geometry we learn: Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other, thus, if two people are properly related in a personal way to Jesus Christ, they will be properly related to one another. In Arithmetic we learn about the common denominator and for Christian couples that is Jesus. In Physics we learn that when two objects both draw near the same third object, they will also draw nearer to one another. If a husband and wife draw close to Christ, they will automatically be closer together.

Couples must be obedient to Biblical commands they are the blue prints. Severance is needed. A man must leave his father and mother. Cleaving to his wife alone for life provides permanence. Unity is required as two become one in body, mind, heart, and spirit. Intimacy is needed without shame of sin.

Couples following these Biblical blue prints will be blessed with divine furnishings of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The homes that stay in tune with God’s word and pray together will open heaven’s windows for blessings.

Is Jesus Christ the Lord of your marriage and home? Rev. 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in…"

Will you allow Christ in your heart, marriage, and home?

Comments? Ck out or ebook, "The 7 c’s to Marital Bliss."

Is Divorce Always A Sin?

Bill Haynes — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:45:04 +0000

Is Divorce Always A Sin?

Just as anger and hatred are portrayed as sinful, divorce is assumed to be a sin. The Bible actually teaches us to be angry and sin not (Eph. 4:26). It teaches us to hate sin (Amos 5:15), Anger and hate are emotions. Even Jesus got angry in the Temple due to the sinful behavior in His Father’s house. Anger and hatred are not sins in themselves but what we do and how we direct anger and hatred can become sin. Divorce, God hates according to Malachi 2:16. However, divorce is a sin for the unfaithful mate, but for the victim of an unfaithful mate there is no sin. No one deserves to be cheated on. God knows this. In Jeremiah 3:8 God divorced Israel for their spiritual harlotry of idolatry. God is never associated with sin, metphorically or literally. If all divorce is sin, then God sinned. Of course, God cannot and does not sin. Neither should all divorced people be branded as sinners and adulterers. Those who have been victimized by an unfaithful mate are still Christians and should not be punished with the evil doers. They can become healed helpers and minister to others even more effectively after their healing is complete.

Download the ebook, "The Church: Divorce and Remarriage" from our online bookstore. Do you have any comments? We would enjoy your thoughts.

Divorced & Shot

Bill Haynes — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:23:27 +0000

DIVORCED & SHOT

For too many years churches have had the bad habit of shooting their wounded. Many fine Christian people are divorced against their will. Their former mates were sexually unfaithful and diserted them for someone else. This stand by the churches was to slow the divorce rate down and it has not worked. No one wants to encourage divorce but we can shoot our wounded when they need our help and encouragment. DivorceCare is a very good program churches can use to facilitate help for members being divorced against their will and who are hurting. It is not a dating service, its a support group.

Any Godly Christian church worker or pastor can find themselves in this situation. Does the fact of an immoral mate stop them from God’s service? God forbid. What is your thoughts on this? Download the ebook, The Church: Divorce and Remarriage from our online bookstore. Comments?

Divorced & Remarried Ministers Can They Still Minister?

Bill Haynes — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:45:22 +0000

"Divorced & Remarried Ministers, Can They Still Minister?”

I Tim.3:2

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Titus 1:6

If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

These two verses will be discussed together. Various translations are given in appendix C. They vary quite a bit and this is unfortunately due to prejudices by the translators. The main three Greek words given on the cover of this work are simple and uncomplicated. There should be no mistake as to their simple meaning and translation. However, a number of translators have done what no translator should do, they have inserted their prejudices and commentary into these three words. Their versions become perversions. Nowhere in the Greek phrase “one woman man” is the words, “not a divorced person” or “not a remarried man.” If this were Paul’s intention he would have used the words divorce and remarriage. Others imply “one woman man for life” and as others add, “married only once.” However, the Holy Scriptures are inspired and infallible and do not need these additional words added to it. It stands clear and simple and to add one’s comments and prejudices are not only a translator’s worst mistake but it is sin to change God’s message, confuse and shame the innocent victims of biblical divorce and the death of a mate. The general rule of all translators is to take the original Greek or Hebrew word in its use in time and culture and find the closest English word in weight and meaning and translate it word by word. A paraphrase is not a Bible but a running commentary. A paraphrase is taking the original words or phrases and putting them in one’s own words which leaves great room for interpretation rather than translation. Some translations have become paraphrases to suit the agenda of the translator.

There are various interpretations of these verses and they are summarized as follows:

Many commentaries believe that this verse teaches that elders should not be involved in polygamy. Polygamy was a problem in that day among the Jews and Gentiles however it was not allowed by the membership of the Christian churches much less tolerated behavior for elders. To hold that the phrase only refers to polygamy would be too narrow a view.
Some commentaries teach that the phrase forbids remarriage after the death of a wife and especially after divorce for any reason. Many early church fathers were against remarriage for any due to the asceticism and Gnostic influence of their day that eventually led to celibacy in the priesthood of the Catholic church contrary to Paul’s own teaching in Romans 7:1-5 and 1 Corinthians 7:39. Paul encouraged younger widows to remarry 1 Timothy 5:14. It is time for the protestant churches to abandon this catholic tradition that was never taught by Paul. Remarriage is not a sin for those widowed or biblically divorced or Paul would not have encouraged it for anyone.
A few teach that this phrase forbids divorced men from entering the ministry. They would translate the phrase “married only once”. However, Paul is not discussing the marital status of the candidate but his sexual purity. To hold one’s marital status as a qualification would have disqualified Paul himself since he was a single person. Many hold to the suggestion that Paul had been a member of the Sanhedrin court. Marriage was a requirement for membership. It is not impossible to believe that Paul had been widowed or divorced before salvation. Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 allows whosoever (including ministers) to divorce and remarry if their former spouse was guilty of illicit sexual behavior. The innocent victim or party is free to remarry and serve God.
Most all commentaries agree that the phrase means that the candidate must be, “faithful to his wife” or “blameless of illicit sexual misconduct.” This is the only meaning that is not too narrow as polygamy or expanded beyond the natural simple meaning of the three Greek words Paul was inspired to give.

The context of the phrase also points to this fourth view. The following qualifications of an elder including “one woman man” are clarifications on what is “blameless” or “beyond reproach”. Historically most fallen ministers fall out of the ministry due to sexual misconduct or greed. That is why Paul lists sexual purity and irreproachable sexual conduct as necessary. No one should serve in leadership of any church who is guilty of infidelity to his wife due to harlotry, concubines or any other form of illicit sexual behavior including homosexuality. He must be strictly faithful to his wife or be declined. He must be a “one woman kind of man.” He must be exclusive with his wife.

What about the legalistic views that dominated some of the protestant churches? Traditions that have never been biblical and have been passed down by the asceticism of some of the early church fathers and Catholic celibacy must be abandoned by the protestant church.

Like the Scribes and Pharisees that Jesus dealt with, the legalists of this day are dangerous souls. Like Paul’s pre-salvation condition he was a Pharisee of the Pharisees. He was a legalistic monster persecuting Christians everywhere he went. The church has been guilty of being religious but not righteous in dealing with the innocent victims of biblical divorce. They have treated these people as adulterers and at best second class Christians. It is time for churches to stop shooting their wounded. In the Old Testament their unfaithful mates would have been stoned to death leaving the victim of an unfaithful mate free to remarry without shame. However, religious legalists are actually helping Satan accuse the brethren and have caused tremendous confusion in the church.

Let us take the legalist position to its natural extreme. A “one woman man” is to them a man who has never had a sexual encounter in his entire life before or after salvation except with his one wife. This would destroy Christianity because the truth is perhaps seventy-five percent or more of pulpits have men standing in them who were sexual before salvation and some perhaps after marriage out side the marital bond. In this new generation the average male waits to marry until the age of twenty-six or twenty-seven. They have never been married but the average male is sexual with seven to nine different women before their first marriage. In most churches these men are still qualified to be candidates for the ministry. However, the virgin who marries a woman and she becomes unfaithful and is forced into divorce is disqualified. This is wrong and it is time for a change. It is not unheard of for ministers who have fallen into immorality to be restored to the pulpit as long as his wife doesn’t divorce him. I’m thankful for restoration of the fallen, however, this is quite a double standard. At least the victim of divorce from a sexually unfaithful mate has not committed adultery and yet they are often denied their calling of God as an elder.

It has been the author’s experience over forty years in the ministry that the legalists/perfectionists are their own worst enemy. Perfectionism is one of the primary characteristics of an addictive personality. Most elders who are always pointing out the faults of others and are very unforgiving, have the most immoral skeletons of all in their own closets. You will know them by their fruit. It isn’t love. Remember what Christ told the Scribes, Pharisees, and Hypocrites in Matthew 23:25-28 - ²⁵ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. ²⁶ Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. ²⁷ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. ²⁸ Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. The daughters of legalistic dictators often grow up marry and divorce early because they are not going to put up with what their mothers put up with and become the very thing they hate. They become the controlling perfectionists just like their legalistic fathers were and their husband divorce them. The son of a legalistic minister and mother often divorce, if they carry on the dictator example of their earthly father.

You shall know them by their fruit. We must get away from perfectionism and legalism or we will be unmerciful and unloving. All believers must depend on the righteousness of Christ and His love. Works can save no one. By this people will know we are His disciples. 1 Corinthians 13 teaches the more excellent way of love rather than legalism/perfectionism. Yes we must be conservative and not liberal. We must hate sin yet love the sinner. True believers lovingly lift up the repentant fallen brother or sister not continue to kick them while they are down especially if they are knocked down by a former unfaithful mate.

Check our online bookstore, "The Church: Divorce & Remarriage."

Comments?

The Gospel in Feet-Washing

Bill Haynes — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:38:56 +0000

THE GOSPEL IN FEET-WASHING

In verse 3, John sets the stage. Jesus had all power in heaven and earth. He was God in the flesh. He is the creator. Now, Jesus is going to shock the disciples and the rest of creation. He became the lowly love slave.

Philippians 2:5-11

5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8. And being found in fashion^a as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus dramatically illustrated the gospel plan when He washed the Saint’s Feet. John 13:1-17 and Philippians 2:5-11 both picture one another and the gospel plan. John continues the stage preparation. He was come from God. He left the throne of glory to become the love slave for mankind. The illustration of this is found in verse 4. It beings with, He riseth from supper. He left His position of leadership and prominence. This is also paralleled in Philippians 2:6, 7.

The position of leadership in the service of the Lord and in all areas of His wonderful kingdom is earned by self abasement. Jesus taught that self abasement and self sacrifice are the basis for leadership and authority in His kingdom. It must be remembered that in Luke’s Gospel (22:24) that disciples were arguing again. The issue was over who was the greatest or chief among them.

The disciples were being very foolish and selfish at a time when Jesus needed their support, peace and brotherly love. Yet, the disciples were not nearly as self seeking, glorifying and greedy as many elders and church members are in this day. Jesus still seeks His disciples to live in humble unity, love and service.

John concludes verse 3 by writing, and went to God. This refers to His departure mentioned in verse one. In John 13:33 Jesus said, Yet a little while I am with you. John has now completed the stage by indicating the urgency of the time.

Verse 4 through 11 record the institution and practice of the ordinance by Christ. He had the authority (verse 3) to institute the ordinance. First, Jesus, Himself, was baptized. Secondly, Jesus, Himself, Washed the Saint’s Feet. Third, later that evening, Jesus, Himself, took of the Lord’s Supper.

The stage is complete. The disciples all sat around the Passover table. The table was probably U-shaped. One table in the middle with the other two tables intersecting at opposite ends. The table was already set. The food was ready. In the room everything was prepared. The trip from Bethany was dusty. The custom of the day was for the lowest slave of the host to wash the visitor’s feet. The water pitcher, the wash basin and the long towel were present and existed as a silent testimony to their lack of humility. Perhaps Peter reasoned in his mind, “I’m chief disciple.” John and James still thought of who might sit on the right hand and left had of the Lord. Judas had betrayal on his mind, not service. The pitcher was perhaps the same one mentioned in the Gospel of Mark 14:13-15. Jesus may have told the host not to send the slave. Jesus knew this object lesson and ordinance needed to be given for all ages.

Verse 4 begins with, He riseth from supper. All the disciples were waiting on their Lord to start the meal. Instead, to their amazement, He rose from the supper table. In majesty and sweet serenity He rose to serve. Jesus left the heavenly table of God the Father to serve man. As He rose, He forsook the honor of the place of prominence at the tale of man. His position at the Father’s table occupied in eternity past before His incarnation.

When He stood up from this position of honor, in the upper room He forsook the honor of heaven and earth (Phil. 2:6, 7) to become creation’s love slave.

After Jesus had washed the disciple’s feet, He returned to His place of honor. Likewise, Jesus ascended to Heaven after His death, burial and resurrection. He has returned to His place of authority, glory and honor (Phil. 2:9-11) for all of eternity future.

John continues verse 4 with, and laid aside His garments. Jesus left the place of leadership and authority at the table. He took off His robe of prominence. He shed the glory of heaven to become the love slave for mankind (Phil. 2:5-8). He took upon Himself the form of a slave and the likeness of flesh. Notice the word, garment, is in the plural. By this it appears possible that Jesus had the true appearance of an oriental slave (Phil. 2:7). Jesus is pictured; wearing only a loin covering. There were no ladies present. He had laid aside the long loose flowing outer garment, the belt, and the tunic.

The garments are symbolic of when Jesus lay aside, for a season and or periodically, many of His divine attributes when he took man’s form. Only after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection did Jesus put on all His divine garments. In Matt. 28:18 Jesus taught all power in heaven and in earth was invested in Him. In John 13:12 Jesus again claimed His garments. Truly, Jesus was stripped of His garment on Calvary only to claim the eternal garments again forever.

Then Jesus, Took a towel, and girded Himself. When He girded Himself, He demonstrated the willingness and strength to serve. It is likely that this ordinance was remembered by the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:5, where he taught submission one to another. To be clothed with humility. This is better read, Gird ye on humility. This is Peter’s teaching concerning the spiritual truths of Feet Washing as well as the ordinance.

The towel was a long and probably white. It was long enough to be tied around the waist with enough left over to dry the feet. In Isaiah 64:6 the prophet taught man’s righteousness to be as filthy rags. Jesus’ righteousness was whiter than snow, without spot. Truly, Jesus left the throne of heaven so He could be girded in human flesh John 1:14. What humility (1 Peter 5:5)?

Verse 5 begins with, after that He poureth water into a basin. John records each small detail to emphasize the meaning. Jesus performed each act of service no one assisted Him. This came only hours before Jesus poured His own precious blood on Calvary.

John continues the narrative with, and began to wash the disciple’s feet. He did not wash their face or hands, but, love knelt all the way down to the feet. The soul is often contaminated traveling the paths of life. As the song writer said, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passing through.”

Again, Isaiah 64:6 talks about human righteousness, as determined as it may be is a filthy rag. All have sinned and come short (Rom. 3:23). All need cleansing. All need Christ’s continued cleansing as mentioned in 1 John 1:7; But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

As a believer walks in an evil time, he becomes defiled. This disturbs his fellowship. All need the continued cleansing of the blood (1 John 1:7-10).

Arno C. Gaebelein wrote[1], “We must come to Him with our sins and failures, with our imperfect walk and our defilement, and place ourselves into His loving hands as the disciples placed their feet into His hands.”

Verse 6 begins with, Then cometh He to Simon Peter. All the disciples, except perhaps Judas, were embarrassed by the thought of Jesus washing their feet. They knew they should have washed the feet of Jesus. It was not uncommon for disciples to do manual service for their teachers. However, it was not common for them to wash the teacher’s feet.

Peter was displeased with the idea of his master washing the other disciple’s feet. When it was Peter’s turn, he could not be silent. It is probable that most of the disciples felt the same. However, impulsive Peter often spoke his thoughts while others remained silent.

Verse 7 begins with, Jesus answered and said unto him, what I do thou knowest not now. The washing is halted by Peter’s refusal. At this point Jesus does not give a complete or full explanation to Peter. He tried to steady Peter by teaching him to wait until later (thou shalt know hereafter). Peter did not have long to wait. In 1 Peter 5:5 Peter clearly understood. The “hereafter” is in reference to after Christ’s: death; burial; resurrection and His ascension. When the Holy Spirit came, the many pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place.

Verse 8 begins with, Peter saith unto Him, Thou shalt never was my feet. The words of Jesus in verse 7 to wait and see fell on deaf ears. Peter knew the unworthiness of the disciples, including himself.

When Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized of him, John the Baptist felt the same. The Baptist wanted Jesus to baptize him. John the Baptist said he was not worthy to untie the sandals (or begin to was Jesus’ feet) much less baptize him. Andrew, Peter’s brother, was an eye witness. Now, Peter refuses.

Peter’s words of refusal were very powerful and emphatic. These words could be understood, “Oh No! Never in a million years.” He did not accept Jesus’ words.

Verse 8 continues, Jesus answered him, if I wash the not, thou hast no part with me. Jesus clearly says, Peter, it is necessary. He teaches Peter, let me work the entire ministry of humiliation for you, otherwise, you will no longer be part of the kingdom. Washing of the disciple’s feet is a part of, and a clear picture of, the humiliation of Christ. His humiliation was needed for Peter’s salvation and all mankind. The act of Baptism, Feet Washing, and the Lord’s Supper do not cleanse sin. They are mirrors of God’s cleansing salvation.

Jesus was concerned about Peter. If he rejects the example, he might also reject the event of humiliation, Calvary.

Verse 9 begins with, Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head.

As often in the character of Peter, he goes from one extreme to another. Again, Peter misunderstood. It is not the cleansing of the flesh to saves. It is only a symbol of the inward cleansing of the soul.

Verse 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

Verse 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

Jesus continues to use the common to mirror the spiritual. Guests were supposed to bathe their bodies before going out to eat. Their feet would become dirty during the trip. So, Jesus states only the feet needed the cleansing. All the disciples were clean, except for Judas. Their faith and allegiance to Jesus as Messiah provided their security.

Some have taught salvation is through water baptism. This, as always, is a gross interpretation. Jesustaught spiritual cleansing, symbolized by water baptism. Man has always tried to change God’s plan from spiritual cleansing to physical cleansing. God forbid. It is not the bathe of regeneration and renewing administered by the Holy Spirit as Paul states in Titus 3:5; Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.

As the twelve put their feet into the hands of Jesus, Christians today must do the same. Man is defiled, depraved and helpless to save himself. Man must put his faith in His grace. Not works of righteousness.

Verse 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

These words conclude John’s narrative of washing the disciple’s feet. Jesus had washed all the disciple’s feet. As in verse 4, He rises again. This time He rose from the role of a love slave to King of kings, and Lord of lords. This symbolizes His resurrection and ascension.

The words, had taken his garments, refers to His reclaimed power and lordship, not only over the disciples at the table, but over all creation. As Jesus rose from the grave, He was clothed with the glorious resurrection body.

John continues with, and was set down again. The two fold picture. First, He returned to His place of authority at the table. Second, and what is more important, He returned to heaven and is the Revelation Lamb, the Holy Righteous Judge over all creation (Phil. 2:9-11).

See our online bookstore,"Washing the Saint’s Feet."

Comments?

^afashion: or habit

[1] A. C. Gaebelein, Gospel of John, (Neptune, New Jersey, 1965), p. 249.

THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Bill Haynes — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:28:58 +0000

THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD

There are many questions that are of major concern about the probationary period. There are basically six questions which are asked.

1. Why is there such a period? Dr. Robert Picirilli made a statement, during the council meeting on the backslider question in 1969, which is applicable here. He said, “Basically, the point is that we must not word our doctrine so as to give the impression God delights to catch his sinning child off base and ‘tag him out.’ No, for while God’s heart is surely broken when His child sins, He still loves that child and chastisement is a sign of that love. When chastisement has fulfilled its ultimate objective, the sinning child will have repented and been restored to fellowship, or else he will have left his salvation and ceased to be a child of God.” God has provided this period of time to give each rebellious backslider a chance to change his rebellious heart. During this time, God uses the conviction of the Holy Spirit in an effort to change his attitude of heart before total loss of faith occurs.

2. Who is in the period? Any person who fits the definition of a backslider as defined by the author is in this period.

3. How does a person get into this period? There are three qualifications for entering this period.

a. He must have a rebellious attitude of heart toward God and holiness.

b. His attitude of heart refuses to exercise his faith in Christ as his propitiation for unconfessed, unrepented and unforgiven sins.

c. His faith and union with Christ are greatly suppressed by his attitude of heart, but they are not lost yet, but in danger. His faith does function in one or more ways, other than in Christ as propitiation. It may be only a small exercising of faith over a long period of time.

4. How does a person get out of this probationary period? There are two ways.

a. The person’s attitude of heart finally destroys all of the person’s faith which makes the person an apostate and the person’s record book is then brought up to date and stamped UNJUSTIFIED and damned.

b. The person’s attitude of heart ends its rebellion and exercises its faith in Christ as propitiation. This allows the blood of Christ to cleanse the person’s heart and blot out his iniquity (Psalm 51:9, 10). However, the record book remains open and will not be balanced and closed until apostasy or death occurs.

5. In what spiritual condition is the person during the period?

Since God’s sovereignty plan is not to allow His justice attribute to balance a person’s record book until apostasy or death, the person is not judged saved or lost. As far as God’s justice is concerned, the person is in the same condition, justified as in the first balancing at salvation, until the second and final balancing at death or apostasy. If at any time during the probationary period the book on the persons soul was brought up to date it would be stamped UNJUSTIFIED (since the attitude of heart has not allowed his faith to claim Christ as propitiation for his sins). The backslider has faith, but it is dangerously damaged and distorted by the rebellious attitude of heart. The backslider (one who has not merely slipped back on
God but has turned against Him) cannot function fully as a Christian. He still has some faith left. He is not fully an apostate yet. When the heart attitude suppresses faith’s exercise in Christ as propitiation, the person deadens the chief characteristic pathway to grace that keeps him secure as a child of God. The only was the backslider can overcome his damaged character is by appropriating Christ’s blood and grace by exercising his faith. James teaches faith without works becomes dead.

The old preacher simply used to call the backslider a “fence straddler.” Christ describes them a “double-minded and unstable souls” they try to serve the world and themselves and God. Its not possible to serve both.

6. What is the destiny of a person who dies during the probationary period?

Dr. O’Donnell wrote in his booklet, The Backslider: Dead or Dying?, using the parable in Luke 12:14-48 to illustrate the final destiny of the backslider. Dr. O’Donnell writes, “Death in such an impenitent state is merely evidence that one has maintained his obstinacy to the point of being an apostate.” The reader must remember that God’s sovereignty controls the death of men. Thus, God will never be caught with the problem of condemning a man who has faith and habitual sin. When a person dies in the impenitent state it is very apparent that he dies as an apostate.

See our online bookstore, "The Backslider."

Comments?

CHERISH

Bill Haynes — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:22:50 +0000

"CHERISH"

To cherish means: to hold dear, to nurture, to cling or cleave to fondly. Men desire to be loved but also need to be admired. Women desire to loved but also need to feel cherished and adored. God created the "act of marriage" and there is nothing shameful or sinful about it. The purpose of this act is not simply to multiply the earth. It is also for joy and fulfillment according to Proverbs 5:18,19. Another purpose for the "act of marriage" is to provide protection to one another from Satan’s temptations. Sexual unfaithfulness is at an epidemic proportion.

There are some keys to the marital cherish or "act of marriage." The first key is good timing. Unselfish maturity is another. A positive Christian attitude is needed. Most couples don’t know the difference between love and lust. Lust is a selfish taking and demanding. Love is giving, trying to please your mate above yourself. Give and it shall be given unto you! Men meet her needs first and as completely as possible. What are her needs? Be a spiritual leader, hold her in your arms each day and pray. Listen to hear respectfully, making good eye contact, without interrupting her needlessly for at least fifteen to twenty minutes a day. While your listening to her, give her non-sexual affection. Don’t just do this when you want something, do it everyday. In most cases your needs will always be more than met and you will become soul-mates as God intended. I Peter 3:7 teaches these things.

The marital cherish is often a good thermometer of the overall marital relationship. Without a strong spiritual bond, the physical bond has little value. What makes a great lover? Hollywood doesn’t have a clue. A great lover is a person who can love, please, and satisfy the same mate for all of life. The Bible teaches that real love never fails.

COOPERATION IN COMMON CAUSES

Bill Haynes — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:57:22 +0000

"COOPERATION"

In this world of selfishness and immaturity, cooperation is almost a forgotten word. As a child in Sunday School we sang the chorus, "When we all work together how happy will be!" This is very true of married couples and families. The saying, "Let’s make beautiful music together" cannot be true without harmonious cooperation. To work together we must be of one mind and accord.

Married couples need to learn to work together with their gender strengths and differences to accomplish their life’s goals. It is still part of the husband’s role to provide and protect. It is still part of the wife’s role to keep the home and care for the children. Today’s financial pressures make both jobs extremely difficult. True love is seen in many ways. If the wife helps provide, then the husband should help keep the house and care for the kids. They are still primarily responsible for their roles, but out of true love be willing to cooperate by helping one another. By working together to get the necessities done, they will have more quality time for one another.

By submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God (Eph. 5:21), the Christian couple will be blessed. Many couples spend so much time fighting against one another they destroy themselves, their reputations, and limit God’s blessings.

Marriage has been described as two small rivers combining into one very large river. When the two rivers join there is tremendous impact and high powerful waves erupt. However, down stream they become far more powerful yet smoothly go to the same destiny. A good marriage requires a lot of maintaining. Always plan future goals and common causes to work on together. Otherwise, after years of drifting apart, when perhaps the children are almost grown, you will have nothing in common and your love for each other will be gone.

Cooperate with God, He will cooperate with you. Seek first the kingdom of God. United together in Christ we stand, divided we fall.

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BURN HIM AT THE STAKE

Bill Haynes — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:41:35 +0000

“BURN HIM AT THE STAKE”

At the age of fourteen I was getting to preach weekly in various churches. There was a church in an area just outside Tulsa, Oklahoma that had mid-week service on Tuesday nights. They asked me to preach on numerous occasions. I was too young to drive and they were always willing to pick me up and take me.

It was a small church. An old house converted into a church. It had been enlarged by volunteer labor. The building had open windows and no air-conditioning. It was summer time. The ceiling was low and the stage area didn’t have much headspace. There were scuffmarks above the pulpit area where preachers had scraped their hands with overhead gestures. The light on the stage was also just above the preacher’s head.

By this time I had grown nearly a foot taller. God had answered my prayer to be taller and now I was a very skinny six feet tall. Like most poor boys in the mid-sixties, I slicked my hair down with Vitalis or Bril-cream hair cream. Just a dab will do you, it said. I used a lot.

The little church was filled to capacity. These people were very poor and had lots of children. They allowed the children to run loose most of the time and it was a real distraction. I had learned to deal with distractions pretty well by then and was just happy to get to preach.

I took my text from Exodus 4:10-15 where Moses stated that he was slow of speech and not eloquent. While reading the text I felt something crawling in the crown of my hair. The doors and windows were open and bugs were flying around the light bulbs, especially the light bulb above my oiled hair. With a gesture through my hair, I cast out the light bug onto my Bible and slammed the book on him. I still have that old Bible and the stain is still there.

The longer the sermon went the more the kids got restless. They began wandering around the sanctuary. Every once in a while a mother would drop a baby on its head and it would cry loudly. The church didn’t have a nursery.

There were a number of other visiting preachers and deacons in, “Amen corner.” They were yelling, “Amen, preach it boy.” I enjoyed the encouragement. I was still fighting the bugs off and almost knocked out the light bulb. Then the children started running all over after one another. I thought the parents would settle them down but they didn’t. I was trying to concentrate with all these distractions but it was getting more difficult. The children started playing cowboys and Indians. They were chasing one another even more. They started running up on the stage and down again. I gave one an authoritative look to stop. The boy huddled with the other kids and they started running around me and the pulpit. Finally, I lost it when they said, “Lets burn him at the stake.” For some reason, the church closed a few years later.

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