The Journey Through Salvation Part 5

A vital part of the salvation journey is wearing the proper clothing.  The Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the full armor of God...." Half clothed Christians become easy prey for Satan.  C. S Lewis said, "The enemy will not see you vanish into God’s company without an effort to reclaim you." 

                                                                       

One of my mottos is:  “The BEST time to get dressed is before you ever get out of the bed.”  If you are like me, I hit the snooze button a few times to get a little extra sleep and when I finally do get up, I am in such a rush that I have no time for prayer, study or even think about God.  Can you relate?  Getting dressed properly is a matter of spiritual survival.  If we neglect to wear the spiritual clothing, then we become vulnerable prey to Satanic attacks. 

Our family loves to camp.  We ensure that we have all the camping essentials to survive out in the woods.  We make sure we have food and water.  Without food and water, we would not be able to stay out in the woods very long. 

I’ve often thought about how much we ensure that we have all the physical elements to survive from day to day, but neglect the elements for spiritual survival. Without a right relationship with God and a defense strategy to keep the predator away, it is impossible to survive very long.

The Apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."  And the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Ephesus, "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."  Ephesians 6:11

God has provided us with defensive and offensive clothing as we go through spiritual attacks that are meant to destroy any hope of salvation.  Without this clothing, it is impossible to survive spiritually.  The clothing is vital for our salvation. 

   

How to spiritually get dressed before you ever get out of the bed:  Ephesians 6:11-18

The Belt of Truth - Vs. 14 "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place."  Paul says that we are to buckle up with the belt of truth around our waist. 

► Truth sets us free - John 8:32, "the truth will set you free." 

► Jesus is truth - John 14:6, "Jesus answered, 'am the way and the truth and the life.'"

►God's Word is truth - John 17:17, "Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth."

The Breastplate of Righteousness - Vs. 14 "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place."

The most vulnerable place on the body is the chest and if just one arrow pierces the heart, you're history.  Matthew 6:33 – Seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness."

The Shoes - Vs. 15 "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."   A Roman Soldiers boots were of utmost importance.  If he lost his footing, he lost the battle.   Paul says in Romans 1:16 that our spiritual footing is the gospel, the good news by which we were saved.

The Shield of Faith - Vs. 16 "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."  A soldier’s shield was essential for survival.  It protected against flaming and poisonous arrows.

The Helmet of Salvation - Vs. 17 "Take the helmet of salvation..."  Helmets protect our heads.  If the head is knocked out of operation, then you are casualty of Satan.  The helmet will protect us from sinful things and keep Satan from penetrating our thoughts.

The Sword of the Spirit - Vs. 17 "The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."  This is the offensive weapon for the Christian.  This weapon is essential for every believer to survive the on-going spiritual battles.  The Bible is our guide to understand lasting values and important moral and ethical issues.  The Bible is our strategy plans to combat Satan’s attacks and defeat the spiritual rivals that are out to destroy us.

Spiritual survival is gruesome.  Sometimes the battles are long and difficult.  But, if every believer clothes themselves before they every get out of bed, they will be much more effective in fighting the battle.  God + Jesus + Spirit + Armor is a defensive power Satan cannot win against!

If you desire to know more about the journey through salvation, please call me at 931-836-2874 or email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Journey Through Salvation (Part 4)

As a kid growing up in a home that attended church gatherings of all kinds, I was exposed to lots of teaching about “salvation issues.”   Things like:  No mix swimming.  No dancing.  No playing ball on “church night.”  No attending prom.  No missing any worship gatherings.  Looking back, it was a “NO” to everything type of “religion.”  To further complicate matters, the ones who created the “salvation issues standards” would stand on the steps of the church facilities and smoke their cigarettes and gossip about everyone in the church and then stomp out their cigarettes on the ground and go into the worship gathering as if they were the holier than thou elitist. 

For years my head was filled with teachings about salvation issues that never could be substantiated from Scriptures.  My mind was warped with teachings that God never said was wrong or hell bound if I did any of them.  I was taught everything but “real” salvation issues.  For the men who created the “standard” of moral living, struggled with the legalism themselves.  The “rules” were so hard to follow that it set everyone up to fail. 

God never intended for anyone to set “salvation issues” based on their ideologies and personal theology.  God’s Word is the standard by which we live out our lives.  I’ve often heard the motto from the Churches of Christ restoration movement, “Speak Where the Bible Speaks and Be Silent Where the Bible is Silent.”  If this motto is biblically true, then all of us are in a heap of trouble, biblically.  There are no commands for many of the things we do such as, building church facilities with elaborate decorations and paying thousands of dollars on heating and air conditioning each month.  Some may say; that is ridiculous.  Yes, it is!  But, if we are going to be consistent in our journey, we must ensure we don’t teach convenient truth, rather we teach God’s truth. 

The journey through salvation is a courageous journey.  It is a journey in which we learn the real truth about salvation and the issues we face every day that can throw us into spiritual chaos.  The spiritual journey we are on isn’t about going to prom or mix swimming or playing ball on a “church night,” rather it is about an unwavering desire to be connected to the Lordship of Jesus and to allow the indwelled Spirit to guide us in the pursuit of right living. 

God’s Word clearly states salvation issues that can send those who are entrenched in the godless behavior to hell.  God does not sugarcoat evil behavior for the sake of popularity; nor should we. 

For many, the “BIG” salvation issue is homosexuality.  It seems that our nation is intrigued with “coming out of the closet” and watching weddings of same sex couples getting married.  But homosexuality isn’t any bigger than others that God names in the-group of “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  Galatians 5:19-20 and    

1^st Corinthians 6:9.

It is easy to point a finger at gays and lesbians, but take no responsibility for lying, hating, creating discord, selfishness, envy, drunkenness, pornography, gossiping and so on.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  Is it possible we all have the hidden sin of lust and the only two people who know it are you and God?  Count me in!  Is it possible that we get so caught up in what everyone else is doing that we’ve broken God’s standard, too? 

The journey through salvation is paved with many challenges that can rip at the heart of all of us at given time.  The Apostle Peter said,  “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”  1^st Peter 5:8 

If Satan can distract us by keeping us looking at everyone else but ourselves, then before we know it, we are his.  “Salvations issues” are not the prom nor playing ball, rather how we behave at either one of the events.  God’s “salvation issues” will create a troubling eternal life if we go against his best for us. 

When one says YES to Jesus because they have learned his ways and desire to live like him, our community, State, Country, and World will change for the better.  Shootings like the one at the Emanuel AME Church will never happen again.  Drunk driving will decrease and less fear will increase. 

We must never create a legalist society based on our own views, but rather search carefully what is really important to God.  Nothing will make God angrier than any church or individual who thinks they have cornered the market on the only right church and condemns everyone else. 

Keep traveling the journey.  Seek first his righteousness.  Be love.  Be forgiving.  Be prayful. Be Jesus.  Be godly.  Be hope. I would love to chat with you about Jesus if you are interested.  Call me at 836-2874 or email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com    

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Journey Through Salvation (Part 3)

It was December 31, 1978 that I gave my life to Jesus.   Up to this point, I had been attending church gatherings for twelve years.  Not just gatherings, but bible classes, too.  Plus, I would go with my father to study the bible with others in our community.  I was exposed to a lot of teaching as a youngster. 

One of the basic teachings that I heard Sunday after Sunday as part of the preacher’s sermon was the need to be baptized.  I heard, “If you are not baptized and you die today, you will go to hell.”  Or, “being baptized puts you into the Lord’s Church.”  So much emphasis was placed on baptism rather than discipleship.  I also noticed that once one did the act of baptism, you were no longer their target and they pretty much stopped talking to you.  It appeared that it was more of a numbers game rather than a discipleship process of getting a person to truly surrender his or her life to Jesus.   

It is clear from Scripture that baptism is a result of surrendering ones life to Jesus, but it is not the totality of God’s redemptive “plan” for salvation.  It is true that those who are baptized into Christ are baptized into his death (Romans 6:3). It is true that those who are baptized are buried with Christ (Romans 6:4a).  And, it is true that just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too, are raised to live in the new life (Romans 6:4b).

However, the journey through salvation doesn’t start or stop at baptism.  Baptism is sandwiched between “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19) and “teaching them to obey….” (Matthew 28:20)  If the journey starts and stops at baptism, then we will set everyone up for failure.  If we continue to piece-mill Scripture to fit a neatly devised “plan of salvation” we do a dis-service to God’s redemptive plan of salvation. 

To disciple someone to Jesus is leading them on a journey about him.  It is sharing his legacy, stories, behavior, life issues, overcoming temptations and teachings.  It is to help someone see the value of wanting to live the Jesus life.  To create a legacy that will point others to Jesus.  To behave honorably and to overcome temptations by using Scriptures to combat Satan’s attempt to destroy us spiritually. 

When a person has totally accepted the life of Jesus and the willingness to live honorably, ethically, morally, and spiritually, then one is ready to be buried with Christ and resurrected into the new life that Scripture calls baptism. 

Remember, we cannot be cookie-cutter churches with fancy “steps” to salvation or just tell someone to accept Jesus in their heart and they will be saved.  We must be disciples who share the story of Jesus, live out the story of Jesus and continue to teach the story of Jesus in order for the newest disciple to become a discipler. 

Continuing to teach the disciples is vital for the welfare of the young disciple.  There are important life lessons that the new disciple must know in order to be effective.  For example:  The Apostle Paul told the disciples in Ephesus to live like they are connected to Jesus.  He reminded them that Jesus followers tell the truth (4:25) He shared with them on the proper way of being angry (4:26).  He tells them not to give Satan any part of them (4:27) He says stealing is not an option (4:28) He says to keep your mouth in check and no cursing (4:29) He tells them that the Holy Spirit is a powerful resource, do not shut him out (4:30).   He declares that internal issues like, bitterness and brawling are not acceptable behavior and to get rid of it (4:31) however, he encourages kindness, compassion and forgiveness (4:32). 

The journey through salvation isn’t based on the five steps (hear, believe, repent, confess and baptized) or just a simple prayer or acceptance of Jesus in your heart.  The journey is an all in desire to be just like Jesus. 

The Journey through salvation is a relationship-based journey with Jesus.  It is loving-God with all your heart, soul and mind, and to love others as you love yourself (Matthew 22:37-40) Notice that everything that the Apostle Paul said to the disciples in Ephesus were all relationship based.  It is extremely important that we learn from our fellow Christians throughout the Scriptures. 

The journey isn’t easy, but very rewarding.  Never waiver.   Don’t compromise your convictions.  Keep Jesus as the Lord of your life.  Love always.  Forgive endlessly.  Be kind to everyone.  Be compassionate to others.  Show serious discipleship skills by making disciples. 

The signs on our buildings never make any of us disciples, rather, it is the determination that Jesus is the one any only one we desire to follow that makes each of us real disciples. 

If you desire to know more about Jesus, please call me at 836-2874 or email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com I would love to share the Jesus story with you. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian 

The Journey Through Salvation (Part 2)

I am a product of growing up in a spiritual environment.  Not too many days after I was born, I was taken to my first worship gathering.  Forty-eight years later, I am still attending them. 

Throughout my younger life, I have heard countless sermons on “What Must I Do To Be Saved” or “The five-steps to Salvation” or “If You Died Today, Where Would You Spend Eternity?”   The sermons were aimed at getting a person “right with God.”  However, as I look back, what I have discovered is that while the intentions were right, the methods were more systematic steps rather than a relationship process. 

Look carefully at Matthew 28:19, “…Go and make disciples of all the nations….”(NLT) Jesus’ command to his disciples was to help others see that becoming a disciple of Jesus was to learn the ways of Jesus so that they can learn to live like Jesus.  So, in order to live like Jesus, one would have to get to know how Jesus lived.  The life of Jesus is told in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Each of these men tell Jesus’ story in their own unique way.  One may add more to the story, while another may not share anything that the other three may have shared.  Nevertheless, we get a glimpse into the life of Jesus and how he conducted himself, responded to critics, helped the poor, fed the hungry, healed the sick, told the truth, kept his promises, gave grace and forgiveness to the sinners, loved the untouchables, and showed mercy to the hard-to-get-along-with-religious elitist.  

Teaching a five step plan of salvation may get someone to say yes to the need to make a change in the moment.  However, teach someone the details of Jesus’ life and how he impacted tens of thousands will change someone’s life forever. 

It may be possible that the reason Christianity isn’t thriving as strongly today is because the “go make disciples” hasn’t been at the forefront leading people to Jesus.  On one end we tell people to “hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized” and on the other end, we tell people to “just accept Jesus in your heart and you will be saved.”  Where is the balance?  When is the teaching about Jesus ever taught?  Is it possible that Scripture has been piece-milled to fit one’s particular theological denomination that we’ve lost sight of teaching what the journey to salvation really is all about?  In order to truly lead people on a journey to salvation, one must know who Jesus is and how he lived.  1^st John 2:6 says, “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”  (NLT)

How did Jesus live?

According to Matthew 1:21, Jesus lived to save people.  “And you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (NLT)  We disciple everyone to Jesus, so that salvation can take place.   Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there salvation in any other….” (KJV)

Jesus lived to serve.  Jesus said in Matthew 20:28, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus lived as a seeker to save all of us who are lost.  Luke 19:10,  ^“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

The list is endless on how Jesus lived out his life.  If each of us will see clearly that it is in Christ that we are saved, then the journey takes on a whole new relationship because we value following the Jesus life.   

Do you want to know more about Jesus?  Have you accepted Jesus, but not fully engaged him?  Have you been baptized, but have not fully committed your life to living Jesus?  Would you like to know more about Jesus and how to travel the journey to salvation?  Call me at 836-2874 or email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com.  I would love to share with you and to walk the Jesus walk with you.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian McCutchen

The Journey Through Salvation (Part 1)

Salvation is a means by which one is delivered from a burning building, a dictator or from a destructive sinful life.  Being delivered from any kind of harm is a relief both internally and externally.    

Jesus said to Thomas in John 14:6 that he is the way, truth and life.  In order to get to God, you must go through me, first.  Philip then asked:  “Jesus, would you show us how to get to God?”  Jesus replied, “Look Phillip, the father and I are one.  We are in this together.  When you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the father.  Trust.  Believe. When you believe, you will do what I’ve have done the entire time we’ve been together.  Work hard.  Stay steady.”

The acceptance of Jesus as they way, truth and life begins the relationship process of salvation.  There are no fancy formulas for salvation.  No steps that need to be taken other than what James 4:8-10 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Grieve, mourn, and wail.  Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will life you up.” (NIV)  Drawing to God are the steps that will get each of us to the point of the surrendered life, a life ready to be saved.   

Salvation begins with the desire to want a relationship with Jesus.  When one is captivated by the God who demonstrated his love for us by giving us the only son he had (John 3:16) and then that son ultimately dying for all of us (Romans 5:8) in order to deliver us for the wrath of God (Romans 5:9) and brought back into a saved relationship with God (Romans 5:10), our voices will not be silenced in proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus (Romans 10:9).

The relationship building process will lead each of us to make decisions to live the Jesus life and demonstrate to others our allegiance to God.  Anyone who desires to be all in it for God will totally be sold out in listening to all the instructions of Scripture.  Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 28:19a, “Go and make disciples of all nations….”  The key was to “make disciples.”  A disciple follows someone.  In this case, Jesus said, find those throughout the world that would be willing to follow me.  Live for me.  Speak for me.  Serve the way I served.  Love the way I loved.  Teach truth.  Live truth.  And, honor God.  Secondly, Jesus told them to “baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit….” Matthew 28:19b Baptism is a direct result of discovering the true identity of the one who delivered us from our sins and saved us from the wrath of God.  The Apostle Paul put it like this in Romans 6:3-4; 7 “Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? ⁴ For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.

Baptism is a demonstration of the commitment we have made in the relationship with Jesus.  It is our vow we make to live the resurrected life with honor, integrity, and truth.  The baptism is the connection we make with Holy Spirit who seals us and identifies us as one who belongs to Jesus.

You see, there are no magic formulas for salvation.   Salvation begins with a desire to know God, Jesus and Spirit and a willingness to have a relationship with God that is unyielding and faithful. 

God desires for all of us to be saved.  The Apostle Peter said in a letter in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”   

God promises salvation.  He wants you to have it.  He wants you to live for him.  Serve.  Be honorable.  Respectful.  Glorify him.  Will you?  Will you take God up on being delivered from your sins?  Now is the time to say to God, I am sorry for my selfish life and I am ready to begin to know you and build a relationship with you. 

Please call me at 931-836-2874 or email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com and begin the relationship God so desperately wants with you.  Don’t delay.  Now is the time.  Now is the moment.  Now.  You ready?

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Memorial Day...A Day to Remember!

In the last 240 years our nations has endured: The American Revolutionary War.  The War of 1812.  The Mexican-American War.  The American Civil War. The Spanish-American War.  World War 1.  World War 2.  Korean War.  Vietnam War.  Desert Storm.  Enduring Freedom.  Iraq War.  Afghanistan War.  Plus hundreds of other missions and conflicts around the world that has taken the lives of our men and women serving the nation they sworn to uphold and protect.

Freedom isn’t free! It is costly, demanding, and sacrificial.  Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives in the pursuit of preserving independence and freedom.  Within our own nation, there was a desire to become an independent nation and break free from the taxation and control of Great Britain.  An estimated 25,000 revolutionist died in the pursuit of preserving independence.  The American Civil War was a gruesome and deadly display of hatred. The nation was divided over slavery and the spread of slavery to the States to the west. In 1861, history records that over 620,000 lives were lost and countless men; women and children were injured all because of a desire to control someone else. 

Losing a loved one is never easy, no matter how one passes from this life.  However, losing a loved one for the cause of freeing a nation from slavery because of the color of one’s skin, religion or ethnicity gives his or her death one of nobility. 

Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who fought on the battlefields to protect us from the enemy.  It is also a time to say thank you to God for creating men and women who has the willingness and drive to keep our nation safe.  

Freedom is not free!  It’s costly and sacrificial!  To live in a nation where we have freedom is precious, however, there is still one freedom that is far greater than living in a free nation!  This freedom came with a price.  It separated a father and son.  And, it cost a man his life.  Not just any ordinary man, either.  The man?  They called him Jesus.  His name alone means freedom (He saves). 

All of humanity was in the prison of sin.  Hopeless.  Chained.  And, locked in the grips of Satan.  Galatians 3:22 says, "But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin...." Isaiah 59:2 says that our sins have separated us with God.  And, God said in Romans 1:18 that He hates sin.  Our sins have barred us from experiencing the joy of spiritual freedom and have locked us up with no way out! 

Jesus came to rescue us from the grips of Satan.  Romans 5:6-8, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Jesus’ sacrifice declared our independence from Satan in Romans 5:9, "Since we have now been justified (Declared Free) by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!"

And, Jesus made it possible for us be set free from sin, John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Jesus is our freedom fighter and gives us independence from Satan. His death and resurrection made it possible for us to live a life of spiritual freedom. Today, I say thank you to the men and women who fought for freedom and died in the pursuit of it.  I also say thank you to Jesus for his unwavering commitments to free us from the hands of a hatful devil that is bent on destroying each of us. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I grew up in a home where “church” life was the norm.  No matter the weather, we were there.  If you were sick, suck it up!  When “gospel meetings” rolled around, we attended everyone one of them.  I remember my parents having the big name preachers of there time in our home for a meal – V.E. Howard, Jack Exum, Jule Miller to name a few.  We were the poster family for church involvement. 

My father was a deacon and served in the areas of benevolence and evangelism.  No mater how tired my father was, he took his service seriously.  My mother played the supportive role.  There were six children to take care of, plus my father. 

When I was twelve, I made a decision that I wanted to be a preacher.  I was kind of young to make such a career decision in the eyes of most people.  But, I knew.  As sure as I am right now of God’s purpose for my life, I was that sure at the age of twelve.  I still have the same Spirit-led feelings and the call to preach Jesus as powerfully today as I did thirty-six years ago.

On most Wednesday nights at our church, the young men were asked to deliver a short devotional.  I will never forget the anxiety I felt when my name was called to give the next devotional.  “I’m twelve!  What am I going to say?” I asked.  The preacher, Wayne T. Hall said, go home and asked your parents to help you.  You will do great!

My mother went into operation sermon mode!  I remember her spending hours on a five-minute talk.  She and I went over it and over it.  The title:  “Where will you spend eternity”.  This was a big time topic for a little bitty kid!  But, we did it!  I got rave reviews, hugs, and kisses on the cheek from the grandma’s.  But mostly, I got my start to preach the gospel from my mother. 

My mother wrote many of my sermons when I was a teenager.  I would have to stand in front of her and preach them!  It was exhausting.  Painful.  And, time consuming.   As I look back, it wasn’t all the training that I received in college, nor the experience I have had over the years that made me who I am today, but rather, a mother who tirelessly helped me fulfill God’s purpose for my life.

As I have matured over the years, I can see with better clarity the value my mother has had in my life.  While our home was not perfect and there are many memories I would love to erase from my mind, I cannot allow that to be the factor by which I live my life. God used my mother to get me to where I am today.

Although my mother died nineteen years ago, her teachings and the faith building are evident in my life.  The Apostle Paul said to Timothy that the evidence of his sincere faith came as a result of how his grandma and mother lived their lives (2 Timothy 1:5). 

Spiritual mothers are vital to kingdom living.  Mothers are used by God to point their children in the direction of their purposed life. And, when the children grow up, they will look back and echo the words of the Proverb, “Her children arise and call her blessed.”

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian