Am I Really Saved?

"Am I even saved?"

This was a question that was on my mind a little over 2 months ago.  My Bible study friends and I had been going through "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. We began to be challenged to do something for God and others, but little did I know that as a result of that great work that God was doing in my heart, I was in for a spiritual battle that God would use for good while Satan meant it for evil.

Let me explain.  Around this time I began to question my faith. It was very strange and came about all at once. I KNOW that I am saved, but this little seed of doubt seemed to be planted in my mind... and it was growing. I talked to my Mom about it, tossed and turned over it, and was really struggling with it for about a 2 week period. I have been very blessed to have grown up with Christian parents and siblings, godly friends, and an amazing church family so I could totally see myself being that kid who just "went through the motions" because that is what you do. I had also recently met a friend who had grown up in a church who had to do a lot of "works" to be considered a Christian, and it started me wondering if I had false assurance. I began to use this opportunity to examine my heart and find out what was going on.  So I started using the tests the Bible gives us to examine our hearts like the ones in Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 John 2.

Galatians 5:22- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

I John 5:1a- Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

I John 5:10-11- The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself...and the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

Romans 10:9- That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.

John 6:47- "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life."

John 5:24- "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come in to judgement, but has passed out of death into life."

Romans 8:38-39- "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else is all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 10:13- for whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

2 Timothy 2:19- Nevertheless, the firm foundation of the Lord stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His,"  and,  "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness." 

I John 2:3- By this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 

I John 4:7- Beloved, we should love one another, because love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

I examined my heart throughout those weeks, and found peace in the fact that I am indeed saved. I also began to notice the enemy's arrows that were being shot at me, keeping me wrapped up in doubt and not useful for ministry. I have never sensed a battle so hard with Satan as I did in those two weeks.

About a month later, I felt comfortable sharing this experience with some friends.  I ended up finding out that another friend had gone through a similar experience!  I love how God does stuff like that!! Just when you think you are the only one going through a certain struggle,  He let's you know that you aren't.

I was able to get involved in the ministry we started with confidence.  We have had opportunities to witness like we've never had before. I  see why Satan wasn't wanting this to happen... He knows that great things for God are being done.

I KNOW that I am saved, but whenever I feel doubtful or scared,  I look at these tests, examine my heart, and make sure that everything is right with God and me. It's through times like these that we grow in the Lord, and even though I didn't like the seed of doubt Satan planted... I am glad for the growth I experienced.

In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul instructs us to test ourselves to see if we are saved.  If you aren't sure if you are saved or not, please don't take this lightly. This is a matter between life and death. You will either spend eternity in Heaven with Christ, or in hell with Satan.  Examine your heart, and make sure things are right between you and your Heavenly Father.



Walking In Grace,
Abby


P.S. Happy Easter!!!

Arkansas TeenPact 2016

I had the incredible opportunity this past week to go to a TeenPact class at our very own state capitol. At TeenPact, I learned everything from how bills are passed, to judicial review, and (my personal favorite) political communications. We also got to do prayer walks around the Capitol which gave us a chance to pray for all the Arkansans that serve our state. In our political communications class, we were given tips and tricks to communicating what we think and what we believe. The tips given included making eye contact, using facts, being personable, etc.

I started thinking about communication and how important it is to know how to share my thoughts and beliefs about whatever I may be asked about.  More importantly though, it's important that I know how to communicate my faith.  1 Peter 3:15 says, "Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 

If you asked me about the presidential election, Ben Carson, or an event in history I could probably talk with you at length about all the information I have learned to this point.  But if you asked me where a verse was in the Bible, I might have to pull out my handy-dandy iPhone to tell you. That's sad, and I know it. It's awesome to be involved in politics and history and have lots of knowledge about lots of things, but if I am more involved in these things than in the knowledge found in God's Word, something is wrong.

Jesus used the Word constantly; which is what I need to do, but in order to do that I need to know the Word... and that's where the challenge comes in!


A great example of someone who was always ready to give an account for what God had done in his life was Paul. Paul was a former murderer of Christians that became a Christian himself. He was ready to tell people of the hope he had in Christ, and he did a great job communicating this. One example of his readiness to give an account for his beliefs is found in
Acts 26. Paul was relaying everything God had done in his life to King Agrippa, and was very passionate in doing so. He told the king about his killing of the Christians before God entered his life on the road to Damascus, his repentance to God, and about the masses of people that had repented and trusted Christ. He was used by God so much,  and possibly because he was not only willing, but ready. 

Are you like me? Do you feel lacking in this area as well? We can work on this together, and pray for one another. Let's be knowledgeable about the Word, and to be ready to communicate the gospel message wherever and whenever God directs us to.

Walking In Grace,
Abby