Updates

Hey guys! The one and only Jessica Roseanne Ables is back again! I know it's been FOREVER since I last posted, but real life steps in for me all the time with school and work.

I am now at the end of my second year at Southwestern Adventist University, trying to see if I can graduate next year and move on. While I was away from my blog, many good things happened. My friend Heather gave birth to triplets, I turned 22 years old, and I celebrated Christmas and New Year's with my family. I've also been very active with my church, participating in many activities.

Fall 2010 was the first semester that I did not make a 4.0 GPA, and I was upset about it for awhile, but my imperfections show how much I need God in my life. Without Him, I am nothing! He can take our messes and use them for His glory.

During this past year at Southwestern, I have realized that there may be some people there who may not be saved. In a Bible study I attended last year, I learned that there was one girl who was baptized even though she didn't know Jesus. Baptism does not save a person; it shows they are already believers who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and want to live for Him. I have been feeling pressured by a few people there to become interested in and convert to the SDA faith. I feel convicted by God that I should not join this denomination. I feel that this religion is a "faith plus works" system, and I know that faith in Christ ALONE saves me, not by the works of my own righteousness. I have also read that they do not believe in Hell, but I know that Hell is a real place for people who reject Jesus, according to the Bible. We have all sinned and done things that are wrong; we all deserve to be punished. But Jesus died for us on the Cross so we wouldn't have to die for our sins, and three days later, He rose from the grave. He lives and will never turn away any person who comes to Him! God wants everyone to come to repentance and to be saved, He doesn't want anyone to perish. I know without God in my life, I do not know where I would be. I was shocked when I heard this girl's story; I wanted to question her about her salvation. I know that as a Christian woman, I need to tell everyone about my Lord and Savior and what He did and has continued to do for me. I know someone who has been, and possibly still is, in a very dangerous cult that teaches that faith in Christ is not enough to save a person, and they use mind control tactics and demand that good works be done along with faith. The Bible states in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one may boast". Things like tithing, going to church, being baptized, and participating in good works do not save; faith in Christ alone saves. All we have to do is admit to God that we are sinners, that we believe that Jesus took our punishment for us on the Cross, and accept His gift of eternal life by asking Him into our hearts to be our Lord and Savior.

I am currently participating in a Bible study at my church titled "Family Driven Faith" and the book is about how we can raise our children to follow after God. I have gained valuable insights from this book, even though I do not have children yet, but hope to someday if it's God's will for me. I have learned that children are a gift and a blessing from God, and that marriage is a sacred covenant. We need to teach our children to become disciples of our Savior, and set an example for them by loving God with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and with all of our strength.

I hope to be back, posting more often, really soon!

In Christ Alone,
Jessica

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."-John 3:16