Hope for the New Year

Hello Friends

2020 is officially out of here. A new year is just a few days away and I am sure you are looking toward this new year hoping it will be better. We have all had our struggles in 2020 and are looking forward to a fresh beginning.

There is Hope for Change

The problem with new years is people really hope that things will get better but then they typically do not make any changes to make things better. They go into the new year with old patterns and get discouraged when nothing different happens.

As we were planning through how we wanted to end this year here at ABA, we decided we wanted to give you something that could radically change this new year. We wanted to give you the one thing needed to not only have an abundant year but an abundant life and for this last blog of 2020 to be for everyone- married, single, young, and old.

We are going to talk about Jesus and how to get the gift of salvation. With Jesus in our hearts, there is nothing 2021 can bring that we can’t handle. Let’s go!

A Salvation Story

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. Acts 16:31-32

In Acts chapter 16 we find a story that has everything- fortunetellers, preachers, riots, imprisonment, earthquakes, and attempted suicide. Let me give you the short version about our heroes Paul and Silas.

They were traveling through Philippi and a fortune teller of all people proclaimed they are servants of the Most High God. Because of their works and their culture they were stripped and beaten in the streets of the city. After their beatings, the leaders of the city had them thrown not only into prison but into the inner prison… the most secure, you are never getting out alive part of the prison.

At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns and the prisoners joined in with them. Then there was a massive earthquake and the very prison that had Paul and Silas bound fell apart. The prison guard who had been put in charge of them was about to kill himself because of the massive failure that his life had just become, but then Paul and Silas had some mad integrity and didn’t escape when they had the chance. Instead, they stayed and led the prison guard to salvation.

Salvation from Two Perspectives

Acts 16:31 is one of the most used scriptures by people when it comes to salvation, but what’s the whole story? What does salvation actually mean for us? What can we take away from this story about the prison guard?

You can look at this from two different angles to see salvation in a whole new light.

For those who have been saved for a while…

You can see the power and might of salvation on display. How the fortune teller saw who they were before they spoke to her because of their works and witness that they had built. You see how Paul and Silas knew in the pit of their despair Who to call upon for help and salvation. How in an instant, their integrity kicked in (even when it sucked to use it) and they got to see the very thing that they proclaimed be available for a whole new group of people through the prison guard. You see how one decision can not only change your life in a radical way but the lives of the people you love.

For the ones who have never asked Jesus to come into their life…

Look at the prison guard. A man who had one job and in his own mind thought that he had messed up so bad that suicide was his only option because at least it would be quick. Perhaps you can relate to him. Life in darkness and hopelessness. Every day is the same with no hope for a change. But look at what happens when He meets Jesus. Look what happens when he accepts this gift of salvation.

He received eternal life by accepting Jesus into his life. Not only for him but his whole family. A man who went from having nothing to live for changed into someone with purpose and direction.

Without a doubt, the prison guard shared his great news with all his friends and family and took as many people to heaven with him as possible. Once you find something like salvation you want to share it with everyone!

Who is this Jesus?

I’m not ashamed of the gospel: it is God’s own power for salvation to all who have faith in God Romans 1:16

Well here at A Beautiful Adventure, we want to do the same. Not just us but also our friends and family. We believe that the greatest decision that you can ever make is to ask Jesus into your life to be your Savior. But don’t just take our word for it. We ask some people we love and trust to tell you their salvation stories. We asked two questions.

What do you remember about the day you got saved?

How is that decision important to you today?

Let them introduce you to this Jesus and tell you why salvation changed their lives forever.

What Do You Remember about the Day You Got Saved?

The day I got saved was a Sunday, I was only 5 years old and felt the Holy Spirit’s drawing and conviction.  I knew I needed to call on the Lord and be saved, and that I was a filthy sinner (even though I was young), and that He was my only hope. ~Jeff Smith

It was the most humbled I’ve ever been in my life. I remember a feeling of freedom like I’ve never ever felt. It was 8 years ago and I can still remember being in the preacher’s office and will never ever forget the peace that came over me. ~Brian Ashley

I was at youth group on Wednesday night and I went forward at the altar call prayed a prayer of salvation and when I got up I’ve never felt more free in my life. I grew up in a Christian home and had gone through the motions plenty of times but this time was different. This time there was no going back. ~Chris Barnes

Growing up in church and prayed the prayer of salvation every Sunday in Children’s Church “just to be sure.” But it wasn’t until my adult life when I discovered what a life filled with Christ actually meant and how it felt. ~Anna Barnes

I remember a clear and distinct understanding of why I needed a savior. It was at that moment I knew I was destined for Hell unless true repentance happened.  I knew there could be no more waiting.  ~Anthony Cofield

Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

I remember was being in the darkest place in my life feeling a peace that was like no other. My life had crumbled…God took every distraction away from me so that I could focus on Him. In this place in my life, I remember telling myself that if I could feel Him there, I know He would be everywhere with me.

I was real little, about 5-6 and I remember wanting and feeling a love I’ve never known. Looking back, I see how much God has truly been in my life, through the good and through the bad. Today I’m so thankful that I can put my trust in the Lord who never fails me and will continue to fight for me and with me in my battles. ~Chris and Melissa Ledbetter

I remember the overwhelming sense that I was missing something like something was holding me captive. My sister got saved just minutes before I did. I felt like I needed what everyone else had. When I got done praying I felt overwhelming joy. I was running and jumping across the yard to tell my grandmother and I knew she would be so proud. And I felt like I was done. Like the rest of my life was going to be a stepping stone to heaven. ~AshleyBurgess

I was in my room on the phone with Ashley (before we were married), we got to talking about being saved after church, she lead me in the sinner’s prayer and I accepted Jesus and instantly wanted to run and tell everybody.  ~Tylar Burgess

There was an overwhelming sense of peace, joy, excitement, and stillness…all wrapped into one feeling that can’t be duplicated. ~Dustin Gardner

I was around 15 and I had never really been to church except on holidays. My granny wanted to become a member at a church by her house and I went with her, they talked about knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior and inviting Him into your heart. The idea of a relationship with Jesus was something I had never heard before and knowing no matter what I did or where I went that he would still love me and walk beside me…I couldn’t wait to ask Him! I walked down and felt so relieved! ~Jordan Gardner

The day I got saved a heavy weight was lifted off of my shoulder. ~Michelle Harman

The day I got saved I remember being at peace a calm and a knowing of where I was going. ~Landon Ashley

I got saved on Christmas Day (night). I prayed with mommy and daddy in my bedroom floor. ~Trevor Robertson

It was a Sunday morning and felt like something was missing and needed to be sure of my salvation. I had recently become a Dad and didn’t want to imagine raising him “alone” without Jesus. ~Zac Robertson

How is the Decision Important to You Today?

I was created to glorify God.  As a lost sinner, I am incapable of accomplishing that because of sin but because of salvation, I can do what I was created to do. Salvation gives me peace with God.  It allows me to fulfill my God-given purpose of glorifying him. It gives eternal life in Heaven. Salvation puts me on the winning side! ~ Jeff Smith

It’s important today because I have 3 children to raise and that look up to me and follow every step I make and I have to be an example to them. That decision keeps me grounded to not go back to the person I was before that day as well. Since that day there is a constant pull to seeking more knowledge of Gods word, even when I start to drift, there is a pullback that I can’t explain. ~Brian Ashley

That decision transformed my life. God has led me to a wife fashioned just for me. He has blessed me financially in ways that are almost impossible to believe. I live a life free from guilt and condemnation. He gave me the perfect kid. None of this would exist without God in my life and if I’m being honest I probably wouldn’t be alive today had I not made the decision to follow Christ. ~Chris Barnes

It has made all the difference in the world. ~Anna Barnes

It shapes my everyday choices. My decisions on how to be a man, father, son, and worshipper are entirely altered by my relationship with Christ. My ways aren’t His ways and thank God for that! I don’t think I could do life on my own again. ~Chris Ledbetter

It’s important to have that relationship with God, to have Him and His light inside you so you can be a light and witness to others. I love that others can see it in you without you having to say a word and you can witness it in that way. ~Tylar Burgess

Salvation to me is my lifeline to the Father. It’s my way home. It’s how I’m alive today. ~Cassie Price

The importance of it today is that the Lord has gotten me though a lot of different trials in my life. And that I can teach my kids about him and what he has done for me and what he can do for them. ~Landon Ashley

Being saved and having Jesus lead my life. It’s the basis of how I make decisions and lead my family. ~Zac Robertson

A Safe Place

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

We want you to know that with Him in your life, you can have a better life. This does not mean that bad things will never happen. What it does mean is that you have a safe place to go with all your thoughts, fears, and emotions. Yes, even the bad ones. The ones that you don’t want anyone else to see. As you can see from the stories above, Jesus will meet you right where you are. With Jesus by your side as you go into 2021 you will have a safe place to land no matter what comes at you, all you have to do is what we started with tonight.

Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved.

Because if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and in your heart, you have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Salvation is a gift. It is free to all. You can experience this Jesus just like our friends talked about above. You can have your own moment of peace and love. All you have to do is believe Jesus is the Son of God and ask Him to come live in your heart.

If this is something you want to do repeat the prayer listed below!

“Jesus, Come and take your place in my heart. I believe that you came and died for me, and I want to serve you, for forever, Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, congratulations! We just made the best decision of your life and we want to hear about it! Send us an email and let us know that you are now apart of the family!

2021 may bring some new struggles but with Jesus by your side you can have an abundant life!

We are praying for you!

For marriage advice for the new year check out our blog, “Marriage Advice for 2020” by clicking here.