Following the "Roman Road" to the "Door of Salvation" and reciting the "repeat-after-me" magic words that mysteriously transform a person into one of the "saved" was an experience that caused me great bewilderment for many years. Convinced in his heart that his little ten-year-old granddaughter was now ready to be counted among the ranks of the saved, my granddad informed our pastor that the time had come to have that "little talk" with me. I'm sure it was a despairing feeling knowing that his time on this earth was short and even the thought of just one small member of his family not sharing in eternal bliss with the rest of the family unit left a big, ugly void in his heart.
             I listened intently as Pastor Coleman told the story of how my life was like a ship sailing on the great sea of life. I could steer my ship effortlessly as long as the seas were calm and serene. But, when the storms of tribulation began to beat on the boughs of my tiny ship, there was need for a more masterful navigator than I. Pastor Coleman told me that he knew of a most worthy captain to assume command of my ship. The most noteworthy captains of all time were not only the ones who were competent sailors. No, the most noteworthy captains were the ones who were willing to give their own lives for the safety of their crew. "Jesus", Pastor Coleman declared, "He not only is willing to give his life but, in fact, has already given his life for the safety of those he is in command over". All I had to do was make Jesus the captain of my ship and we would sail through the sea of life into glorious eternity where the streets were made of gold and there would never be another sad day in my life, forever.
             Pastor Coleman told me that I was being led down the "Roman Road". "Do you know what is at the end of the road?" inquired Pastor Coleman. "Wel...