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 captai

After the congregation had voted to accept my decision, I was directed to stand in the front of the church to be welcomed by the other members. My nervousness returned with a vengeance. The stony faces were coming straight at me in single file. I wondered if Jesus was captain of their boat too. If so, they certainly didn't look very happy about it. Some of the faces turned into smiles as I was hugged, kissed, and congratulated for the decision I had made. It was finally over, or so I thought. They hadn't, however, told me about "dunking" day yet.

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. "Well", I stalled figuring it was on of those "I-should-know-the-answer" questions. "No, I guess I don't", I managed to stammer. "At the end of the road is the Door", explained Pastor Coleman. "And the Door is not just an ordinary door made of wood or steel. No, it is Jesus himself who is the Door", he revealed. Hey, wait a minute, I thought Jesus was the captain, so, how can he be the door too. I wanted to ask but I dared not question such a person of authority. So, I kept my confusion to myself as Pastor Coleman went on to explain how to get the "Door" to open. This was the mysterious part. It seems we have this "repeat after me" dialog and then the door just swings open as if we were saying the magic words "Open Sesame".

As a young adult, visiting new churches was always a pleasure for me. I enjoyed getting to know new people and making friends along the way. But sooner or later the dreaded question always popped up. "Are you saved?" they would ask. My mind would immediately go through the checklist. Yes, I had repeated the "sinner's prayer", a more adult phrase for the "magic words". I had joined the church and had been baptized. "Yes", I would blurt my reply. However, I was never totally convinced in my heart. There had to be more. There had to be something that I hadn't yet done. I vowed to myself to find out what was missing. I had to be missing something very important for me to feel so guilty every time I assured someone that I was a Christian.

There is a "roman road". And, that road does lead to a "door" named Jesus. But there are no magic words to recite to make the door open. The secret is not in the "words", but in the condition of the convicted, broken, and repentant heart crying out to God.

Three months had passed since I had started my wonderful journey through God's Word. It was almost midnight as I sat reading somewhere near the middle of the book of Romans. Paul was exclaiming what a "wretched" man that he was and, suddenly, God opened my heart to the words I was reading. My heart filled with pain as I realized my hopeless, human condition. Warm tears stung my eyes and began steaming uncontrollably down my cheeks like rivers of sadness. I fell to my knees in humble repentance. I was back on the "Roman Road", but this time it

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Approximate Word count = 2032
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)