The Roman's Road

A couple weeks ago I was able to be a part of Hannah's salvation. She asked me after youth group was over to speak with her in private, so we made our way to an empty Sunday school room.

Hannah explained to me that she knew she needed to be saved, but she just didn't know how to go about doing it. This is the part where I ALWAYS get goose bumps. I just LOVE it when a teen finally "get's it".

I'll be the first to admit that I get tired of being a youth leader, which is really selfish, because Shannon is the one who does all of the work, I'm just along for the ride. He plans the lessons. I'm just his support staff. He's much more dedicated than I am. Sometimes I get sick of the noise, the disrespect, the apparent lack of growth, and just want to throw my hands up and quit because it doesn't seem as if we are making a difference. Why do we even try?

Then a Hannah comes along and I'm smacked in the face with the REASON we do this. Not because Shannon or I can take the credit. That's all for the Holy Spirit. I'm just glad that we have the opportunity to be a tool in His workings.

Back to the goose bumps. I always get them when I feel the Holy Spirit at work. Anyone else experience this?

Hannah and I sat down and she told me that she knew she needed to get saved. I grabbed my bible and started to explain HOW and WHY we ALL need to be saved. This is the easy part, because about six years ago in our adult Sunday school class in Nevada, Mr. Buhrow, our teacher, shared a tip on how to remember the Roman's Road. He had us write the scripture references in the margin of our bibles, so when given the opportunity, we would always remember the steps in order. Cool. Simple idea. It takes the pressure off. Here's my first page:

I knew exactly where to start, and which scripture to turn to after that.

We talked about sin. What is sin? Who sins?

What can we do about it? How do we get rid of it?

How did sin come into the world? Is anyone exempt?


What is the consequence of sin? DEATH.

We deserve death, but what is the GIFT God has offered us? What do we have to do to EARN this gift? NOTHING!!!


Jesus Christ, in His death, paid our debt. No amount of work or good deeds will get us to heaven. It is not dependent upon how much we tithe. It doesn't matter if we are beautiful or ugly, rich or poor, thin or fat. He paid the price. For me. For you.

All you have to do is ask. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins. Ask Him to wash them away. He will. He promised.

I explained to Hannah that salvation was more than being able to recite the bible verses and have a head knowledge of what they mean. It has to go from her HEAD into her HEART. Is she sorry for the sins she has committed? Is she willing to work hard to STOP doing those same sins? Will there be a CHANGE in her life? Will her friends notice that there is something different about her?

Hannah prayed that prayer, and asked God to wash away her sins. She asked Him to change her life. She thanked Him for saving her from eternal death. The angels in heaven were doing the happy dance! Hannah will be with them someday.

I get goose bumps just thinking about it.

"When He prepared the heavens, I was there..." Proverbs 8:27