I can still jump as high as I always could, I just can’t stay up as long, my cousin once said.  He was making humorous commentary on the fact that he was getting older, and knew it.  That little funny statement has a great truth embedded.  That is, facts are often overrun by fiction.  Coming from emotional sources rather than logical ones, fictional, emotional ones sometimes seem logical.  I once worked with a man who would hold his hand over his heart and say, “Dave, if it feels good in your heart, it must be right.”  Really? If that were true, the rich young ruler that Jesus interviewed would have been completely O.K. because he “felt” he was O.K. But the one thing he lacked and needed to do, was not in his mindset to do.

Some people today have a great feeling about their acceptance of Jesus, but little regard for what He commanded for full obedience, baptism. Like the rich young ruler, they refuse to finish their acceptance. Movie stars desire to be described as famous, not nearly famous. People should desire to be described as saved, not nearly saved.

“ I tell you the truth no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3 (NIV)

“ I tell you the truth, no on can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of the water and of the Spirit.” John 3:5 (NIV)

“ Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 (NIV)

“ Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:3-4 (NIV)