Keeping it simple for 1983 years.

I miss my 1979 vehicle...

It wasn't as nice as the one I own now. It wasn't as efficient or as powerful as the one I own now. The technology wasn't as advanced as the one I own now. But, It was much simpler to maintenance. For instance, changing a set of spark plugs in my 8 cylinder '79' would have taken about 45 minutes or less which included gathering three tools (four if you count the gap setting tool). Average time per plug replace would have been about 6 minutes each. Yesterday afternoon and evening was my foray into spark plug changing in a 2003 vehicle. Phew! Longest five weeks of my life right there!!

The contrast between 1979 and 2003 maintenance is the brightness of the sun and the darkness of a 'black hole'. No longer can I get away with 3-4 tools. I worked with no less than 18 different tools yesterday. No longer could I pop the spark plug boot off the plug and remove it. Now, I had to unplug the pack, remove a bolt in the pack, remove the pack, use multiple extensions and universals to reach down into a tube to remove the spark plug. Then it all stands to reason this procedure would be reversed to install the new plug. Average time per plug yesterday on the 8 cylinders (plugs) was about 30 minutes each. Some took longer than 30 while a few took slightly less time.

Aside from the process involved in removal of these vitals engine components, there was a plethora of interference like injectors, wires, tubes, high pressure fuel lines, brackets, the firewall, and several other obstructions with which to deal. Why am I sharing my auto repairs woes with you? I just wanted to let you share in my misery.... No, not really!

God's plan to receive salvation and eternal assurance in Jesus Christ is quite simple. Apostle Paul hits the main points here in Romans 10. (Confess, believe, trusts, saved)

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from

the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your

mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put

to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly

blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

(Romans 10:9-13, NIV)

Here are three actions and one outcome and accomplished in less than a minute if one wants to have a relationship with Jesus and be redeemed. Too often, the means to meet Jesus and begin a relationship with Him has taken on quite a few added twists and turns. One who is genuinely seeking hope in Christ can often become exasperated with all the added demands and these sometimes come from pastors, church denominations, and believers. These added hurdles and obstructions clutter an otherwise simplistic path to freedom.

If you know people in your circle of life who need the hope of Christ, share the plan for salvation from Romans 10. Talk to them about confession of sin and acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord. Encourage them to believe in the power of God to raise Jesus from the dead. Help them come to a place of trust so that they can experience the freedom of being saved. Remove all the obstructions. Allow them to enjoy the same joy you enjoy.

PS: The Youtube video showing how to change plugs in the 2003 looked simple enough...