This past Saturday I spent the day with my son-in-law, Lawson Clary before coming to the church for our Easter Saturday worship service.  The reason for this, the orange and white game.  Lawson had invited me to the brunch before the game with all the recruits.  Great meal and was really cool to see the young men Clemson is recruiting.  These guys are huge.  They weren't that big when I played back in the 80's. 

After brunch we went into the locker room and hung out with the players and coaches.  I couldn't believe just how nice the locker rooms were compared to what we had 25 years ago.  Got to speak to a bunch of the players I know personally.  Really enjoyed hearing Coach Dabo's pre game speech.  I was ready to put the pads on and run down the hill again.  Only problem, it wouldn't have been the most exciting 30 seconds of college football, more like the most boring 30 minutes.

Lawson and I stood on the home side lines and watched the first half.  Didn't realize just how much I missed being on the field.  I truly enjoyed listening to the coaches scheme and players talking smack.  From the side lines you can see the speed of the game and hear the brutality of the game.  It was soooo much fun.

The reason I was allowed to do all of this, because I played at Clemson and have four rings.  One National Championship ring, one Orange Bowl ring and two ACC Championship rings.  NOT!!!!  Because Lawson works in the athletic department at Clemson.  Me playing there had nothing to do with it.

I found out quickly this Saturday that life is all about who you know and not what you know.  I was allowed on the side lines because Lawson got me permission from the big dogs.  I could have flashed all those rings around and all it would have gotten me was sweaty fingers while sitting in the stands. 

The same is so true when it comes to our eternity.  Entirely too many people think because they're Grandpa was a preacher, or they have been in church all their life or because......... they will get to enter heaven.  The reality here is that it's all about who you know.  The one who have to know is Jesus.  Christ himself states it very clearly:

Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' 

Who you know outside of Jesus doesn't pull any clout.  You can't get into heaven through anyone or anything other than Jesus.  Several people come to my mind right now that I'm praying for.  They won't swallow their pride and admit they're lost because they are so worried what others will think.  Please hear my heart.  Please hear the heart of Jesus.  Unless you know him as your Savior, you will be on the sidelines also with all the others who didn't know Jesus.  And that sideline is located in the pit of hell.

Right here, right now.  Ask yourself, do I truly know Jesus?  Not do you go to church but have you been radically changed through the blood of Jesus?  If the answer is no, then ask Jesus to become your Savior.  If you need help, make a comment and we will be in touch with you soon.