Summary: Passenger trains no longer came through the little town of Judson, but for the city's anniversary celebration, a train was running on the old tracks once again. "Look, Dad!" exclaimed John, pointing to a sign. "Free Rides!" Dad read aloud. "Climb aboard and enjoy an old-fashioned train ride to Rock Island." So John and Dad got on the train. After what seemed a long time, John asked, "Shouldn't we be going by now?" Dad looked around. "Maybe they're waiting for more people," he suggested. Just then a conductor stepped into the car. "Guess you folks didn't read the sign carefully," he said after greeting the people. "This car's not going anywhere." "How come?" asked John in surprise. "It's on a side track and isn't hooked up to an engine," the man explained. "The train on the main track is the one we're using. It will be back soon, and then you can have a ride." John and his father felt a little foolish as they and several others got off the train to wait. "We got on that train fully expecting a ride to Rock Island, but we didn't get there," Dad observed. "We were on the wrong track and weren't attached to the engine we needed. That reminds me of Uncle Perry." "It does? Why?" asked John. "Just last night he said he fully expects to go to heaven, but he thinks doing good deeds and attending church regularly are what will get him there," Dad explained. "It's like he's on the wrong track and isn't connected to the engine." "Being connected with the engine to get to heaven means knowing Jesus as Savior, doesn't it?" John asked. "Yes," agreed Dad. "Anyone who hasn't come to Christ and trusted in Him is not on the right track." Hearing a train whistle, John and Dad looked up and saw their train coming. "You'll have to tell Uncle Perry about this train ride," suggested John a few minutes later as they boarded the car right behind the engine. "Maybe I'll tell him myself. We're hooked up to the engine now, so we're going somewhere this time." How About You? Are you on the right track to heaven--are you connected to the engine?God's Word doesn't say you get to heaven by going to church, giving to the poor, being kind and helpful, or doing any other good thing. It says you must believe in God's Son, Jesus. You will not reach heaven unless you're connected to Him. Trust in Jesus as your Savior today. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book.) Today's Key Verse: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. (Acts 16:31) Today's Key Thought: Jesus is the only way to heaven
