Page 142 of Sing with Me

When the pastor prayed the closing prayer, Diehl felt that perhaps it was time to resolve his confusion once and for all. Which one was he? Was he a Christian who had strayed from God? Or had he been a non-Christian all this time?

As the piano played again, Ivan turned to him. “Glad you’re here, brother. How’s Ethan doing?”

“Partying with his friends and their grandmas.”

“Ha. Is that something my child has to look forward to?” Ivan asked.

“Protect my nephew at all cost,” Diehl said. “How’s Brin, by the way?”

“Bedrest, bedrest. She’s sick and tired of my cooking. We might have to hire Skye soon before Brin kicks me out of the house for failing to deliver anything beyond soups and sandwiches.”

Diehl laughed. “Skye can cook.”

“She sure can. I was trying to save some money, you know. I figured I could learn to cook.”

“Yeah. I don’t know if Brin is up to you learning on the job though.”

“That’s what I’m finding out.” Ivan got out of his seat. He seemed to be waiting for the crowd to clear from the aisle. “So what do you think about the sermon?”

“Good,” Diehl said. “Showed me a few things.”

“Like?”

“I’ve tried to live the life but I don’t measure up.” It was the truth, and Diehl knew he could tell his brother-in-law.

“We all failed. If we can reach God on our own, we’d be at His level,” Ivan said. “God is sinless and holy. Only God can reach His own level. That’s why He had to send God the Son to bridge the gap between us and God the Father, whose forgiveness we seek.”

“Good point.” Diehl debated whether to broach the subject. “I’m not sure if I was ever saved in Jesus.”

“You can be sure now, once and for all.”

“What about what I believed—or thought I believed back then?”

“Are you living it like the pastor said? Are you walking in the light as God is in the light?”

“Not really. But I’ve started to attend church…” Thanks to Skye.

“Anyone can attend church, but do you have Jesus in your heart?”

“I’m not sure. How can He get in my heart?”

“When you accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God enters your heart and seals you with a promise that you belong to God. You will know without a shadow of doubt that Jesus is your Lord.”

“In that case, I never knew Him.”

“It’s not where you’ve been or what you have or haven’t done, but what matters is whether Jesus is in your heart right now and henceforth and forever more. Where you’re going is more critical than where you came from. Today can be a new start for you, brother.”

“I’d like that.”

“Do you want to ask Jesus into your heart to cleanse you of your sins and give you eternal life?” Ivan asked.

“Yes.” Diehl meant it.

“Then let’s pray. You can pray after me or use your own words.” They bowed as Ivan led Diehl in a prayer.

“Dear Lord Jesus, I recognize that I’m a sinner and You’re holy God. I cannot reach you on my own effort. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for the penalty of my sins,” Diehl said. “I ask You to forgive me of all my sins because of what Jesus has done for me. I accept Jesus as the final payment for all my sins. I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. In Your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.”

“Now your sins are paid in full,” Ivan said.

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