You understand that the forgiveness of sins is central to the Christian faith. Once you have received that, what comes next? Everyone is looking for validation; the reassurance that everything about them is OK. What I offer instead is the promise of transformation, that through a process that takes a lifetime you can be changed into my image and likeness. I don’t pretend that this is easy. It includes elements of being sifted like wheat, and tried in the fire. It involves laying down your life, and picking up your cross, and following me. Keep engaged in your inner work even when it is difficult. Transformation is better than validation. 

Do you like good news? Who doesn’t? Do you know what the word ‘gospel’ means? It means good news. When you present the gospel message to people, do they respond with great enthusiasm and say, wow, that is really good news? If not, then what is wrong? There are many aspects to the gospel message. You don’t have to start with trying to convince people they are evil. If you understand that the root problem of the lost is their alienation from their true identity, then you can tell them that it is possible to know as they are known, and live from their true being. This is a part of the gospel message, and it is really good news. 

Do you hold believers to higher standards than unbelievers? My word teaches you that God will judge those outside the church, but opens the door for, and even encourages, standards of conduct for those who join together in my name. When I prayed, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do, I was referring to unbelievers. Have you ever felt the urge to offer the same prayer for those who believe? For there is no test of knowledge or conduct involved in salvation, but those who receive it should learn what their decision implies. Blessed are those who do and teach my commandments. 

Did you take your children to church with you when they were young? When they were older did you still insist that they go, even if they had developed different opinions and their hearts were not in it? Eventually the day must come when they will be free to decide for themselves, and move ahead on their own commitment, or not. My word tells you to raise up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it. How do you raise them so they will choose to go on their own? There isn’t a simple answer for this, but start early to lead by example rather than decree.