Chapter 15 - Page 211 - The Village Has A New Name

   Jim replied, “Most people in America believe in God and over half the people claim to believe in Jesus Christ. Most of the people want to do good, but only a fraction of the people live the way God wants us to live.”

   Shanha considered what Jim had said. “Papa, how does God want me to live?”

   Jim searched his memory for the right answer. “He wants you to love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

   Shanha looked confused. Jim tried again. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

   “If I do those things,” Shanha asked, “will I go to heaven someday?”

   “Sweetheart, those things are important, but there’s only one way for you to get to heaven.”

   “What way is that, Papa?”

   “You have to believe that Jesus is your savior,” Jim said, “and that he died on the cross for your sins.” He decided to quote a scripture, hoping to give her better understanding.
“ ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16.”

   Shanha frowned. “I don’t know what that means.”

   Jim realized that she was only seven years old. He would have to explain it in a way that a child could understand. “It means, if you believe Jesus is God’s son and he died on the cross for the bad things you do, then you are a Christian.”

   “So all I have to do is believe in Jesus?”