What Now? A Guide for New Believers

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2 What Now? A Guide for New Believers Dr. David R. Chisholm

3 What Now? All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Copyright 2010 Dr. David R. Chisholm All rights reserved. ISBN: ISBN-13: Copyright 2001 by David R. Chisholm

4 WHAT NOW? Wow! What just happened to me? What do I do now? Where do I go from here? What do I tell people? What can I do about my old life? What do I tell my family? These may be a few questions that are bombarding your mind right now. You've had quite an experience! You have entered into a supernatural life when you accepted Jesus. Awesome! Your sins are now forgiven; no more fear of God's judgment on your life! What a deal! In the place called heaven, angels are rejoicing and shouting your name! What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninetynine just persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15 :4-7 ) You were one of the Father's lost sheep. He has found you and given you the free gift of faith to believe in Him, it happened today! At this moment, God has given you the gift of repentance! Super! He chose you today and helped you repent and believe for salvation. This is the greatest day of your life! I remember when it happened to me. I felt clean; I felt peace; I was completely and truly forgiven. I wanted to tell someone as you may want to do as well. I told my mother, my friends and I especially couldn't wait to tell my grandmothers. What freedom, Jesus had forgiven me and given me a second chance. I felt like I had been born again. And guess what? I had! I was a new person!

5 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with Him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:1-8) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Now what? Where do you go from here? I would like to teach you a parable (a story about life) that Jesus taught his disciples. That is what you are now, a disciple of Jesus Christ. You are a student of Jesus the Teacher and Master. Jesus said that if you can understand this story, you will know how the Kingdom of God works! Are you ready to know your future? The Bible tells us exactly what's in store. Now, listen up! This is what is going to happen to you next.

6 THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him so that He got into a boat sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: "Listen, behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced; some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred." And He said to them, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mark 4:1-9) THE PURPOSE OF PARABLES But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables so that "Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them." (Mark 3: ) THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER EXPLAINED And He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where

7 the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit; some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred." (Mark 4:13-20) The parable you just read is what you are about to experience; a story of your immediate future. Let's talk about it because as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, the devil will try to steal what Jesus has given you. How can he do this? He lies to you. The same way he got Eve to do what God told her not to do in the Garden of Eden. God told Eve not to eat the forbidden fruit. Satan convinced Eve that God didn't really mean what He said. You can read this story in the 3rd chapter of the book of Genesis in your Bible. So, how does this apply to me you ask? Check this out again! "And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that is sown in their hearts." (Mark 4:15) How can Satan steal the word from you? He lies. He tries to get you to believe that nothing really happened; that the Father really didn't save or forgive you. He'll begin to tell you how that you are no different than you were before. Remem-

8 ber that it is Satan's self-appointed job; to get you to believe that what you just experienced isn't real. Can it really be that easy? He will point out all of the imperfections in your life and tell you that you are not changed and you cannot change. The devil speaks to you in your thoughts. How do you fight these thoughts planted by Satan?...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Let's talk about this a minute. Jesus taught us how to defeat Satan by example. SATAN TEMPTS JESUS Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' " Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. "Therefore, If You will worship before me, all will be Yours." And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "

9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. "For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you.' "and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " And Jesus answered and said to him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:1-13) If you are the Son of God, prove it by performing a supernatural act, taunted Satan. Work a miracle! Prove yourself to be the Christ! I am so glad that Jesus didn't work a miracle at that time. Because if he had performed a miracle to defeat and resist Satan, then I would have to work a miracle to defeat and resist him too. I don't have the ability to work a miracle whenever I want to. Jesus used God's Word to defeat Satan. Jesus said "...it is written..." and Satan had to leave. SATAN TEMPTS THE NEW BELIEVER Let's apply this in a practical way. Listen to a possible conversation between a new Christian and the devil: NEW BELIEVER: "I praise God! I feel so clean! I feel like I am saved!" THE DEVIL: "Nothing has changed, you are the same as always. You will never change." NEW BELIEVER: "I know that I'm saved. God's Word says that if I believe in Jesus and confess Him with my mouth, I will be saved."

10 THE DEVIL: "God knows how much you have done that is wrong. He won't save you! He has seen everything! How many times have you said that you would change and you didn't?" NEW BELIEVER: "I John 1:9 says that if I confess my sin He is faithful and just to forgive my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness." THE DEVIL: "If God has forgiven you, then why don't you have a better life? Why are you broke? Why do you still have sickness? Prove that you are saved. Work a miracle. Create some money. Heal your sickness." NEW BELIEVER: "I don't have to prove anything. God's Word tells me that I walk by faith and not by sight. The just shall live by faith and I am justified through the blood of Jesus." At some point, the devil will leave. He will give you a good fight. He'll fight hard and he'll fight dirty. But if you stand on the Word of God he will eventually go. Remember that's just how Jesus got rid of Satan when He was being tempted in the wilderness. Jesus is always our example. If we do what He teaches, He will grow stronger in us and our lives will change. Will you let the devil steal your seed? Your seed is the promises that God gave you in His Word when you accepted Jesus into your heart. Read the Word. Learn of His promises. Don't let Satan rob you of something that is yours. Don't give up. God is with you and "in Him" you will win! HOW TO RESPOND TO TEMPTATION Here are a few of the promises from God's Word that you can stand on and quote back to the devil when he comes for you.

11 1. When you feel incapable: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) 2. When you experience lack: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: I 9) 3. When fear attacks you: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps 27:1) He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) 4. When you feel like you are losing: Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14) But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30) 5. When fighting sickness: He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. (Matthew 8:17) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

12 6. When fighting condemnation: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12) 7. When feeling lonely: for He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) 8. When fighting doubt: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law having become a curse for us: that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3: ) 9. When fighting worry: casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) 10. When you feel like giving up: If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37) 11. When you don t have peace: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3) These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

13 All right! Let's get back to the parable we've been studying in Mark 4 about the sower. Verse 15 tells us that Satan comes immediately to steal the word that was sown in your heart. We know his first move and we've been given the ammunition needed to make him leave. What's the next thing that Jesus said we could expect? "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. (Mark 4:16-17) Notice that your emotions will be involved when you receive salvation. The seed in this part of the story was received with gladness. Remember, the "FIRST RULE OF CHRISTIANITY"; "You cannot walk the Christian walk based on feelings or emotions." Emotions are unstable and they change with our environment, circumstances and situations. They cannot be trusted! You must trust only what the Word of God says. Verse 17 of Mark 4 gives us a clue as to why this seed failed no root depth. Jesus made it easy for us to understand. Let's say that you are a farmer and you have a plot of land in which you want to plant a crop. The land looks good but below a shallow level of dirt there is bedrock. What happens to the seed that is planted in shallow dirt? It grows temporarily. The root system can only grow to a certain point and must stop. The young plant is not provided with enough moisture and minerals to continue its growth. We are the same way. Without a good root system we can only grow to a

14 certain point before we run out of nourishment. So how do we get a good spiritual root system? How much of your time you give to Jesus in your daily walk will determine just how deep your roots will grow. Reading and studying God's Word, prayer and fellowship (spending time with other Christians) will strengthen your roots and allow them to grow deeply in the soil of your heart. Another thing we can expect, according to verse 17, is tribulation and persecution for the Word's sake. The scripture says when tribulation and persecution comes, not if tribulation and persecution comes. What does this mean? Remember that the seed is the Word of God. The devil is trying to stop the seed or Word from growing in you heart. He knows that if a seed is allowed to grow it will produce a crop. He does not want your life to produce any fruit in God's Kingdom. The word tribulation means a trial or a testing by affliction or discomfort. The devil has some power to make things go wrong in your life. As we have discussed before, he will try to get you to believe that God's Word isn't true and isn't working or growing in you. You will experience problems! Accepting Jesus into your heart does not mean an "instant fix" for everything in your life. When the trials begin, God will find out if you really want to live for Him. Persecution is also something every Christian must face. Think about it this way; the world has been separated from God by sin but when a person accepts Christ and is born again, the separation is no more. This new Christian has been made righteous (in right standing with God) by Christ Jesus through God's power. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. (John 1:12)

15 Realizing this will help us to understand persecution. The people who you used to be like and used to be "one with" are now different from you and not as appealing. You are the one that has changed. They are still sinners and enemies of God. You are now forgiven, righteous and a friend to God. What will happen if I say to an unsaved person something like; "Hey, God is pleased with me but not with you." "God is my friend but God is your enemy." Woe! You know that what you received was a free gift from God but other people won't see it like that. They don't yet understand salvation. Remember how you use to be? They only see that you are different and may become offended and think you are saying that you are now better than they are. The worldly person's response to a Christian is naturally antagonistic and often cruel. It is not unusual for a friend or even a family member to turn against you when you openly begin to profess your new faith in Jesus. Be reminded of the following scriptures: Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12) "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) I lost most of my friends when I got saved. They were all drug users and when I announced that I wasn't going to "do drugs" anymore, my friends didn't have much use for me. Many began to mock me and joke about me. They called me a "Jesus Freak", a "Holy Roller", a "Religious Fanatic", etc. I realized very quickly that these "friends" were not really

16 friends at all. Will you allow your "friends" who can't save you, take you away from a Friend who can give you eternal life? Read the stories in the New Testament and you will see how men got angry toward those who were in Christ Jesus. You are in good company. Nothing you will go through has not already been experienced by Jesus Christ Himself. This is why the scriptures forewarn us and Jesus counsels and encourages us. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12) "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18) "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." (John 15:20) "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."(1 Peter 4:12-13) These scriptures are the ammunition we use to resist the devil's temptation to give up the fight and quit serving the Lord. You may be thinking, "Man, why do I have to go through this much stuff?" There is an old saying that goes something like this: "No battle, no spoil." Let's remind ourselves of what we've been freely given.

17 1. The gift of Righteousness. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21) 2. The unconditional love of God. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) 3. Eternal life reigning with Jesus. And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. ( 1 John 5:11-12) 4. A higher rank than the angels. Having become so much better than the angels as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they. For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, today I have begotten You"? (Hebrews 1:4-5) Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:5) 5. God's promise to keep us. "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you." (Genesis 28:15) Awesome! These are just a few of the "free gifts" God gave us when we accepted His Son into our hearts. Here is another powerful promise to take a look at.

18 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19) The power of the Holy Spirit will help you through the "living life as a Christian" process. "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required." (Luke 12:48). Let's get back to the story of the seed: "Now these are the ones sown among thorns ; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19) You have made it so far. You have stood against the lies of Satan with God's Word. He's tried to use emotion, persecution and tribulation to steal the seed and you're still holding on. Can you take a breather? The answer is NO! Here's what you can expect next. You won't believe this one! Keep this always in your mind. Walking with Jesus is a daily process. The devil knows this too. He knows that if you don't meet with the Lord daily through prayer, study of the Bible, church worship and friendship with other Christians, you will begin to weaken. This part of the process can happen at any time in your Christian life. Whether you accepted Jesus yesterday or 50 years ago, daily fellowship with Jesus is as necessary as food and water. The problem is that we don't always recognize when the "thorns" begin to grow. "I've just been too busy this week to go to a church service." "I've got so much to do today, I'll pray tomorrow." Jesus instructs us in scripture that we will understand and accept discipleship

19 by daily cross bearing, which means a progressive and continuous renouncing of our natural self-centeredness. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23) Another distraction that leads to "thorns" in the garden of our heart is the "deceitfulness of riches." Riches or really the love of riches cannot give you what you really need Peace! Why do people take drugs, drink alcohol, smoke, etc.? They do these things mainly in an effort to escape their problems. The devil cannot give you peace so he offers these cheap counterfeits and what is the consequence?... Destruction in every area of your life. Money can buy you a lover but it can't buy love. Money can buy you a house but it can't make it a home. Money can buy you a bed but it can't give you sleep. Money can buy you a steak but it can't give you a healthy appetite. Money can even buy you a husband or wife but it can't buy you a soul mate. When earning money becomes your main priority in life you have been deceived by Satan. I'm reminded of a young man that I led to the Lord a few years ago. He was doing great serving God. One day he came to work very excited because he had received a great deal on a new house. He was praising the Lord for it. The next Sunday he wasn't in church. So Monday at work I said, "Hey man, I missed you at church yesterday." He said that they were moving and he wanted to get it done. "No problem!" I said. The next Sunday he missed again. I mentioned his absence again on Monday and this time they were working on the garage. He promised to be at church the next Sunday. Guess what? They were a "no show" again. This time they were opening the pool for the summer and had some friends over. He never did come back to church.

20 That was an example of the "deceitfulness of riches." All it took for the devil to steal the seed from this man was a house. That was his price. My friend sold his salvation for a house. I have often wondered if the Lord or the devil set up the deal for the house. The fruit of it sure looked like the devil, didn't it? Be alert and do not be deceived. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) THE FIRST COMMAND The first thing that Jesus taught us to do as new believers is to be baptized, I want to briefly explain what this means. The scripture teaches that when you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you were "baptized" or immersed into His body. This means that you have become "in Christ" and that Christ is "in you." Everything that Jesus is you have now become; you are righteous, you are accepted, you are a son of God. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) As a new creature we begin a new life of obedience to our Lord Jesus. Water baptism is a symbol, a confession and public testimony to the fact that we are now "one" with Christ (in Him). "Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

21 You see, in God's eyes you actually died on the cross with Jesus. Just as Jesus was placed in a tomb and then arose from the dead, you died and arose from the dead too! That's why you may hear some people call water baptism the "watery grave." So don't procrastinate this response of your new faith, but be obedient to the Word. Make the decision to schedule your baptism as soon as possible. THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER When Jesus saved you he recreated your heart. Now you will feel convicted by the Holy Spirit when you sin. You will actually know when you are doing something wrong because God's Spirit is now living in you. Jesus also promised His disciples (you are now His disciple) this extra special blessing in His Word before He ascended into Heaven to be seated at the right hand of our Father: "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49) Jesus commissions (sends out) the disciples as witnesses, and promises the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the task. They were not to begin their mission until they received "the Promise." In the following scriptures you will see Jesus make a promise that when he leaves the earth He will send back someone better! Wow! What could possibly be better than having Jesus here on earth? He promised to empower us just like the Father empowered Him. Is this good or what?

22 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to you children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:9-13) "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:15-17) "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22) "These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." (John 15:25-26) John the Baptist said this of Jesus and His promise: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Matthew 3:11)

23 Jesus says in Acts 1:4-8: "And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon ;you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." The disciples did what Jesus said and WHAM!!! The Holy Spirit fell on them and turned them into world changers. These men, who just a few days before were hiding in fear, are now going through the streets proclaiming "Jesus is Alive. You too can receive the Holy Spirit's anointing and power to be the Lord's witness and live a godly life. This experience beyond your initial receiving of salvation is called the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit." This is also freely available to all who ask. Check this out! Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38-39)

24 Get ready for God's power to invade your life. How do you get this power? Obey the Word of God. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." (John 15:7) "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." (John 15:10) "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) Love means that you will lay down your life for your friends. Love means that everyone else becomes more important than you. "Beloved, let us love one another for love is of God: and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (1 John 4:7-8) Ask in faith, believing in Jesus' name. "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you." (John 16:23) Example: "Father, In Jesus name according to your Word, I ask you to baptize me in the Holy Spirit." Ask a "Spirit-filled" Minister to lay hands on you. "Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for

25 them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, `Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.' But Peter said to him, 'Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!" (Acts 8:14-20) "And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 9:17) "And it happened while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.' And he said to them, 'into what then were you baptized?" So they said "Into John's baptism.' Then Paul said, 'John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is on Christ Jesus.' Then they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied." (Acts 1 9:1-7) Wow! That's a lot to think and pray about isn't it? You are on the way to a life filled with the Glory as well as the suffer-

26 ings of Jesus. It's an adventure in faith. If you follow Jesus you will not have a boring life, that's for sure! When I first received my salvation, I asked the Lord, "How do I make sure that I will not fall back into sin?" I saw a picture of myself sitting in front of a small campfire. As the fire started to burn down, I put a stick on it and it flamed up and burned bright again. This process was repeated three times. Then I heard the Lord say, "I started a fire in you and this fire must be fed. These three sticks represent three fuels that keep the fire of God burning hot in you. The first stick represents prayer. You must pray daily. The second stick represents the Word. Study the scriptures every day. The third stick represents fellowship. Find a good church and be there every time the doors are open." I believe with all my heart and with the confirmation of all my experiences that these three "sticks" will work for you! God Bless You!

27 ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Chisholm was born in Jackson, Ohio, in After serving in the US Army and beginning a career in Aviation, David met Jesus Christ and experienced a radical transformation of life and calling into the ministry. After completing his initial Bible college training and working in Prison Ministry for three years, David was directed to plant a Non- Denominational Church in his hometown, where he would serve as Senior Pastor for 14 years. In 2000, David was directed by the Lord to plant another Church, this time in Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he presently resides and serves as the Senior Pastor and Apostle over three Rock Full Gospel Churches. David has unique insight into the operation and manifestation of the Holy Spirit and has been used by God to train many leaders in the ministry. He has a communication style that is direct and insightful as well as an ability to teach the reality of the presence of God that should be experienced in the Church. David s passion is to see the life of the believer come out of the ideal and into the real. David believes it is the Lord s desire for every believer to discover their gift package. He is committed to helping those who hunger for more of God s person and presence to find and develop their calling. To contact Dr. Chisholm, or for more information on other publications written by him, go to