Teri opens the door stating, “You really didn’t have to come all of this way just to….”  Cutting her off LaQueia quickly grabs Teri and gives her a warm bear hug.  “I am so excited for you!  Of course I had to come over.”  Smiling Teri hugs her back, feeling happy over LaQueia’s enthusiasm.  Both settle down in the living room.  “Teri, I called Sister Kelly, so she should be stopping by.”  Teri can not believe all of the efforts that LaQueia is displaying.  “You did not have to do that!  Oh my goodness!”  LaQueia does not skip a beat.  “Teri you know me, I am not one to mess around.  I want to go over the plan of salvation with you.” 

Teri sits up suddenly feeling strange and slightly offended.  “LaQueia, I am already saved.  You know that I’ve been a Christian since middle school.  So there really is no need for any of this type of talk.”  LaQueia smiles sheepishly sensing the fact that she has just offended her long time friend.  Tilting and slightly lowering her head, LaQueia softly says, “After everything that you’ve learned do you really think you’re saved?”  Teri can not believe this.  Just because she had a little burst of questioning, now she isn’t a Christian anymore.  Understanding Teri’s insulted and tense demeanor, LaQueia rephrases her last comment.  “I’m sorry Teri; it’s just that being pregnant I’m not as coy as others.  That’s why I called Sister Kelly.  Getting divorced I am so much more aggressive than I use to be.  I do not mean to question your salvation.  That’s not my job.  I am just making sure that you have a complete foundation. 

If you can put yourself in my position you will see just how difficult this is.  I have to tell a person whom I’ve known for years that I want to go over an obvious basic.  It’s really an awkward situation.  But I want to make sure that I am being thorough.  I do not want you to find out that there is even a small part of your salvation that you’re missing, out on you know.  What type of friend will I be if I didn’t make sure.  So please don’t be offended.  Just hear me out.”  LaQueia’s puts her hand on top of Teri’s in a friendly manner.  Wanting only the best for her friend, LaQueia’s continues using a different approach. 

“Take it this way, with any operation we have to make sure we are together in all aspects.  I would normally say that you can consider this a briefing, but I’ve learned that I probably won’t be brief, so think of this like the movies where people recheck their watches to make sure they are the same.  In all actuality, all clocks in the same area should be the same, but we know that they are not, that’s why you have to check.  No one gets upset whenever this is done.  No one complains, not even the movie critics or audience.  And you know the critics always complains.  So please don’t get upset lets just get started with our watch check.”  LaQueia pulls out two sheets of paper.

Teri laughs at LaQueia’s analogy.  Understanding the type of quirky person LaQueia is, Teri loosens up and decides to let her go through her check list.  “Teri since I do know you, I won’t be as detailed as I normally am.”  LaQueia’s hands Teri one of the check list sheets.  “Okay here we go with the seven steps.  First you have to be aware of your real situation—The real situation is the awareness and understanding that you are a spiritual being, temporarily living in a natural state.  It’s hard for most people to fix something they don’t think is broken, therefore the second is that you have to be aware of the various real problems.  I am going to state five examples

1.  Your life here is temporary. (This is obvious, but people live like it’s not)

2.  When your corrupted body fails, your spirit will need to be housed and live elsewhere. (again this is extremely obvious)

3.  When your unattached spirit is free, ultimately it will be pulled to its creator

4.  The creator God will either accept it or reject it. (Depending on your life, choices and wherever you have sent it.)

5.  All rejects are banished to a place that is unimaginable—to put it kindly it’s worst than hell.  I know!  How can anything be worst than hell, but because it is where the ones that have been making your life hell will go as well, it will only be fair that it is the worst place imaginable. 

Now that you are aware of some of the various real problems, lets discuss the next point.  Third you have to want to make the best choice for yourself.  Actually I have to say that of course God does not want anyone to go any place that is harmful.  Just like a good parent he does not want any of us to go where we will be hurt.  Therefore, he sets up countless, things and people to help guide others away from hell.  Just like what Ginny was saying about those that believe in him needs to help the others. 

Nonetheless, we kids have a will to choose what we want--be it good or bad.  Just like a good parent that tries to keep their kids from partying with the wrong crowd.  In the end it’s the child decision not the parent.  Therefore, where you send your unattached spirit is where it will go.  And a very important aspect that one needs to understand is that God does not operate in a system like we have on earth.  It does not matter who your parents are, how much money you have, what your body looks like or even if you have diverse flaws.  I mean you can have several severe self afflicted problems like any of the various harmful addictions and you still can send your spirit to the right place.”  Teri smiles when LaQueia speaks about self afflicted problems, because Teri knows she does have a few, especially drinking.  

“I should also say that those that oppose God and want us to have the ultimate harm, they will always make us ignore our obvious permanent and temporal states.  They constantly push us to focus on this very short lived life here.  Think about how all of your decisions are usually based on the here and now, and how to prolong your life here.  Distracted by jobs, family, friends, spouses, money, looks, fame, hatred, injustices, problems, infidelities, revenge, hardships….I can go on and on.  Everything and anything that distracts you from your eternal lifestyle, you need to be careful of.  We really need to focus on the life that is far longer than this one.

Okay now let’s go back to the third point.  You have to want to make the best choice for yourself.  I know this may sound strange, but you will be amazed just how many people expect the worst for themselves.  They are driven to self destruction for whatever personal reason they have, but usually it is based out of guilt or worthlessness.  So third you have to recognize that God does love and want you, and that you are indeed worth saving, so go ahead and save yourself.  Obviously that is what you did tonight.  You made tonight the night that you are choosing an abundant life instead of destruction. 

Fourth you need an understanding of your history and what is happening.   The bible is an important tool to help teach some history.  The bible is for our example, so that we can seek Gods truth and get revelation knowledge.  That is the reason why you need to read it all the way through, personally I don’t think you can ever be a mature ‘Believer’ if you haven’t.  Some people do not know about God, but you obviously do, so I’ll skip some basics.  Once you know your history you will learn the most vital aspect of your life.

Okay lets dive further in the fourth point.  Remember what I said regarding having a very serious problem—In the end, God will either reject or accept each one of us.  Basically God has high standards…”  Teri slightly frowns automatically as she thinks through what she has done good and bad in her life.  “Actually we should be happy about, Gods high standards.  It would really be terrible if perfection is not a goal at all.  Then fairness will be an ongoing problem.” 

Teri’s frown does not change, knowing that there are aspects of her life that she is definitely not proud of.   LaQueia continues, “Since God set the standards and the standards are perfection and we as humans are far from perfect, there is a huge problem.  God of course knows this, so as soon as our downfall occurred, actually before God even made us he made a redemption plan.  God put steps in place to make things right again.”  LaQueia stops sensing that Teri is not really receiving what she is saying anymore.

“Okay let me break it down a little further.  The first man and woman are perfect, so Gods standards of perfection is being met.  So with Adam and Eve optimizing and utilizing God’s perfection, God’s standards is no big deal, because it is already being met.  Actually when you think about it, the first man and woman lived an amazing life.  They were able to speak to anything and whatever they said happened.  Can you imagine saying something,” LaQueia snaps her fingers to illustrate her point.  “And it happens just like that?  They are living the way we desire to live—important, powerful, with a devoted partner and in paradise!”  Teri smiles at the thought and LaQueia can not help but to smile as well. 

“Although it may appear that Gods standards of perfection are too high, that is only because we are living in the downfall of man.  When the first man and woman decided to disobey God, they entered into sin removing themselves and us away from God’s perfect plan and life, in essence perfection in general.  That sin created a gap between man and God.  And from generation to generation that gap has grown deeper and wider.  At this point, when you, just like me, consider perfection we all know that we are far from it.  That gap between us and God is so bad that some people even think God did a poor job considering we are his great work, and we all are so far from being perfect.  However, in the beginning it wasn’t like this--we weren’t like this. 

Since God loves his creation, he set up a way for that gap to be filled.  That filler is Jesus.  We have peace with God and he is able to judge us as perfect through Jesus.  The main reason we can feel uplifted is because all of the people who choose Jesus will be judged by Jesus.  It’s like we have an inside connection that will help get us into the VIP section.  When you accept Jesus you are acknowledging your ultimate judge.

This history prompts the fifth point.  You need to ask for forgiveness.  He knows, just like you know, that you are not perfect.  So you need to apologize and do an exchange.  Most people think that when people say, ‘you need to repent’ that all you have to do is say your sorry for all of your sins and that is it, but it’s not.  You are doing an exchange.  Jesus is willing to bridge your gap by representing you to God, but that means that you in turn are giving your temporary life here to represent him.  So that means that being a believer is a complete life changing event.  You need to represent Jesus here at all times, just like he is representing you to God at all times. 

Therefore, the fifth point is asking for forgiveness, and the sixth point is accepting the exchange.  In accepting this exchange there is the outward display of this through the baptism.  When you are baptized you are buried in the water.  When you come up you are suppose to be a new person.  You are suppose to be Jesus.  Jesus’ life was cut short so that you can live.  You are suppose to continue the work that he started. 

Now the seventh point is so important to understand.  Jesus died in his prime.  He was doing numerous miracles daily; therefore it will only be right for him to give you this same ability.  In order for you to accomplish all that Jesus was doing you have to have the same power and authority.  Therefore, in this exchange of your life and his, he does give you the ability to continue his work.  It is recorded in the book of Acts 1:8.  He told his disciples that he will gives us the Holy Spirit and power.”

LaQueia starts to get excited as she continues, “We are destined to do what Jesus did, and if you think about it, we should be doing even more.  Jesus even said we will be able to do more.  It’s like with any full exchange, you get his full authority.  We have such tremendous abilities through Jesus.  When you exchange your life with Jesus, you automatically get his power, which is done through the baptismal in Jesus’ name. 

It’s like in the movies where people are swapped for whatever reason.  If a mother and a young daughter switch places, the daughter gets all of the adult privileges that her mother holds.  It is so exciting for the daughter, because she is just granted certain rights that she did not earn like driving.  Well it is the same with us.  As soon as you make a contract with Jesus to set up the exchange, you automatically get the undeserved privileges that Jesus had before he died. 

You can heal the sick, raise the dead, give sight to the blind, just to name a few.  This of course is contingent to you following the seventh point, which is tied to the sixth point--getting the Holy Spirit.  You need the Holy Spirit and power to do the things that Jesus did.  In the exchange you automatically have this right to have the Holy Spirit.  It’s like a line item in your contract with Jesus.  Now even though it’s a line item does not mean that everyone utilizes it.  I personally do not see why anyone will want to represent Jesus powerless, but obviously several people do.  That is why you see so many frustrated Christians and Christians that are so fake; they are representing a powerful man with no power. 

The way that you know that you are reaching the powerful representation of Jesus is when you allow the Holy Spirit to prophesy and speak through you.  When the Holy Spirit is alive, well and speaking through you, you are on your way to finishing Jesus’ work and you are able to go down the seventh point of becoming a mature ‘Believer!’  You will be a true ‘Believer’--not only doing what Jesus has done, but doing even greater. 

Just in case you get freaked out about the whole prophesy thingy let me just clarify.  One reason why you can prophesy is because the Holy Spirit is not limited to time so the Holy Spirit can and will tell you the past, present and future.  It is marvelous to know you, that you have a wise and personal guide that will steer you into your absolute best.  It is so comforting!  That’s why Jesus said that he will go to God to represent us to God, but that he will send us the Holy Spirit; to give us personal attention, exclusive insights provide one on one time teaching, leading and guiding us toward God.  He is here specifically to guide us through this life.  When you are equipped with the Holy Spirit and actively allowing the spirit to communicate Godly wisdom, knowledge, understanding and Godly applications, to you and through you, you are automatically unstoppable. 

Jesus had to stop his work so abruptly, obviously he could have done more, but time was of the essence.  Well now is your time to take his work further.  Most people who have done the absolute bare minimum of getting saved, feel that they have completely done all that they need to do.  But of course if you haven’t been communicating with the Holy Spirit and allowing him to live and speak through you, there is a gap and you don’t want a gap while you are trying to live your life or during the ultimate judgment.”  LaQueia ends and starts to fold back up the sheet of paper she was using. 

Teri, sits very still as she continues to look at LaQueia.  Although she is looking at LaQueia, her mind is on her own salvation story.  Teri remembers how she went to church one day with her grandmother, and the sermon touched her enough that she decided to get saved.  She spoke with one of the ministers after the sermon and repeated words she can not remember to this day and from that point on she tried to go to church as much as possible and she tried not to sin anymore and be the best person she can be.  After hearing LaQueia, Teri knows that what she has done is not the same as what LaQueia has just explained.  No wonder her life is such a struggle, she is trying to do things without the power and the Holy Spirit.

“LaQueia, I know this might sound strange but how do you know if you have the Holy Spirit?”  Teri finally asks after much thought.  LaQueia smiles and says, “That’s not strange, that’s the perfect question!  When you read the book of Acts you’ll know.  Since I’m not Sister Kelly, who always makes you read it first, before telling you anything, I’ll sum up what I learned and what you want to know.  The Holy Spirit needs to be alive in you.  It needs to communicate!  It needs to communicate to you, to God, through you to others and through you to God.  You need to listen to and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you everyday.  You also must allow the Holy Spirit to have control and one of the important ways is to speak as the spirit gives the utterance. 

I know that sounds strange.  But you will know that you have the Holy Spirit when the Holy Spirit is fully operating in you and throughout your life.  When it is, you will be able to answer the following three questions.  I don’t know if you want to write these down.”  LaQueia comments as she gives Teri a pen.  LaQueia states each question slowly waiting for Teri to finish writing before going to the next question.  “So the three questions that you need to answer is

‘1. What have you heard the Holy Spirit say to you today?’ 

‘2. What have you done today under the guidance of the Holy Spirit?’  And finally,

‘3. What has the Holy Spirit said through your lips today?

After writing them all down, Teri sits very still as she rereads the three questions and mentally ponders each question.  As she thinks through the first question, Teri isn’t sure if she has ever heard the Holy Spirit saying something to her or not.  There has never been an audible voice.  After awhile she finally concludes that will probably have to answer ‘No’ to the first question.  Then she thinks about the second question and she can not remember a time that she has been under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as she did something.  Teri tries to think through her life and she thinks she will again have to answer ‘No’ to the second question. 

It is just confusing because she can not be completely sure about the first two questions.  What if the Holy Spirit has said something or guided her and she did not know it.  Or what if it has happened and she has not given the Holy Spirit credit.  Frustrated Teri sits back in the chair still concentrating.  Although she is uncertain about the first two questions, two things she is sure of is one the daily interactions with the Holy Spirit and two the entire third question.  Teri may be confused at times but she is always in control.  Outside of the times when Teri has gotten tipsy or drunk, where she lost some and at times full control—today is not one of those days.  Lately she has been in full control and not really influenced by alcoholic spirits.  So maybe the first two questions is a firm ‘No!

The third question Teri is very sure about.  Nothing has ever come from her lips except what she intended.  Of course there are several times that Teri has muttered things she shouldn’t have said, but the words were in her heart or on her mind.  And there are times when Teri has blurted out things that were not thought all the way through, but again, when she said it she believed it at the time.  Although she might regret what she said later.  As Teri thinks about a daily interaction with the Holy Spirit, she knows that today all three of those questions would be a firm ‘No.’

“LaQueia, how do you get the Holy Spirit?  I…” Teri lingers on her words not knowing what to really say.  LaQueia is beaming with excitement.  “Oh my God Teri, that is why I asked Sister Kelly to come.  The Holy Spirits impartation in you is such a personal affair.  People receive the Holy Spirits all sorts of ways--actually I shouldn’t say that.  Remember your acceptance of your exchange with Jesus is between you and Jesus, therefore this line item is also between you and Jesus.  You can have the Holy Spirit and never allow the Holy Spirit the opportunity to speak through you and never operate in it’s power.  So that is why I say it is personal.  You need to speak with Jesus and talk to him.”  Teri still has a confused look on her face, as she thinks about what LaQueia has just said, understanding her confusion LaQueia continues talking.

“Teri, remember what I said, look at your paper, there are steps.  One tool that I said that we have is the bible it is our example.  A good example that can help you regarding receiving the Holy Spirit is Acts chapter 2 and the 10^th chapter.  The second chapter details how the original disciples received the Holy Spirit.  The 10^th chapter deals with the first non Abraham descendant ‘Believers’ to receive the Holy Spirit.”  Teri looks at the paper briefly then gets up to look for her bible.  When she gets it off the shelf, she sits back down and turns to the book of Acts the tenth chapter.  Teri starts reading.  LaQueia sits and waits quietly until she finishes reading.  LaQueia studies Teri’s expression as she comments, “Okay I read it, but I still do not know what I am suppose to do?  This is really frustrating.  I really do want to do what is right, but how am I suppose to know?”  LaQueia just sits there not saying anything for a while. 

 Feeling uncomfortable Teri lets out a deep breath and shakes her head and blurts out, “I don’t like this.”  LaQueia quickly jump back in.  “I’m so sorry Teri.  I was trying to do what Sister Kelly did to me, when I was trying to get the Holy Spirit.  She said that it’s a very intimate and personal matter.  So I was trying to give you time with the lord.  I was expecting that you would start talking to him and praying but instead you got frustrated so I just can not keep silent anymore.  You know me, I have to talk and help.  So I’m gonna tell you.  You need to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through you to the Heavenly Father.  You have to allow the Spirit to talk through you and you have to let the Spirit live through you like a vessel.” 

Teri smiles and shakes her head again.  It did not cross Teri’s mind to actually talk to God, she was waiting for LaQueia to tell her.  After LaQueia said that Teri should be talking to Jesus to get her questions answered, immediately Teri knows that all three questions are a definite and firm ‘No.’  She does not have a Holy Spirit that she is communicating with, considering Teri’s constant desire to  talk to other people instead of the Holy Spirit.  In this case it is LaQueia she is waiting to get an answer from, usually it is someone she will try to call on her cell phone. 

As Teri thinks about it she can not help but to say, “I see why you would think I would start praying or at least begin talking to Jesus, considering I am suppose to be setting up this exchange with him.  I feel bad, because I was waiting for you to tell me instead.”  Before LaQueia has a chance to respond there is a knock on the door.  Excited LaQueia hops up and lets Sister Kelly in, giving her a hug.  Sister Kelly comes into the living room and greets them both warmly.  When they are all seated LaQueia begins, “I was talking to Teri about the Holy Spirit.  She says that she wants it but doesn’t know how to get it.  So I was giving her time to talk to God and then you came in.”  Sheepishly Teri looks at Sister Kelly wanting help.

After hearing LaQueia, Teri finally has a better understanding of many things.  Now she can partially understand why she, like so many Christians are living just like everybody else.  They must not have completed all of the steps either.  Teri has never even heard of all of the things that LaQueia has just told her, but considering she hasn’t put in much effort in getting knowledge regarding God or Jesus, it is understandable.  Nonetheless, Teri has made it in her mind that this lack of knowledge has ended.  Now if she can do this exchange with Jesus, Teri really can participate with God and Sister Kelly. 

Teri knows deep down that she really wants to be apart of ‘The Coming,’ event and now that she has a better understanding of her role as a “Believer’ Teri feels it is even more obtainable. 

Although Teri has read the bible regarding the Holy Spirit, she really does not understand what she has just read.  She comprehended a couple of things, but did not get the step by step instructions she was expecting and hoping for.  That is partially why she was waiting for LaQueia to decipher things out for her.  Teri does not feel she knows what is expected of her since she doesn’t fully understand what she has just read. 

“I am really glad that you are here.  After we talked earlier I was excited and I still am, it’s just that I feel a little overwhelmed.  I spoke with LaQueia and I know that I want to do this; it’s just that I did not know what I am supposed to do to be ready.  I am…..well let’s just say that I don’t feel fully prepared.  I want to be….I want to be prepared and be used by the Holy Spirit and I want to participate in ‘The Coming” and this new age revelation.  I know I’m learning the basics and I don’t have everything complete, but I do know that I do want to participate in everything that I can and I am willing to do whatever I need to in order to be and get prepared.”  Teri let out a long breath, knowing that she is stumbling over her words, trying to get what she feels inside out.

Understanding her openness and willingness Sister Kelly smiles and hugs Teri again sitting closer to her.  “Beloved, I do appreciate you!  I know that this is a lot and sometimes it just takes time before your foundation is fully formed.  But when it is, you can understand and know what you are standing on.  So I am very proud of you!  You are willing to start standing even without fully knowing.  I also commend your enthusiastic pursuit.  This determination will take you very, very far.  During this particular part of your uncompromised pursuit for the truth I am your guide.  You can think of me like a lawyer for you.  I can not make decisions for you, but I can give you my observations and advise you. 

From what I have heard from LaQueia, you have decided to make Jesus your ultimate authority. Is that true?”  Simultaneously Teri nods her head and softly says yes. “Perfect, now….”  Sister Kelly’s cell phone starts ringing cutting her off.  Sister Kelly apologizes and answers it.  Listening to her telephone conversation, LaQueia and Teri know that Sister Kelly will have to leave.  
             Although they can not fully hear the other person on the other line clearly, it is apparent that whoever is speaking is facing a death in their family.  So when Sister Kelly finally says good bye, LaQueia picks up Sister Kelly’s purse and stands up, but Sister Kelly continues talking as if she has never stopped, so LaQueia sits back down and puts Sister Kelly’s purse on her lap.  “As I was saying, that is perfect.  Now you will need to decide whether you believe Jesus is the Son of God.  Do you believe?”  Teri looks at LaQueia then back as Sister Kelly and slowly nods another yes.  Sister Kelly asks for a verbal acceptance.  Teri says ‘yes’ and looks back at LaQueia, not understanding why Sister Kelly is still willing to stay with her, when the frantic woman on the other line is waiting for her.  But Sister Kelly keeps going as if nothing is wrong. 

“Do you believe that Jesus died for you and that his death redeemed you back to God?”  Teri says yes again, but she is still looking at LaQueia, wanting LaQueia to say something.  Sister Kelly pauses, looks at LaQueia then back at Teri before asking what is wrong.  LaQueia does not say anything she just looks at Sister Kelly unsure as to what is happening, but believing that Sister Kelly knows what she is doing. 

Realizing that LaQueia is not going to say anything, Teri finally looks back at Sister Kelly and says in a soft voice, “I kinda heard the woman on the other line and she sounded really bad, so I understand that you have to go.  You don’t have to stay here when she is obviously in need.” 

Looking lovingly at Teri, Sister Kelly tilts her head, slightly frowns, looks at LaQueia and holds out her hand palm side up.  LaQueia, gives the purse to her.  Sister Kelly puts the purse on her lap and folds her hands over it and thinks a bit before saying, “Teri, I do appreciate your concern and your beautiful heart, but your salvation is of the utmost importance.  I can not leave before you are complete.”  Sister Kelly gently puts one hand on Teri’s and continues, “Yes, this young ladies mother just died but….”  Sister Kelly stops as she studies Teri’s facial expression.  Sister Kelly knows that Teri will not be able to really receive anything because she is now too distracted, so Sister Kelly stands up, giving Teri a compassionate hug. 

While hugging LaQueia Sister Kelly whispers in LaQueia’s ear, “Please, see if you can walk her all the way through.” LaQueia nods and walks Sister Kelly to the door.  When LaQueia comes back into the living room, Teri is sitting there with her face in her hands as she is trying to think through the day.  LaQueia says a little prayer asking for guidance as she walks over and sits down next to her.  Teri does not lift her head from her hands as she comments.  “Oh LaQueia, this is all too much.  I feel so out of it.  I find out that the woman I respect and love is planning an amazing healing party, that I am able to join and participate in.  I get a vision and I can’t remember it, I learn all this important stuff, I do want to exchange my life for Jesus, you come over and so does Sister Kelly and she gets a death call and she decides to stay with me instead of going to her. 

I do love Sister Kelly!  She is so sweet trying to help me and not wanting to let me down. I just kept thinking, I should not have her stay instead of going to that poor woman, because I am all messed up.  I don’t know what it will take to make me better.  It’s just that I feel so bad, how can I act like my situation is worst than death?  That woman needs her more than I do.  I just don’t know anymore…. I just don’t know how I should act or even what I should say….”