John Lennon's Killer: Parole Board Transcript Released! (NIRV)

say,] “Hey, you know, there’s somebody else that needs something. Why don’t you be interested in them? Hold back a little bit on yourself. I’ll take care of you. Think about that person, what does that person need?” So, I try to do it. When I see somebody, I say to myself, “What does that person need? What are their desires?” It’s no longer about me anymore. It’s about Jesus helping me to see somebody else’s need and maybe try and help them. Q Is there anything else that you’d like to say at this point? A Yes. What has changed me now from “Mr. Psychopath,” who just cared about himself and didn’t care about people’s pain, or a wife’s pain—meaning Mrs. Lennon, or their children, which are now grown—what has changed me from that is … being close to God. The main thing is feeling His love for me for the first time … finally learning He loves me regardless. Even me, convicted, condemned murderer, He loves me, and what happens when you feel His love—and it’s not from a book, it’s not from a tape—when you really experience His love, what happens is you don’t need attention from people. It helps you love others and think about others. And that’s what’s genuinely happened to me. He’s come into my life in a huge way, helped me to not look inward anymore. He takes care of that. He loves me. I’m loved now. I don’t have to look to somebody for love or attention or negative attention, or kill people or drink because I don’t feel self-esteem…. I get that from God. I get that from Jesus. So when that happens, everything changes and I’m able now to focus out instead of inwardly … I think about somebody else, like today on my visit. A fellow from Rochester came to see me out of nowhere and the whole visit was, I’m listening to him, you know, thinking about him, what’s his life like? That’s relatively new to me and it feels great, and it’s because I feel love for the first time. I really feel love … and it was a great visit. But my point was, because of His love, I’m able to think about somebody else for the first time and it feels really good. That’s His love. It will change you and get you on your feet again in this world, which has finally happened for me. BY COMMISSIONER CRANGLE: Q Okay. And going back to how much you’re feeling better in terms of God and speaking to God, if you were to be released, what happens if you drift off again? We have a lot of offenders that say they found God. A I understand. But He found me. He found me. That makes the difference. A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR YOU— YOU CANNOT BE DENIED These portions of the transcript reflect only a part of the entire parole board proceeding. Mark Chapman was denied parole at this appearance, but he has found something much greater—God’s love and help and forgiveness. God loves you, too. A portion of the Bible, God’s official transcript, states: “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.” —Jesus (John 3:16) This means Someone loved you and died for you. Somebody cares for you. Someone accepts you, no matter what you have done. Someone wants to give you a new life. His name is Jesus, and if you will call out to Him and ask Him, He will give you this new life. You cannot be denied if you turn to Jesus. The Bible says so: “I will never send away anyone who comes to me.” —Jesus (John 6:37) ONE THING KEEPING YOU But there’s one thing holding you back. You need to ask God for His forgiveness. It’s the only thing keeping you from God. Again, God’s transcript states: “Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory.” (Romans 3:23) “… your sins have separated you from your God.” (Isaiah 59:2) This is why Jesus died, so that you could be forgiven. Jesus said: “… I am the way …” (John 14:6) “… I stand at the door and knock. If any of you hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in …” (Revelation 3:20) But will you open up that door? A DECISION TO BE MADE This is your decision. An important one. Jesus has opened up heaven for you by dying in your place as God’s appointed sacrifice for sin. But you must decide. Will you accept His invitation? If you decide yes, now is the time to put your trust in Him. You may want to express your faith in a prayer like this … “Dear Jesus, thank You for Your love. Thank You for dying for me. I have sinned against You and others, and I am sorry. I need You, Jesus. I know now You will accept me no matter what. I want a new life. I want to change. Only You can help me. Thank You for forgiving me. I call out to You now.” If you have turned to God in repentance and put your trust in Jesus Christ alone, you have really been forgiven and Jesus has come into your life and will never leave. You can start to enjoy this new life with Him every day. Talk with Him daily in prayer. Read the Bible, the words of His love for you. A good place to start is the Gospel of John. You will learn more about Jesus and experience His wonderful love and acceptance. The more you want Jesus, the more you will come closer to Him and feel His incredible presence. Tell others about Jesus. Let them know what you have found. Talk with other people who really know Jesus. Still undecided? Never forget these 3 things: Call out to Jesus. Ask Him to come into your life. Ask Him to be with you! God bless you today.