FREE SPIRIT Restoration Ministries

FSRT 2010 Theme:

Prepare to Reign

"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)"

 Romans 5:17

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Ye are the Salt of the Earth

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?" Matthew 5:13a

 

One of the biggest challenges of today is "identity".  We hear the term used, "identity crisis".  Loosely expressed this can seem to be a miner issue; but the question is, has the church of God has lost its identity. 

In biblical times, the church was the fundamental essence of government.  The law was established by religious leaders. Even during the times of kings and later judicial leadership, the prophets were kept close at hand and their council was sought to aid in leading the people.  We see time and again that when Godly council was not relied upon, the battles were eventually lost.

God had the highest place in society.  The schools were also taught in the place of worship. Medical procedures were performed in the place of worship.  Church, as it were, was the center of society.  That was it's identity.  Where does the church stand today? Is it recognized as the center of society?  Are Christians having a loving impact upon their homes, neighborhoods, and communities?  Are we making a positive difference in the lives of others?

Salt is more than a spice ingredient...salt is a change agent, a preservative, a cleansing instrument, and an element that brings out the best in whatever it is added to.  Likewise, are we being change agents? Are we preserving a high standard and cleansing the souls of people (salvation) through the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we preserving the history of the gospel by telling and teaching and sharing our own testimonies?  Are we bringing out the best in those around us?  Or are we caught up in an identity crisis and have lost our savour? God help us to be salt. Help us to make a positive difference in this world, to YOUR glory...in Jesus Name.

 

Apostle-elect Talisa Thomas-Hall
Pastor and Founder
FREE SPIRIT Restoration Ministries
FREE SPIRIT Restoration Temple
Higher Ground Education and Career Development Center
14300 Minnieville Road (Room A1) Dale City, VA

Sunday, March 28, 2010 

When? What? Where? Three Keys to Success Through Obedience

“…go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”

As we continue with our theme of “Prepare to Reign” (specifically with our study of “We Do You Go To Find God?”) we are exploring Matthew 28 where we find Mary Magdalene and the other Mary being given a radical charge by the angel of the Lord. They were instructed to go and tell the eleven remaining disciples that Jesus is risen and they are to go into a mountain in Galilee where He will meet them there.  This was radical because the instructions were not in line with the customs of the day. These two women were required to (1) providing instruction to the men; (2) entering into a gathering of men (3) carrying the gospel of Jesus Christ (4) Tell the disciples that Jesus, who died on the cross, was indeed alive and risen from the dead! 

This was radical!  In our life there are times when we have to do something radical in order to grow and impact positive change.  In spite of our natural hesitation to step on new grounds, obedience is the best policy.  Not only in what we do but how we do it.  The angel of the Lord instructed the Mary to go “quickly”.  ‘When?’ NOW.  Hebrews 11:1 says, “NOW faith…” In our hesitation we can miss our God-given window of opportunity. Timing is very important. We need that right now faith to move us into action without hesitation.

They were further instructed of ‘what’ to say.  When God gives us instruction, maybe a word of encouragement for someone in need, what to say during a job interview, or even how to address a love one; it’s important that we convey what God puts on our heart. For He knows the language that transcends all diversities and needs.

They were also told ‘where’ to go. We can be at the right time, with the right words but in the wrong place and still miss our blessing. In this scenario The Mary’s quickly followed the charge regards of how radical and Jesus was faithful to meet them as promised.

What shall we then say to these things? IfGod [be]forus, who [can be] against us? Romans 8:31

 

Apostle-elect Talisa Thomas-Hall
Pastor and Founder
FREE SPIRIT Restoration Ministries
FREE SPIRIT Restoration Temple
Higher Ground Education and Career Development Center
14300 Minnieville Road (Room A1) Dale City, VA

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Living a Fearless Life

“…Fear not: believe only...” Luke 8:50 and Mark 5:36.)

Yesterday, in the clarity of the still wee hours of the morning, even before the rustling of the trees or chirping of the birds could influence my mind…I heard God. He said, “Today be fearless.” In those few words I understood that the only thing that could deter me from accomplishing what God has in store for me was fear. To go even further, I understood that God is with me and in this I can have confidence to overcome fear.

At FREE SPIRIT Restoration Temple, we’ve been studying the series “Where Do You Go to Find God?” using the scripture text from Matthew 28.  Here we find Mary Magdalene and the other Mary going to the tomb of Christ to find Him.  The angel of the Lord appears and the guards who would have laid hands on the Marys feared the Lord so much that they became paralyzed for the moment and could do them no harm neither stop them from doing what saith the angel of the Lord  (Matthew 28:4). 

Likewise, fear threatens to paralyze us from doing what God has predestined for our life—fear of failure, fear of new grounds, fear of being alone or isolated, fear of ridicule or lack of support, fear of our own insecurities and inabilities.  This same angel of the Lord in the very next verse (Matthew 28:5) comforted and encouraged the Marys saying, “…Fear not ye, for I know that you seek Jesus…” My God, my God what power we have when we seek ye first (Matthew 6:33).

Today be fearless! Let nothing stand in the way of reaching your purpose and goals for this day. For God is with you and in Him there is no failure. As in 1st John 4:18. Be saved through Jesus Christ--Be blessed—and Be Fearless!

If you have not yet invited the Lord Jesus Christ to be your personal savior and Lord, we invite you to do so?  He's calling you today...have you answered? Answer His call today and begin enjoying a new life full of grace.  We rejoice with you and invite you to join us again...and bring a friend.

Love and grace…

Apostle-elect Talisa Thomas-Hall
Pastor and Founder
FREE SPIRIT Restoration Ministries
FREE SPIRIT Restoration Temple
Higher Ground Education and Career Development Center
14300 Minnieville Road (Room A1) Dale City, VA