FREE SPIRIT Restoration Ministries

Sunday, January 9, 2011

God's Truth Revealed

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
                                                                         Acts 2:38

Yesterday, in the clarity of the still wee hours of the

Someone recently asked the question, “Which is true, the baptism of Matthew 28:19 or that of Act 2:38?” In short, Matthew 28:19 commands that we be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; while Acts 2:38 has Peter saying, “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”

Since the bible is truth, both are correct and both refer to water baptism with the following of baptism by the spirit (as Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and also as exemplified in Acts 8:14 - 17).  If there appears to be a discrepancy, it simply means we need to seek understanding which the Word always provides. In understanding this, we first must realize that humans tend to have a spirit of division or separation which stems from our original separation from God following sin (Genesis 3) – both, when Adam and Woman recognized their nakedness and hid from God and when they were cast from the Garden of Eden.

We also have a lack of respect for true authority which is repeatedly demonstrated all throughout the Bible as well as in life today. So sometimes it’s difficult for us to understand the concept of true unity. But God ordains authority and is a God of unity. For example, John 10:30 states "I and [my] Father are one.”; John 14:14 - "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." Acts 4:13 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." So believing the Word of God, when Matthew 28:19 mentions "the name" (in singular form) I accept that although God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are referred to by many titles...the bible is clear and confirmed in Acts 2:38 that the name of Jesus is the name by which we are to be baptized. Through our restoration by Jesus Christ, we once again become one with God as well – as in the beginning, created in His image (Genesis 1:27), destined to be fruitful in Him (John 15:1-8); and full of His love and joy (John 15:9-11).

If you have not received Jesus Christ’s precious gift of salvation, you are invited to do so today.  Don’t let another day go by without being covered by the grace of God. Read John 1:1-14 and receive Jesus into your heart as your savior—deity born in the flesh who died in the flesh on the cross for the remission of our sins. We rejoice with and for you for your new found freedom and salvation.

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

Sunday, January 2, 2011

God's Truth Revealed

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
                                                                         Acts 2:38

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:15

When I was first saved I don’t believe I fully realized the extent of God’s desire to have an intimate relationship with me.  This is partially true because at age fourteen, I had no idea of what a real intimate relationship consisted of.

When you think about it, in your life you probably have numerous relationships—parents, siblings, friends, co-workers, employer or employees—the list goes on.  And each category of relationship allows you to reveal a different part of ‘you’; your warmth, humor, secrets, professionalism, spiritualism, intelligence, compassion even love. The expectations of each relationship are also different. But God desires a relationship with us that is so intimate that it withholds nothing…reveals all.

You see, as a shepherd for His flock, I’ve always, considered myself God’s servant following His instructions…desiring to do His will. Not perfect, but seeking to obey. But the Word of God says that He desires a deeper relationship than that of master to servant.  He desires to reveal His will to us, His plan, His actions, His heart.  In revealing Himself to us through Jesus Christ He acknowledges that we are more than servants to Him…we have entered into the intimate place of being a friend. Hallelujah!

The song says, “What a friend we have in Jesus.  All our sins and grief He bears. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.” Yes, what a privilege, but I compel you today to know that it’s a two-way relationship.  First and foremost God desires to communicate with us, to reveal Himself, to allow us to know His heart so that we may be a better reflection of His glory here on earth.  Jesus is God’s truth revealed, the glory of the father in His only begotten son (John 1:14).   Father God, help us to reflect your glory…help us to know You better through Jesus Christ or Lord and Savior.

If you have not received Jesus Christ’s precious gift of salvation, you are invited to do so today.  Don’t let another day go by without being covered by the grace of God. Read John 1:1-14 and receive Jesus into your heart as your savior—deity born in the flesh who died in the flesh on the cross for the remission of our sins. We rejoice with and for you for your new found freedom and salvation.

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

Saturday December 25, 2010

Jesus...The Perfect Gift

Acts 3:6 "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

In this world there are many things that I'd like to be able to do. If I were blessed with material riches untold, I'd love to be able to open doors in the lives of many -- remove poverty, pay for healing treatments, remedies, and medical supplies, build schools for free quality education, build homes for those in need of safe, affordable housing, build churches ofr ministries to hold the increase of those pouring in for answers and salvation and bless the men and women of God to be able to feed God's sheep.  There is so much 'need' upon the earth.  So much work to be done.

But as Paul said "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I unto thee..."  Likewise, I may not be able to pay your bills or build your church or buy your house but by the anointing of God I can lift you up. I can remind you that Jesus saves and the Word of God is so true.  According to your faith I can impart healing and deliverance and restoration and God's will upon your life. I can comfort you with the Word of God and remind you that He has an answer for every situation and you are covered by His ever sufficient love and grace. 

Like Paul, I can lift you to your feet and help you to stand and remind you that Jesus saves! Salvation is your deliverance and it is already PAID IN FULL!  Hallelujah!!! Thank you Jesus! If you are already saved through Jesus Christ, remember to thank Him daily...hourly.  For in this lies all truth to life's issues. If you haven't received this precious gift, I beseech you by the mercies of God to receive Christ today and begin the journey to new life and freedom in Him. Will you receive this gift today?

Click here for a special poem of inspiration -- "Jesus...The Perfect Gift"  and be ever encouraged. If you need special prayer or to be led in the prayer of salvation, please Contact Us today or visit your local Christian church.

Love and grace,

ApostleTalisa 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

FSRT 2010 Theme:

The Year of God’s Truth Revealed

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

 John 1:14

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