Ministers of Jesus Christ
Assemblies of The Apostolic Faith
Atlanta, Georgia - USA
Apostle Dennis G. Smith, Pastor and Spiritual Overseer
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Ministers of Jesus Christ Assemblies of The Apostolic Faith Atlanta, Georgia - USA Apostle Dennis G. Smith, Pastor and Spiritual Overseer |
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Date: February
14, 2021
To all the Saints
of God,
Grace and peace be unto all the Saints of God around the World. As this
Coronavirus Pandemic continues, we are continually reminding the Saints of God
that we are obeying the magistrates and following the guideline of the health
and governmental authorities for the safety of all people.
Health authorities and
governmental officials continue to strongly encourage people to wear face
coverings in public and use social distancing, wash your hands, and get tested
to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In
some places wearing face mask is mandatory in all indoor and outdoor public
spaces.
As
of February 4, 2021, the City of Atlanta, Georgia remains in Phase I of the
Reopening Plan due to the increasing spread of the coronavirus.
Throughout the State
of Georgia businesses
must continue to operate with social distancing and sanitation rules to keep
customers and employees safe. Covid-19 vaccinations are available and
distributed under phase 1A+ plan in Georgia. The vaccine is in limited supply
and currently offered to health care workers, first responders, individuals ages
65 and older and their caregivers, residents and staff of long-term care
facilities, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and 911operators.
We are continuing online service through Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube. Baptism
and prayer service are available using social distancing and personal protective
equipment.
As
we obey the Magistrates, we have complete faith that God will continue to hear
our prayers and provide a way for us through these uncertain times.
Romans 13:2-4
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of
God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
TITUS 3:1-2 Put
them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to
be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but
gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
This
week’s encouraging words of growth focuses on:
New Testament
Apostles and Prophets From God Almighty (part 3)
By
Apostle Dennis G. Smith
We are continuing from the point of true Apostles, Prophets, and Disciples of
the Lord God Almighty? …
The true Disciples of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ are known by their "Love
for one another" which is also called the “New Commandment”.
John 13:34 - 35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as
I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall
all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
The real meaning of following the Lord Jesus Christ is to be humble. It
is in humility that you are able to deal with the religious, social and
political people of the world.
Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth
himself shall be exalted.
You cannot be a true follower of Christ if you put yourself or your family
before the pursuit of Holiness and obedience to the Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
Luke 14:25 - 27 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and
said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, father,
and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own
life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear
his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
You cannot be a true follower of Jesus Christ if you make excuses and put
anything in life before the pursuit of and obedience to the Lord. This
simple means that you must always be committed and serious about your salvation
and the salvation of the human family.
Luke 14:33 - 35 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that
he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt
have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit
for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears
to hear, let him hear.
God also chose and used Prophets after his crucifixion, resurrection from the
dead, and ascension into heaven. He used them by his Spirit.
Acts 11:27- 28 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And
there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified
by the spirit that there should be great dearth
throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius.
Apostle Paul knew his fate in Jerusalem because of the New Testament Prophet
Agabus. There were also women who had prophetic experiences but
remained in the role of women before God.
Acts 21:9 - 14 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did
prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from
Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto
us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus
saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth
this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And
when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to
go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and
to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be
persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
The Apostles were given the Great Commission to preach the
Gospel to "all the nations," regardless of whether Jew or Gentile. The
Apostle Paul emphasized the important role of the Apostles and Prophets in the
church of God when he said that the household of God is "built
upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the
cornerstone. So, God has never removed Apostles and Prophets from
his Church and will continue to use them according to his perfect will.
Ephesians 2:19 - 22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed
together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded
together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
When
we all read the Bible and examine the Word of God without the influence of false
teachers, we can clearly see that God put Apostles, Prophets, other offices, and
gifts in the Church. The Word of God never tells us that he took
them out. So then, it is the presumption of men who have made
self-willed statements that are not based on anything from God Almighty.
Romans 12:4 -12 For as we have many members in one body, and all
members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in
Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts
differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us
prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our
ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on
exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with
diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be
without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring
one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
God gave these offices and gifts for the strengthening to the Body of Christ
until we all come to the unity of the Faith. Because all the work
is being done by the Lord Jesus Christ, there is no need for infighting with
self-willed or unbelieving individuals. We labor in love for the
Lord God and for one another to overcome all unrighteousness and defeat the
tricks of the devil and those who serve him.
Ephesians 4:11 - 16 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of
God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of
Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in
love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From
whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every
joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every
part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Now the Bible tells us that he set Apostles and Prophets in the
Church!!! You must now put on the whole armor of God to withstand
the fiery darts of the devil and wicked people who work to deceive you in
turning you from the truth. When they interfere with the works of
God, they prevent those who are seeking to hear from God and obtaining what is
so desperately needed by all people a real communication with God.
1Corinthians 12:27 – 28 Now ye are the body of Christ, and
members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first
apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then
gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
The Bible tells
us to let the Prophets speak that all may be strengthened. Can you
now see that the truth of God is here now as Apostle Johnson taught and he
departed this life about 60 years ago? The truth was there in that
time because God continually sends Apostles, Prophets, and other gifts to
strengthen the Body of Christ. Infighting, false prophets, false
teachers and arguments divided some congregations from other congregations
sometimes caused by emulation, the love of money, political power, racism, and
many other evils which you now have greater power to defeat when you listen to
the sounds coming from God.
1Corinthians 14:29 – 33 Let the prophets speak two or three, and
let the other judge. If anything, be revealed to another that
sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy
one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the
spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is
not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Once we are
brought into the Body of Christ by believing and obeying the words of the Lord
Jesus Christ and have received his Spirit, the Holy Ghost there is no one who
can take us out of his hand or separate us from his love. Since
God gives us free will, the only way to lose out salvation is by rejection or
turning away from the Lord Jesus Christ in our heart.
2Peter 2:20 - 22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world
through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again
entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the
beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of
righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment
delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true
proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed
to her wallowing in the mire.
The True Prophets
will acknowledge and continue steadfastly in the Apostle Doctrine which is the
commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ. God is not the author of
confusion or the author of divided people who claim to be a part of the Church. Each
person must examine themselves to see are they in the Faith. Each
person must seek God for themselves acknowledging the commandments of God
Almighty.
1Corinthians 14:37 – 40 If any man think himself to be a prophet,
or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the
commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be
ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not
to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in
order.
We continue
and repeat a Message from Apostle S. C. Johnson …. IT IS Here Now ………
IT IS HERE NOW
By Bishop S. C. Johnson
Greetings everyone! This is the Church of the lord Jesus Christ of the Faith:
The Church that on the day of Pentecost------ is it! We believe,
we preach, and we practice that which the apostles believed, preach, and
practiced. Bible tells me when the Church first started on the day
of Pentecost the people were pricked in their hearts “… and said
unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, “ Men and Brethren what shall we
do?”
Acts 2:37 - 42 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and
said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we
do? 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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves
from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word
were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand
souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
So then, this is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. It's
located at 701 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the U.S.A.
We are glad again to have the privilege of bringing to you that one and only
plan of salvation by which everybody must be saved. One thing! Nobody
will have an excuse it is given to us: it is here.
I know unbelief is in the earth now and ungodly men have
changed the plan of God. They have turned it into lasciviousness,
but they will not have any excuse. It is all on record. If
you want to know about it, it can be obtained.
The Lord never left the world in such a condition that the
gospel could not be found anywhere. I will admit that it has been
and is yet scarce but, He always had it so that somebody could direct and help
you if you wanted to be helped. There is no excuse. Help is
around. I do not care how things look. If you want to do
something, there is a way. All you have to do is just believe God. If
you believe God for that thing, God will make it possible.
My mother used to tell me when things looked impossible, "Son,
where there's a will ,there's a way." She did not know the Bible,
but she knew that
much.
The Bible says, John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17)
Oh, you will know it! All you have to do is to get willing. Of course, some don't look for an opportunity. Some are not willing. They don't pray for it. They don't ask for it. Why? Because they do not want to do God's will. People who want it are crying out, asking to make it possible for them to hear the Word. You will have no excuse. Never mind your nationality, your kindred, or your tongue—you will not have any excuse. If you want to be a fool that's your business. It is on record, and you are going to have to give an account to for what is recorded here. God had it put on record so that nobody would have an excuse.
Listen to what the Bible says: Jude 1:1 - 3 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
There was written in this book deliverance for everybody. I do not
care what it is, you can get delivered from it. Why? Because
something is written here in this book to let you know that there is
deliverance. That sounds good. Anytime, you are
captured and want deliverance and can hear tell of a way of escape, it is
wonderful. It was not done for fun, but it was "needful" to let
everybody know that they can be delivered from whatever they are entangled in.
It is needful to bring this gospel to you. You may throw it aside and not accept
it; nevertheless, God Almighty moved on Jude and made him tell you that "it was
needful" to write it. You will not get anywhere. The
only place you are going to hit will the lake of fire. “…,
it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly
contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1: 3)
Now, you have to earnestly contend for it. You have to put up a battle to get
it. Do you think you are going to walk in on the enemy's territory
and spoil his goods?
Jesus said, "No man enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods except he will first bind the strong man ..
(.Mark 3:27)
You cannot serve God on the devil's territory until you bind the devil, because the devil is against you. Thats' the reason he has pumped into the minds of fools all these different opinions, faiths. beliefs and ideas. He will tell one fool that the "King James" version of the Bible is wrong. He will tell another fool that you do not speak in tongues. He will pump into another fool that you do not have to be baptized.
It was needful, and it is needful now for this gospel to come to you telling you what you must do. The thing you must do now is to earnestly contend. You must have a will in you to do what God wants you to do. If you are honest in heart, then God Almighty will certainly bring you out of darkness into the marvelous light of the gospel. He will make it known someway, somehow so that you will be able to reach it—or it reach you. Then, you will be guided according to the will of God. You will come out of the darkness that you are now in by being baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ; receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost as they did on the day of Pentecost when the Church was started.
There is only one thing for the Church today, and that is already written. It CANNOT be changed. What is written, is written, and you have to accept that in order to be saved. God bless you.
May the Lord
Bless you and Keep you and eternally hold you in the center of his will, may he
open your understanding that you will come to know that you must repent of your
sins and be baptized by immersion in water in the Name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of your sins, then continue in prayer, tarrying until you receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign following speaking with other tongues as
the spirit gives you utterances. Then you must leave the principles of the
doctrine and go on to perfection overcoming the love of the world, the lust of
the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life and continue steadfastly
in the Apostle’s Doctrine remembering always that he that endures until the End,
the same shall be saved. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who is God
Almighty. Amen
With perfect
love,
Apostle Dennis G. Smith
Present
Guidelines for Individuals and Businesses in Phase 1:
· Stay
home except for essential trips.
· Wear
face coverings in public.
· Frequent
hand washing.
· Social
distancing followed and enforced where practical.
· To-go
and delivery orders from restaurants.
· Continue
practicing teleworking.
· Frequent
cleaning of public and high touch areas
Social
Distancing guidelines:
When to Wear a
Mask:
Those who are
staying home and have no close contact with people who are infected with
COIVID-19 do not need a mask most of the time. However, wearing a nonmedical or
homemade mask may be helpful in certain situations or for certain populations.
Wear a Mask when:
Because homemade
masks protect everyone else from the droplets created by the wearer, it is
important that as many people as possible wear these masks when leaving their
homes. This helps prevent those who may be infectious but are only mildly
symptomatic or not symptomatic from spreading the virus to others in the
community.
Everyone should
remember the phrase: “My mask protects you; your mask protects me.” By
increasing the overall number of people who are containing their coughs,
sneezes, and other droplets, it will help us control the overall spread of the
virus.