Ministers of Jesus Christ
Church of The Lord Jesus Christ
Assemblies of The Apostolic Faith
Atlanta, Georgia - USA
Apostle Dennis G. Smith, Pastor and Spiritual Overseer

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APOSTLE'S MESSAGE

 

 Date: March 20, 2022
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 gatherings 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 indoor public spaces.
 
 
     We are continuing limited indoor, in-person services with face mask, social distancing, temperature checks and Covid-19 testing. We are also continuing online services through Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube.   In-person Baptism and prayer service are available by attending our local service on site, attending our services on Zoom, or emailing your request to:
 
info@ministersofjesuschrist.com or prayerrequest@ministersofjesuschrist.com.
 
 
      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:
 
A Memorial of Holding on to God’s Unchanging Hand
 By Apostle Dennis G. Smith
 
               Hebrews 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
     As we repeat this memorial message and remind the Saints of God around the world why we commemorate and memorialize the day that we held on to the Apostle’s Doctrine when on Sunday, March 22, 1992 the Elders came from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and removed faithful Saints from the local Atlanta assembly.  We hope that this will never happen in the Church again.  This day is also the beginning of Apostle Dennis G. Smith pastoral oversight which has continued and endured now for 30 years of faithful service.  This day is not the beginning of his Apostleship for God chose him for his various  task many years before this date.

     By memorializing this historical event, we hope that all Church organizations will constantly review their own constitutions, doctrines, and bylaws under which they assemble and fully understand the powers that are granted to the trustees over their properties.  We must all learn to function in peace and examine all conflicts based on truth. We must all learn to examine ourselves to see whether or not we are in the faith and functioning  according to the Apostle’s Doctrine of the Bible.  The Bible is our measuring rod for examining all truth no matter who speaks in opposition.  God is not a respecter of men persons and all men will give an account to God for all of their actions and words.

     This memorial is a Day which serves as a focus for the memory of a tragic event.  It also serves as the beginning of the pastoral leadership of Apostle Dennis G. Smith and a recognition that other Saints around the Church general congregation were determined to continue in love for all the Brethren and to wait on the Lord not responding to those calling for hate and division.  Many were ejected or asked to leave because they said they were waiting on the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Battle between Elder Nehemiah Shelton and the other Elders of the Royal House of Shelton spilled out among the general body of Saints causing much disagreement and pain.  Nevertheless, the mercy and love of God will endure for all generations.  And Saints should always wait on the Lord no matter what they are facing in life and never become a respecter of men persons and positions above biblical truth and human justice.
Psalms 135:13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth forever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.
Psalms 145:3 - 8 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.  One generation shall praise thy works to another and shall declare thy mighty acts.  I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.  And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.  They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.  The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Hosea 12:5 - 6 Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.  Therefore, turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.

The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ spoke of a memorial for the woman who anointed his body with ointment of spikenard before his crucifixion and death to be told whereever the Gospel is preached.  In memory of her love for the Lord Jesus Christ after which we should all pattern ourselves.

Mark 14:1 – 9   After two days was the feast of the Passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.  But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.  And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.  And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?   For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.  And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.  She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.  Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

      Memorial Day, in the United States is the last Monday in May, is a day on the civil calendar for remembering and honoring soldiers and those who have given their lives in battle, honoring those who were willing to lay down their life for a friend. "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."
     We remember all the Saints who held on to love throughout the Church many of whom have fallen asleep in the flesh but will continue eternally with the Lord.  Deacons over local Churches spoke well concerning us and some came by to see us.  Mothers and women supervisors gave many words of wisdom all of whom were willing to suffer wrong rather than do wrong in laying aside recognition for a life of faithful service which should have been what was said about them and choosing rather to stand for the love of God and all the brethren.  Some Saints whom we still love and who worshipped with us during the lifetime of Apostle Shelton even today after 29 years are going to the courts to fight over Church property.  We still declare that the people of God are much, much better than bricks and mortar.  The people of God who love each other are the True Church of the Lord Jesus Christ because this is what the Lord said about his disciples.
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.
     Memorial day should be an occasion of healing the hurts and pains and lifting the love of the brethren above all disagreements declaring that we shall overcome and worship God together again.  Declaring that we will obey the New Commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ and love one another as he has loved us all.               
   We will also be a good example to other Christians around the world of how to deal with hurt and pain and come to terms with war, loss, devastation and learn to seek peaceful means in settling all conflicts.  The first issue in dealing with conflict is to determine whether or not you are dealing with a disagreement or misunderstanding between people or a lawless criminal with intent to cause harm.  If you are willing to lay down your life for a friend then there is no conflict that you cannot overcome.

 John 15:13 - 16 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.  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.  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

      Memorial Services for soldiers are usually interfaith and invites all men to pray for peace when dealing with disagreement and conflicts.  It should remind people always that the desire for power and control should never be the purpose for being an overseer but the meekness to serve in humility and follow peace and holiness that all may see the Lord, and promote the rights for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all mankind should be the prevailing intention of those who desire the work of a leader in the Church and a political leader in civil government.  When we maintain peace and justice then all will remain together with unity and dignity.

     Let the Churches throughout the world continue to celebrate the good news of the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has given all men the opportunity to overcome sin, live together peacefully, and live eternally with him.
     Peace is a concept of friendship and harmony, a lack of conflict between individuals or groups that result from their agreement with things that they have in common and acknowledgement of the things that they do not agree on with the wisdom and acceptance, to work out their differences.  In other words, accepting that there has always been people in the Church who are growing and overcoming sin which is generally accepted as progressive sanctification which proves that there is no need to argue over individual shortcomings. 
     If we all believe that there is one God, and Jesus Christ is God then there is no need to argue about the Godhead.  If we all agree that baptism is in the name of Jesus Christ or Lord Jesus according to the Book of Acts, then there is no need to argue about the name to use during baptism.  If we all agree that you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost if you are a believer and that tongues are a sign that follows or is evidence of the Holy Ghost, then we have a core of doctrine to build upon.  If we never reject holiness and peaceful living, then we fulfill all the rules that can be written.  And if we love God first and our neighbors as ourselves then we fulfill all of the Law and the Prophets. When we understand this, it should give us a peaceful inner disposition which should reflect in our behavior towards all men.

       Peaceful behavior results from a peaceful inner disposition.  The acquisition of such a "peaceful internal disposition" for oneself and others can contribute to resolving conflicts that would otherwise be constant sources of disputes with no ability to solve our disagreements.
     We all know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace which is the reason why all people should recognize a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.  This does not mean that his disciples will not use warfare, but it means that we will always strive to be the peacemaker in the mist of all conflicts and disagreements.

 Luke 10:3 - 6 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.  Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.  And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.  And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. 

      When we go among wolves or bad people, we must look for those who follow peace if we are to function among them, otherwise we must realize when we are among people who do not fear God and will not function in righteousness.  And as result of their unrighteous conduct, we may never be accepted by them and move on in life and ministry knowing that we have a heavenly home with God.  When the Lord Jesus arose from the dead and appeared to his disciples, his salutation was “Peace be unto You”.
Luke 24:34 – 37   Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. LUK24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.  And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Let us pray for peace among all the Saints of God and all who suffer as a result of conflict throughout the world and ask the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to give us peace.   Let us continue to wait on the Lord Jesus Christ to renew our strength and brings us together again in love.

 Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
We will continue with the message “Watch for your welfare and your soul” Part 2 next time……….
 
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
 
Currently the following groups are eligible for COVID vaccine in Georgia:
·         Healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, EMS personnel, environmental services, etc.)
·         Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
·         Adults aged 55 and older and their caregivers
·         Law enforcement, firefighters, first responders. 
·         Educators and staff (Pre-K, K-12, DECAL licensed or exempt childcare programs)
·         Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers
·         Parents of children with complex medical conditions.
·           Individuals with disabilities and certain medical conditions are to be also eligible for vaccinations.
 
 
 Present Guidelines for Individuals and Businesses in Phase 2:
·        Stay home except for essential trips.
·        Wear face coverings in public.
·        Frequent hand washing.
·        Social distancing of 6 feet followed and enforced where practical according to CDC Guidance.
·        To-go and delivery orders from restaurants.
·        Continue practicing teleworking.
·        Frequent cleaning of public and high touch areas
 
 Social Distancing guidelines:
·                 Social distancing means staying away from close contact in public spaces. It includes actions like staying out of places where lots of people gather and maintaining distance — approximately 6 feet — from others. 
·                 Social distancing also includes minimizing contact with people by avoiding public transportation when possible, limiting nonessential travel, working from home, and skipping social gatherings. 
·                 All people should practice social distancing — not just those who are seriously ill or at high risk. 
·                 Social distancing is a proven way to slow the spread of pandemics. 
 
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:
·             Shopping at essential businesses, like grocery stores or pharmacies. 
·                 While visiting your health care provider. 
·                 Traveling on public transportation. 
·                 Interacting with customers/clients at essential businesses. 
·                 When feeling sick, coughing, or sneezing. 
·                 In all public spaces indoors and outdoors.
 
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. *