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: April 5, 2020

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 obeying the magistrates and following the guideline of the health and governmental authorities for the safety of all people.   In many places you are still under “Stay – At – Home” executive orders therefore public gathering has been canceled temporary to control or prevent the spreading of this virus.  All individuals subject to this policy must STAY AT HOME except for certain essential activities and work to provide life-sustaining business and government services.
Religious institutions
Religious leaders are encouraged to find alternatives to in-person gatherings and to avoid endangering their congregants. Individuals should not gather in religious buildings or homes for services or celebrations until the stay at home order is lifted.
Many States are under a Stay at Home Order through April 30. In Atlanta, Georgia the order is in effect until 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 13.  This is subject to change again depending on the recommendation health officials to the Magistrates and governmental officials.
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.

     This week’s encouraging words of growth focuses on:
The Benefits of Prophecy
    
First of all, a review of what prophecy is will be beneficial to help bring clarity to why it is used and sometime abused.
 ACTS 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 
 ACTS 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 
ACTS 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
     From 1904 to 1906, the Azusa Street Revival occurred in Los Angeles, California and is sometimes considered the birthplace of Pentecostalism
(Also referred to as the Apostolic Faith Movement). This revival is well known for the "speaking in tongues" that occurred there. Some participants of the Azusa Street Revival are claimed to have prophesied. Most Pentecostals and Apostolic believe that prophecy and certain other gifts are once again being given to Christians. The Charismatic Movement also accepts spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy.  (Wikipedia)
In simplicity, we believe in talking to God and receiving answers to our prayers many times through direct communication in dreams, visions, and speech. This communication with God strengthens us, comforts us and all believers and gives us absolute confidence that all things will work together for our good. Our communication with God is not for self – glorification but rather to lift our Savior up before the entire world. This is the overall purpose and benefit of prophecy.
     A prophecy is a message that is claimed by a Christian believer, Apostle, Prophet,  Pastor, Bishop, Deacon, Elder, Brother, or Sister to have been communicated to them from Jesus Christ who is God almighty as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Such messages typically involve inspiration, interpretation, or revelation of divine will, warnings and guidance concerning the person's social world, life events and or present world events or events to come. We generally divide these messages or gifts into various categories for understanding but not exhaustive for there are probably many other areas given by scripture examples.
· Gift of interpretation of Dreams…  Genesis 40 and 41 Chapters, Daniel 2, 4, and 5 chapters
· warnings and guidance… Acts 27 chapter
· Future Events and Judgement of God’s will… Revelation Chapters
We believe that prophecy is one of the spiritual gifts given by the indwelling Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 12:06 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
EPHESIANS 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 
 EPHESIANS 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
 
2 PETER 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2 PETER 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2 PETER 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
2 PETER 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 
2 PETER 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 PETER 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
     Our prophecy is true and sure and not self invented fables for personal recognition or gain but directly from communication with God Almighty.
Many false teachers try to make people think that God will not communicate with them even after they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. They are deceived and misleading others. Many false teachers want you to believe that you can only communicate with God through them. While it is true that you cannot hear without a preacher, once you hear the word, you must believe it and apply its principles and teachings your own self.  No preacher will do you any good if you do not believe.  You will come to know for yourself when you have a real experience with God yourself that our words are true.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

This is the reason we of the Apostolic Faith enjoy the open praise and testimony service.  We hear the praise, prophesying, and worship of all the Saints that comforts and strengthens us all.  This is one of the parts that I miss while we are practicing social distancing. Of course I miss all the assembling services and the seeing of you all face to face.
     From this we can all see  that prophecy is the supernatural communication of God almighty for the benefit and purpose of edifying, exhorting and comforting ourselves and the members of the Church.
     When we say have confidence in God for I have never seen the righteous forsaken, we are speaking prophecy that God will not leave you are forsake you if you obey his word.  And our words are true and the prophecy is a sure thing.
     When we say pray and call on Lord Jesus Christ for he will answer your prayers if you ask him according to his will. We are speaking of a sure thing.
     Likewise when we foretold of the present and coming plagues in which many would die, coming nuclear wars, heavenly burning objects that will destroy many places, floods, mud slides, the increased power of insects, the issues in the Philadelphia Church, the legendary creatures of the night attacking and becoming openly known and many others happening we revealed to all the Power and Foreknowledge of God Almighty. The message is not to cause mass panic or to make a name for our self but to make it known that God is in control and will bless and comfort all who repents of their sinful ways and come to him according his eternal plan. God hates sin and will bring about a change and his government will never end.  We are speaking of a sure thing.
     The Prophet and Prophets are not silent and never will be silent.  But we speak only as we are moved by the Spirit, not to impress a crowd.  We pray, that God will bless you all and keep you all today and throughout all eternity. Be assured that we are praying for your safety, healing and well being during this Coronavirus Pandemic.   And that all people will open their eyes and see the love of God for all mankind. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
With perfect love,
Apostle Dennis G. Smith
 
General Stay At Home Guidelines
 
 Stay home as much as possible. Try to get groceries once per week instead of daily. Freedom of travel remains, but please refrain from non-essential travel. Essential travel includes things like commuting to an essential job, picking up supplies like groceries and medicine, and checking on family and pets in other households. Do not host or attend gatherings.
 
Most Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year or until further notice. Life-sustaining businesses Opens In A New Window and services may continue to maintain in-person operations..
It is important that as many people as possible wear a nonmedical or homemade mask when leaving their homes. View instructions for how to make a homemade mask.
It is important to remember the reason is to prevent the medical facilities from having to turn away the sick due to no more space or people to care for them!!!
The more people who get sick at the same time, the more resources we will need quickly. Our health care system can only handle so many cases at a time. If medical professionals become overwhelmed, lives that otherwise could have been saved will be lost.
What Is Social Distancing?
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 contacts who are infected with COIVID-19 don’t need a mask most of the time. However, wearing a nonmedical or homemade mask may be helpful in certain situations or for certain populations.
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.
Best Practices for Homemade Masks
The best practices for making and wearing fabric or cloth masks include:
 
How to Make a Homemade Mask
Here’s how to make a mask at home.
Materials needed:
Instructions: