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

Date: May 24, 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 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. 

"In accordance with Georgia Governor executive orders, all Georgians must continue to follow social distancing rules and maintain a distance of six feet apart. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned unless there is a minimum six feet between individuals. The rules apply to all non-critical infrastructure businesses, local governments, social groups, informal get-togethers and recreational sports. "To protect vulnerable populations, the executive order is requiring the medically fragile and elderly Georgians to continue to shelter in place through June 12, 2020 and is now recommending that all Georgians get tested with or without symptoms.

     To accommodate all Saints, we are planning to implement these services when the entire order is lifted in Georgia on June 12, 2020:  1^st week Sisters Department, 2^nd week Brothers Department, 3^rd week Youth Department, 4^th week all Department officials for Executive Board meetings. All services will take place on Sundays only from 11am until 2pm to allow for proper cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces. No night services during the week due disinfection procedures. Baptism, pray and tarrying service, will continue each Sunday following all safety protocols including the use of 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:

The Calendar of life

PSALMS 90:10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

PSALMS 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

     Numbering your days according to the natural cycle of life is the way for making wise decisions as you travel the roads of life.  A calendar is a system of organizing and numbering the days of our lives into social, religious, commercial, and administrative purposes by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months, and years.  A calendar is also a physical record of planned events mostly in chronological order of months and years usually based on the cycle of the moon and the sun. With this summary and definition, you should begin to reflect of the past, present, and coming events in your life. You do not have to walk around in a hopeless daze because God has an actual order to human mortal life span.  The education process, the working and child raising process, the retirement years and aging process, and the final home going process is all a part of God’s plan for your life. The time of life is set by God and is not used as a point of judgement.

COLOSSIANS 2:16 - 17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:   Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

1CORINTHIANS 13:9 - 13 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The wisdom of knowing the order of our life allows us to answer many questions about the past, present, and future. In dealing with life as we grow up from a baby to a child then to an adult, we come to realize that love is the greatest thing in life and the primary attribute of Godliness.  Most adults can state experiences during their childhood, and many will be similar or the same.  Like when I was a Child, I behaved like a Child behaves.  We make many mistakes, say foolish things, think that we are invincible until we learn that there are consequences for all our actions. Many manmade doctrines and rules were promoted when the Saints were babes in Christ unable to receive the meat of word of God until they grew into mature Godly adults perfected by love.  During our childhood years, the moral commandments of Have no other God before me or there is one God,  honor thy father and thy mother, do not steal, don not bear false witness or lie, do not kill or harm innocent people come into full understanding.  We then learn to have faith or trust in the things that are good for us and makes us happy. This bring us hope or expectation for the next moment in our life to bring improvement and face the bodily and mental changes that are coming. During the puberty years, the moral commandments of do not commit adultery or any form of fornication sexual immoral acts come into full understanding because of our natural bodily changes and we begin to understand God’s plan for marriage and raising a family. And during the adolescent and adult years the moral commandments of not coveting thy neighbor’s possessions, do not defraud, and more come into full understanding as we learn to live in harmony with other adults.  When the commandments and order of God is taught and reinforced during all stages in our life the result should be a moral attitude and a holy person in communication with God.  Then we meet those perhaps who were not taught or who have rejected the known order because even nature itself reverberates the plan of God as seen in the animal kingdom and we recognize the criminal mind of evil people, the lawless choices made by many individuals enhancing the need for governmental magistrates. The bible now become a living word of guidance and blessings for those who are obedient or punishment for those who are disobedient. And the cycle of life, the calendar of life begins again with every person having the chance of everlasting life with God. It makes you wonder why people are deceived when the truth is in front of their eyes?  Let us state the known stages of development throughout the world and your calendar of life should become visible to you in every way. Knowing your calendar will help guide you and encourage others that God will provide their every need.

Childhood is the age span ranging from birth to adolescence beginning after infant stage with early childhood age 3 – 7, middle childhood (age 7 – 12), and adolescence (puberty to legal adulthood age 13 – 19 some say until 21). During the early years of childhood, we are most concerned about a monster under our bed or in the closet as we learn to handle our biological response to fear.  The comforting call of our mother and father begins the development of our faith and trust response.

1CORINTHIANS 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Notice how that knowing the calendar of life teaches you how to speak to different individuals in ways that relate to their overall stage of development or decline.  This is when you will hear the growing child request for you to stop treating them like babies, or the old person whose body is in decline say I still got my mind.

Puberty is when a child's body matures into a body capable of sexual reproduction and is completed when an adult body has been developed. On average, girls begin puberty at ages 10–11 and complete puberty at ages 15–17; boys generally begin puberty at ages 11–12 and complete puberty at ages 16–17.  It is in this stage of development that so many people lose control of their sensual appetite, are taken advantage of, and suffer mental, physical, and emotional damage that may affect them for the rest of their mortal lives.

Adolescence is the bodily transitional teenage years from puberty to legal adulthood resulting in physical growth and cognitive mental development extending into the early twenties which some called the rebellious teens when the person becomes more independent in thoughts and desires. It is in this stage of development that Godly and governmental authority must be emphasized to prevent many mistakes that lead to criminal records damaging the persons prospects and hopes for the future.

Aging the process of becoming older brings about many changes in a human being over time, encompassing physical, psychological, and social changes. Reaction time, for example, may slow with age, while knowledge of world events and wisdom may expand. Aging is among the greatest known risk factors for most human diseases which most people die from as they progress through their mortal biological lifecycle. Aging symptoms experienced by most people during their lifetimes are similar. Teenagers lose ability to hear high-frequency sounds above 20 kHz, wrinkles develop, female fertility declines after the mid-twenties,  body mass begin to decrease after age 30 with muscles responding less to exercise and began losing strength, heart become weaker and maximum rate declines, after 35 vision loss increases and focusing on close objects become more difficult,  usually after age 45 the hair may begin to turn grey and is fully noticeable around age 50 with some hair loss in males and females, females ability to have children come to an end called menopause which occurs between 44 and 58 years of age, in the 60–80 age joint pain, bone pain called osteoarthritis rises,  hearing loss (presbycusis) inhibiting spoken communication increases, further eye sight decrease with most people developing cataracts, bodily frailty resulting in decreased strength, physical activity, physical performance and energy, narrowing and hardening of the arteries or various types of atherosclerosis is generally the most common aging process that lead to death the ending of the mortal life cycle.

 When you are aware of the calendar or cycle of life, it helps you to understand the bible better and make wiser decisions and better choices in your life.  You know that God will bless you and keep you as you pass through each stage.

PSALMS 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Let us consider  the Priest Zacharias who responded to the Angel based on the Calendar of life or what is commonly called the cycles of human life.  No matter how long a person lives, they are subject to or will experience the natural order of life unless God intervenes with a miracle.  It is reported that the longest recorded life span in this modern age was a woman who died at 122 years old in 1997.  Even though she lived longer than Moses, her natural forces had failed her, and the diseases of aging had ravaged her body unlike Moses whose natural forces never abated.  These examples revealed to us the power of God to sustain us based on his sovereign will.  So that when we pray, we make our request within the calendar of life and always conclude adding Lord willing, or thine will be done.

LUKE 1:1 - 16 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,   Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;  It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,   That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.  There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.  And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.  And they had no child because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.  And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,   According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.  And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.  And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.  But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.  And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.  For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.  And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

This is proof of the receipt of the Holy Ghost before Pentecost on select people and not all flesh.  So that the Holy Ghost was not yet given or fallen on all flesh until the establishment of the Church on the Day of Pentecost commonly referred to as the birthday of the New Testament Church.  It is apparent that the Priest Zachariah and his wife had been praying for a Child.  And God was answering their prayer when they were beyond the natural calendar of life’s childbearing years for a woman.  Many time God answers prayers beyond the natural order of life and gives clear evidence in his miraculous power.  This does not mean that all people will experience this type of miracle, but it shows that whatever God promises will be fulfilled and is not limited by time and space.  There is no failure in him for the things that are according to his will.  Therefore there is no reason to doubt anything that God promises.

LUKE1:17 - 22 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.  And Zacharias said unto the angel, whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.  And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.  And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.  And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.  And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them and remained speechless.

Most of us would have answered or asked the question the same way if we are looking at the cycle of life and the logical order.  But after the Angel of the Lord identifies himself, we must believe in the Power of God.  We must always check everything we do or say because most people speak from desire and lust rather than from the power and purpose of God.  If it will bring them gain, they will say what another person needs to hear even when it is not the truth.  God had a purpose in the miraculous birth of John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming God in a natural mortal life form as Son of God according to the prophecies of Isaiah and others.  Perhaps one of the reasons why so many people are made merchandise by religious showmanship in healing is their failure to recognize the purpose of God and the calendar of life.  Apostles, Prophets, Bishops, Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Brothers, and Sisters grow old and die the same as everyone else in the world. So that when we pray, the Lord Jesus Christ, God almighty taught us to pray after this manner:

LUKE 11:1 - 4 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.  And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.  Give us day by day our daily bread.  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

LUKE 11:9 - 13 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?  Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

So, we come to God in pray acknowledging his Holiness asking for the presence of his kingdom and surrendering to his will not creating a request to be seen of men and making merchandise of people. When it comes to selling you a product or making merchandise of you, a salesperson can pour syrup in a bottle and put the face of an athlete or pretty woman on the bottle using too much makeup with false features and write, “Finally a scientific breakthrough that heals all your pains” on the bottle and most people would buy it and believe in it because it is what they want to hear…. The development of a medicine that heals all our sickness and gives us longevity.  As your understanding increases you will begin to see that the Holy Spirit, the word of God dispels the myths and deceit of evil so that you can function in the true will of God.  You will become wise as you live out your mortal life and transition into everlasting life knowing that this is the purpose and will of God who set all things in order at his pleasure. Death of the mortal life will be nothing more than transition into everlasting life. The issue is where will you spend eternity.  In the presence and joy of the Lord or in the lake of fire. 

EPHESIANS 5:5 - 20 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)   Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.  But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;   Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

You know the order of God and the plan of God for your life.  You know that he will never leave you or forsake you when you make your request according to his will.
Time and chance happens to all of us and there is a time and a season for all things. You know to follow the calendar of you life cycle in making your natural, health, financial decisions and walking in love, obedience, and holiness in your spiritual decisions receiving everlasting life redeeming or making full accounting of the time period of your life and the time period of the world you live in. Lord God Jesus Christ help us to recognize the moments of our life according to your perfect will. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty. Amen

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 and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and continue in prayer until you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign following speaking with other tongues as the spirit gives you utterances.  That you will leave the principles of the Gospel and go on to perfection overcoming the love of the world, the lust of the flesh 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. Amen

With perfect love,
Apostle Dennis G. Smith

Guide to opening small Church Meetings after June 12, 2020

Please be aware that if someone with coronavirus comes into the Church building it may contain infection for 72 hours afterwards unless cleaning is carried out.  Remember that the Church building is being accessed by other people undertaking essential work such as construction contractors, cleaning and maintenance personnel so that the proper safety protocols must be followed such as social distancing, and the use of personal protective equipment such as mask, gloves, and possibly face shields.  Because of the risk of infection, it is best that you get tested for the virus to protect yourself and others before attending a small meeting of 10 or less people as the restrictions are lifted.

     If multiple people are entering the building, even one at a time they must  maintain  the six feet apart  social distancing recommendations.
All individuals entering the building must be warned of the risks to their lives should someone enter not following safety protocols calling reckless endangerment to others as faith in God which is absolute foolishness.   A record of who goes in the building and when will be kept with proper regard for the risk of transmission. A supply of hand sanitizer, mask, and gloves will be kept with the record near the main entrance to the church. It is best for people to bring their own pens to use or wear gloves when touching all surfaces including Bibles.  A record of who is in the building and when will be maintained so that if there is an incident at the Church it will be clear who was the last person known to have been in the building.  Do not listen to those who call safety guidelines lack of faith or who have a poor understanding of the doctrine on fear. Fear is only detrimental to your soul when you are afraid to live a holy life because of what people will say or do to you, or you have no reverence and love for the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty.

Reports from Churches on covid-19 deaths and attempts to reopen in person services:

 Many churches in New York City have been significantly impacted, with one losing twelve members to Covid-19. Recently, two denominational churches in Texas and Georgia reopened services pursuant to state guidelines but had to stop them because of new infections in their congregations including the death of a pastor.

ABC News identified at least 33 African American bishops, reverends and pastors who led various denominations around the country who have died from the coronavirus, according to an analysis of news reports. There were seven in Michigan (including two from the same church), seven in Louisiana, six in New York, three in Illinois, two in Mississippi, two in Georgia, two in New Jersey, one in Virginia, one in Tennessee, one in Alabama and one in Missouri.

COGIC is reporting the lost seven bishops to the coronavirus.

UPCI is reporting the lost of various Pastors and their wives to covid-19.

The lead pastor of a Church in Harlem said 13 members of his predominantly African American church died because of the coronavirus.

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 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.

•          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.

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.