Date: May 9, 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 May 5, 2021, the City of Atlanta, Georgia remains in Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan due to the infection rate of the coronavirus.   

·        Social distancing is recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to control the spread or for individual safety.

·         Covid-19 vaccinations in Georgia are offered to everyone 16 years of age and older.  Note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 16 and older.

 

     We are continuing online and limited in-person services through Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube to maintain safety protocols.   In-Person 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:

 

 Happy Mother’s Day 2021

 By Apostle Dennis G. Smith

 

GEN3:20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

     The mother of all living should be a term that is remembered by all people because we all know that without the pains of our mothers, none of us would be alive today.  While it is true that God made Adam from the dust of the ground as the first human being it is also equally true that God made Eve from the rib of Adam and she became the Mother of all human beings other than Adam himself.  This should reveal to us all, the important of honoring our mothers.  

     Because Eve is the Mother of all living, this proves that all human beings are brothers and sisters of one father and mother.  On this day most people in the United States of America and many other places around the world will take the time to emphasize the important of our mothers.  Though we honor our father and our mother each day of our life, many will choose this day to show national and international gratitude.  

     Some will begin with the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God in the Flesh as an example of importance because it is through the Birth of Jesus Christ by the Virgin Mary that we have obtained salvation even the forgiveness of sin.

Matthew 1:18 -21 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

     Mary's example of motherhood in giving birth to God Almighty in a natural body gives perhaps one of the greatest witness to the importance of honoring our mothers.  She exhibits also examples of motherly love in family life with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Mary’s example of a mother’s desire to make everyone happy is one of the most moving scriptures in the Bible.  This is also known as the first miracle performed by the Lord God Jesus Christ while he was here in flesh and blood when he turned water into wine which proved his supernatural power.

John 2:1 - 11  And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:   And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.  And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.  His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.   And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.  Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.  And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.  When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,   And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.  This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

     When all seemed lost it is the Mother who will stand by you until the End, this is what Mary did, for she was there at the crucifixion of her son the Lord God Jesus Christ as he paid the price for the sins of all believers.  We see this example in many mothers around the world who will remain faithful and in love for their children until their very last breath.  Most of us can testify of our complete comfort provided by our mothers no matter what situation they were confronted with.  While there have been bad mothers who turned away from their children, most mothers will stand by their children even if it endangers their own life.

John 19:25 - 28 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!   Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.  After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

      Mary, his mother, and the natural brothers of the Lord Jesus Christ were there with the eleven apostles who are gathered in the upper room after the Ascension of the Lord Jesus where the Apostle to replace Judas was chosen.

Acts 1:14 - 17 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.  And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)   Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.  For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

And in this example of a Mother’s love for her child, we see the fulfilment of many blessings in the promise of the Holy Ghost to all believers in the world, the Birthday of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one and only plan of salvation, the Blessed Hope of the Rapture of the Saints of God and the future return of Jesus Christ to establish the Millennium Kingdom.

Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

     So, we honor our Mothers today as we do everyday in a worldwide day of remembrance of the special place that the Lord God Almighty has given to them.  We do so in prayer that they will receive continuous gratitude from all of their children for the many labors and pains that they endure to nourish us all.

Ephesian 6:2 - 4 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.  And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

     The scripture teaches us to address them with respect, not to use loud voice tones and disrespectful words.  But to ask them earnestly and address them with sincere, serious words as those who has produced a major part as to why you are alive today and is a major important role in your present life. We should always show appreciation and gratitude for them and the role they have in the continuation of human life.

1Timothy 5:1 – 2   Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

     History records Anna Jarvis as the one who wanted to set aside a day to honor all mothers because she believed a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world".   Anna Jarvis was successful in founding Mother's Day, but she became resentful of the commercialization of the holiday.  Anna Jarvis believed that the companies had misinterpreted and exploited the idea of Mother's Day and that the emphasis of the holiday was intended to be on sentiment for the Mothers of the world, not the money-making profit of companies.  Money-making and profit of companies have tarnished many holidays meant for the elevation of love in the family unit and the community at large, but this should not be a cause for failing to put forth the principle intended by the holiday.  Anna Jarvis wanted people to appreciate and honor their mothers through handwritten letters expressing their love and gratitude.

     To all the women and Mothers around the world, May God continue to make you a great wonder, a woman clothed with the Sun in bringing forth life to the entire human family.

Revelations 12:1 - 2 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:   And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

     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

 

The online service Zoom link is sent out each Sunday at or before 2:00 pm to the Saints registered email addresses.  We start the service after 2:00 pm.  

·         Everyone age 16 and older

 

 

 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 recommended 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.