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: July 4, 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 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.

·        As of July 1, 2021, the City of Atlanta, Georgia remains in Phase 4 of the Reopening Plan.   

·        Social distancing is recommended to control the spread or for individual safety.   Gatherings with face mask and social distancing are allowed.

·         Covid-19 vaccinations in Georgia are offered to everyone 12 years of age and older.  Note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 12 and older.

     We are continuing limited in-person services with face mask, social distancing, and temperature checks.  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:

Pointing Out The Unfruitful Works of Darkness…!

Ephesians 5:11 (5:1-33)

  During this Showers of Blessing Week, we are focusing on the empowerment to point out the unfruitful works of darkness.  Some people are afraid to stand up for the Word of God.  When they are comforted with their own family members, neighbors, classmates, or fellow workers on the job they may quickly turn from their faithful walk according to the Bible and conform to the ways of the world.  We are praying that God will empower everyone who have weakness in this area with showers of victory to stand for the Word of God. We are picking up from our series, “The Question of Obedience”.

Two commands are offered in Ephesians 5:11. “The First Command is that believers are to completely avoid participating in sin.”  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness….

Apostle Paul's command informs us that sinful behavior does not produce good works, sin is a waste of time, sin is a part of the evil works of darkness, which is opposed to those living in light of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

John 3:19 - 20 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

     Apostolic Christian believers should not imitate the world or be controlled by worldly things.   Christians are to be filled with the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of God Almighty, led by the Spirit of God, and controlled by the Spirit of God.  

     Specific sinful behavior such as sexual immorality, disrespectful crude speech, hatred of people, or any other works of impurity should not be a part of the Christian daily life.  Notice that this text does not deal with relating to people but rather relating to the conduct that is sinful according to the word of God.

     The second command is to do more than simply avoiding sinful behavior and conduct, but the Apostolic Christian must unmask, reveal, or point out sinful behavior, sinful conduct, or all conduct and attitudes that are wrong, unrighteous, and not Holy!!!   …. But rather reprove them.

Ephesians 5:11 - 14  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.

Let us use Amplified Biblical statements in modern English to reveal that Apostolic Christian Believers are to make known to the world all sinful conduct and behavior.  We are not to be offset by those who accuse us of judging them.  Sin is sin whether they like it or not, which will lead to eternal damnation: 

Ephesians 5:1-11 Amplified

1 THEREFORE BE imitators of God, copy Him and follow His example, as his children whom he loves by  imitating his Holy and Righteous nature.

2 And walk in love, esteeming each other, delighting in each other and desiring good for one another, the same way in which the Lord Jesus Christ has loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God for you, so that it became a sweet fragrance. [Ezek. 20:41.]

 3 But immorality, fornication, adultery, sexual vice, pornography, and all impure of lustful, wasteful living or greediness must not even be named among you, as is fitting and proper among Saints of God, Christian believer who are consecrated and devoted to God.

4 Let there be no filthiness, disrespectful, obscene, indecent, foolish, sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming of Christian believers; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God.

 5 For be sure of this: that no person practicing sexual immoral conduct, pornography  or impurity in thought or in life, or one who is covetous or a person who has lustful desire for the property of others and is greedy for gain—who is in effect is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God [these people are bound for hell and will not be saved].

6 Let no one delude and deceive you with empty excuses and groundless arguments [for these sins], for through or by these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of rebellion and disobedience.

7 So do not associate or be sharers with them in their sinful conduct.  Do not join in with them or participate in their dark sinful behavior.

8 For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the Holy lives of those who are born again, filled with the Holy Ghost and have a new Holy nature of Light].

9 For the fruit of the Holy Ghost, the fruit of the Spirit of God, the things that are produced by the Holy Ghost is in every form of goodness, uprightness of heart, righteousness and truthfulness of life. The Holy Ghost will produce a life of righteousness and truthfulness in all aspects of life.

10 And live daily or let your daily conduct and behavior produce evidence of what is pleasing to the Lord letting your lifestyle be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him. 

11 Take no part in sinful behavior or conduct and have no fellowship with the fruitless, useless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead let your lives expose, reprove, convict, manifest or make known to the people of the world that they are living in sin.  Ephesians 5:1-11 Amplified biblical statements in modern English.

 Again the Two commands in this verse are: “The First Command is that believers are to completely avoid participating in sin.”  Apostle Paul informs us that sinful behavior does not produce good works, sin is a waste of time, sin is a part of the evil works of darkness, which is opposed to those living in light of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

  Christians are not to imitate the world or be controlled by worldly things.  Christians are to be filled with the Spirit, led by the Spirit, and controlled by the Spirit.  Specific sinful behavior such as sexual immorality, crude speech, hatred of people should not be a part of the Christian daily life.  Notice that this part of the text deals with living among people in the world and avoiding all conduct that is sinful and not righteous according to the word of God.

The second command is to do more than avoiding sinful behavior and conduct, but the Apostolic Christian must reprove, unmask, reveal, or point out sinful behavior or conduct!!!

     Notice that this part of the text deals with pointing out behavior that is not according to the Word of God.  This does not mean speak in graphic detail about certain sinful actions because that may further promote sinful desires.

Ephesians 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

     However, Christian believers must define right and wrong behavior and encourage others (and themselves) to live according to what is right. In this teaching Apostle Paul reveals to all people that those who often accuse or make a charge against Christians of being "judgmental," are in error when they say things against Christian believers who speak against the sinful ways of worldly people whose behavior or conduct is not in obedience to the Word of God.  

     When a Christians warns or admonishes a person about sinful ways, today some people may use the term indicating that we are giving them strong love, tough or tuff love in saving a person from the eternal fires of hell.

     It is true that Apostolic Christian teachers should use wisdom, perhaps some discretion, and use righteous, humble judgment in understanding the meaning of judgement by reflecting on our own selves and how we overcame sin and not judging by religious ceremonial behavior or by appearance.  But we cannot be afraid to tell people about condemnation and the fires of hell.  We must also realize that sometimes strong words may be appropriate to save a person from the bad influences in their life.

John 7:23 - 24 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance but judge righteous judgment.

     Apostolic Christians are actually commanded as believers to point out sin, for the benefit of causing other people to turn from their sinful ways.  Just think, if no one made known to other people the way to living a Holy lifestyle then how would people find salvation and eternal life?

James 5:19 - 20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins.

      When we understand the need to avoid the unfruitful works of darkness and to expose sin, this requires all Apostolic Christians believers to check themselves to avoid sinful behavior, conduct or any wrong actions themselves and encourage purity and unity in the body of Christ. In other words, we must first remove the beam or mote from our own eye then we will understand how to encourage and help others to overcome sin.

     The Apostolic Christian must examine their own personal life and walk circumspectly which mean to walk cautiously considering all circumstances or things that are sinful and the consequences or punishment that will result from wrong behavior.   We must be wise and have a good understanding of sinful attitudes and actions, we must consider or redeem the time knowing that we have a limited life span in the natural body so we must have productive use of time, focusing on God's will, and joining together with other believers for worship.

      Apostle Paul’s instructions on how Christians should live out their faith teaches us that rather than imitating the world, or being controlled by worldly things, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit.  Specific acts of sin such as sexual immorality, disrespectful crude speech, and wasting of time are discouraged.   Instead, believers ought to submit to one another and not engage in conflict with each other out of respect for Christ, providing a powerful witness to the world. 

     Various Bible translation use different words, but all say and promote the same teaching or speak the same thing…

Ephesians 5:11, NIV: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

Ephesians 5:11, ESV: "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

Ephesians 5:11, KJV: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

Ephesians 5:11, NASB: "Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;"

Ephesians 5:11, NLT: "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them."

Ephesians 5:11, CSB: "Don't participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them."

Notice the contrast or comparison with Walking in the light versus the walking in unfruitful works of darkness:

1.   "life modelled on the love of the Lord God Jesus Christ" which brings eternal salvation... opposed to a "life following with sinful conduct and behavior" which causes God's anger and eternal damnation.

2.   "life in the light" obeying the Word of God…. opposed to a "life full of hidden sin or shamefulness" disobeying the Word of God.

3.   A wise life being sober, alert, and guided by the Spirit…opposed to an unwise life relying on strong drink, illicit drugs or practicing drunkenness.

Notice the Showers of Empowerment:

• ·    The Guidance to redeem the time because the days are evil, buying up for yourselves the opportunity to live a Holy lifestyle, exposed sinful ways, and promote obedience to Godly commands.
• 
  
• ·        The guidance indicating that you should not be unwise or engage in sinful foolish behavior but understand what the will of the Lord is.
• 
  
• ·        The guidance indicating that you should not be drunk with wine or engage in excessive use of alcoholic or other mind-altering illicit drugs in which results in dissipation which means a lifestyle which is reckless, foolish, lack of self-control, wild useless sexual whoredoms full of the sensual appetites of Sodom and Gomorrah revealed in Genesis 13 Chapter leading to eternal damnation in the fires of hell; but instead be filled with the Spirit which will bring about true love, peace, joy, goodness, longsuffering, patience leading to eternal life.

     When we examine Acts 2^nd Chapter, we can see the clear difference between one that is filled with the Spirit versus one filled with excessive alcoholic beverage or illicit drugs.   On the Day of Pentecost the birthday of the Church, the effect of the being filled with the Gift of the Holy made the people who witnessed this outpouring from God Almighty think that the Saints of God was drunk with new wine because they were under the control of the Spirit of God and began to speak with tongues as the Spirit of God gave them utterances, which led to a change of nature and a Holy lifestyle.  The difference is that wine, strong drink, or illicit drugs taken in excess results in drunkenness, dissipation or wild, reckless, foolish, lack of self-control behavior and conduct, whereas from the fullness of the Spirit came the praise of God from the heart, and a life lived in obedience to the commandments of God.

     From the light of a Holy lifestyle will come basic household rules which will produces a Godly Holy society. Most teachers acknowledge that the health and stability of the society, government, or nations of the world depend on the relationships within the household or the family the foremost institution in the world.  Husband and wife, father and children in Christian households are patterned after the unselfish, sacrificial love of Christ.  This Christian love reflects itself in:

• ·        Christians submitting to one another.
• ·        Wives, submitting to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
• ·        Husbands loving your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, so husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself because she is one body with him.  When this understanding is clear, the marriage bond is special in producing a Godly world.

We continue with part of a Message from Apostle S. McDowell Shelton …. “There Shall Be Showers OF Blessings” ………

"THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS"

By Bishop S. McDowell Shelton

     You come and hear the truth of God, because that is the only thing, we are going to tell you. We are not interested in telling you anything but the truth, because it profits us nothing to tell you a lie.

      We are not seeking anything from anybody, other than that you would repent of your sins, and be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins. Then, you must receive the gift of the Holy in other tongues as the Spirit gives you utterance and continue on to perfection. 

     You may hear a lot of different ideas and philosophies that might catch a little rainfall for a little while, but the thing we are offering is something that will last when other things go out of style. That which we are offering stays constant amidst all the excitement; and when the dust is cleared away and the show is over —it will still be there, for it is eternal.  What we are offering is sure and secure, something that is perfect, something that will give you a hope.  It will give you an assurance, it will give you a steadfastness, it will give you a life beyond what you see,  beyond what you think—beyond what you could possibly hope for.

      All things that are good, all things that are right, all things that are just will be granted unto you.  We are presently having a Shower of Blessings Week that is really a preview of the shower of blessings which shall come.

In EZEKIEL 34:23 it says:  And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

     In other words, God is not going to have all of these different kinds of false prophets over His people. He is going to have one shepherd over them, because when you get so many diversities of opinions the people will not know exactly-what to eat. When there is only one pasture in which to feed, they will not have to be confused or undecided.    

(And Jesus Christ is the One and only God, the good Shepherd, and the Chief Shepherd… John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.)

(1Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  1Peter 5:3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 1Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

EZEKIEL 34:24 - 25 And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.  And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

     You will not have any anything to fear. You will not have to worry about muggers on the street who creep by night. You will not have to be concerned about the drug addicts, or the reefer smokers. You will not have to worry about someone walking up fast you and grabbing you, and the next thing you know you wake up in a hospital. You will be able to sleep in the woods and not have to worry or wonder if you will be the victim for the horror headline of someone slicing up a body. Not only will the wild and ravenous beast be quieted, but the beast in man also will be taken out.

EZEKIEL 34:26 - 28 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.  And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.  And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.

     But in the meantime, He is not leaving us comfortless. In the meantime, He is not leaving us hopeless.  In the meantime, he is not leaving us desolate, because as His gospel drops as the rain and His speech distills as the dew, there is a blessing for those who wait on Him and wait patiently on Him. There is indeed a blessing in store for them who have trusted in the Lord and have made Him their sure tower, made Him their fortress. It is true that even those who trust in God, who believe in God have afflictions. But it is not all pain, it is not all poverty, it is not all sickness. There are some good days, there are some good times, there are some happy hours, there are some blessings, there are some days when you can thank the Lord with joy and peace. They may be few and far in between, but nevertheless, they are on their way.

          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.  If you wish to worship with us, please send you email address to:  info@mininstersof Jesuschrist.com and we will email you a link to join the service.  We start the zoom service after 2:00 pm.  The online zoom service will not take place on July 4, 2021. We wish everyone a Happy Holiday!! We will resume the on Sunday, July 11, 2021.

      You are invited to attend and be a part of the Ministers of Jesus Christ Church Services on Zoom at/or about 2:00pm.  Which are also published on Facebook through Holy Tabernacle, Ministers of Jesus Christ Apostolic Church, and Ministers of Jesus Christ Church or Dennis Smith Facebook timeline.  You will need to download the zoom app to your cell phone, laptop computer, or tablet to activate your connection.  Go to Google Play Store to get your free zoom app and install it on your cell phone, laptop computer or tablet.  When you see the zoom link sent to your email address, click or tap on the link and to open the connection.  Then click or tap on the camera and microphone icon to join the service and select internet.  We look forward to seeing you and worshipping with you in the Lord!  You may also give freewill offerings through Givelify, Cash App, Visa, Master Card, American Express Credit and Bank cards or PayPal.  Use cash app link name ($MinistersofJesus935).

Currently the following groups are eligible for COVID vaccine in Georgia:

     Everyone age 12 and older.  Note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 12 and older. People younger than 18 years of age are not authorized to receive either the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

 Present Guidelines for Individual and Businesses in PHASE 4

·        Limited trips outside.

·        Wearing a face mask in some indoor public facilities is a mandate.

·        Frequent hand washing.

·        Continue to practice Social distancing.

·        Increased occupancy in food and retail establishments with social distancing and other protective measures.

·        Begin phasing in non-essential workers return to on sight working with safety precautions including social distancing and temperature checks.

·        Frequent cleaning of public and high touch areas

·        Small gatherings with social distancing

·        Some essential and non-essential City facilities and programs may begin to open.

·        City continues to accept special event applications subject to COVID safety requirements

·        Continue communication with local and State authorities to monitor public health metrics

 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 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.