Ministers of Jesus Christ
Assemblies of The Apostolic Faith
Atlanta, Georgia - USA
Apostle Dennis G. Smith, Pastor and Spiritual Overseer
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Ministers of Jesus Christ Assemblies of The Apostolic Faith Atlanta, Georgia - USA Apostle Dennis G. Smith, Pastor and Spiritual Overseer |
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Date: October 31,
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.
We are continuing limited 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
weeks encouraging words of growth focuses on:
Telling the
Truth about Halloween (part 2)
By Apostle
Dennis G. Smith
On
Last week, we focused on the memorial of dead family and church members which is
one of the areas for which this celebration is intended. Pamphlets
and reports have been written that indicate that Halloween
originated from paganism. Also there is written evidence that the
professing Church came to accept and keep this day by commemorating the death of
the Saints.
One
pamphlet state that in the A D. 800's the Catholic Church established All Saints
Day on November 1, so that people could continue a festival they had celebrated
before becoming Christians. The mass that was said on this day was called
Allhallowmass. The evening before became known as All Hallow e'en
or Halloween.... which means hallowed or holy evening." This may
be the reason why there is excessive commercialization and sales of items that
relate to death. Now let us look at some of the things that have
negative implications as it pertains to these celebrations. We can
readily see how the dead was handled according to the scriptures and that
certain things were forbidden.
You must not
make any marks or prints on your body for the dead.
Leviticus 19:28
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks
upon you: I am the LORD.
Numbers 19:11 He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven
days.
Deuteronomy 14:1 - 2 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut
yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. For thou art
an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a
peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Some of the dead Patriots was spoken of by the Lord Jesus Christ as living even though their nature body and life was dead.
Matthew 22:31 - 32 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not
read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of
Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the
dead, but of the living.
The resurrection of the dead is spoken of concerning those who had done good and those who had done evil.
John 5:28 - 29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that
are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they
that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done
evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Acts 24:14 - 15 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way
which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things
which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there
shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
We can all clearly see that recognition of death, remembrance of the dead, and things pertaining to life after death is not sin and should be involved in the normal teachings about the cycle of life because dying is something that we will all experience as it pertains to our natural flesh and blood bodies. But we must always reject and not take part in anything done on the day celebrated as Halloween that is evil concerning witches and evils spirits. This does not make the day itself evil, but we are not to partake in any element of a celebration that is evil. October 31 through November 2 is just another group of days that the Lord Jesus Christ have made, and we should continue to rejoice and be glad in them living a Holy life just like we would do any other day and time in the year.
In some of the cultures around the world this time is known as the
ending of the summer season and the time of the fall when the leaves on the tree
begin to die and fall bringing in the fall period which to some of the pagans
indicated a time of death which is the ending or conclusion of the natural life
cycle.
Many people associate death with the devil and sin because the
wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life. Some
may conclude that the devil has the power of death which may be why devils and
demons are associated with Halloween it is known as the commemoration of death. But
we as Christians know that it is appointed unto man once to die when speaking of
the natural body, therefore we also know that we have victory over death through
the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by believing and obeying his commandments.
Hebrews 2:14 17 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of
flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that
through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the
devil; And
deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to
bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but
he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it
behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and
faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the
sins of the people.
We know that all true believers have the power to cast out devils, take up
serpents and as a result we can defeat demons and devils and not be possessed by
an evil spirit.
Mark 16:16 - 19 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Read also Matthew 12:43, 1 John 4:4, 2 Corinthians 6:15
The Bible itself reveals that demons have the ability to possess unbelievers or people who are not true believers. There is scriptural proof that demons have affected people by making them mute (Matthew 9:32), causing the person to harm themselves (Mark 9:22), and even speaking through them (Mark 5:9) this should not make true believers afraid, but we must acknowledge that demonic activity exist and is very real.
Demonic activity clearly reveals itself today in gross lying speeches of opposition and
accusations against the Saints of God. Demonic activity may also
reveal itself today in allowing the possessed person to think of themselves as
superior to other people performing limited unnatural wonders, witchcraft, and
divination.
We must also acknowledge the truth that demons do exist and
are a reality in the world today, but they have extremely limited power to cause
problems for believers because we have power to resist them and to cast them
out. But they may tempt believers to fall into sin and desire to
possess or cause trouble to Saints of God.
Luke 22:31 32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan
hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for
thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy
brethren.
Matthew 4:3 4 And when the tempter came
to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made
bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
1Thessolonians 3:5 - 8 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to
know your faith, lest by some means the
tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But
now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your
faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring
greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were
comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For
now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
It is important that we as believers never give the devil any
place in our life. Ephesians
4:27 If we are tempted by any form of
sensual conduct, attitudes, practices, or evil lustful desires, we must continually resist the
attack and not allow evil spirits to have influence over our lives. When we are
faced with moments that are full of evil desires we must resist them, turn from
them, repent if we have fallen and turn back to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
who is God Almighty.
Many Christians consider Halloween to be completely incompatible with the Christian faith due to its pagan origins in the Festival of the Dead celebration. Some historians reports that it was the Druids that held celebrations in honor of Samhain, Lord of the dead, whose festival fell on November 1 as one of the origins of this celebration
The
Scriptures very
explicitly forbids Christians from having anything to do with witchcraft, spiritism,
demons, devils, or curios arts. One writer defines other evil conduct
as divination (a false and pagan counterpart of prophecy; the art act of
foretelling secret knowledge, especially of the future), or an observer of times
(astrology), or an enchanter, ( to cast under a spell; charm; enrapture; to
chant(magic word),or a witch(divination in connection with the worship of
idolatrous and demoniacal powers), or a charmer(fabricator of material charms or
amulets to be worn especially around the neck as a charm against evil or
injury), or a consulter with evil spirits(an inquirer by a familiar spirit), or
a wizard ( a false prophet, especially a conjurer. One who summons
a devil by oath, incantation, or magic spell) or a necromancer (one who in one
form or another seeks to find information by consulting the dead.)
Acts 19:18 - 20 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their
deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together,
and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it
fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God
and prevailed.
Witches: Halloween
is a High Holy day amongst the Wiccan (Witchcraft) religion and we as Christians
reject all forms of witchcraft.
Exodus 22:18 exhorts us "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."
We should not allow any form of witchcraft in our lives.
Leviticus 19:3 Regard not them that have familiar spirits,
neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.
Galatians 5:20 names witchcraft as a work of the flesh, admonishing and warning
that they that do such shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Death: Some
see Halloween as a worship of death and the grave. But to all
Christians, death is swallowed up in victory through our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 So when this corruptible shall have put on
incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be
brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Abstain from all Appearance of Evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. Do
not have any part in anything that is evil.
Ephesians 5:11 - 17 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.
We are to continually point out, reveal or make known all things that are evil,
sinful or that are not correct according to the word of God.
Isaiah 8:19 20 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them
that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should
not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To
the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is
because there is no light in them.
Anyone that advises a person to seek after witches, devils and the dead are not following the Word of God and the Light of Jesus Christ the one who is God Almighty.
The Times and Dates Chosen as Halloween
It is reported that in 835, All Hallows' Day was officially
switched to 1 November, the same date as Samhain, at the behest of Pope Gregory
IV. Some suggest this was due to Celtic influence, while others
suggest it was a Germanic idea, although it is claimed that both Germanic and
Celtic-speaking peoples commemorated the dead at the beginning
of winter as it is a time of dying in nature. Christians
in some parts of the world visit cemeteries to pray and place flowers and
candles on the graves of their loved ones.
Trick-or-Treating
"Souling", the custom of baking and sharing soul cakes for all christened souls,
has been suggested as the origin
of trick-or-treating. The
custom dates back at least as far as the 15th century and was found in parts of
England, Flanders, Germany and Austria. Groups of poor people,
often children, would go door-to-door during All Hallowtide, collecting soul
cakes, in exchange for praying for the dead, especially the souls of the givers'
friends and relatives. Soul cakes would also be offered for the
souls themselves to eat, or the 'soulers' would act as their representatives. As
with the Lenten tradition of hot cross buns, Allhallowtide soul cakes were often
marked with a cross, indicating that they were baked as alms.
On the custom of wearing
costumes, It
has been reported that some had superstitious beliefs that the souls of the
departed wandered the earth until All Saints' Day, and All Hallows' Eve provided
one last chance for the dead to gain vengeance on their enemies before moving to
the next world. In order to avoid being recognized by any soul
that might be seeking such vengeance, people would wear masks or costumes to
disguise their identities.
It is also claimed that in the Middle Ages, churches that were too poor to display the relics or objects of martyred saints at Allhallowtide let parishioners dress up as saints instead. Some Christians continue to observe this custom at Halloween today.
Carved jack-o'-lantern
While Souling, Christians would carry with them "lanterns made of hollowed-out
turnips". It has been suggested that the carved jack-o'-lantern,
a popular symbol of Halloween, originally represented the souls of the dead.
Soul
lights
On Halloween, in medieval Europe, fires served a dual purpose, being lit to
guide returning souls to the homes of their families, as well as to deflect
demons from haunting sincere Christian folk.
Prayers and fasting
On Halloween (All Hallows' Eve), some Christian believers were once taught to
pray out loud as they walk through the forests in order that the souls of the
dead might find comfort. Worshippers prepared themselves for
feasting on All Saints' Day with prayers and fasting. After the
service, a visit to the graveyard or cemetery, where flowers and candles are
often placed in preparation for All Hallows' Day. Many people
visit the cemeteries on All Hallows' Eve to light votive candles in some
countries.
Reformation Day (A
Date and Event to Remember)
It was on October 31, 1517, that Martin Luther published, by
attaching to the church door, his ninety-five Theses declaring Justification by
Faith. This is the date that many Christians remember. Other
Protestant Christians also celebrate All Hallows' Eve as Reformation
Day, a day to remember the Protestant Reformation, alongside All Hallow's
Eve or independently from it. This is because Martin Luther is
said to have nailed his Ninety-five Theses to All Saints' Church in Wittenberg
on All Hallows' Eve. Often, "Harvest Festivals" or "Reformation
Festivals" are held on All Hallows' Eve, in which children dress up as Bible
characters or Reformers.
Gospel Tracts
This is also reported to be the time in which the most gospel
and doctrinal tracts are distributed, passed out, and given freely to many
people to reach lost souls and sinners around the world or to teach bible
doctrine in short form. The spreading of the gospel and doctrinal
teaching is what all Apostolic Christian believers should continue to do and
take advantage of during this time of the year and every day in the year.
In addition to distributing candy to children who are
trick-or-treating on Hallowe'en, many Christians also provide
gospel tracts to them. It is reported
that one organization, the American
Tract Society, stated that around 3
million gospel tracts are ordered from them alone for
Hallowe'en celebrations. Others order Halloween-themed Scripture
Candy to pass out to children on this day.
We
should all be
able to clearly see from this
short message that Halloween has both pagan and Christian elements that deal
with death and the salvation of the human soul. As
Apostolic Christian Saints, we should all continue
to live Holy every day and seek the salvation of all mankind every day of the
year.
Sirs, What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Written by
Apostle S. C. Johnson
This
was the question of the Philippian Jailer. No doubt this man was
religious and had professed to have known God. But when he faced
the apostles who had the only gospel, he found himself unsaved. Like
many today, when their religious experience is brought up against the standard
of the word of God they find themselves unsaved.
I
am sure that there are many people today who have been in churches for years--no
doubt have been deacons, trustees, missionaries, etc., and with all of that
there is an unrest and dissatisfaction until they are asking themselves the
question, Am I really saved? And what proof have I, that I can
know of a truth, that I have a Bible salvation? And if Jesus
Christ should come would I be ready to meet Him or am I deceived?
Dear
reader, the only way to know we're saved is to know according to God's Eternal
Word.
I've
heard many times of ministers converting people and saying they were saved
without any Bible proof, telling people to bow their heads and raise their
hands, and accept Jesus Christ right where they are. And when they do that they
say so many got saved through our ministry.
I want to say to
you in the name of Jesus Christ, and according to God's Eternal Word that is
just as far from the truth and being saved as the East is from the West.
They never
mention repentance or Baptism to the people, and they do not mention
receiving the Holy Ghost, yet say they are saved.
Dear
reader, let us now turn to the word of God, and see what the word of God has to
say about it. Romans 3:4 says: Let God be
true and every man a liar. Now we will here outline the plan of
salvation according to the word of God.
John
said: He indeed baptized with water unto repentance: but Jesus Christ would
baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. John didn't tell them
to raise their hands right where they were and accept Christ. Jesus
Christ, who is our example came to John and was baptized, and He received the
Holy Ghost.( Matthew 3:16)
Jesus
Christ said to Nicodemus, except a man be born again of water and spirit, he
cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. ( St. John 3:5)
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 Apostles 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.
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 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
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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.
ONGOING
GUIDANCE for Yellow Zone
Vaccination
remains the most effective protection against COVID-19
Practice social
distancing
Frequently wash
hands
Frequent
cleaning of public and high touch areas
Practice
telework and staggered office schedules where feasible, with safety measures
Non-essential
City facilities may open to the public. Masking will be mandated for now and the
number of persons indoors may be limited to avoid crowding
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.