Ministers of Jesus Christ
Church of The Lord Jesus Christ
Assemblies of The Apostolic Faith
Atlanta, Georgia - USA
Apostle Dennis G. Smith, Pastor and Spiritual Overseer

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APOSTLE'S MESSAGE

 

Date: April 24, 2022
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 indoor, 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 week’s encouraging words of growth focuses on:
 

 The Beginning and Ending of the Sonship of God
By Apostle Dennis G. Smith
 

     Before we take up the subject of the Second coming of Jesus Christ, we must deal with the issue of the beginning and ending of the Son of God because we are waiting for Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty to return again in a visible bodily form to dwell with mankind on earth in daily life. 

      The beginning and ending of the Sonship of God has been and probably remains a divisive teaching among the believers around the world but it is critical for each person to become aware of this correct teaching of the Apostle's Doctrine as they growth in understanding the word of God.  This subject is perhaps debated among many believers because when we acknowledge the beginning and ending of the Sonship of God, then we all come to under stand that the teaching that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead called the Orthodox Trinity is false and the teaching that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as three titles or three manifestations of one God also sometimes referred to as economic Trinity, which means that the word trinity can only refer to three titles, three roles, or three manifestations of the One and only God is the true Apostle's Doctrine.

      This is because the doctrine called Orthodox Trinity of seperate and distinct persons cannot exist without teaching the eternal Sonship of God which is false doctrine because it is not the teaching of the Biblical Apostle's Doctrine.

     The simple summary then becomes that the One God is Father in creation, was Son in redemption by taking on a flesh and blood body and dying on the cross, and is the Holy Ghost that fills all believers in the Church.

     When the bible speaks of the Son from heaven or the Son of God passing into heaven it is only speaking according to the way that the bodily manifestation of the One and only God is known. When he was born of the Virgin Mary in his first and only natural mortal body coming to live among mankind and to pay the price for the sins of all believers, he was the Son of God because God was the Father of the flesh and blood human body.  In other words, God cause the Virgin Mary to become pregnant by the Holy Ghost. Mary was not made pregnant by contact with a man.

I Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

           All of these scriptures speak of the way the bodily manifestation of God is known according to his birth in the natural body from the Virgin Mary. They do not speak of the character change of the resurrected body.  They remind us that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven in a visible body that vanished into the clouds. And He will return in the same body in which he ascended.
 
Acts 1:9 - 11 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Acts1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
 
These scriptures remind us that we are looking and waiting for the Lord God Almighty our heavenly Father to return in a body that is visible to all people.
     
     The first coming of God in mortal natural bodily form to live among mankind was in a natural flesh and blood body through the Virgin Mary. This was not the first time that God revealed himself in a bodily visible manifestation. But it was the first time that he revealed himself in a bodily form that came from mankind through the house of David by the Virgin Mary. 

     The second coming of God to live among mankind in a bodily manifestation will be the changed resurrected body that came through the linage of King David that he ascended to heaven in. The ascended body which is the unity of humanity and Divinity is the everlasting Father in a glorified bodily form as revealed in Isiah 9:6 because the blood that gave the body a natural life, or Sonship was shed on the cross when he died and paid the price for our sin which was the ending of his Sonship and sacrificial role as the Son of God.  We know him now by his indwelling Spirit, the Holy Ghost and his name Lord Jesus Christ is called the Everlasting Father.

John 14:6 - 14  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. John14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. JOH14:09 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?  JOH14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. JOH14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

    Those who teach the doctrine of the Oneness of God define the term “Son” to mean the manifestation of the one God in the flesh body through the house of David born to the Virgin Mary. The term “Son” can refer to the natural human body of Jesus Christ alone (as in “the Son died”) or to the union of deity and humanity which speaks of the way the glorified resurrected body of the Lord Jesus Christ is known (as in “the Son shall return to earth in glory”).  The term “Son of God” is used to refer to God’s incarnation (the manifestation of God in the visible body that came through the Virgin Mary). The  nonbiblical term “God the Son,” the doctrine of the eternal Son, and the doctrine of the eternal begetting is not correct doctrine according to the bible. The phrase “only begotten Son” does not refer to an eternal spiritual generation of the Son from the Father, but to the miraculous conception of the Lord Jesus Christ in the womb of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Ghost.

    Matthew 1:18 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. Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. Matthew 1:20 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.
 
Luke 1:33 - 35 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?  Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

     Oneness Apostolic Christians do not teach the doctrine of eternal Sonship but instead teach the Apostle's Doctrine of the beginning and ending of the Sonship of God which is a teaching  that is often referred to as the Incarnational Sonship, which teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ preexisted as the Almighty God, but He was not always the Son of God. The Apostle's Doctrine teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ became the Son of God through birth by the Virgin Mary caused by the Holy Ghost.  This means that when God was manifested in the flesh, He became the Son of God at His incarnation or manifestation in a natural flesh and blood body.

1Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

    This should cause all people to understand that those who do not teach the eternal Sonship of Christ continually teach, recognize and affirm His deity, that he is God Almighty and that he has always existed for eternity as a Spirit using spiritual bodily forms before his natural birth in Mary, but has only once used a natural flesh and blood body as the Son and Child of a natural woman the Virgin Mary.
 
     Those who do not believe in the eternal Sonship of Christ also do not believe that sonship is an essential part of Who God is, but instead see Sonship as simply being a role or a title or function that God assumed at His incarnation for the purpose of the bringing Salvation to all believers.  This is not uncommon for it is indicated throughout Church history that many Christians have denied the doctrine of the eternal Sonship of God because it is not the truth according to the Apostle's Doctrine.
     In establishing the beginning of the Son of God, Oneness believers appeal to these scriptural passages:

Luke 1:35 “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” 

Galatians 4:4 “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law” 

Hebrews 1:5 “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” 

     These scriptures clearly establish the beginning of the Son of God in that his natural body was born, and his natural body was made which indicate that his natural body was not eternal. Only his Divine Spirit within the natural flesh and blood body was the eternal God.

      Those who teach the doctrine of the Oneness of God also point to a time when the distinctive role of the Son will end, when the redemptive purpose for which God manifested Himself in flesh will no longer exist. This does not imply that the immortal glorified human body of the Lord Jesus Christ in which he arose from the dead will cease to exist, but only that the mediatorial work and reign of the Son will end. 

     This may sound very confusing unless you understand the makeup of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The natural Body of Flesh and blood was not eternal and begin in the Virgin Mary and the natural life of flesh and blood ended on the cross, but the Spirit that dwelled within the natural Body was God Almighty and was eternal having no beginning or ending. 

     Therefore the Sonship was only related to the natural body itself. The role of the Son will be submerged back into the greatness of God, who will remain in His original role as Father, Creator, and Ruler of all. This explanation which is based on the bible, clearly also establishes that the sonship or roles of the sonship had a beginning and an ending.

 I Corinthians 15:28 “Then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all” 

John 3:14 - 17 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

     When the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead, he arose in the "same body form which " was laid in the grave.  But though it was the same in appearance because it looked like a human man which was its "identity or the way he was known, for he was known as the Son of God, but " it was different in "character." In other words, the distinguishing features or characteristics of the body that arose from the dead was different.  It was so different that many of the disciple did not recognize him because he could change also some appearance features. While the "nail prints" and 'spear wound" were visible the body had changed so that it could pass through closed doors, and appear and disappear at will and become unrecognizable. The body was a spiritual body of “flesh" and "bones" without blood.  And it is the blood that is the life force of a natural mortal human body therefore it was no longer a natural human body.

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Luke 24:34 - 43 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. LUK24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. LUK24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. LUK24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. LUK24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?  LUK24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. LUK24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. LUK24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?  LUK24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. LUK24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

     The resurrected body did not have any blood therefore it was no longer a natural life.  The bible declares that "flesh and blood" cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ changed the natural body into a glorified body because a natural body of flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.

I Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

      The sacrifice for sin, was to be bled, so the Lord Jesus Christ shed His blood on the earth and he did not carry a flesh and blood body to heaven, neither did a flesh and blood body ever exist in heaven. 

      All must understand that there is only one God who is one person. The one and only God existed in heaven and everywhere throughout the universes for the bible tells us that he is God alone. 

Isaiah 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

 

Isaiah 37:16 O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

 

Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

 

Isaiah 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:


God created the world by speaking. God spoke through the Prophets, and God took on flesh and blood and spoke as the Son, but he remained one person. After God took on the flesh and blood body through the Virgin Mary, the natural life died on the cross. Then God resurrected the body by changing it from a natural human body to a glorified human form uniting the Eternal Spirit with the glorified human form which will continue forever. This is the reason the scripture say,” Thy Throne O God, is forever and ever.

 

Hebrews 1:1 - 9 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;  Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Hebrews 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.


        The one and only God used spiritual bodily manifestation or appearance to reveal himself before he took on a flesh and blood body through the Virgin Mary as when Jacob wrestled with a man and declared that he had seen God face to face. In other words, Jacob wrestled with God.

 

Genesis 32:28 - 30 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Genesis 32:29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. Genesis 32:30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

 

 And when he arose from the grave, he had shed the blood of the natural flesh and blood mortal body on the cross for our sins so that the body could die. 

 

     Then He changed the natural flesh and flood body to a spiritual flesh and bone immortal body which is the type of bodily form that he used before his birth in Mary.  God as Father in old time also moved upon mankind by his Holy Spirit also known as the Holy Ghost.  


1Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.


2Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

     And it is now the Father who fills us with his Holy Spirit to empower all believers.  It does not matter how many false teachers reject the true explanations that are from bible context to justify the false doctrine or three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead which imply three Gods which is clearly an error in the use of the word trinity.  This teaching leads to a false baptism using the titles Father, Son and Holy Ghost and never calls the name of the one and only God Almighty which is Jesus Christ.

Next, we will examine the topic " Is Jesus Christ the Son of God Now?" ……
 
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 you must continue in prayer to God asking him for the Holy Ghost, calling on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and waiting or 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.
 
Then you must 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 9:50 am for Eternal Life Church of the Living God and 11:00 am for the general Ministers of Jesus Christ Church services to the Saints and friends who sent in 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 services 10 am each Sunday morning and 7:30 pm each Thursday Evening for Bible Study and Auxiliary meetings. 
 
      You are invited to attend and be a part of the Ministers of Jesus Christ Church Services on  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 tithing and offerings through Givelify, Cash App, Visa, Master Card, American Express Credit and Bank cards or PayPal.  For cash app use the cash app link name ($MinistersofJesus935).
 
Currently the following groups are eligible for COVID vaccine and boosters in Georgia:
     Everyone age 5 and older.  Note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 5 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 Red 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.