Ministers of Jesus Christ Church

Date: August 22, 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 week’s encouraging words of growth focuses on:

The One Plan of Salvation (part 1)

By Apostle Dennis G. Smith

Ephesians 4:4 - 5 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

The plan of salvation is the only way to save humanity from sin and its consequences. In simplicity salvation is the saving of the soul from sin and its consequences leading up to eternal damnation in the lake of fire. It may also be called deliverance or redemption from sin and its effects.

Bishop David K Bernard writes that humans disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, and God instituted redemption and ultimate restoration. While there have been various ages or dispensations in God’s dealings with humans, these ages do not represent different plans of salvation, but they progressively unfold and reveal God’s eternal plan. In the church age we see the fullness of individual restoration; in the Millennium we will see the fullness of corporate restoration. In every age, the basis of salvation is the same.

Salvation is made possible only by the grace of God which is God’s unmerited, unearned favor and love toward all mankind, by each individual’s faith in God which is expressed in works of obedience and good deeds. Salvation has come by grace through faith based on the blood of Christ, and faith is always expressed by obedience to God’s Word. The Bible teaches us that the old carnal nature of man or the works of the flesh is sinful, and that the penalty of sin is death (physical death, spiritual death: spiritual separation from God and eternal punishment in hell).

Galatians 5:19 - 21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 8:1 - 8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Oneness Apostolic Pentecostals teach that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the only means by which atonement can be obtained for dying humanity, and which makes the free gift of God's salvation possible. We believe that all must put faith in the propitiatory work of Christ to gain everlasting life.

This saving faith is more than just mental assent or intellectual acceptance, or even verbal profession, but must include trust, appropriation, application, action, and obedience. Water baptism is one of the works of faith and obedience necessary for Christ's sacrificial atonement to be efficacious.

This is important because many people believe that they can obtain salvation through other means. As an example, some who follow Judaism holds that people who follow Judaism do not need personal salvation as Christians believe. Some Jews do not believe in the doctrine of original sin but believes in the teachings on Moral Law, the Law, given to Moses by God on biblical Mount Sinai.

They may believe that salvation is closely related to the idea of saving people from conditions that destroy human life. They may also believe that God is the universal spirit and Creator of the World and the source of all salvation for humanity, provided an individual honors God by observing his precepts.

So to those who may believe in Judaism redemption or salvation depends on the individual. In Judaism, salvation is open to all people and not limited to those of the Jewish faith; the only important consideration being that the people must observe and practice the ethical pattern of behavior as summarized in the Ten Commandments.

When some Jews refer to themselves as the chosen people of God, they do not imply they have been chosen for special favors and privileges or are automatically saved, but rather they have taken it upon themselves to show to all peoples by precept and example the ethical way of life.

The Messiah to some Jews is the human influence that brings on an age of universal peace, characterized by the spiritual regeneration of humanity that will redeem the world from war and suffering, leading mankind to universal brotherhood under the fatherhood of one God.

This may sound very nice but it is not the one and only plan of Salvation by God Almighty. This is a good example of good zeal but spiritual blindness.

Romans 11:7 - 8 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

We continue with part of a Message from Apostle S. McDowell Shelton …. “They were all with one accord in one place” ………

"THEY WERE ALL WITH ONE ACCORD IN ONE PLACE" (part 1)

By Bishop S. McDowell Shelton

We invite you to come to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith nearest you. Come and be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, that you might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives you utterance. There is but one plan of salvation for all mankind. There is just one thing under the sun, and we have that. There is no need for anyone, anywhere, to try anything else, because this is that which was spoken of by the prophet, Joel. (See Joel 2:28-32)

As we have said, every nation under the sun must obey this one plan of salvation. which is for all people. The thing of which we speak is not a circus, nor is it likened unto a gazing star; but it is something which is sacred, it is something which is for salvation. It is something that will give you eternal life, providing that you understand, that you obey, and that you believe.

We want to say this—that when the hundred and twenty were gathered in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost, we have not read where any of them, after one began speaking in other tongues, stopped praying and sat up, or looked at them as if they were some strange, alien being from Mars. We have never read that! The only people we heard that came looking at the Apostles and the rest of them and making such a disturbance over them were those unbelievers, who were not saved.

Whenever you are praying (during the prayer and tarrying service) and the spirit of prayer leaves you, it is time for you to go! You must remember Lot's wife and not look back, because you are no longer an asset to those who are praying. The Spirit has departed from you! The anointing is no longer on your shoulder! The Holy Ghost is no longer sitting upon you! You are then out of it, and if you stay—you will be more of a hindrance to those who are pressing and tarrying to get to that place, than a help.

It is best not to even look through the glass at those who are tarrying and meditating during our Apostolic Meditation sessions, because glass is a conductor of many elements, and who knows—it might conduct your thoughts. So please go and do not linger and stare, because the glass does carry your voice through it and your voice is not calling on the name of the Lord. Your voice is imparting a natural conversation, so if you really want to help—then depart. But if you want to stay—then pray along with them.

Tarrying and meditating on the Holy Ghost is sacred. It is something for you to join in and pray. Tarrying for the Holy Ghost is not a sight for you to gaze at. If you do not have the Holy Ghost—tarry! But if you do have the Holy Ghost, pray that those who are tarrying will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We are concerned about the minds of the people because we have scripture concerning it. In the land of Shinar, the people were of one mind, so much until God had to come down and inspect their works:

"And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, go to let us make brick and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone. and slime had they for mortar. And they said, go to, let us build us a city, and a tower whose 'top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men build. And the Lord said, Behold the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they began to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do." (Genesis 11:1-6)

God saw that the that people were of one mind! Their minds were so strong, and they were so bent on their purpose until God had to come down to visit and inspect their activities. So when God’s people have their minds united for the good; when they have their minds for a blessing—they will surely obtain blessings!

Have you not seen the many blessings all this week, as the Holy Ghost fell? The power of God worked in a mighty way, but, of course, the devil's purpose is to get you double-minded. If he can get this kind of mind in you, you can be so high in the Spirit one moment, but in just a second your mind can become so carnal, until if someone would see you ten seconds after you finished speaking in tongues—they would have never known that you had been in prayer. Why is this so? It is because you were born like the first Adam, who was earthy. However, you must fight the good fight of faith to become like that second man, Adam, who is Christ. Yes, this second man, Adam, (who is Christ) is spiritual and heavenly. He is that full, absolute state of Spirit.

Unfortunately, most people cannot sustain that state of complete spirit for periods of time. That is why you have to continue daily. The Scripture says: men ought always to pray, and not to faint. (See Luke 18:1)

We will continue with these messages in part 2……….

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.

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 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.

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.