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: February 13, 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:
 
 Actions and Teachings of the Biblical Apostles (part 4)
 
By Apostle Dennis G. Smith
 
     When dealing with the sinful ways of all mankind, we must fully understand the terminology or words used in the bible to express our unrighteous behavior, unrighteous thoughts or wrongful actions done to other people or against God's commandments. The bible uses the words sin, transgression, and iniquity to express and explain our dishonest behavior. Sin is mostly defined as missing the mark of perfection set by God, transgression is usually defined as stepping over boundaries, and iniquity is defined as moral uncleanness in thoughts and actions.  Sin can be both intentional (sins of commission) and unintentional (sins of omission). Note that transgression and iniquity is Sin because Sin is any thought, word, or action that is in disobedience to the will of God. In a religious context, sin is a transgression against divine law. 
 
1John 5:16 - 17 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.  All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
 
1John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
 
      Most countries or nations that have civil government or cultural standards will produce their own interpretation of what it means to commit a sin usually defined as criminal actions. While sins are generally considered any actions, any thought, or any word considered immoral, selfish, shameful, or harmful,  the same wrongful behavior and conduct may not be recognized as criminal actions in some nations but is sin according to the word of God.  
 
      The doctrine of sin is the center point for all Christian believers, since the  basic message is about salvation and redemption in Christ.  The study of sin in Christian terminology is called hamartiology which describes sin as any act of offense against God by despising Christian biblical law, or by causing harm to other people.  In Christian view it is an evil human act, which violates the good welfare of man of mankind, as well as the holiness of God and his eternal law.  To sin against God then is any word, deed, or desire in opposition to the commandments of God.  When we understand what sin is, we can see the accuser, the opposer, the hater, and other evil thoughts and actions committed by all people whose thoughts are evil continuously if they do not turn to the love of God Almighty.
 
     Among some scholars, sin is understood mostly as legal infraction or contractual violation of Christian ethics, and so salvation tends to be viewed in legal terms. Other Christian scholars understand sin to be a relational loss of love for the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is God Almighty, a lost of love for other people which can include immediate family members, and the elevation of selfishness or the love of your self  with no consideration for the wellbeing and feelings of other people.  
 
2Timothy 3:1 - 5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
 
     Most Christians interpret sin based on the fall of man, the fall of Adam, or simply the Fall. The Fall of Man is the story of the first man and woman who fell from a state of innocent and obedience to the commandments of God to a state of guilty and disobedience to the commandments of God. The doctrine of the Fall comes from a biblical interpretation of Genesis, chapters 1-3.  At first, Adam and Eve lived with God in the Garden of Eden, but the serpent tempted them into eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which God had commanded them not to eat from.  After doing so, they became aware and ashamed of their nakedness and God expelled them from the Garden to prevent them from eating from the tree of life and living forever.
 
Genesis 3:1 - 13 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  GEN3:02 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  GEN3:03 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. GEN3:04 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:  GEN3:05 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. GEN3:06 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. GEN3:07 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. GEN3:08 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. GEN3:09 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?  GEN3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. GEN3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?  GEN3:12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. GEN3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
 
     The Apostle's Doctrine teach and most Christians believe that the Fall brought sin into the world, corrupting the entire natural world, including human nature, causing all humans to be born into original sin, a state from which they cannot attain eternal life without the grace of God. 

Romans 5:17  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. 
     
     From this point is should be easy to see why no man can make his own way to obtain salvation or change one thing that the Biblical Apostles taught and did by commandment from the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To change one commandment or ignore any commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ will result in eternal damnation because mankind can do nothing of his own plan to save himself. This is the biblical doctrine taught by the Apostles. Notice the continuation of sin in Cain killing his brother Abel.
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Genesis 4:3 - 10 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. GEN4:04 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:  GEN4:05 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. GEN4:06 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?  GEN4:07 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. GEN4:08 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. GEN4:09 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?  GEN4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
 
     The word iniquity is defined it as moral evil what some call a lack of morals as defined in the Moral Law according to the cited commandments in the New Testament of the Bible.  Iniquity is a type of sin that is related to inner character. It is moral uncleanness that is demonstrated and is known as intentional twisting of the word of God or defiance for the Holy standard of God.  This is sometimes where pride and modest apparel become issues for some people or people covering up the wrongful behavior of others.
 
Leviticus 5:1 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.
 
 
      Transgression is the same as trespassing, which is understood to mean the intrusion or infringement on another or on another’s property. Transgression is defined as the exceeding of due bounds or limits. And transgression is also defined as a willful violation of the standard of law, willful violation of principles for righteous actions, or duties required as in parenting, oversight that are fully understood by the transgressor. A willful failure to perform the known and required duty.
 
     We should all begin to notice why Sin is often defined as “missing the mark,” and the “mark” of God is perfection.  Because we must function with a perfect heart and perfect intentions to do right in all of our actions even if we makes mistakes along the way.  And we can be perfect when we function in Love of God and Love of our neighbor and enemies.  
 
MAT5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
 
  The desire to have the wisdom and knowledge of God was one of the temptations that the serpent used to motivate Eve to sin because she wanted to be “as gods knowing good and evil.” I have seen this spirit of emulation and competition many times which generally leads a person to a prideful and high-minded spirit of thinking of themselves as greater that everyone else and in some cases keeping knowledge as secret and holding back the progress of others.  
 
Genesis3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. GEN3:06 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 
 
     Apostle’s Doctrine teaches us that the sin of disobedience to God's commandments by Adam made all men sinners and now we should all see that disobedience to the commandments of God is one of the purest forms of evil.  When we understand that disobedience caused the fall of all mankind, we can see that disobedience to the commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ to baptize all believers will also end in eternal damnation. Those who teach that baptism is not essential for the New testament Church is not obeying the great commission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our faith in Jesus Christ should always lead us to obey all of his commandments. If we are saved by our faith, then our faith should lead us into actions of obedience to the word of God.
 
Romans 5:17 - 21 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  ROM5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. ROM5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. ROM5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  ROM5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
     Sin can be further defined as any thought, word, or action that conveys or displays something or someone to be more valuable than the Lord Jesus Christ.  In other word anything that is put before seeking the Kingdom of God because that sin is generated from the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. 
 
1John 2:15 - 17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
 
     Those of us who teach and do what the Apostle did, all should understand that Sin is the transgression of the law, or commandments of God (I John 3:4).  Adam and Eve disobeyed God and the guilt of sin has fallen upon all humanity from Adam until now (Romans 3:23). This should establish in all the human family the need to obey the commandments of God as the first thing in your daily life.
 
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
 
We continue with a Message from Apostle S. C. Johnson … “You Can’t Discourage God’s Sons and Daughters”
 
“You Can’t Discourage God’s Sons and Daughters”
by Bishop S. C. Johnson
 
          We believe, we preach, we practice, and we are contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. We just won't let go; won't give up; won 't let nothing offset us; won't let no one tell us anything different or give us any advice whatsoever. We see something here and we believe it so strong until we are contending for it. It doesn't make any difference what it will bring about because of our contending, we will still contend for it. 
 
     One thing about us, you can't discourage us. You just can 't discourage God's Sons and daughters. They won 't be discouraged, 'just won't be discouraged. GLORY TO GOD. There is nothing you can do that will discourage us, regardless of what happens, what has happened or what is going to happen. The saints of God always ride over everything. Always. You just can't do anything to discourage them. They are always encouraged and I'm glad for that. Thank God, we are always encouraged. Things have happened to the saints and things are going to happen, but in spite of all of that, we are still here. There is something about this that is extraordinary. Amen.
 
Acts 8:1 - 4  And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. ACT8:02 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. ACT8:03 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. ACT8:04 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
 
     It didn't stop them from preaching. They didn't run and hide or give it up because a great persecution broke out, but they went everywhere preaching the word. There is something about this that encourages you regardless to what happens, regardless to what could ever happen. Glory to God. There is something about it that encourages and keeps you pressing on. Amen.
 
( Insertion: On that day after Apostle Shelton fell asleep when they came from Philadelphia to Atlanta, Georgia to put innocent people out of the Church building in Atlanta, the Saints of God who were contending never gave up, not did they give in to threats of violence for they sung a testimony in song saying, " I shall not, I shall not be moved, I shall not, I shall not be moved, just like a tree planted by the waters I shall not be moved!!! We continued on and went about preaching and testifying in other Church buildings, fellowshipping, and visiting many other different local Church assemblies, national Church assemblies and overseas Church assemblies!!)
 
     Something fell on Philip, and he went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them. He was full of the spirit of contending for this thing.
 
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 
Acts 8:6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
 
     If you don't have that contending spirit in you, then you will faint. We cannot expect much out of you. You aren't going to do much. But if you have that spirit to contend, you can do great things for God.
 
     There is one thing about the people of God today, they become content so quickly with nothing. That is their trouble today. They become content quickly with nothing. That is why they don't go any further with God or experience more than they do with God. It is because they are content with nothing, and they don 't have the spirit to contend. 
 
     When you contend, there is something you want and you are going to make everyone know you are concerned and you ack contending for it, and they need not think for one minute that you are going to let them get off lightly. They are going to have a time with you because there is something you want, and you are contending for it. You want it and you mean it and you are willing to contend for it. You will give the one that has what you want a hard time about it.
 
     Here Bishop calls the attention of the people to his text in the book of Jude.
 
Jude 1:1 - 3 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:  Jude1:2 
Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Jude1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
 
     I'm persuaded today that there are a lot of guilty folks. Are you listening? I'm persuaded today that there are many guilty people. Guilty and the reason they are guilty is because there is something the spirit said do which they haven 't done, and don't have in their mind do.
 
     This is a command. Did you know that it is a command? The Holy Ghost says here, ''Beloved when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints."
 
     We have something to do, haven't we? Do what? Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Amen. It was needful for Jude to write. Isn't that what he said?
     Something aroused this Apostle to write to the Church because she is too content with nothing.
 
We will continue with the Actions and Teaching of the Biblical Apostles in part 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 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 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 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.