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

Date: May 17, 2020

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. 

 In many places the “Stay – At – Home” executive orders are ending in phases and limited gathering of 10 people with six feet social distancing is being allowed to prevent the spreading of this virus. 

"In accordance with Georgia Governor executive orders, all Georgians must continue to follow social distancing rules and maintain a distance of six feet. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned unless there is a minimum six feet between individuals. The rules apply to all non-critical infrastructure businesses, local governments, social groups, informal get-togethers and recreational sports.

To accommodate all Saints, we are planning to implement these services when the entire order is lifted in Georgia on June 12, 2020:  1^st week Sisters Department, 2^nd week Brothers Department, 3^rd week Youth Department, 4^th week all Department officials for Executive Board meetings. All services will take place on Sundays only from 11am until 2pm to allow for proper cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces. No night services during the week due disinfection procedures. Baptism, pray and tarrying service, will continue each Sunday following all safety protocols including the use of personal protective equipment.  

In Georgia, Governor Kemp has extended our public health state of emergency through June 12, 2020 and is now recommending that all Georgians get tested with or without symptoms. "To protect vulnerable populations, the executive order is requiring the medically fragile and elderly Georgians to continue to shelter in place through June 12, 2020. Our recommendation is for all to seek testing for personal and family contagion to help prevent spreading this virus.

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:

Comfort each other with these words: 
Changed in the twinkling of an eye

     Many times, people use the Bible words out of the purpose and context in which it was written or spoken. This is no different when dealing with the fear of God, the love of God and fellow man. As it pertains to God’s authority and power we fear or reverence God because he is all powerful, stronger than every force, everything is subject to his will and divine judgement.  This fear should cause us to change from a sinful disobedient lifestyle to obeying the commandments of God to avoid eternal punishment.

DEUTERONOMY 6:2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

EPHESIANS 5:20 - 21 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

PROVERBS 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

     As it pertains to God’s love, we have no fear because he cares about us and provides for us. His perfect love, forgiveness, and mercy cast out all fear because he is our Father who offers us salvation through his death on the cross paying the price for our sins.

1JOHN 4:6 - 21  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  We love him, because he first loved us.  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?   And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

     Notice how that the first context deals with the commandments and awesome power of God, and the second context deals with the perfect love of God and the expression of Godly love towards each other.  Neither has anything to do with contagious disease, fear of a tiger, fear of a bad dog or fear of walking down a dark alley at night which are our natural biological responses to danger and death. This shows us how the forces of evil twist words out of their context to lead us into doing ourselves and others harm.

     Word context can be politically or culturally manipulated to persuade people of ideas which would otherwise be widely rejected or change people minds from ideas which would otherwise be supported.

     Words taken out of context can alters the intension of the author and affects how a person thinks or reacts to situations and inhibit logical, rational ways of thinking. As a result, people can manipulate others in to making bad decisions.  Most people seek to protect themselves and their love ones through safety and can be manipulated by a person that they expect to provide the safety or give advice on obtaining the safety that is being sought after.  A manipulator can talk a person out of the truth that is right in front of them.  The manipulator’s words become more real than the reality in front of them.  The Bible speaks of the God of this world blinding the minds of unbelievers referring to Satan and all his followers.  By this, a manipulator can use our fear to manipulate us out of the truth and instead make us believe and trust in their truth. Therefore, the Bible has many warnings about false prophets, false teachers, false brethren, and even self-deception.  If I did not have the assurance that my vision is from God, I would never say anything. I would naturally follow the logical, rational, way of thinking. But I prove all things and hold on to that which is good checking everything by the word of God. God does communicate with his children today.    Prayer also must be understood as communication with God.

     The statement Christians are not supposed to have fear or be afraid of anything, because God has not given us the Spirit of fear is out of the context for which it is written. Apostle Paul in this passage is encouraging Bishop Timothy to be strong and stand for the word of God and reiterating his confidence in eternal life with Christ even in the face of his pending or coming mortal death. When some have a desire to serve in the Ministry, they are looking for recognition, fame, fortune and not the suffering, sacrifice, afflictions, ridicule, and pain that is also apart of the Church.  Many people who come to Church are looking for financial prosperity, social clubs, dating games, entertainment, and enjoyment in social fun times and not salvation, calling the Church ordinances and services boring. These are the type of individuals Apostle Jude warns us about as ungodly people who openly voice their intension of not living a holy life, spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear of God.

But Apostle Paul is saying be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel with out fear in the power of Holy Ghost, love, and sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:6 - 15 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;   Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,   But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:   Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.  This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

This is considered to be Apostle Paul’s final letter to Bishop Timothy. After a lifetime of service, suffering, danger, and sacrifice for Christ he is locked up in prison and will soon be put to death. Yet he is not afraid to stand for the word of God and continue to live a holy life.  The context of this letter is standing for the word of God and facing death without fear and doubt looking to the afterlife with Christ. The Spirit of God give us victory over the fear of death because he has abolished death and empowers us with love and sound mind.  Many have left Apostle Paul, and he is alone except for the physician Luke. Yet he sends encouraging word to Timothy to continue the work of the Lord.  He is not indulging in self-pity or trying to avoid the outcome.  But has excepted his fate with love and sound mind.  There are times when we must face a harsh outcome.  When I saw the vision that they were going to put me out of the Church it was a very hurtful thing to deal with.  And when many asked me of the situation, I had to encourage them despite of my pain.  The Brother who walked up to then Elder Omega when Minister Asher told the Saints to greet the Elders of the Royal House, I took his hand and put both of my hands over of his hand and said to him “be strong” knowing the outcome for me when no one at that time was speaking of Bishop Omega taking over the Church, most were speaking of Elder Nehemiah.  But I knew by vision from the Lord the outcome having never seen or heard of the Epistle on the Rights of Succession.  My love for all the Saints has never wavered or ceased despite of the things that were said and done.  I will always love all of the Saints of God.  Can you now see the words of Apostle Paul from the standpoint of encouragement, comforting and standing for the word of God?  Can you now see that it is utterly a waste of time to debate in word fights when the truth is right in front of your eyes?

There are many types of fears that we face in life as we moved toward our final moments in our natural body, but we have the assurance of eternal life through Christ. This assurance is a call to Boldness, Faithfulness, and sound Mindfulness in our Ministry.  Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace, he destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel of his death and resurrection from the dead as preached by his Ministers showing the way to eternal life.

Apostle Paul is saying hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

2Timothy 4:5 - 8 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.  For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:   Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Be watchful because God will judge the living and the dead, he will return and establish his kingdom. Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

We do not walk in the of fear condemnation and punishment for our sins if we are led by the Spirit of God.

ROMANS 8:1 - 17 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. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.  Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.   The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:   And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

This is the part that makes you want to shout for joy, hoop a little when you are preaching, run down the Church aisles and shake everybody’s hand, huge all the Sisters and Brothers pounding home the spiritual and mental proclamation that the devil, the witches, and all evil is defeated. We are delivered from the fear of death!!!!

HEBREWS 2:14 - 15 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.

REVELATIONS 2:8 - 10 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Psychologists have stated that fear of death motivates religious commitment when the afterlife is seen as a time of punishment, and that assurances about a time of joy in the afterlife alleviate the fear of death.  Studies of people have concluded that those Christian denominations who were most firm in their faith, who attended religious services weekly, were the least afraid of dying. Traditional church-centered religiousness and spiritual seeking are positive ways of approaching the fear of death in old age. Both religiousness and spirituality were related to positive psychosocial functioning, and protected subjects against the fear of death. Why? Because we walk in the full knowledge that we must be changed from a natural life to an immortal life form.  We have an inevitable appointment to keep so that we have no fear of the coming change.  Our natural bodies cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

1CORINTHIANS 15:50 - 58 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  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.  death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

We walk in the full knowledge that if we should die before the coming of the Lord, we shall still be changed to an immortal life at the coming of the Lord and are comforted by these words. We are encouraged and strengthened by these words making us steadfast, unmovable, unshakeable in our faith.

1THESSALONIANS 4:13 - 18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

We protect ourselves with our faith, love and hope of salvation speaking the words of God with complete confidence before all men. These are the armor of our warfare. In modern soldier terminology we could call them defensive weapons of our warfare.

1THESSALONIANS 5:8 - 11 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

TITUS 2:13 - 15 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

So again, the statement Christians are not supposed to have fear or be afraid of anything, because God has not given us the Spirit of fear is out of the context for which it is written. Apostle Paul in this passage is encouraging Bishop Timothy to be strong and stand for the word of God and reiterating his confidence in eternal life with Christ even in the face of his pending or coming mortal death. We as Christians have victory over the fear of death and punishment for our sins because of our faith and obedience to God’s commandments.  Our victory over the fear of death has absolutely nothing to do with the biological mental responses to dangerous or unhealthy situations in our daily lives.  We are as safety conscious as all people to our health and wellbeing.  In simplicity we face death with the assurance and promises of salvation and eternal life with Christ. We stand on the promises of God living a victorious Christian life. Comfort each other with these word that whether we are alive or dead at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we shall all be changed in the twinkling of an eye.

May the Lord Bless you and keep in you and eternally hold you in the center of his will.

With perfect love,

Apostle Dennis G. Smith

Guide to opening small Church Meetings after June 12, 2020

Please be aware that if someone with coronavirus comes into the Church building it may contain infection for 72 hours afterwards unless cleaning is carried out.  Remember that the Church building is being accessed by other people undertaking essential work such as construction contractors, cleaning and maintenance personnel so that the proper safety protocols must be followed such as social distancing, and the use of personal protective equipment such as mask, gloves, and possibly face shields.  Because of the risk of infection, it is best that you get tested for the virus to protect yourself and others before attending a small meeting of 10 or less people as the restrictions are lifted.

     If multiple people are entering the building, even one at a time they must  maintain  the six feet apart  social distancing recommendations.
All individuals entering the building must be warned of the risks to their lives should someone enter not following safety protocols calling reckless endangerment to others as faith in God which is absolute foolishness.   A record of who goes in the building and when will be kept with proper regard for the risk of transmission. A supply of hand sanitizer, mask, and gloves will be kept with the record near the main entrance to the church. It is best for people to bring their own pens to use or wear gloves when touching all surfaces including Bibles.  A record of who is in the building and when will be maintained so that if there is an incident at the Church it will be clear who was the last person known to have been in the building.  Do not listen to those who call safety guidelines lack of faith or who have a poor understanding of the doctrine on fear. Fear is only detrimental to your soul when you are afraid to live a holy life because of what people will say or do to you, or you have no reverence and love for the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty.

What Is Social Distancing?

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 by avoiding public transportation 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 contacts 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.

•          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.

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.