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: April 25, 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 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 all indoor and outdoor public spaces.

·        As of April 22, 2021, the City of Atlanta, Georgia remains in Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan due to the infection rate of the coronavirus.   

·        Social distancing is recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to control the spread or for individual safety.

·         Covid-19 vaccinations in Georgia are offered to everyone 16 years of age and older.  Note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 16 and older.

     We are continuing online service through Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube.   Baptism and prayer service are available using social distancing and personal protective equipment.

      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:

 Empowerment from the Spirit of God

 By Apostle Dennis G. Smith

John 3:3 - 6 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?   Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit,

     The goal of God’s grace is for sinners to be reconciled to God through obedient faith in God’s plan for forgiveness of sins and spiritual regeneration by the Holy Ghost.  Saving grace is experienced and received by obedience to God commands through repentance of our sins, water baptism for remission of our sins, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost which is summarized in the new birth or becoming born again Christians. This is the power to enter into the Kingdom of God.  This life-giving power of God Almighty is the reason for all of our victories.

Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

     The natural body of the Lord God Jesus Christ was conceived or created in the Virgin Mary and born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost who is God Almighty in his actual Spiritual form which is what he is, the only Eternal Spirit. 

John 4:23 - 24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The Holy Spirit descended on the natural body of the Lord Jesus Christ like a dove during his baptism.

Luke 3:21 - 22 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,  And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

The Lord Jesus Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples after his departure in the natural life.  In doing so, he promised that he will be always with us forever.

John 14:16 - 20 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;   Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

The Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ were told by him that they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost and to wait for the promise of the Father……..

Acts 1:4 – 5   And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

On the Day of Pentecost while the disciples were praying and worshiping God, they were filled with the Holy Ghost. This was the birthday of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:1 – 4   And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

     From these references all can see that it is God in his Spiritual form that is empowering all the miraculous, good, and loving works that are done as revealed in the Bible.  The Holy Spirit is referred to as "the Lord, the Giver of Life" by many Christian believers, which is the key belief held by many Christian organizations.     The terms "Holy Ghost" and "Holy Spirit" refer to the same thing and mean the same thing.  They refer to the Holy character of the life-giving Spirit and breath of God Almighty.  Most understand them to refer to the breath and animating life-giving power of God Almighty to our soul.  Many people use the word “Holy Spirit” because the term "ghost" may also refer to the spirit of a dead person.

The Lord Jesus called the transforming of a person from sin to the kingdom of God a birth of water and the Spirit which we refer to as the New Birth. (John 3:5). The new birth is more than water baptism, for it includes the receipt of the Holy Ghost and the transforming work of the Spirit of God Almighty.

     A person may be baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and still not be born again.  A person must also receive the Holy Ghost to be born again and enter into the kingdom of God. 

1Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

     Without the infilling of the Holy Spirit, a person’s New Birth is not complete; a person may be forgiven of their past sins and still not be born again. Their New Birth is not finished until they have a spiritual change of their sinful nature that comes only by the infilling of the Holy Ghost.  The receipt of the Holy Ghost is where the power and strength comes to live a Holy life.  The receipt of the Holy Ghost places you in the body of Christ and no one can separate you from the love of God.  This power of the love of God enables us to do many miracles that were not possible in our natural nature.  The power causes us to prosper in all things and to be victorious in daily life and in our fight against all evil. Enabling us to love enemies, to bless those that curse us, to pray for those that hate us and do good to those who despitefully use us and do or cause us harm.

 We continue with a Message from Apostle S. McDowell Shelton …. “The Power of the Holy Ghost” ………

THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST

By Bishop S. McDowell Shelton

        "But ye shall receive after that the Holy Ghost is come you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts I :8)

     One would ask, "Where is the power of an individual if he sins after he receives the gift of the Holy Ghost? What has happened to his power?" Nothing has happened! The power of the Holy Ghost has remained constant.  It still has its strength, but he did not use the power that the Holy Ghost has in it.

        I am sure that in this large building, there is much more electrical power than what we are using, but we only have power on this side of the building.   I do not know about the other side—and there's still another section of power downstairs. I am sure if you go at the box, you will see that some of them are off.  In other words we are not using the power to its fullest capacity.  But with the Holy Ghost, there is, indeed, another difference.  You cannot overtax the of, of, the Holy Ghost.   You cannot plug in so many plugs or put on so much machinery until there is a breakdown in the Holy Ghost mechanism.

One billion, million people can depend upon the Holy Ghost for their healing at the same moment. Another billion, million can ask the Lord for this or the other at the same operation.  While some are drawing strength for healing, others can be drawing strength for salvation: to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Someone else can be drawing strength that God will deliver them out of danger.  Someone else can be drawing strength that God will give them a job. Someone else can be drawing for whatever they want. 

     You see, there is such an unlimited strength and power in the Holy Ghost until God said, "if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you. ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)   He also said to cast your cares on him for he careth for you. (See I Peter 5: 7)  

        So, you cannot tax the of the Holy Ghost and this is the power with which everyone should concern himself with, not with the power of natural authority. People love natural authority. They love to be boss. You know as I often say, "You put them in charge of sharpening pencils, and they will have you marching to the pencil sharpener: one in back of the other."

        There is a change in the personality of the most humble, quiet individual, generally, after they have some authority.  They were very friendly with you.  You could sit down and talk, etc.; but then, some authority came, and they began being different.  Of course, with some people you have to be; however, they are, even when it is not necessary.  They used to talk in a free manner; now they remind you that they are the foreman on the job.  They do not want you to forget it.  They will say, "I want you here on time."  Before he was foreman, you might have punched his card for him.  Now, he is not going to have that stuff.  He wants everybody to know it.

        It is very, few people, who, actually: know, how to use power for the benefit of the good.  That is why it is so dangerous to put too much power in any natural group because it gets good to them. They be become addicts.  It is like opium.   The more they smoke it, the more they want.  They could never get enough.

            When you get too much power in anyone, particular area, they want more; so, they begin to make more laws and more rules: more things to constrict.  If people would obey some of the laws that are already on the books, they would do well.  But they like this thing.  It gets sweet in their mouth and they do not want anything or anybody to take it from them.

          Some people cannot have assistance.  They cannot share their authority.  No, Lord!  They are constantly feeling threatened that somebody is trying to undermine them to take away their authority. They are not in the position they are in to really do good; they are in it to get a joy of commanding—and it is, really, pathetic.  If you take away that authority, they are lost.

        You will often find that while men are in the Army and the other branches of the service, they are something great because they can give commands and people have, to obey.  Usually when they return home, they make a miserable marriage partner.  At home, the wife cannot take it; she will move at those commands—and quite frequently, the wife is the boss at home.  It is impossible for the husband to cope with it.  He begins to feel so insecure.  There is a complete breakdown in the husband's personality and then the marriage is dissolved.  Very often the policemen have the same problem.

         The power that you should try to seek is not power to make yourself big or to make a name for yourself.  That is why some of the laws have no value to them.  Many of your congressmen and senators want a law with their name on it so that it will go down in history that they proposed a bill.  They wait until they get into their seventies and sometimes in their eighties to propose all these bills.  They die and leave them.  Then we, have to obey and suffer with them.  Soon somebody else wants to get into the act, so he puts an amendment or a rider to this bill, which is another kind of proposal, that goes on the tail end.  It rides through on that. That is the way they have been riding through our money from that time until this. 

          Proposals, you know!  It is not often that they will put their names on income-tax bills.  If there is an increase in tax, nobody will own up to it.  Nobody wants their name attached to that.  Do you know that it is the poor, and the working people who pay taxes? The amount of money that the businesses pay is such, a very small portion of the actual income of the industry.  Of course, if the owners cannot find any other way out, they have a way of turning over their businesses (their hotels and industries) to their church. The church will own their business, and they will still operate it.  They will receive 60 per cent of the take at the end of the year.  The church will receive 40 percent of it.  In a couple of years, they will have clear profit and no tax.  Most of the preachers are so greedy for money until they will grab at the opportunity not realizing that they are helping someone to smuggle over taxes.

        I believe in paying taxes: fair taxes—but I do not believe in taxation without representation. ‘The Bible says, "And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Mark 12:17)

        Some people love to have keys: this means you cannot do anything unless you see them.  That is what they like.  They will say, "You want to go into that closet? Call me! Want a drink of water?  Call me! I have the key to that room." 

         Some folks, if they could, they would lock up their stove. up anything.  It gives them a sense of authority.  It is authority in a sense, if you know how to use your keys.  Just like you have to know how to use your power. You cannot use your power to get back at people--which most folks do.  They use their power to blackmail their enemies and to coward them down.  Give them power over the choir and they will say, "All right, if you want to sing, you have, to treat me right.  I am the boss here." You know what that means: tie my shoes; run to the store; jump up; turn around……..You want to Sing ?

      Folks are like that.  People will disfellowship folks much quicker than I will.  You see, they are not doing anything to get anyone into the Church.  I am the one who has to preach them in and keep them in; yet, they are ready to disfellowship.  Sit them down!  Silence them!  Throw them out! Folks like to do that.  Right now, some old slack person is saying, "That's right." When you are wrong or disorderly, you need to be put out.  I am not talking about the disorderly people right now.  I am just talking about folks who like to show their authority. 

          The people in authority in the local Churches have the members trembling.  They do not tremble that much with me because they figure, with the Bishop, they can get a fair chance; he will have mercy.

They know if the others get hold to them, there is no mercy.  They are like the servant who owed his master.  He met his master and his master forgave him the debt. Then the servant found a fellow servant who owed him.  He grabbed this other servant and told him to pay what he owed him.  He did not have the same kind of mercy on his fellow servant as his master had on him.  (Please read Matthew 18:23-33)

            Most saints do not have the same kind of mercy on each other as I have on them.  I will show them mercy, but when they get ready to deal with each other, it is a different thing.

           People want you to remember their office.  They want you to remember their title.  They want you to remember their authority.  Let me tell you one thing: You do not have to keep reminding folks of your title and of your authority.  Just do a good job and people will stand up and take note. The Bible says, "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men." (Proverbs 18:16)

         You know, if Jesus had not wanted, those people could never have taken Him.  It is just like we were telling you about this building.  We have the power, but we do not always use the full power.  Jesus had the power.  He told them, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:53)    He could have taken care of that situation.  He could have taken care of that situation.

          "And while he yet spoke, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.  (Matthew 26 :47)   

 Judas did not come by himself.  He brought all the big shots.  Folks you call the "higher-ups." Not only the priests, but the chief priests and the elders of the people.  The elders were like the ruling group of the people by whom the ruling counsels were selected.  You see, they were insecure in their authority and of their authority.  While they had the authority of their position, they were not too sure of themselves because they brought swords and staves.  Evidently, they respected the power of Jesus.  They could not ward it off with swords and staves as they were to find out.

          "Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying. Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.  And forthwith he came to Jesus, and Hail, Master; and kissed him."  (Matthew 26 :48, 49)

      Do you see how courteous Judas was? How respectful?  He did not go there calling Jesus disrespectful names. He said, "Hail Master." "And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come?" (Matthew 26:50)   Jesus knew what was going to come.  He knew that Judas was hypocritical.

           Very often when I treat nice, they figure Bishop does not know what is on my mind.  Do you know it is my duty to be nice? It is my duty to be good to them that despitefully use me.  Even when people are doing something wrong or contrary, when they ask me a question, I answer them politely.  Christ is our example.

         “………Then came they, and laid hands, on Jesus, and took him.  And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.  Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the Sword." (Matthew 26:50-52)

The above verse is always a very interesting scripture to me.  Jesus who knows all things—and He is the only wise God.  He was right there when Peter took out his sword and cut off this man's ear.  But did you notice that Jesus did not tell Peter to put up his sword until after the man's ear was off?

          You know, folks are simple.  Sometimes someone tries to do me harm so my members stand between this danger and me.  People get so religious and say, "Oh, no:  You should just suffer it and turn your cheek.  You turn cheeks all right.  The Bible says, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)   There is a time to turn cheeks.  Sometimes it is just not cheek turning time.

       ‘Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God." (Hebrews 10:7)   Jesus could have called and protection would have come.  In fact, He did not need them if He just wanted to do something. "But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled thus it must be?" (Matthew 26:54) because it was prophesied that one man should die for the people. (See John 11 :50)

        God had to come so that all the things that were written about Him could be fulfilled: that your God will come; the blind eyes shall opened. The lame shall leap as a hart. The deaf ears shall be unstopped and the dumb shall speak. (See Isaiah 35:5, 6)   How would all this be fulfilled? How would salvation come to humanity? How would they be redeemed back? How would the new – covenant come into existence? So, Jesus had to suffer it to be so. (See John's account of what took place there in John 18:2-13)   

      The thing I want to bring to you is this: the power of the Holy Ghost is the power which you should seek in your life.  After the Holy Ghost is come upon you, you shall have power.   The formula for using this power is faith, prayer, fasting, holy living, patience, and experience. There is a name that ignites this formula.  Contact is done through the name of JESUS, because in the name of Jesus Christ you receive this power.  It can be used to do good, to cast out devils, and to heal the sick.  There is salvation in this name.

       After you receive the power of the Holy Ghost. use it for the good of all mankind regardless to race. creed or nationality whether they are good looking, ugly, rich, poor, learned, unlearned, bound, or free.  Use it first on yourself to keep yourself in line; then use it for the good of everyone. Strive for the power of the Holy Ghost and not for your own natural power.

Now may the Lord bless you. May the Lord keep you. May the Lord preserve your strength in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

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

Currently the following groups are eligible for COVID vaccine in Georgia:

·         Everyone age 16 and older

 Present Guidelines for Individuals and Businesses in Phase 2:

·        Stay home except for essential trips.

·        Wear face coverings in public.

·        Frequent hand washing.

·        Social distancing of 6 feet recommended where practical according to CDC Guidance.

·        To-go and delivery orders from restaurants.

·        Continue practicing teleworking.

·        Frequent cleaning of public and high touch areas

 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 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 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.