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: August 15, 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:

Men Ought Always To Pray, And Not To Faint …! (Part 6) (Forty Day Fast Ending)

By Apostle Dennis G. Smith

 

     The Prayer of Jabez is based on the Old Testament passage 1 Chronicles 4:9–10 and is often used to encourage Christians to break through to a lifestyle of Blessings.

      Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him with sorrow (or what is understood to mean that she gave birth to him in great pain and suffering)." 

      Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory!  Let your hand be with me and keep me from the evil one." And God granted his request. This is a biblical record of an honorable man making a request to God and God hearing him, then answering his prayer.  It proves to people that when we follow a lifestyle of honor and righteousness God will answer our prayer and bless us to prosper.

 1Chronicles 4:8 - 10 And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.  And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.  And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

      The Prayer of Jabez is often used to encourage Christians to make praying for blessings a daily part of your life.  And to make praying to God and communicating with God Almighty a precious and lifelong habit.  Because some see the Prayer of Jabez as a method used to launch prosperity preaching and commercialization about gaining wealth and monetary enrichment, there has also been some criticism.

      But the prayer of Jabez is very popular among some within the Apostolic Pentecostal Christian movement because of the emphasis on daily communication with God and the blessings such as prosperity, wealth, health, healing from sickness and happiness that are received when the Lord Jesus Christ answers our daily prayer.  This also enforces the teaching and song that when we call on the name of Lord Jesus Christ, he will hear us, answer our prayers, and fill us with the Holy Ghost.

      While it is truth that we must beware of those who attempt to make merchandise of the Saints of God by selling commercial merchandise associated with prayer and attributed to the anointing of the Holy Ghost, but we must never deny that Prayer Changes things!!!  This is the reason why it sometimes become necessary to give away healing Cloths, anointing Oil etc. to those in need at no cost when they have nothing to give as monetary offerings.

       Let us examine some Scripture references for Prayer from Apostle S. McDowell Shelton titled, “Many Infallible Proofs For Why Pray?”  There are about 50 scriptures in total, but we will begin with the first eight scriptures.  We recommend that you constantly read them throughout your life especially during the designated weekly fast days.  You will find that when you consistently communicate and devote yourself to communicating with God and living a Holy lifestyle, you will began to see things change in your life and you will gain greater spiritual empowerment.

 

Many Infallible Proofs For Why Pray?

 

1.  Psalms 121:1   A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 

     Psalms 121:2   My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 

 

2.  Matthews 6:7   But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 

    Matthews 6:8   Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 

 

3. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

4. Isaiah 41:10   Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

 

5. Isaiah 50:9   Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up. 

 

6.  Hebrews 13:6   So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

 

7.  James 5:16   Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

8.  Isaiah 53:5   But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 

 

We continue with the conclusion of a Message from Apostle S. McDowell Shelton …. “Does Prayer Really Change Anything?” ………

  

Does Prayer Really Change Anything?” (part 6)

By Bishop S. McDowell Shelton

 

10. CORNELIUS: Prayer brings salvation to the honest hearted. The last character in this great galaxy of heroes of the scriptures will be a man by the name of Cornelius, an outstanding Gentile, and a very devout and benevolent man.  This man was of the Italian group, an officer in the Roman army. During this time, you must remember that the Roman army was in possession of all the land, which can explain Cornelius' presence here.  And so, Cornelius goes about giving much alms to the people, and his prayers go up to God as a memorial; but—the man was not saved.  (Acts10th chapter)

      God shows us that if we are honest-hearted, prayer will lead us into salvation.  However, if you are not honest-hearted, the Lord will give you a strong delusion.  When you pray under a delusion, everything that you ever visioned and every answer that you receive is going to be in accordance with the delusion.  That is why you have to try the spirit for a thing to see if it is of God. 

      Israel wanted a king; it was not good for them. But they contended for it and they received it. (I Sam. 8th chapter)  It is nice to have a sign once in a while, but do not depend on them.  Look for results!  If you have not received the first sign and you know you have prayed right by calling upon the name of the Lord, look for something.  Elijah did not stop praying for rain, but he continued until he saw a sign.  Finally, Elijah there is a sound of abundance of rain." (I Kings said: 18:41)

      The prayer of Cornelius was very powerful.  The Holy Ghost told Cornelius where to go and gave him directions. Some people grab for the first thing that comes along.  You might pray and ask the Lord to let you see two white doves.  But you dream about a pink bird and a blue bird.  In your way you figure out: "the blue bird referred to a man and the pink bird to a woman".  But you must remember that you prayed to see two white doves; until you see these white doves, you hold on.  

      Cornelius was shown the right place to go for salvation.  Peter came to Cornelius' house and preached to him.  You know, Peter was orthodox in his belief. He did not want to have anything to do with the Gentiles. But Peter was shown in a vision that God did not have any respect of persons. Now Peter was prepared. He went to Cornelius' house and began preaching.  Soon the Holy Ghost fell upon all of them that heard the word. Peter told them: "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."  (Acts 10:47-48)

      When something is done in the spirit, you are ready to accept it, that is, if you will accept what the Spirit is showing.  If we, the saints, can remember back a few years, God was getting us ready for today.  We refused to accept it then. Yet, God was preparing us.  Bishop Johnson preached, "GET READY FOR THE CHANGE!"

    If you follow the spirit, it will prepare you for whatever is coming. (Acts 19:5; 10th chap., 9:5; 8:16)

Peter told the people: 'Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

 Paul, apostle to the Gentiles, baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Ghost approved of it. (Acts 19 :5)

 Then there was Peter, whom God thought so much of, until he gave him the keys to the kingdom of heaven—he baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost also approved of this. (Acts 2:38)   Therefore, we baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Anyone who has not been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ had better do so, if you want your prayers answered.   We have no Bible references where any of God's people baptized using the term: "I will therefore baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."  There are some who write and send in the scripture Matthews 28:19.   But, you see, the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is Jesus.   Not Bar-jesus or Jesus Justus, but the Lord Jesus Christ.   By the way, we are talking about Jesus, the Christ.   DOES PRAYER REALLY CHANGE ANYTHING?

      We have shown where doubt, sin and all other negativisms such as "cannot", "shall not" and "unable", hampers prayer from making a positive change. On the other hand, it seems that prayer can:

 (a) lift the downcast. 

(b) restores the soul and possessions to those fallen into calamities.

 (c) it takes away reproach as in the case of Hannah and Hezekiah; also Joshua when dealing with the Amorites. 

(d) it obtains promises for the faithful. 

(e) it delivers one out of affliction or trouble, as in the case of the poor man that cried and the Lord heard him; (f) it delivers one from their enemies; 

(g) it heals the sick.

  " The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe.' (Proverbs 18:10)

      There are numerous references of answers to prayer.  In John 5:8, Jesus tells the sick man to take up your bed and walk". There were the two blind men who cried out to Jesus as He was passing by, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David." (Matthew 20:30) The blind saw; the deaf heard, the dumb spoke, the lame leaped as a hart; the dead were raised.  Prayer add years to your life.   Isn't that a beautiful thought!  Prayer can add years to your life, my friend.  It added fifteen years to the life of Hezekiah.  How many of you that are saved now, would not have been living today, had it not been for the Truth?

      Have you ever stopped to think how blessed you are? God has kept and preserved your strength and has kept you from day today.  In earlier days people used to testify: "I thank the Lord for waking me up this morning clothed in my right mind; having the activity of my limbs and a reasonable portion of health and strength."  Prayer leads to salvation, as in the case of Paul and Cornelius.  It gives forgiveness of sins after salvation, as in the case of the elders being called upon to pray the prayer of faith. 

      Can You Alter Things Through Prayer?  "Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith, be it unto you." (Matthew 9:29) "

 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21 :22)

      What are we talking about?  PRAYER!   This last scripture serves as a very good motto for a praying group, Does Prayer Really Change Anything?  On the basis of the evidence, the scriptures presented in this message and other scriptures contained in the Bible, (and the testimonies of God's people)—I also know from my prayer kept me determined.  When I started out in the ministry, the first thing I did was to pray.  Now that things are going very well, I have not forgotten the bridge that carried me across.  PRAYER.  

      After you have prayed for things to get better; you have to pray for things to stay better.

 PRAYER CAN CHANGE ANYTHING, AND IT DOES!   So, if you are wondering whether your prayers have been answered, turn to these scriptures, and answer these questions within yourself.  Wait and believe for the change to come, for it will surely come.  In all your appointed time: WAIT.  Stand still and you will see the glory of God.  It is nigh you, even in your mouth.  JUST PRAY.  All you have to do is reach for it.  The hem of His garment is there for you. All you have to do is touch it by faith.  Feel after God; touch the hem of His garment.  Oh! Prayer will renew a man or a woman when they pray.  It will put flesh on the bones of the sick.   It will restore the minds of the feeble; it will strengthen the eyes grown dim; it will give strength to the feeble knees; MY LORD, MY LORD!  I prayed for an elderly sister once, and she began rejoicing like a sixteen-year-old.  Prayer will give you superhuman strength for the task that is before you.  All you have to do is pray, saying, IN JESUS NAME and push it over.  DO YOU SEE WHAT MEAN?  

 This is a wonderful song to keep you encouraged:

Pray through; pray through

Get in touch with God the Father,

And He will answer you,

He will gladly bear your burdens,

And your strength, He will renew,

Just tell it all to Jesus,

And just pray through.

           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 and 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.