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: January 3, 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 December 30, 2020, the City of Atlanta, Georgia remains in Phase I of the Reopening Plan due to the increasing spread of the coronavirus.   Throughout the State of Georgia businesses must continue to operate with social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe. The Public Health State of Emergency remains in effect through January 8, 2021.  

     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:

Preaching the Context of the Scripture

By Apostle Dennis G. Smith

 2Peter 3:1 - 7 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:  2Peter 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:  2Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  2Peter 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 2Peter 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  2Peter 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  2Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

      The Apostle Peter reminds us to be always mindful to the teachings and writings by the prophets in the Old Testament and with the apostolic teachings of the Apostles in the New testament.  From this we can all see how to be steadfast in the Apostles Doctrines and not become offset by the persuasions of unbelievers and false teachers.  Apostle Peter emphasizes to us that people will come who will laugh and speak of the services that we have in a way that shows that they think the service is stupid or silly.  He warns us that scoffers would come, and we should not be offset or discouraged by them.  This is what has happened concerning the tarrying service when we called on the name of Jesus Christ and wait for him to fill our soul with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign following speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives us utterance.  The scorners come and make fun of us and tell jokes about us and people laugh, at their jokes and will follow the scorner rather than the words and promises of God. I am thankful for all the Sisters and Brothers who labored in the tarrying service with the seekers encouraging them to press their way through in the Lord.

      He also reminds us that people will come walking after their own lust and questioning the Second coming of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That they will willingly ignore that God has destroyed the world before.  We can see this in those who promote immodest dress, fornication, and homosexual behavior as acceptable to God.  They promote these lies because it pleases the sinful crowds of the world.  And when they see their numbers and followings increasing, they see themselves as successful.  They will not see that God has not yet destroyed those who promote sin because the is merciful giving all men a chance to repent and change from their evil and sinful ways.

 2Peter 3:13 – 18 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 2Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 2Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. 2Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

      Notice that the simple context which is the meaning of the scripture is to follow the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets, to say what they said and do what they did and not the opinion of others. This is the simple way to remain faithful in the word of God.  To do anything differently leads to taking the scripture out of its true meaning and twisting it to satisfy the opinions of men.

What is an example of a context?  The parts of a sentence or discourse that surround a word or passage that can explain its meaning. A context sentence is one that gives a word and its meaning in the same sentence.

The scripture which says that where there be tongues it shall cease is not speaking contextually about speaking in tongue would cease to come from God as many of the false teachers have said but is speaking about love continuing always and never coming to an end but tongues which come from God as a sign of the Holy Ghost is not spoken continuously all the day but comes to an end. The speaker will stop speaking but continue on in love.

1Corinthians13:08 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

     In order words, we speak while the Spirit gives utterances then we stop speaking in tongues and go about our daily lives with a changed heart and increased experience with God.  We do not continue to talk in tongues all the day long but we resume our daily language when speaking to other people.

      Matthew 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?  Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

     When speaking of removing a mountain out of its place the scripture is speaking of obstacles in the way of your growth or victory over evil in casting out devils which will be removed if you continue in faith.  Because the disciple lacked faith, even though they was with God Almighty in the flesh, they could not cure the child that was a lunatic.  Most of us today will try to medically or scientifically explains human illness and demon possession.  We who believe that all things are possible with God will simply pray for healing in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, wait on the Lord and use whatever natural knowledge we know to assist knowing that God is a healer.  In other words, we will continue to function in right ways believing in the will of the Lord Jesus Christ. The obstacle is believing that all things are possible with God and surrendering to his will.

 1Corinthians13:01 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 1Corinthians13:02 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

      Now notice from these short references you can see that if you take these scriptures out of its context or intended meaning you will wrest or twist the words to your own lost or destruction.  When people listen and believe words that are out of the true meaning of the scripture, they do not receive the benefit or promise made by the word of God.  This is what has happened in the receipt of the Holy Ghost.  When people do not ask God for the gift of the Holy Ghost or continue tarrying and waiting to be filled with the Holy Ghost, they are never endued with the power of God to stand against the wiles and tricks of the Devil.  The scripture is clear that if anyone does not have the Spirit of God, he is none of his.  Romans 8:09 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.

 We are baptized into the body of Christ by the one and only Spirit of God which is the Holy Ghost.  1Corinthians12:13 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.

      I want to encourage all people to seek the Lord with a whole heart for yourself according to his word and not be persuaded by the opinions of disputing men.  Come to know God for yourself and he will bless you and keep you.  Then continue in the Apostle’s Doctrine which is the simple context of the Scripture.

 We continue with a Message from Apostle S. McDowell Shelton …. They received the Holy Ghost ………

When He Had Laid His Hands On Them, They Received the Holy Ghost

By Bishop S. McDowell Shelton

 We want to greet you after the close of a great Convention, and we can say this without fanfare or exaggeration: the greatest Convention in the history of the Church of the 143rd Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. Those Who would testify will have say (if they have seen other Conventions) that they have never seen a Convention of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ with such a large attendance. People were here from many parts of the earth: baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, coming praising the Lord, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost just as it was in the days of old.  God confirming His word that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church. God confirming His word that of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end. It is not any greatness of mine; it is not any special attribute of mine own, but you see “this is his Church.” 

     Yes, it just like it did in the days of old when Paul met some of John's disciples in the 19th chapter Of Acts.  He questioned them about the Holy Ghost.

 Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, Acts19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Acts19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Acts19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Acts19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

      During our closing Divine Healing, Deliverance and Blessing Services, I was really surprised, because I thought that most of the were gone.  I came and they were crowded to the back; they were still in the aisles.  Certain ones were leaving, and we were praying for the saints and anointing them asking God's blessings upon them.  The day or the last Sunday of the Convention "eleven" were baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ during the noonday service and "one" during the evening service making "twelve."   In this great group, this throng of coming to God seeking Him, believing He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him —came two of the candidates that were the previous day.  First it was the daughter.  I prayed for her and she began to say JESUS!  Then as she was saying Jesus, as I was praying for her, the power of God fell upon her and she began to speak with tongues as the Spirit gave her utterance: thanking and rejoicing in the Lord. I did not know that her mother was in the back of her.  Afterwards, I found out that the mother (when she saw what was happening to her daughter) said to the Lord, "Lord, whatever that was that fell on my daughter, let it fall on me."  She was ready for it. When we anointed her. and laid hands on her, it was not long before she began to speak in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

     This was not any Holy Ghost that somebody got way out in the corn field or somewhere downstairs firing the stove.  Or came to Church and told the saints.  "Guess what? I got the Holy Ghost today."   Nothing like that, but this was before a crowd of many witnesses.

"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:6)

God putting His approval on what was done.  We prayed in the beginning of the meeting for God's presence to be with us: letting us know that He is still here in Zion.  Those of you who left early really missed a treat. Those of you who did not come—I was and I had thought not to come. I had said many times I was not going to come out for that service. I said, "Well, we were there at our services out in Cherry Hill very late and everybody was tired.”

. I came in there, and Lord, when I saw all those people—the auditorium filled up—I knew I had to go to work. Of course, when I go to work, God goes to work because we are His instrument: we are His ambassador; we are in Christ's stead.  We laid hands on them and they spake in tongues and, of course, the same thing happened as it did in the days of Old and it will happen in this modern day.

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

Present Guidelines for Individuals and Businesses in Phase 1:

·        Stay home except for essential trips

·        Wear face coverings in public

·        Frequent hand washing

·        Social distancing followed and enforced where practical

·        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.