Ministers of Jesus Christ
Assemblies of The Apostolic Faith
Atlanta, Georgia - USA
Apostle Dennis G. Smith, Pastor and Spiritual Overseer
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Ministers of Jesus Christ Assemblies of The Apostolic Faith Atlanta, Georgia - USA Apostle Dennis G. Smith, Pastor and Spiritual Overseer |
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Date: September 11, 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:
“Some people
Hear the Word of God but do not understand” (Part 3)
By Apostle
Dennis G. Smith
The purpose of the word of God is to cause all people to live without
committing sin. We could probably say it in a more simple and easy to
understand way by expressing that we all should want to live peacefully with all
people and not be dishonest, or cause harm to each other and the surrounding
environment. But since all of us have sinned committed sin in following our own
selfish desires, and since our children will commit sin in seeking their own
selfish desires, God has given us away to overcome our destructive behavior
because he loves us and he wants us to overcome our sinful ways by obedient to
his word in choosing to do the right thing.
But people with a rebellious heart will hear the word of God, ignore the
commandments of God, and continue to choose to live by their own selfish desires
and not obey word or commandments of God. This is what has occurred throughout
the history of the Children of Israel and all mankind. And because many
people will follow the rebellious heart, they will hear the word of God but will
not understand its meaning which will lead them into disobedience against
the very thing that is for their own eternal well-being. The Children of Israel
is our example as many of them would not obey God even though they saw the
miracles and deliverance which he performed among them.
Ezekiel 20:21-
26 Notwithstanding
the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept
my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they
polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to
accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.
Ezekiel 20:22 Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name’s sake,
that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I
brought them forth. Ezekiel 20:23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the
wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them
through the countries; Ezekiel 20:24
Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and
had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols.
Ezekiel 20:25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and
judgments whereby they should not live; Ezekiel 20:26 And I polluted them in
their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth
the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that
I am the LORD.
Because the many of the Children of Israel would not obey the commandments of
God, and many of them followed their own desires and burned their children in
fire to false gods, so God gave them over to their own desires. When we see
this proof of the rebellion against God Almighty by many of the Children of
Israel, we can also see the rebellion of all mankind from the purpose for which
God has created us. This example should cause us to understand, based on the
proven behavior of all mankind, why God will give all men, who do not repent and
turn away from their sins, over to their own choice which will lead to their
everlasting punishment. In other words all men can clearly see the things
that God created. All people can clearly know the difference in right and wrong
conduct. People can understand the power of the invisible spirit of God by
looking at all creation that is visible and easy to see with their own eyesight.
Romans1:20
- 24 For
the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and
Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:21 Because
that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful;
but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Romans
1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:23 And
changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to
corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.
Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
The rebellious person is without excuse because everything can clearly be seen.
The rebellious sinful person will bow down before a stack of bricks or a load of
sticks that they shaped with their own hands and call their own creation their
God even when they are fully aware that it cannot see walk or talk. Men
and women will change their natural purpose of intimate contact that was for
husband and wife in producing a family of children into something for sale to
make money even though they are fully aware that sexual sin is wrong. The
rebellious mind will commit murder, bribery, racism, oppression, hatred, while
they are fully aware that these things are wrong. This will be done by
people in positions of power who have given themselves over to rebellious
behavior until God Almighty steps in and remove the rebels.
Ezekiel 20:38 And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that
transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they
sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know
that I am the LORD.
The removal of rebellious people who continue to practice sinful ways and have
made an agreement with hell will be the conclusion and the judgement that all
holy, Apostolic Christian believers can look forward to in bringing in a time of
peace on earth and good will towards all people.
Ezekiel 2:8 But
thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that
rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.
We who are believers are told to obey the commandments of God. We are taught
that we should not be rebellious against the things that God Almighty have given
us. For God is precious to all of us that love him, but God is a rock of
offence to those who choose to disobey his commandments. This is the
reason that sinful people become angry and offended when they are warned about
their conduct. Notice the difference, a believer will become sorry and
regret the fact that they have sinned against God and turn from their sinful
ways, but an unbeliever will become angry and will rebel against the Word of
God and continue in their sinful ways.
1Peter 2:7 - 8 Unto
you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient,
the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the
corner, 1Peter 2:8
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at
the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
When we spread the word of God and face rebellious people, it will many times
cause us to suffer for doing well. Even though we make every effort to explain
the Word of God, and to refrain from all unrighteous sinful conduct, we may
still suffer personal pain, tribulation, persecution, and afflictions for doing
well. This is the reason we first examine ourselves to make sure that we
are doing the will of God in the right way.
We who strive to be holy, must present ourselves as obedient believers in the
Word of God because judgment does begin first with our own conduct at the house
of God. It does not matter how many people complain about people judging
them, the bible clearly teaches us that judgement begins at the house of God. We
must face the fact that people will try to find fault in us, and look for
reasons to catch us doing wrongful behaviour. And so we must first remove
the beam from our own eye and not condemn other people by our own opinion, but
we must let them conclude for themselves that we will all be judged by the Word
of God.
1Peter 4:16 - 19 Yet
if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify
God on this behalf. 1Peter 4:17 For the
time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin
at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1Peter 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and
the sinner appear?
If we view ourselves as judgement beginning first with our own self, then we
will know how to be longsuffering and patient with other people. We will know to
show restraint, have compassion, sympathy, and empathy for what a person is
experiencing in their life and always be merciful while making them aware that
the Word of God does not condone or justify any sinful conduct no matter
who is committing the sin which includes our own selves. The Word of God
gives mercy for all people and never condemns a repentant heart. The Word
of God says, “Judge not that ye be not judged”, it teaches us that we will be
judge by our own verdict or conclusion if we based condemnation on our own
opinion.
Matthew 7:1 - 2 Judge
not, that ye be not judged. Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye
shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you
again.
Therefore we
commit the keeping of our souls to the will of God.
1Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit
the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
When people do
not submit and commit to the will of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the
Almighty God then they will not understand because of their own choice.
We continue
with the Message “In Hearing They Cannot Understand” from Apostle S. McDowell
Shelton:
“In Hearing
They Cannot Understand.” (part 3)
Original text
by Apostle Samuel McDowell Shelton
Edited by
Apostle Dennis G. Smith
We are very dubious of people who claim such direct correspondence and contact
with God and then, upon hearing us, rebel and completely disregard what we
preach. They are displaying blatant arrogance and ignorance, rather than any
kind of spiritual depth or understanding. They want to impress people with
their spirituality but refuse to hear what God is saying to the Church through
the man of God. In plain words, they refuse to acknowledge anyone or
anything other than their own whims and personal inclinations.
When God has someone on the earth in His stead, He will direct you to them, even
as He directed Cornelius. God will send you to the preacher for He knows
the preacher will teach you what thou oughtest to do.
With all of God's greatness and power and ability to do anything, He still
directed Ananias to go to a street called Straight where one called Saul of
Tarsus prayed. The Lord has it so ordained that you cannot escape, for He
has placed His watchman right here on this earth. It is needful that you have
someone to guide you.
"At
that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast
revealed them unto babes." (Matthew 11 :25)
Regardless of how much education you have or may not have, you are not exempted
from God's one plan of salvation for all humanity. You MUST repent and be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins that you
might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (See Acts 2:38)
Psalms 95:7-8 “For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the
sheep of his hand. Today, if you will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as
in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness."
Today, if you
will hear His voice—harden not your heart. Harden not your heart, but repent and
be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Obey what the scriptures command.
Acts 10:1 - 4 "There was a certain man in Caesarea, called Cornelius, a
centurion of the band called the Italian band. A devout man, and one that feared
God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God
always. He saw in a vision evidently, about the ninth hour of the day, an
angel of God coming into him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked
on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy
prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."
Please take note that God did not directly deal with Cornelius, but directed him
to go to one of His apostles on the earth. Cornelius was commanded to…. send
men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with
one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou
oughtest to do." (Acts 10:5-6)
In Acts
8:27-36 you
can read where Phillip, being commanded by the Spirit to draw near to the
chariot of the Ethiopian eunuch, asked of the eunuch, "Understandest
thou what thou readest?" Even
though the man was of great authority, he realized he needed some guidance.
Also, this is pointing out that some people assume they can understand and
decipher just because they can read, but the Spirit told Phillip to go near.
Acts
8:32 – 36 “The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was lead as a
sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he
not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who
shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And
the eunuch answered Phillip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet
this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Phillip opened his mouth, and began
at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on
their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch See, here is water;
what doth hinder me to be baptized.”
This is an example of someone being honest. When the understanding of the people
is opened, they will be honest. And, of course, our primary objective and
job is to make all men see—to let everyone know and understand.
Ephesians 3:7-9 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the
grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Ephesians3:8
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I
should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Ephesians3:9 And to make all men see what
is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath
been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
The other point in the scripture we shall clarify is in reference to one
scripture stating God was going to show Paul, and the other stating it was going
to be told him what he must do.
Acts
9:6 "And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told
thee what thou must do."
Acts 26:16 says: "But “rise” and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto
thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a both of these things which
thou has seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee."
Even in this, there is no conflict. For sure, God was going to show him
what he must do, but He was going to show him through the guidance and
direction of another man. Within the total scope of Paul's salvation, a man
named Ananias was going to play a significant part. It would be through Ananias
that God would reveal to Paul what he must do.
When Paul
said he was neither taught by man, nor received it of man, he was referring to
his ministry. It was by revelation that God opened Paul's
understanding concerning the scriptures.
Ephesians
3:2 – 4 For
this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, Ephesians 3:2
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to
you-ward Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;
(as I wrote afore in few words Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may
understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
But what we want to point out and dwell upon is the initial thing: that of
getting Paul converted and saved. We are primarily interested in Paul's
association with a street called Straight and the occurrences thereof. God was
using a man (Ananias) to tell Paul what he must do.
In our conclusion, it is most essential and necessary that you have a preacher.
You must have someone to guide you. But this preacher has to be sent by
God. He has to know the Word of God and stand in God's counsel, that he
might open up your understanding. Then, when you see —you will perceive, and
when you hear—you will understand. You will know the whole truth of the
Word of God.
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. This experience with God will endow you with power.
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 9:50 am for Eternal Life Church of
the Living God and 11:00 am for the general Ministers of Jesus Christ Church
services to the Saints and friends who sent in 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
services 10 am each Sunday morning and 7:30 pm each Thursday Evening for Bible
Study and Auxiliary meetings.
You are invited to attend and be a part of the Ministers of Jesus Christ Church
Services each Sunday 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
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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!
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ONGOING
GUIDANCE
• Vaccination
remains the most effective protection against COVID-19. Stay up to date with
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
• Frequently
wash hands
• Frequent
cleaning of public and high touch areas
(1) Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status
if you are high risk for severe disease.
(2) consider
avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public,
(3) talk to
your medical provider about other precautions to take,
(4) have a plan
for rapid testing
(5) talk to
your medical provider about treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP, and
monoclonal antibodies. If you have household or social contact with someone at
high risk for severe disease: consider selftesting to detect infection before
contact, and wearing a mask when indoors with them. Maintain improved
ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible. Follow CDC recommendations
for isolation and quarantine, including testing guidance.
Because 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.