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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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Date: March
21, 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 March 18, 2021, the City of Atlanta, Georgia has moved to Phase 2 of the
Reopening Plan due to the declining infection rate of the coronavirus.
Throughout the State of Georgia businesses must continue to operate with
social distancing of sixth feet according to the Center for Disease Control
Guidance. Covid-19 vaccinations are currently offered to health care
workers, first responders, individuals ages 55 and older and their
caregivers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, law
enforcement officers, firefighters, and 911operators, educators and staff, adults
with intellectual, disabilities and parents of children with complex medical
conditions and individuals
with disabilities and certain medical conditions are also eligible for
vaccinations.
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:
A Memorial
of Holding on to God’s Unchanging Hand
By
Apostle Dennis G. Smith
Hebrews 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath
an unchangeable priesthood.
As we commemorate and memorialize the day that we held on to the
Apostle’s Doctrine when on Sunday, March 22, 1992 the Elders came from
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and removed faithful Saints from the local
Atlanta assembly. We hope that this will never happen in the Church
again. This day is also the beginning of Apostle Dennis G. Smith pastoral
oversight which has continued and endured for 29 years of faithful service.
This day is not the beginning of his Apostleship for God chose him for his
various task many years before this date.
By memorializing this historical event, we hope that all Church
organizations will constantly review their own constitutions, doctrines, and
bylaws under which they assemble and fully understand the powers that are
granted to the trustees over their properties. We must all learn to
function in peace and examine all conflicts based on truth. We must all
learn to examine ourselves to see whether or not we are in the faith and
functioning according to the Apostle’s Doctrine of the Bible. The
Bible is our measuring rod for examining all truth no matter who speaks in
opposition. God is not a respecter of men persons and all men will give an
account to God for all of their actions and words.
This memorial is a Day which serves as a focus for the memory of a
tragic event. It also serves as the beginning of the pastoral leadership of
Apostle Dennis G. Smith and a recognition that other Saints around the
Church general congregation were determined to continue in love for all the
Brethren and to wait on the Lord not responding to those calling for hate
and division. Many were ejected or asked to leave because they said they
were waiting on the Lord Jesus Christ. The Battle between Elder Nehemiah
Shelton and the other Elders of the Royal House of Shelton spilled out among
the general body of Saints causing much disagreement and pain.
Nevertheless, the mercy and love of God will endure for all generations.
And Saints should always wait on the Lord no matter what they are facing in
life and never become a respecter of men persons and positions above
biblical truth and human justice.
Psalms 135:13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth forever; and thy memorial, O LORD,
throughout all generations.
Psalms 145:3 - 8 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his
greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another
and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of
thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of
thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly
utter the memory of thy great goodness, and
shall sing of thy righteousness. The LORD is gracious, and full of
compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
Hosea 12:5 - 6 Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial. Therefore,
turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God
continually.
The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ spoke of a memorial for the woman who
anointed his body with ointment of spikenard before his crucifixion and
death to be told whereever the Gospel is preached. In memory of her
love for the Lord Jesus Christ after which we should all pattern ourselves.
Mark 14:1 – 9 After two days was the feast of the Passover, and of
unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they
might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the
feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany in
the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having
an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the
box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation
within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For
it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been
given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her
alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have
the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me
ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to
anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever
this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she
hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
Memorial Day, in the United States is the last Monday in May, is a day
on the civil calendar for remembering and honoring soldiers and those who
have given their lives in battle, honoring those who were willing to lay
down their life for a friend. "No one has greater love than this, to lay
down one's life for one's friends."
We remember all the Saints who held on to love throughout the Church
many of whom have fallen asleep in the flesh but will continue eternally
with the Lord. Deacons over local Churches spoke well concerning us and
some came by to see us. Mothers and women supervisors gave many words of
wisdom all of whom were willing to suffer wrong rather than do wrong in
laying aside recognition for a life of faithful service which should have
been what was said about them and choosing rather to stand for the love of
God and all the brethren. Some Saints whom we still love and who worshipped
with us during the lifetime of Apostle Shelton even today after 29 years are
going to the courts to fight over Church property. We still declare that
the people of God are much, much better than bricks and mortar. The people
of God who love each other are the True Church of the Lord Jesus Christ
because this is what the Lord said about his disciples.
John 13:34 - 35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all
men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Memorial day should be an occasion of healing the hurts and pains and
lifting the love of the brethren above all disagreements declaring that we
shall overcome and worship God together again. Declaring that we will obey
the New Commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ and love one another as he has
loved us all.
We will also be a good example to other Christians around the world of
how to deal with hurt and pain and come to terms with war, loss, devastation
and learn to seek peaceful means in settling all conflicts. The first issue
in dealing with conflict is to determine whether or not you are dealing with
a disagreement or misunderstanding between people or a lawless criminal with
intent to cause harm. If you are willing to lay down your life for a friend
then there is no conflict that you cannot overcome.
John 15:13 - 16 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his
life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his
lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard
of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have
chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and
that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in
my name, he may give it you.
Memorial Services for soldiers are usually interfaith and invites all
men to pray for peace when dealing with disagreement and conflicts. It
should remind people always that the desire for power and control should
never be the purpose for being an overseer but the meekness to serve in
humility and follow peace and holiness that all may see the Lord, and
promote the rights for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all
mankind should be the prevailing intention of those who desire the work of a
leader in the Church and a political leader in civil government. When we
maintain peace and justice then all will remain together with unity and
dignity.
Let the Churches throughout the world continue to celebrate the good
news of the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has given all men
the opportunity to overcome sin, live together peacefully, and live
eternally with him.
Peace is a concept of friendship and harmony, a lack of conflict
between individuals or groups that result from their agreement with things
that they have in common and acknowledgement of the things that they do not
agree on with the wisdom and acceptance, to work out their differences. In
other words, accepting that there has always been people in the Church who
are growing and overcoming sin which is generally accepted as progressive
sanctification which proves that there is no need to argue over individual
shortcomings.
If we all believe that there is one God, and Jesus Christ is God then
there is no need to argue about the Godhead. If we all agree that baptism
is in the name of Jesus Christ or Lord Jesus according to the Book of Acts,
then there is no need to argue about the name to use during baptism. If we
all agree that you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost if you are a
believer and that tongues are a sign that follows or is evidence of the Holy
Ghost, then we have a core of doctrine to build upon. If we never reject
holiness and peaceful living, then we fulfill all the rules that can be
written. And if we love God first and our neighbors as ourselves then we
fulfill all of the Law and the Prophets. When we understand this, it should
give us a peaceful inner disposition which should reflect in our behavior
towards all men.
Peaceful behavior results from a peaceful inner disposition. The
acquisition of such a "peaceful internal disposition" for oneself and others
can contribute to resolving conflicts that would otherwise be constant
sources of disputes with no ability to solve our disagreements.
We all know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace which is
the reason why all people should recognize a true disciple of the Lord Jesus
Christ. This does not mean that his disciples will not use warfare, but it
means that we will always strive to be the peacemaker in the mist of all
conflicts and disagreements.
Luke 10:3 - 6 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And
if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it
shall turn to you again.
When we go among wolves or bad people, we must look for those who
follow peace if we are to function among them, otherwise we must realize
when we are among people who do not fear God and will not function in
righteousness. And as result of their unrighteous conduct, we may
never be accepted by them and move on in life and ministry knowing that we
have a heavenly home with God. When the Lord Jesus arose from the dead and
appeared to his disciples, his salutation was “Peace be unto
You”.
Luke 24:34 – 37 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to
Simon. LUK24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he
was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus
himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace
be unto you. But they were terrified and
affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Let us pray for peace among all the Saints of God and all who suffer as a
result of conflict throughout the world and ask the Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ to give us peace. Let us continue to wait on the Lord
Jesus Christ to renew our strength and brings us together again in love.
Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen
thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
We will
continue with the message “Watch for your welfare and your
soul” Part 2 next time……….
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:
· Healthcare
workers (physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, EMS personnel,
environmental services, etc.)
· Residents
and staff of long-term care facilities
· Adults
aged 55 and older and their caregivers
· Law
enforcement, firefighters, first responders.
· Educators
and staff (Pre-K, K-12, DECAL licensed or exempt childcare programs)
· Adults
with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers
· Parents
of children with complex medical conditions.
· Individuals
with disabilities and certain medical conditions are to be also eligible for
vaccinations.
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 followed and enforced 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. *