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: June 7, 2020

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. 

"In accordance with Georgia Governor executive orders in the United States of America, we continue to strongly encourage all Georgians and visitors to wear face coverings in public and use social distancing, wash your hands, protect the elderly and medically fragile, and prioritize your health.

. "To protect vulnerable populations, the executive order is requiring the medically fragile and elderly Georgians to continue to shelter in place through June 12, 2020 and is now recommending that all Georgians get tested with or without symptoms.

     To accommodate all Saints, we are planning to implement these services:

 on Sunday June 14,2020 Sisters Department meeting and Church Services from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm,

on Sunday June 21,2020 Brothers Department meeting and Church Services from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm,

on Sunday June 28, 2020 Youth Department meeting and Church Services from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm,

on Sunday July 5, 2020 Executive Board meetings and Church Services from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

All services will take place on Sundays only from 11am until 2pm to allow for proper cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces. No night services during the week due disinfection procedures. Baptism, pray and tarrying service, will continue each Sunday following all safety protocols including the use of 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:

The One Universal Church of the Lord Jesus Christ

Assemblies of the Apostolic Faith

By Apostle Dennis G. Smith

EVELATIONS 22:16  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

This title expresses the worldwide Body of Christ and the local Churches within the Body.  It fills us with joy knowing that when we obey God we belong to the Body of Christ. We can examine ourselves and all Church organizations to see if they are true to the Apostle’s Doctrine.  Local assemblies or congregations that are obedient to word of God, that love each of the Saints of God, and all mankind are assured of eternal life with Christ.

ISAIAH 2:2 - 4 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.  And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

     We are aware that many scholars claim that this scripture refers to the future glory of Jerusalem during the millennial reign because some also believe that the old testament prophets did not see the Church, but many Apostolic Christian believers see it as reference to the one universal Church beginning at Jerusalem. The word of God went out from Jerusalem and established the Church on the Day of Pentecost.  It does not matter who does not believe it or understand it,  and  it does not matter how many doctors from bible schools dispute or debate about it, this is what the Bible reveals with scripture records of the things that happened.  The one and only plan of salvation was preached beginning at Jerusalem.

LUKE 24:45 - 53 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:   And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things.  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.  And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.  And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:   And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

     The ascension of the Bodily presence of God into the sky or heaven above and the promise of the second coming of God in bodily presence from the sky or heaven above is what the bible reveals with scripture records. The command to not depart from Jerusalem until you received the Holy Ghost power from on high is what marked the start or birthday of the one universal Church which Jesus Christ promised to build.

ISAIAH 9:6 - 7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

   The Prophet speaks of the God almighty being born as a child in human natural flesh as a son to rule the people of God referred to as the throne of David to order and establish it with judgment and justice which would never come to an end.  The expansion of this indwelling kingdom in the heart or center of the life of mankind will also eventually overtake all natural outward or earthly kingdoms as well during the millennial reign and for all eternity.  Although many worldly or blind Jewish people do not believe or hold this to be true it is what the Bible reveals with scripture records of the thing that actually happened and is pressing forward today.

ACTS 1:1 - 11 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,   Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:   To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:   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.  When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?   And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.   And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;   Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

     God was establishing his Church for all people throughout the world by his indwelling spirit and no man would have control over the Spirit of God.  It would be received by your belief, faith, and trust in God almighty alone.  Even if you received the Holy Ghost from us laying hands on you, it is from God Almighty.  His Spirit in you would lead you to know his voice when men try to set up their own way.  It would comfort you when men reject and ridicule you.  It would give you the power to cast out devils (contrary or opposing entities), take up serpents ( clever and subtle entities or individuals), lay hands on the sick ( know that all healing is from God), and speak with new tongues (the outward sound of the indwelling Spirit of God).

     It is absolutely important for you to know who God is or you can be easily deceived.  People set up Church buildings for many reasons that are not aligned with what the scriptures record reveals.  Some reasons clearly lean toward ulterior motives and financial gain.  If the building is not fancy or decked out with religious configuration people do not see it as God’s Church.  Buildings are for gathering and can range in size and amenities.  But Jesus is not speaking of a particular building in his discourse to Apostle Peter, he is speaking of the people who would believe in him and receive the Holy Ghost.  No one can take us out of God’s Church because the Holy Ghost is within all faithful believers. No one can separate us from the love of God.  No matter how much the evil ones may ridicule you, they can never cause the Spirit of God to leave you.  You can be comforted in the mist of individuals who think very highly of themselves in front of raging and rowdy crowds of worldly insincere hypocritical people.  In front of fake people in the Church sporting themselves while they feast with you,  the Holy Ghost power within you will never cease.

MATTHEW 16:13 -20 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?   And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.  He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?   And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

     From these biblical proofs you can see that it was the Holy Spirit or Father from heaven that revealed to Apostle Peter who Jesus was.  From this you can also ascertain that the Father and the Holy Ghost refer to the one and only Spirit of God.  It does not matter how many preachers and teachers are confused by the three separate and distinct, three God false doctrine. There is one God, one Spirit, one Body or Universal Church, one Faith or one plan of salvation, and one baptism that promises that you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The Church built upon the power of the Holy Ghost is what the gates of hell could not prevail against.  From these biblical proofs you should begin to see that Jesus Christ is God almighty, the Holy Ghost, the rock.  Jesus Christ manifesting himself to each human being through his Holy Spirit can never be defeated by any internal or external force. This is the reason why the devil has fought against the tarrying room, the sign of tongues or glossolalia, because he knows that the real experience with God, the indwelling Spirit of God would give mankind power over his wicked kingdom.  When mankind receives the Holy Ghost before or after water baptism, he is changed to a creature reborn of the Spirit of God.  When mankind is baptized in water for the remission of sins, his conscience is brought to peace with his past sins and he learns to turn away from sin and live a holy life.  He learns to ask God for forgiveness for his sins and to forgive those that sin against him.  This is what makes men a part of the Universal Church of God.  We are Born again and become a new creature!!!

EPHESIANS 4:4 - 8 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;   One Lord, one faith, one baptism,   One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

DEUTERONOMY 6:4 - 5 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:   And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

MARK 12:28 – 34 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”   And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:   And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.  And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:   And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.  And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

     How was the one God going to build the one universal Church?  It was through the power of his indwelling spirit.  From this knowledge you will grow to the realization that only those who do not have the Holy Ghost and are not led by the Spirit of God can possibly be false prophets, false brethren, or in false churches.  Satan and those that serve him constantly attacks the Saints who spread this good news.  I am overjoyed because I called on him and received the gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign following speaking with other tongues and the Spirit of God gave me utterances in the presence of genuine witnesses.  And I know that my redeemer lives because I feel him inside of me deep down in my soul pouring out the love, joy, and peace for all mankind and no one can take me out of his hand. Praise the Lord!!!!

JOHN3:1- 8 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus,  a ruler of the Jews:   The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”  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.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 

     This Kingdom would not be a earthly visible kingdom at this time that you can see with the natural eye because the Holy Ghost , the Spirit of God , the  Father cannot be seen with natural eye sight, but the sound can be heard and the resulting actions can be seen.  Perhaps people struggle to realize this especially during this coronavirus pandemic that the power of the indwelling Holy Ghost is teaching us to do his will.  We did not need religious showmanship because we have the comforter to keep us and guide us.

LUKE 17:20 - 21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:  Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

     Here he is foretelling of the future that those in the Kingdom would be filled within by the Holy Ghost, calling those thing that were not at that present time as though they were already in existence to make it plain for men to understand the indwelling power that all believers would receive.

1CORINTHIANS 12:12 - 13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also, is Christ.  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.

     It makes you wonder sometimes why so many different opinions persist when we are all filled with the same Holy Spirit.  We can then examine our own self, we can check up on the things we say and do whether or not we are led by God, human lust, or demonic forces.

     Because the Jews separated themselves from the Gentiles and considered them sometimes as hostile heathen nations, it was at best unexpected that they would be communing together.  Nevertheless because they would also be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues, they would become a part of the same body, the one universal Church.  Even though Apostle Peter had said that the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon all flesh was that which was spoken of by the Prophet Joel that God would pour out his spirit upon all flesh, God had to put him in a trance and send a vision for the Gentiles to be accepted as a part of the Universal Church. The point that the Jews and the Gentiles would be a part of the same Body is referred to by some as the gap period of what some refer to as the Church age that appears to be unseen in the vision of Daniel’s Seventy Weeks or commonly called the Dispensation of Grace.  Most Christians realize that this should never be a point of debate because we have the Holy Ghost living inside of us, blessing us, and keeping us alive proving that we are apart of the Kingdom of God.  What else is there to say!!!

ACTS 11:1 - 18 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.  And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,   Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.  But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,   I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:   Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.  And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.  But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.  But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.  And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.  And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:  And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;   Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.  And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.  Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?   When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

When we have the Spirit of God indwelling us, we can declare that we belong to God.  Manmade organizations will not offset us in our quest to live a Holy life.  It is the Spirit that shall change our mortal bodies into immortal gloried everlasting physical bodies.  The emphasis on the Baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and  receipt of the Holy Ghost with the sign of speaking in other tongue as the Spirit gives you utterances should be the number one quest of your life to be in the one Universal Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

ROMANS 8:9 - 14 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.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.  Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

When Jesus spoke to the Seven local Churches in Revelations 1 through the 3 chapters, he revealed that there are different assemblies or local Churches within the one Body.  Some of which had not continued in the Truth of the word but were being influenced by other motivations.  One of the breaches among many local Churches is spreading that they are God’s only Church.  God sent the vision to me of his eyes upon all believers to dispel what men spread for what ever reason they spread that they were all God has.  We must come to see that all believers are apart of the Body from the weakest to the strongest.

     I was once one of those who though that we were all God had because this were promoted by some during by childhood.  I did not know that other Apostolic believers existed anywhere else because we had been mostly isolated from other Apostolic Churches since I was a child.  But God chose me and sent visions to open my eyes to see his worldwide Body.   The Bible has said he would pour out his Spirit upon all flesh and God is commanding all men everywhere to repentance of their sins. God choses whom he pleases and is not dependent upon any man. God is the Head of his Body the Church and empowers various organizations throughout the world speaking in all the languages of the world.  He organizes Church governments as he pleases among his different assemblies according to his own will. One of things that all of the local Churches should have in common if they are continuing in the truth is the one and only plan of Salvation.  Many of the organizations betray God and set up their own ways for financial and political gain.  Some even fall under the influence of Satan himself. Therefore, you must examine and check up on Church organizations even if they originated from formal faithful Saints.  Because the scripture says that some shall depart from the faith listening to and obeying seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.

ACTS 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

ACTS 2:36 - 40 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?   Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

To Save yourself you must obey the one and only plan of salvation and become a part of the one Universal Church, the Body of Christ.

Repentance is feeling sorry, contrition or regret for past wrongs, and turning away from sinful activities and turning to God, to walk in His ways.  This is called the Sinner's Prayer or Sinner’s statement of repentance by some,   referring to any prayer of repentance or statement of repentance, spoken or prayed by individuals who feel convicted of the presence of sin in their lives and have the desire to form or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who is God Almighty. It is also a request for forgiveness for open sins for those who are already believers in the faith at the end of a worship service during the altar call.  There is no formula of specific words considered essential, although it usually contains an admission of sin and a petition asking that Lord Jesus for forgiveness of sin. This should be followed by Baptism in water in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins for those who have not been baptized.  And seeking or asking God for the Gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign of speaking in other tongues as the spirit of God gives you utterances completing the born-again process or the New Birth.  The Sinner’s Prayer is often debated when Evangelist imply this to be the only method of salvation and do not emphasize the entire process of the New Birth.  Right Hand of Fellowship generally is recognition that we are speaking the same thing and obeying the same plan of salvation. We shall elaborate on this at a later time.

So,  if you have not been baptized in water in Jesus Christ's name and filled with the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues as the spirit gives you utterance as they did in Acts 2:4, you are not saved; you do not have the New Birth Jesus spoke of. Therefore, you are not apart of the Body of Christ and will not enter into the kingdom of God. Now you may be a bishop, general overseer, presiding elder, preacher, pastor, deacon, missionary, usher or lay member, you may have been in a church for 75 years, but in the language of Jesus Christ, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)

 Those who claim to have the gift of the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues as the spirit gives them utterance, and refuse to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ  are just as lost from God's Kingdom as one who has never heard it. Peter commanded those who had received the Holy Ghost to be baptized in the name of the Lord. (Acts 10:48)

EPHESIANS 5:24 - 27 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.   Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;    That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

No one can take us out of God Church because the Holy Ghost will be given to all faithful believers. No one can separate us from the love of God.  God will present the Church to himself.  I am glad that God made me, loved me, and died for my sins giving me the opportunity for salvation. For man would surely ridicule and forsake me. The One Universal Church, the Body of Christ is a Holy People.  Any one that says that they can not live a holy life is not a part of the Kingdom of God.

REVELATIONS 3:20 - 22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

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 in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, then continue in prayer until you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign following speaking with other tongues as the spirit gives you utterances.  That you will 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. Amen

With perfect love,
Apostle Dennis G. Smith

Guide to opening small Church Meetings beginning June 14, 2020

Please be aware that if someone infected with coronavirus comes into the Church building it may contain infection for 72 hours afterwards unless cleaning is carried out.  Remember that the Church building is being accessed by other people undertaking essential work such as construction contractors, cleaning and maintenance personnel so that the proper safety protocols must be followed such as social distancing, and the use of personal protective equipment such as mask, gloves, and possibly face shields.  Because of the risk of infection, it is best that you get tested for the virus to protect yourself and others before attending a small meeting of 25 or less people as the restrictions are lifted.

     If multiple people are entering the building, even one at a time they must  maintain  the six feet apart  social distancing recommendations.
All individuals entering the building must be warned of the risks to their lives should someone enter not following safety protocols calling reckless endangerment to others as faith in God which is absolute foolishness.   A record of who goes in the building and when will be kept with proper regard for the risk of transmission. A supply of hand sanitizer, mask, and gloves will be kept with the record near the main entrance to the church. It is best for people to bring their own pens to use or wear gloves when touching all surfaces including Bibles.  A record of who is in the building and when will be maintained so that if there is an incident at the Church it will be clear who was the last person known to have been in the building.  Do not listen to those who call safety guidelines lack of faith or who have a poor understanding of the doctrine on fear. Fear is only detrimental to your soul when you are afraid to live a holy life because of what people will say or do to you, or you have no reverence and love for the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty.

Reports from Churches on covid-19 deaths and attempts to reopen in person services:

Among 92 attendees at a rural Arkansas church during March 6–11, 35 (38%) developed laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, and three persons died. Highest attack rates were in persons aged 19–64 years (59%) and ≥65 years (50%). An additional 26 cases linked to the church occurred in the community, including one death.

 An Independent Fundamental Baptist church in Jessamine County that resumed in-person services in mid-May, and whose pastor pressured the governor to reopen churches early, is now the site of a COVID-19 outbreak, local health officials said. At least 17 congregants at the Baptist Church, just over the Fayette County line in Nicholasville, have been diagnosed with the viral respiratory disease. Nine of the infected live in Jessamine County and eight live in Fayette County, public health officials in both places said this week. The ages of those with the virus range from children to the elderly.  The Pastor who has led the church for nearly 30 years, said on Friday by phone that he felt “terrible” about the outbreak. “I care more about the health of my people than anyone,” he said.

What Is Social Distancing?

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 contacts 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.

•          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.

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.