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

 Home Page 

APOSTLE'S MESSAGE

 

 

Date: December 12, 2021
To all the Saints of God,
     Grace and peace be unto all the Saints of God around the World.  As this Coronavirus Pandemic continues, we are continually reminding the Saints of God that we are obeying the magistrates and following the guideline of the health and governmental authorities for the safety of all people. 
 
     Health authorities and governmental officials continue to strongly encourage people to wear face coverings in public gatherings and use social distancing, wash your hands, and get tested to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus.  In some places wearing face mask is mandatory in indoor public spaces.
 
 
     We are continuing limited 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:
 
 A Commitment and Choice for Salvation (part 1)
 
By Apostle Dennis G. Smith
 
     From the processes of life in general, we can see a normal cycle of living organisms.  It is difficult for most scientist and teachers to give a consistent definition of life.  This is partially because life is a process, not a substance.  When we focus on the desire to live or continue the process of life, we can each form a simple definition based on what all living beings seem to have in common which is the desire to survive the dangers around us that can cause us harm or loss of life.

     Salvation is the state of being saved or protected from harm or the situations that destroy life.  Notice that the simple definition of salvation is common to the desire to survive and continue living among most living creatures. This is one of the reasons that death is described and taught in the Bible as the wages of sin or the consequences for engaging in conduct that will cause harm.  Salvation or deliverance of a person from the consequences of a sinful lifestyle that result in eternal damnation in the lake of fire should be the focal point of every person in the world today.  

     We can see in the nature order of the animal kingdom and insect kingdom that perhaps all creatures put up a defense against the loss of life or against the thing that will bring it harm or cause death, what is seen as the end of life.  

     This simple statement should open the eyes of the entire world and make all to see the commitment and choice for salvation.  This is also why suicide or the taking of a person life by the person themselves is regarded in a dreadful way depending on the circumstances that caused a person to commit such an act or make a decision for death to end one’s own life.  But since all human beings are created in the image of God, they are given an everlasting Spirit. The Spirit is the immaterial part of man and the actual life force in the body since the Bible teaches us that the Body without the spirit is dead.

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

     If anyone confesses that they have faith in God, but makes no effort to overcome sin, then his faith is dead because they have no works to support what they say.  In simple terms, they have no process that indicates or shows the result of what they said they believe and trust to be true.

     God's eternal plan to deal with human sin that causes death can now be understood as the gift of eternal life because when the cause of death is dealt with, the end result is the preservation of life.  In simple words again if the harmful conduct that causes death is done away with, then life is preserved forever.   

     God’s eternal plan of Salvation included the promise of blessing for all nations through Abraham and the redemption of Israel from bondage. God’s saving power is continuously revealed in many ways in bible history, leading up to him coming in a flesh and blood body through the virgin Mary to give all people who believed in him the power to overcome the penalty of sin.  By committing to obedience to the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ, every person born now has the ability to ultimately destroy the devil's work in their daily life that is the cause of some forms of suffering, many forms of conflict and spiritual death.

     Most people will come to realize that God devised and implemented his plan of salvation because he loves them and regards human beings as  his offspring because he created us in his image and gives us the opportunity to become his children by faith.

Acts 17:28 - 31 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.  Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

     Since Adam and Eve made the choice to disobey the word or commandments of God in the Garden of Eden which led to the fall of all mankind, salvation is clearly seen in giving all people the choice of being set free from the bondage of sin. And when we overcome sin, we can abide in the House of God forever.  This is the choice for eternal life.

John 8:31 - 35 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

   We give all the praise and honor to God because we can look to the present and future with eternal hope.  We can acknowledge our own sinful nature and ask the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us and renew in us a right spirit causing us to overcome all of our sinful ways.

Psalms 51:5 - 13 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.  Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.  Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

     In making the choice to live a Holy Lifestyle, we defeat the causes of eternal death.  Death is understood in the natural body as the moment the processes that gives natural life ends. But there is a process that takes place after the natural bodily processes end called the afterlife which deals with the continuation of the soul of all mankind, and the future resurrection of the body in the first or second resurrection.

     Since many in the scientific world cannot all agree on the definition of life it can be also understood that they do not all agree of the definition of death.  Because of this confusion, those that practice a sinful lifestyle may not realize that they are choosing eternal death.  
 
We continue with a Message from Apostle S. McDowell Shelton … "Commit Thy Way Unto The Lord"
 
  
Commit Thy Way Unto The Lord (part 1)
By Bishop S. McDowell Shelton
    
We wish to greet you again in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.   The scripture says, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14) 

     God in His own time and knowledge knows just who will be the last in that number. He is giving them a chance now.

     Our souls do long for Him, and we wait for Him. We patiently wait for Him as He patiently waits for the yielding of the harvest, for the completion of His bride. It may seem long in your time, but soon God is going to say, "It is time "He is going to say “…. Arise. my love, my fair one, come away. (Song of Solomon 2:13) 

For in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, he is going to return for His church (See 1st Corinthians 15:52)—the Church He owns. He owns us because He purchased us, with His own blood.

     Having this view in mind, it is very advantageous to those of you who know the truth to be steadfast. Those of you who do not know the truth, you should ask God to open your understanding and bring you into the fullness of His word: that you may obey and be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then continue to walk uprightly and perfectly before the Lord.

     The scripture says here: "Commit thy way unto the Lord;.” (Psalm 37:5) This is a very interesting and provocative statement. In fact, it is not a request but a command! 

     If you want God to do something for you, then you must make a commitment. Most people only think of commitments as committing something wrong or perverse. They think of committing adultery or committing a crime. This same word “commit" involves something that is a rarity to this generation. Most people are committed to NOTHING! They are wishy-washy.

     People are not even committed to what they are in. They may belong to one political party, yet they are not really committed. They change political parties.

     They are not committed to any “particular religious doctrine.” They will say, “Well, I believe in all religions. All religions have something in common." It is easier to commit yourself to something very vague (or to say you are) than to commit yourself to just religion in general and not to any “particular doctrine.” The minute you commit yourself to a particular doctrine, then you have the obligation to obey that doctrine. You have the obligation to suffer for whatever that doctrine brings.

     You will get these very, very pious people who are very religious. You ask them, "Do you believe in Jesus They will say, "0h, I believe in the Supreme Being”—whatever name you might call Him. “They try to spread themselves out so thin that everybody will feel an affinity toward them, but it is impossible.

     "Commitment" means to obligate yourself. It means to declare yourself. “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? 

1Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

      Let the folks know where you stand. Don't be a wolf in sheep's clothing, so to speak. In other words, Saints must COMMIT themselves.

We will continue with these messages in part 2…………
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you and eternally hold you in the center of his will, may he open your understanding that you will come to know that you must repent of your sins and be baptized by immersion in water in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, then continue in prayer, tarrying until you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign following speaking with other tongues as the spirit gives you utterances.  Then you must leave the principles of the doctrine and go on to perfection overcoming the love of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life and continue steadfastly in the Apostle’s Doctrine remembering always that he that endures until the End, the same shall be saved.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty. Amen
 
With perfect love,
Apostle Dennis G. Smith
 
 
The online service Zoom link is sent out each Sunday at or before 2:00 pm to the Saints registered email addresses.  If you wish to worship with us, please send you email address to: info@mininstersof Jesuschrist.com and we will email you a link to join the service.  We start the zoom service after 2:00 pm. 
 
      You are invited to attend and be a part of the Ministers of Jesus Christ Church Services on Zoom at/or about 2:00pm.  Which are also published on Facebook through Holy Tabernacle, Ministers of Jesus Christ Apostolic Church, and Ministers of Jesus Christ Church or Dennis Smith Facebook timeline.  You will need to download the zoom app to your cell phone, laptop computer, or tablet to activate your connection.  Go to Google Play Store to get your free zoom app and install it on your cell phone, laptop computer or tablet.  When you see the zoom link sent to your email address, click, or tap on the link to open the connection.  Then click or tap on the camera and microphone icon to join the service and select internet.  We look forward to seeing you and worshipping with you in the Lord!  You may also give freewill offerings through Givelify, Cash App, Visa, Master Card, American Express Credit and Bank cards or PayPal.  Use cash app link name ($MinistersofJesus935).
 
Currently the following groups are eligible for COVID vaccine in Georgia:
     Everyone age 5 and older.  Note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 5 and older. People younger than 18 years of age are not authorized to receive either the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.
 
 
 ONGOING GUIDANCE for Red Zone
• Vaccination remains the most effective protection against COVID-19
• Practice social distancing
• Frequently wash hands
• Frequent cleaning of public and high touch areas
• Practice telework and staggered office schedules where feasible, with safety measures
• Non-essential City facilities may open to the public. Masking will be mandated for now and the number of persons indoors may be limited to avoid crowding
 
Social Distancing guidelines:
• Social distancing means staying away from close contact in public spaces. It includes actions like staying out of places where lots of people gather and maintaining distance — approximately 6 feet — from others.
• Social distancing also includes minimizing contact with people when possible, limiting nonessential travel, working from home, and skipping social gatherings.
• All people should practice social distancing — not just those who are seriously ill or at high risk.
• Social distancing is a proven way to slow the spread of pandemics.
 
When to Wear a Mask:
Those who are staying home and have no close contact with people who are infected with COIVID-19 do not need a mask most of the time. However, wearing a nonmedical or homemade mask may be helpful in certain situations or for certain populations. Wear a Mask when:
• Shopping at essential businesses, like grocery stores or pharmacies.
• While visiting your health care provider.
• Traveling on public transportation.
• Interacting with customers/clients at essential businesses.
• When feeling sick, coughing, or sneezing.
• In all public spaces indoors and outdoors.
 
Because homemade masks protect everyone else from the droplets created by the wearer, it is important that as many people as possible wear these masks when leaving their homes. This helps prevent those who may be infectious but are only mildly symptomatic or not symptomatic from spreading the virus to others in the community.
Everyone should remember the phrase: “My mask protects you; your mask protects me.” By increasing the overall number of people who are containing their coughs, sneezes, and other droplets, it will help us control the overall spread of the virus.