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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APOSTLE'S MESSAGE

 

 

Date: February 6, 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:
 
 Actions and Teachings of the Biblical Apostles (part 3)
 
By Apostle Dennis G. Smith
 
     Believers who teach and follow the Apostle’s Doctrine commonly referred to as the Apostolic Faith are known to most people as nontrinitarian Christians, who reject the non-biblical doctrine of the Trinity as formulated and taught by the ecumenical council of bishops from the Roman Emperor Constantine because the doctrine of trinity that teaches three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead was not taught by the Biblical Apostles and leads those who follow the false teachings into an incorrect baptism and in some cases the belief in three Gods and many other false understandings of the Godhead.  

     Though the word trinity is sometimes used correctly to express three titles of the one and only God or three manifestations of the one and only God some people continually spread the false and misleading concepts of the Roman council of Bishops rather than the Apostle’s Doctrine.

     Believers who teach and follow the Apostle’s Doctrine also differ significantly from so-called mainstream or Roman Bishop's Christianity in their beliefs about the Holy Spirit also known as the Holy Ghost.

     The so-called Christian denominations that teach the non-biblical doctrine of the Trinity as formulated and taught by the ecumenical council of bishops from the Roman Emperor Constantine teach the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, to be the third person of the Trinity, of a Triune God manifested as first-person God the Father, second person God the Son, and third person God the Holy Spirit, each entity itself being God.

     The Apostolic Faith believers who teach the Apostle’s Doctrine teach that the Holy Ghost is not a third person in the Godhead, but rather the Spirit of God (the Creator), the Spirit of the resurrected Christ, the Holy Ghost coming to dwell in the hearts and lives of everyone who believes and obeys the gospel, as the Comforter, Sustainer, and Keeper (John 14:16-26 ; Romans 8:9-11 ).

John14:15 - 26 If ye love me, keep my commandments. JOH14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; JOH14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. JOH14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. JOH14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. JOH14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. JOH14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. JOH14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?  JOH14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. JOH14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. JOH14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. JOH14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Everyone who does not tarry until they receive the Holy Ghost are not in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and do not belong to God.  This is the reason those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ must ask him for the Holy Ghost and wait or tarry until they are filled with the precious gift of God.

ROM8:07 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. ROM8:08 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. ROM8:09 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ROM8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

     The power of the Holy Ghost or the moving of the Spirit of God is the thing that brought about all of the Actions and teachings of the Apostles and that caused the Virgin birth from Mary. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke state that Jesus was "conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary". The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove during his baptism, and in his Farewell Discourse after the Last Supper Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples after his departure.  From this promise no one who is a true obedient believer has to doubt whether or not God will give them the Holy Ghost because the Holy Spirit is referred to as "the Lord, the Giver of Life", which is the key belief held by most Christian denominations.

     We can see the Actions of God Almighty in his Holy Spirit also known as the Holy Ghost before he took on flesh and Blood which is before the Birth of Christ.  The Prophet John the Baptist was "filled with the Holy Spirit" before his birth.

Luke 1:13 - 16 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.  And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.  For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.  And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

      The Holy Ghost came upon the Virgin Mary and is the Father of the flesh and blood body of Jesus Christ known as the son of God.  This establishes before the whole world that the Holy Ghost and the Father are not separate and distinct person but is the same one and only God. So that when the Lord Jesus spoke of the father indwelling him, he proved that the Father and the Holy Ghost was the same one person not separate and distinct persons.

Luke 1:28 - 35 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Luke1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:  Luke 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

The Lord Jesus Christ taught us how to pray and gave assurances that God would "give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him".

LUK11:09 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. LUK11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. LUK11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?  LUK11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?  LUK11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
 
     When we as believers obey the word of God and spread the word of God among all nations of the world by walking in the Spirit, we are guided in our speech by the Holy Ghost even when we are persecuted.

Mark 13:10 - 11 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.  But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

     The historical book of Acts of the Apostles has sometimes called the "Book of the Holy Spirit" or the "Acts of the Holy Spirit" which makes us to know all that the Apostle did and taught.  Therefore any teaching that is not according to what the Apostles taught and did is false doctrine!!!!  

Acts1:1 – 5  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.

     The ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, while he was on earth, was carried out through the power of the Holy Ghost that dwelled within his flesh and blood body and the "acts of the apostles" continue the acts of the Lord Jesus Christ by his Holy Spirit that dwelled within them. In simplicity the one God who is a Spirit and one person carried out all the acts and actions by indwelling the body born from Mary known as the Son of God and by indwelling the Apostles.

ACT1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

      The Holy Spirit is the "life principle" of the Church as seen through its outpouring on believers in Acts 2:1–4 the birthday of the Church, Acts 4:29-31 the preaching of the Apostles, Acts 8:15–17 the Samaritans, Acts10:44 the gentiles beginning with Cornelius house and Acts19:6 the disciples of the Prophet John the Baptist.

ACT4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,  ACT4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. ACT4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

"For John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. ...Ye shall receive power, when the Holy Ghost is come upon you", referring to the fulfillment of the prophecy of John the Baptist in Luke 3:16, "he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost"

 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things". This biblical statement proves that it is the Holy Ghost that adds people to the Body of Christ and opens our understanding about the word of God. This is why so many people do not understand the bible because they do not have the Holy Ghost.  The Bible clearly tells us who the comforter is and yet the identity of the "Comforter" has been the subject of debate among theologians, who have proposed multiple theories on the matter which has led to much false teaching and false doctrine deceiving many people in the world.

John 14:25 - 27 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The Apostle's Doctrine teaches us that God has given his Holy Spirit unto us". The receiving the Holy Spirit like Christ at his baptism by John the Baptist and God being Holy Spirit himself is the Apostle's Doctrine in what a person does to establish a relationship as Christians with God.  

1Thessalonians 4:7 - 8 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Romans 8:4 and 8:11: "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you."

John 15:26: "whom I will send unto you from the Father, the Spirit of truth ... shall bear witness of me"

     The coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost and the power and gifts that are received through the indwelling Holy Ghost is focus of what is sometimes called Apostolic Faith or Pentecostalism.

     Oneness Apostolic Pentecostalism teach that the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God, rather than a distinct or separate person in the godhead, and that the Holy Spirit is another name for God the Father.  The Holy Spirit is the Father operating in a certain capacity or manifestation. The Apostolic Faith teaches that there is no personal distinction between God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The two titles "Father" and "Holy Spirit" are not separate "persons" within the Godhead, but rather two different ways in which the one God reveals himself to his creatures. The Oneness view of Bible verses that mention God and his Spirit  teaches that they do not imply two "persons" in the same way that  scriptural references to a man and his spirit or soul  as in Luke 12:19 do not imply or teach two "persons" existing within one body.

Isaiah 48:15 - 17 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous. ISA48:16 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. ISA48:17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
 
We continue with a Message from Apostle S. C. Johnson … "Sirs, What Must I Do To Be Saved?"
 
 
“Sirs, What Must I Do To Be Saved?” (part 3)
 
     
 Let us turn again to the Word of God (Acts 19:5).  When the Apostle Paul met John's disciples who had not received salvation under this dispensation, he said unto them, "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?"
 
Acts19:1 - 5 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, ACT19:02 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. ACT19:03 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. ACT19:04 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. ACT19:05 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

     I want to say here, dear reader, there are thousands of people who have some kind of belief but except they believe as the Scriptures have said (St. John 7:38), their belief is in vain.  They said unto Paul, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

     Paul then said unto them, "Unto what then were you baptized?"  He goes on then to explain the truth unto them as I am explaining it unto you.  They obeyed and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in other tongues. (Acts 19:5 - 8)

Acts 19:5 - 8 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.  And all the men were about twelve.  And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

     Now, dear reader, if you will take the word of God for it, you will see plainly that the apostles did not use the methods men are using today, to get people saved.  Nowhere can it be found in all the Bible, that any of God's ministers told the people to bow their heads and raise their hands and receive Jesus right where they are, without mentioning repentance, baptism or receiving the Holy Ghost.

     The Apostle Paul said:  "If an angel from heaven preached any other gospel except that which they have preached, let him be accursed."  (Galatians 1:8-9)

Galatians 1:8 - 9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. GAL1:09 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

     I want to say in my conclusion to you, nobody is saved regardless of who he or she may be without having the water, spirit and the blood.  These three agree in one (I John 5:8).

1John 5:8 - 11 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.  If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.  He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

      If you have the spirit and refuse the water, you yet aren't saved.  You can't have the blood and refuse water and the spirit.  The Bible says one Lord, one Faith and one Baptism (Ephesians 4:5)

Ephesians 4:4 - 6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

     Dear reader, if you haven't got it like the Scriptures have outlined it here, you, too, need to cry out in the language of the jailer: "What must I do to be saved?"  May God open your understanding that you may understand the Scriptures, is my prayer.

We will continue with the Actions and Teaching of the Biblical Apostles in part 4……
 
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 and boosters 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.