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: September 20, 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. 

      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.  

     At this present time, the City of Atlanta, Georgia remains in Phase II of the Reopening Plan.   Large gatherings of more than 50 people are banned in Georgia unless there is at least six feet between each person. We are continuing limited in-person gatherings to maintain the requested social distancing and increasing our online service through Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube. The medically fragile are advised to continue to shelter in place.

     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:

Avoiding the Unfruitful Works of Darkness

Ephesians 5:6 - 11 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

      One thing that all the followers of God must come to is that there are ways to living a Holy life that is different from the way of the sinful worldly life.  We cannot claim to be holy followers of God if we condone sinful and evil ways.  When we hear of individuals who say that they are Apostolic or Christian and condone shacking up or male and female living together without marriage then their proclamation is not true.  If it makes a person mad when they are told that their unrighteous and sinful behavior is wrong, then this is proof that they are unrepentant of their sinful ways.  In other words, it establishes that they have no intentions of turning away from sin. If a person has no intentions in changing their wrong ways, there is no salvation for them, and they are eternally lost.  And when we are confronted with individuals who are eternally lost, we must learn to separate from their evil ways and have no fellowship with their conduct, their behavior, or their lifestyle. We must learn how to speak to people and be cordial, gentle, and respectful in daily greetings but be able to resist them peaceably when they reject our Apostolic, Pentecostal Christian lifestyle remembering always that evil communications corrupt good manners.

 The Apostle Paul spoke of himself as fighting with beast at Ephesus when resisting those who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead because they were putting forth an argument in speech about the very foundation on which Faith in Jesus Christ stands.  If the dead does not rise, then the Christian Faith is vain or useless.

1Corinthians 15:32 - 33   If after the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die.  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

      We must stand for the holy life in which we live.  This does not mean become a cruel person, but we must set a precedent for the things that we will and will not do.  Otherwise people will present to you the pornographic magazines and movies as if it is a joke actually playing with your walk with Jesus Christ.  This does not mean that we do not fellowship with other Christians or the devil will twist the words of Apostle Paul to cause divisions in the Body of Christ, but we are speaking of their evil ways. Therefore, we are speaking of those that fight against the Apostle’s Doctrine who promote division and strife.

 Romans 16:17 - 18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

 So, we mark them which cause divisions in the Body of Christ and do not follow their evil ways, conversation, conduct, behavior, or lifestyle.  This does not mean that we treat them with cruelty.  It means that our conduct is a reflection of the Holy Ghost within us rather that a response to the evil around us.

 Philippians 3:17 - 19 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

 Just as we mark them that cause division, we also mark them which live by the Apostle’s Doctrine and follow their example in being lead by the hidden man within us and he is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is God Almighty.  And just as the Moral Law is the Knowledge of sin, there are certain moral statements and principles which we should live by each day. 

 Romans 3:19 - 20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 Apostle Paul teaches us to be followers of God by examples in our life.  To present our life to the world as children of our Holy God Jesus Christ.

 Ephesians 5:1 - 4 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

      To be followers of God as his children we must walk in love or desire good for all men, we do not commit sexual contact or acts outside of the normal monogamous marriage relationship because any sexual contact outside of the monogamous marriage relationship produces the sins of fornication, while it is true that there were some polygamous marriages suffered in the old testament and tolerated in judgement we follow what the Lord God Jesus Christ said that in the beginning it was not so, this is the marriage relation of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, we do not desire the things of others or covet what belongs to others, we keep sinful impure thoughts out of our heart to avoid uncleanness, for out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication or sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are the thoughts that makes a man `unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him `unclean.

 Matthew 15:18 - 20 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

We avoid filthy talking and foolish conversations, we avoid unrighteous joking, jesting or ridicule about other people in talking and conversation, we avoid all sorts of evil, frivolous, fruitless talk which should be condemned by all Christians.  We order our lives at a higher standard; we live for the purpose of lifting up a holy standard before the entire world; we live to bear righteous and holy fruit.  Anything that does not produce righteous fruit is put away.

Ephesians 5:4 - 4 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

     When we know that promiscuity or multiple sexual partners will lead to eternal damnation, we must expressed this in our lifestyle.  We cannot be afraid that the sinful people will not be our friends. We cannot live our lives trying to win a popularity contest with sinful people who reject the word of God.  And if you feel the need to pacify or appease wicked behavior in order to maintain casual relationships then you must ask yourself the question, “Am I a participant in their sinful ways?”

Ephesians 5: 5 - 6 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath, any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

     You must present yourself and conversate in a way that they will come to understand that though you may have experienced the darkness but now you have changed. You have changed so much so that you now live crying out against sinful behavior and know God can empower anyone who wants to live a righteous life to overcome evil.  For you were once of the darkness, even if you have been in the Church all of your life, each time you allowed yourself to commit sin, you experience the touch of darkness.  Then for that sinful moment these dark things suited you.  But you were repentant, sorrowful, and regretted your short comings and turned to the light in the Lord Jesus Christ and asked for forgiveness with the purpose of sinning no more.

 Ephesians 5: 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

 As children of the light, we put away all these dark things; and walk, live, and travel no more in the thick gloom of these abominations and sinful ways. The indwelling Spirit of God continues to empower us, lead us, guide us, and help us to walk in the light as he is in the light!

 Ephesians 5: 9-10. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

 We pray, asking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to order the steps of our whole life in such a way that we may be “acceptable unto the Lord.”  That we may be known by the fruit of the indwelling Holy Ghost producing goodness, righteousness and truth in every thought, word, and deed, that every breath of our life, should be “acceptable unto the Lord.”

 Ephesians 5: 11-12. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

 We are Walking in the light therefore:

We should live a life modelled on the love of God and reject any lifestyle with vices and pleasures of sin which will anger God.

We should live a life in the light so that all can see our good work and reject a life full of hidden shameful sensual lude sexual behavior.

We should live a life in wisdom guided by the indwelling Spirit of Jesus Christ and reject a life under the control of strong drink and illicit drugs.

 We should not be as "one who sleeps" as "a sinner satisfied in his sins; contented to remain in his fallen state". Knowing full well that the end of a sinful life is eternal damnation in the flames of the lake of fire.  We should redeem the time or take every opportunity to live according to the word of God.  We should promote wisdom in knowing the will of God by his word and not behave foolishly as if there is no punishment for sin. This should lead us to surrender ourselves to the complete control and filling of the Holy Ghost.

Ephesians 5:14 - 17 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

      Acts 2:4 is a historical record of the effect of the Holy Ghost filling the Saints of God at Pentecost giving an impression of drunkenness to those who saw and heard them speak with other tongues as the Spirit of God gave them utterances. This example clearly reveals to all people throughout the world the control of the Holy Ghost upon the body and life of a true believer.  Just as when one is under the power of strong drink taken in excess results in clearly seen acts and signs of drunkenness or mental failures, immoral or wrong sexual behavior, immoral or unrighteous speech, and wasteful use of money, broken of failed family and human relationships, out of control driving that kills innocent people etc.., the fullness of the Spirit produced signs that all could see  in ... tongues known and unknown, praise of God from the heart, and a life lived in a spirit of thankfulness to God, love of God, love of the Brethren, and love of all men.

The Holy life produces results in the home that should be seen in wives submitting to husbands, husbands loving and submitting to wives and honoring wives without considering her physical strength and statue in a willingness to gives himself or die for his family.  Bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord even if they make bad choices in the future.  The household or Family being the foremost and basic unit of society should be patterned after the unselfish, sacrificial love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the almighty God. This should be the fruit of living a Holy life.

 Ephesians 5:21 - 28   Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  Wives submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.   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.  So, ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

  We continue with a message from Apostle Shelton………………Have No Fellowship………...

  

HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP

By Bishop S. McDowell Shelton

We are constantly praying for God to open everyone’s understanding to the Truth; that God will bless and preserve your life until you come and obey requirements the of the Spirit.  First, you must baptized in the name Of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives you utterance.  If you have not done this, then you have not started. Stop talking about church and religion, because you have not begun until you have baptized by immersion water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sin and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  After leaving these, the principals of the doctrine, you do not discard; but go on to perfection by continuing steadfastly in the doctrine.

     This does not set well with some people, you know.  We are not concerned in pleasing you.  When we finish with you, you will either be here for good or go away for good. God can rejoice in saving you, and He can also rejoice when you are burning in hell's fire. Isaiah said. "And it shall come to in the last days, all nations shall flow into it. (Isaiah 2:2)

John said, 'They went out from us… (I John 2:19)   There is Bible both ways.

     There was a group that continued steadfastly. Acts 2:42   Now, you have a group that flows in; there is a group that flows out; and there is a group that remains stedfastly.  

     Then there is another group that flow in and hypocrites from the day they get in until the day they die. You know what that is? That is the Tare.  

 The Bible says, " Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.  (Matthew 13:24-30)

Matthew 13:24 - 30 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.  But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.  So, the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?   He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?  But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

 Some people would not hypocrite any place else, but here. They get much enjoyment out of this. It does not mean anything to them if they were to go out to some false church and hypocrite: because they would be just another hypocrite among thousands of hypocrites.  But here, they stand out and become martyrs.  At the same time, they are hypocriting.  When I preach, they feel persecuted and try to get sympathy by saying, "0h, he really did get us tonight, didn't he?"  

      They get with their small groups and have something to discuss over the telephone.  Of course, if they go out to a church where the preacher does not condemn anything, then they do not have any glory. They try to justify themselves in this church by saying, "I am going to sit here until the Lord comes.  No matter how hard he preaches or rebukes, I am not going to go." I know you are not going; you have already gone.  You have backslidden in your mind years ago. 

     We are letting the wheat and tare grow together until harvest time.  One false prophet called the office asking to speak with me or my Secretary General, Elder David J. Mills. He said that he had some chairs that to me and he wanted one of our deacons to pick them up. The Secretary assured him that we could arrange to have this done.  My Secretary General brought it to the false prophet's attention previously that those hypocrites were sitting in the Bishop's chairs.  Before the man hung up, he said to the Secretary, "I guess you heard that I was disfellowshipped.  They put me out Of the Church."  The secretary replied, “No I had not heard.”  And neither had I heard.  He backslide and wanted some sympathy. 

      No matter how much I think of you, the minute you leave "this Church" fighting the doctrine, I will cut you off—no matter who you are.  If a person backslide out of weakness and still believes in the faith, and they want prayer and help, then I will leave the ninety-nine and go seeking the one sheep.

 Matthew 18:11-14   For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.  How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?   And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

 I have never read in the Bible where any of the apostles or the disciples left any ninety-nine and went after one goat.  God is going to separate the sheep from the goat.

 Matthew 25:31-46  When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:  And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:   And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:   For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:   Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?   When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?   Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?   And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:   For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:   I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?   Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

You see, I have been raised in the old Apostolic traditional way.  Once you left the Church fighting, we would cease communicating; nor did we receive you in our houses. In those days, saints hardly visited each other, so you know we did not visit backsliders. I was saved in the days when we, did not visit; neither did we call each other on telephones.  Most of us did not have telephones.  When we met, it was at Church. If we were to meet at someone’s house, it was of some great petition someone wanted to put before the Lord. 

     Someday you will learn, that if you want salvation, you will have to save yourself.  Many people are going to hell because of some friend they are keeping up with. I am your friend as long as you stay in this Church. The minute you go, that is the end.  After Bishop Johnson died, I cut myself off from the people that were not right, even though they were in our home on the day I was born.  

     There are many who would have liked to destroy me: You cannot destroy me unless you destroy yourself, and I think I can outlive you. Another thing I can say, “There is no one on the face of this earth. if they were to backslide, that I would backslide because of them.” If you think you are that close, try it and see.  You will see me as a watchman on the wall while you fall back in the pit of hell. You will look up and see me in the bosom of Abraham. There will be a great gulf between you and me. The only time you can ever be with me is when you love the Lord and are honest in your heart.  If you are the weak type and one to get easily upset and insulted, I am not going to see you long. 

Matthew 13:1-9   The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the seaside.  And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.  And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;   And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:   Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:   And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:   But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.  Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

     Someone might ask: Well, doesn't the Bible say "He carries the young lamb in His bosom?... he shall gather the Iambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom (Isaiah 40:11) Yes, the Bible says that and I do so—that is, as long a you are a lamb. it is going to come a time for you to get down and walk. You will have to make it for yourself.  "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord." (Ephesians 5:9, 10) 

     This means that you are going to tell the truth and be honest with yourself. You will not creep in unawares and try to seduce someone to come with you for your own personal gain and vanity, or for something to feed your ego. You are going to do the thing right. You have to prove what is acceptable unto the Lord. "And have no fellowship with the Works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11) 

Just what does this scripture mean? Does it mean that you should not go to backsliders' apartments and cook dinner for who is having a birthday? Yes, it does. Once someone leaves here, you cannot eat with them. You cannot sit at the same table with them: That is, if they are fighting the doctrine. The Bible says in the tenth verse of II John "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, . . '

2John 1:9 - 11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:   For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

It might sound rude, but the Bible is right. You might as well shut the door in their faces because God will.  It is the same as with the five foolish virgins. When they returned, God shut the door in their faces.  

 Matthew 25:1-10   Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:   But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

 People are saying I have to show "love".  What!  Am I more righteous than God?  Yes, God loves them; but, when that day comes, God is going to watch them burn right in hell. You do not love anyone when you indorse them in their wrong. Parents say they love their children! Yet, they let them do everything under the sun.  Along with love comes responsibility, both for the One who loves, and the one who is loved. 

 HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP. Do not associate! 'This means you cannot come here (to my churches) on Tuesdays and Thursdays and then on Sunday evenings sneak out where your buddies are—to the churches of Asia, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor: hot: I would thou wert cold or hot." (Revelations 3:15)

Here Apostle Shelton speaks of the message to the Seven Churches of Asia in the book of Revelations. The Philadelphian Church which was located in the modern-day country known as Turkey and had a good report from the Lord Jesus Christ in that they had kept his word and became known for Brotherly Love.  Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

 But the Laodicean Church was a Christian community established in the ancient city of Laodicea on the river Lycus, in the Roman province of Asia and was known for lukewarmness.  This indifferent style of basing holy living and commitment on wealth and needs was rejected by the Lord God Jesus Christ.  

 REV3:14 - 17 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

 It does not concern me whether I have two or two million in membership.  If those two are stable, I can do more with two stable people than I can with two million shallow-head, wishy-washy people. 

 James 1:8 Now is the time you should choose what you want. If Baal be God, serve him. If God be God, serve Him. I Kings 18   In other words, if this is the Whole Truth, then you stay put.  If you think not, then go somewhere and try to find it. I know the end is death. 

 "For it a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret." (Ephesians 5:12)   You should turn away from those that are reprobates concerning the faith. "But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is fight. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (Ephesians 5 :13, 14)   You had better wake up.

 Someone asked a false prophet: "Why did you stay there as long as you did if you thought Bishop Shelton was not right ?"  He replied, "Well, my eyes began to open."  And you are supposed to be a preacher? 

 The Bible says, "Where there is no vision; the people perish: . . ."

(Proverbs 29:18)   That is just what is happening. You mean to tell me that you had to wait all these years for your eyes to be opened? You must have terrible eyes. This calls for contact lens. If you are about to eat. a ham, you do not have to eat half of it to find out it is poisonous. "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15, 16)

 Therefore, we again repeat our theme in our conclusion: HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP. If mother is fighting: Have no fellowship. If daughter is fighting: Have no fellowship. Wife? Husband? Have no fellowship. The wife might ask: Well, do I have to cook his meals. Yes, do your natural duties, and from that you cut yourself off.

 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11)

Remember always that true love always rejects the ways of evil men and will never fight against the Apostle’s Doctrine.  Though we live in the same house with them, we never participate in any conduct, conversation, or anything that is unrighteous, we live peaceable with all men as much as we can.

 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

 

Coronavirus outbreak in Churches from health reports:   September 20, 2020

·        Most of the recently reported outbreaks are centered on the reopening of schools and colleges.

 

Present Guidelines for Individuals and Businesses in Phase 2:

·         Small private gatherings of no more than 10 people, with social distancing.

·         Large Gatherings of more than 50 people are banned in Georgia unless there is at least six feet between each person.

 

 Social Distancing guidelines:

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:

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.