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: July 18, 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.

·        As of July 15, 2021, the City of Atlanta, Georgia remains in Phase 4 of the Reopening Plan.   

·        Social distancing is recommended to control the spread or for individual safety.   Gatherings with face mask and social distancing are allowed.

·         Covid-19 vaccinations in Georgia are offered to everyone 12 years of age and older.  Note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 12 and older.

     We are continuing limited in-person services with face mask, social distancing, and temperature checks.  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:

 Men Ought Always To Pray, And Not To Faint …! (Part 2)

Luke 18:9 – 14  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  I tell you; this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

     The Pharisees described in the bible are usually seen as the people who gave themselves to following strict obedience and compliance to moral law, ceremonial law, and perhaps the Jewish civil law.  The Publicans described in the Bible are seen as despised people and sinners, tax collectors who were Jews or relatives of the Israelites who worked for or with the Roman Empire under which the Jewish people lived. 

      The Pharisee described in this parable is seen as exalting himself because he fasted on a regular basis and gave tithe on all that he received.  Although the things that he spoke of were good and they were things that he ought to have done, but they were not a reason to approach God with a sense that he was better than other people or with an exalted mindset of seeing himself as having earned his own salvation.  

      He was very confident that he had met all the religious duties that were required of him, so he saw himself as better than the other praying man, the publican.  He approached God with his self-exalted mindset to think of himself as more Holy than the other praying man, the publican.  And while in his self-exalted mindset of telling God about the religious things that he had accomplished; he did not ask God for anything.  He gave thanks to God because in his own opinion he was better than the publican. 

      But the publican confessed to God that he was a sinner in a humble way and asked God to have mercy on him.  The publican recognized his state of unworthiness before God and confessed that he was a sinner in need of mercy.   Because the publican came to God in humility, he was the one who went to his house justified and he was the one who received a right standing before God and the answer to his prayer rather than the self-righteous Pharisee.

      As a result of the behavior of both men in prayer, God justified the publican because of his humble disposition and true confession rather than the Pharisee in his self-exalted, self-righteous disposition.  This should show all people how to approach God in prayer.  Never approach God with a self-exalted, high minded, or lifted up mindset in prayer thinking that you have earned your own salvation because you have complied to the things that are required to be saved.  

      But always approach God in a humble way thanking him for his grace and mercy upon you and for blessing you to overcome your sinful ways in doing the things that you ought to do.  Come before the Lord humbly thanking him for giving you the Holy Ghost, changing your nature, and humbly requesting an answer to your prayers. 

      We bow our heads and clasp or lift up our hands to show our humble approach of respect and adoration of the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty.  Though we are not timid in our approach, but we are bold in the fact that we believe all that God has promised.

      In the Bible prayer is the means of interacting with God, which may be spontaneous or not planned in a particular form, it may be a individual or personal planned prayer by personal words, it may be an organized or an unorganized form of thanking God for what he has done and asking or petitioning God for continual help.  Prayer is the way we seek a real communication with God which can bring about a real experience with God.  This is the reason why we continue to have the Tarrying Service which is a prayer service for those who are seeking the gift of the Holy Ghost and waiting on God to answer their prayer. When the Holy Ghost came on the Day of Pentecost, the scripture tells us that they continued on one accord in prayer and supplication.  Or in other words they continued communication with God.

ACT1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

     We started this series of messages with the Luke 18: 1-7 the Parable of the Persistent Widow to emphasize the need to continue on a regular daily basis in prayer and supplication to God to receive answers to your Prayers.  You should never allow yourself to forget to pray.  Even though prayer is not a job or a chore it is a part of our praise to God Almighty, communication with God Almighty, love, and worship of God almighty.  The more we talk to God, we achieve a benefit of increased faith, strength, and experience with the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty.

Luke 18:1 - 7 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.  And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.  And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.  And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? 

          This parable is also known as the Parable of the Unjust Judge, or the Parable of the Importunate Widow which tells us about a judge who did not fear God and did not have respect for man.  But when he is repeatedly approached by a poor widow who is constantly complaining about someone who had caused her harm and is seeking justice or payment for the wrong that was done to her, he first rejected her request.  

     But after rejecting her demands, he eventually gives in to her demands and honors her request to avoid being worn out by her continual coming to him over and over again and not stopping or giving up in her request for justice.  The purpose of this parable is to give an example of the importance of continual, persistence in prayer, and never stopping or quitting the daily prayer to God Almighty.  

     As the time of sorrow increases, the need for continual daily prayer, patience, and strength will become greater and greater.  And when we pray daily it should give each Apostolic Christian Believer the confidence that God will help them and provide for them during every season.

We continue with part of a Message from Apostle S. McDowell Shelton …. “Does Prayer Really Change Anything?” ………

Does Prayer Really Change Anything?” (part 2)

By Bishop S. McDowell Shelton

“Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted :" (James 1 :9)

 Even if you have not received your answer to prayer; if you believe it, you can rejoice because you know that your change is going to come—that is, when you are praying by faith.  A brother of low degree rejoices because his prayer is mixed with faith.  He is contending for the blessing with diligence, and he will most certainly receive that exaltation of a good reward.  He has the assurance that:

 "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain :" (Isaiah 40:4)

     When the brother of low degree begins to pray, he rebukes the enemy of faith, which is unbelief.

    Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief". (Mark 9:24)

     Trusting in uncertain riches: 

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11 :6)

 If prayer is going to change anything for you, you must first believe that He is. 

The fool hath said in his heart there is no God. (Psalms 14:1)

First you must find out whether or not a God exists.  You must believe that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.   A man or woman who leans to their own understanding is brought low.  You can lean to your own understanding by trusting in uncertain riches.  

"But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away." (James 1 :10)

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things 'to enjoy." (I Timothy 6:17)

If you have been blessed or prospered by God, you cannot trust in your material possessions.  You must always keep yourself in a position to cry out to the Lord, depending on Him.  We trust in the living God—not in uncertain riches.  We trust in the One who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.  A good example of a man trusting in riches is in Luke 12:16-20.

"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" (Luke 12:20)

You know, it is better to trust in God, because the things you can believe God for, are eternal.  They are something which will not pass away.

Sin: a serious hindrance:  Sin acts as a deterrent and a wall of partition which blocks God's blessings from flowing freely into the mainstream of human life. Sinful prayers becomes useless babble and falls on a deaf ear because God will not hear them.

 "Now we know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. (John 9: 31)

James 4:3: "Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

You are praying for something that will help you lust more.  Here is a classic example of what God does to one praying in a state of sin.  David was a man after God's own heart, but he sinned.  His lust for Bathsheba motivated him into sending her husband into the thick of the battle.  Not this only, but he added insult to injury by giving the man his own death warrant.  Soon, David's son became sick.  David prayed, but his son died.   God sent the Prophet Nathan to the king admonishing him for his misdeeds.  David wanted to build a house for the Lord, but there was blood on his hands.

For reference, see II Samuel 11: 1-4 ; 11:14-15; 12:1-18.

Having Ought Against Your Brother: You must reconcile yourself with a person after a misunderstanding.

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)

Why not examine your prayer!  If none of these hindrances have applied, then look for your answer.

We will continue with these messages in part 3………..

          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 and 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 12 and older.  Note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 12 and older. People younger than 18 years of age are not authorized to receive either the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

 Present Guidelines for Individual and Businesses in PHASE 4

·        Limited trips outside.

·        Wearing a face mask in some indoor public facilities is a mandate.

·        Frequent hand washing.

·        Continue to practice Social distancing.

·        Increased occupancy in food and retail establishments with social distancing and other protective measures.

·        Begin phasing in non-essential workers return to on sight working with safety precautions including social distancing and temperature checks.

·        Frequent cleaning of public and high touch areas

·        Small gatherings with social distancing

·        Some essential and non-essential City facilities and programs may begin to open.

·        City continues to accept special event applications subject to COVID safety requirements

·        Continue communication with local and State authorities to monitor public health metrics

 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.