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: April 26, 2020

To all the Saints of God,

Grace and peace be unto all the Saints of God around the World.  As this Coronavirus Pandemic continues, we are continually reminding the Saints of God that we are obeying the magistrates and following the guideline of the health and governmental authorities for the safety of all people. 

 In many places you are still under “Stay – At – Home” executive orders therefore public gathering has been canceled temporary to control or prevent the spreading of this virus.  All individuals subject to this policy must “STAY AT HOME” except for certain essential activities and work to provide life-sustaining business and government services. Many countries and states are beginning to lift these restrictions in phases. 

Religious institutions
Religious leaders are encouraged under safety protocols to limit and control in-person gatherings to avoid endangering their congregants as the restrictions for gathering are lifted. To accommodate all Saints, we are planning to implement these services when the order is lifted:  1^st week Sisters Department, 2^nd week Brothers Department, 3^rd week Youth Department, 4^th week all Department officials for Executive Board meetings. All services will take place on Sundays only from 11am until 2pm to allow for proper cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces. No night services during the week due disinfection procedures. Baptism, pray and tarrying service, will continue each Sunday following all safety protocols including the use of personal protective equipment.  

Many States are under a Stay at Home Order through May 8, 2020. In  Georgia some businesses are reopening based on the governor’s plan. But the stay at home order is in effect until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2020. This is subject to change again depending on the recommendation of health officials to the Magistrates and governmental officials.

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:

Obeying God Rather Than Men

     This message reveals how that people use their own thoughts and the thoughts, opinion, ideas, and the conversational influence of others to determine what they will obey.  Many of the things that people follow has nothing to do with whether it is right or wrong.  People will spread thing that are untrue and has no basis in fact and is sometimes completely fictional and false if it pleases a select crowd or the majority opinion or give them notoriety and recognition. This is sometime done out of fear or being uninformed about the correct information.  The bible gives examples of dietary laws and health laws for cleanliness and contagious disease containment.  Many of the laws deals with separation from the community to keep from spreading disease.  Just as holiness means to be separate from sin, not practicing sin, not continuing the sinful ways that will lead to your separation from God and eternal damnation.  From these statements we can clearly see that protecting yourself by separating from the thing that will cause harm is the righteous way. Why is it then that some cannot apply this to Church services?  Do we baptize people when they have major bleeding or blood flowing injuries or known open, surgical wounds? No. We bind the wound first before we baptized them by immerging into water in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do we drink dirty contaminated water? No. We drink water that is purified by nature, by boiling and filtering, or through water treatment plants. In other words, we follow safety protocols, guidelines, rules, or laws for the health and welfare of all people.

  ACTS 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

ACTS 5:13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

ACTS 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 

ACTS 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

ACTS 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

The signs, wonders, and healings of the Apostles established before the people that Jesus Christ who is God almighty was empowering them and sending many blessing through them so that all people would look to him ( Jesus Christ ) for their well-being and salvation

 ACTS 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 

 ACTS 5:18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

As a result of the signs, wonder, and healings from God almighty by the Apostles, those focused on religious showmanship became angry because of the mighty works of God and put them into prison not for criminal acts, but for doing good works by the name of Jesus Christ.

 ACTS 5:19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 

ACTS 5:20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

ACTS 5:21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

 ACTS 5:22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 

 ACTS 5:23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

God almighty rescued the Apostles from prison and told them to go to the temple and speak the words that will give them eternal life.  The Apostles had to have the strength and faith to stay with the command from God and not be persuaded by the Priest, the prison situation, or threats against their life and the thoughts of people around them.  They did nothing reckless that would cause harm to the health of the people around them but was actually healing the people from sickness, casting out devils, and bringing eternal salvation to all whom believed in the blood of Jesus Christ.  This is what the Church has always done, be an oasis for the health, healing, and salvation of the whole world.  Many of the Hospitals and health care professions were actually started by the Churches for this reason.  This is why you should be able to see those that operate outside of the love of God under the influence of evil spirits who are causing harm as a result of their deception.

ACTS 5:24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

ACTS 5:25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

 ACTS 5:26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

ACTS 5:27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 

 ACTS 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

ACTS 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Notice that God through Angelic communication told them to “ Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”

ACTS 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

ACTS 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

ACTS 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

ACTS 5:33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

During the last 28 years a similar incident happened in a local Church.  In our message “ Be not dismayed at the Times,” we told the Saints to love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, pray for those that despitefully use you and persecute you. Because this is the word of God.  We could not look at the situation around us or follow the popular, most powerful opinion, but we had to obey God rather than men.   God knew that many of the people would respond in fear and sent visions and dreams to remind the people that he was in control.  And now many years later the Saints are showing love to all people even those who say terrible hurtful things.  The teaching of love is emanating, and the Saints have truly grown and can deal with biblical doctrine from different angles until we all come to the unity of the Faith.

MATTHEW 10:01 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Notice that they did not claim that this power came from themselves but the power was completely based on the will of God and revealed to all that the power to heal sickness comes from God.

Jesus Christ first sent his Apostles to the lost of Israel only not to the gentiles
(other nations) or to the Samaritans ( some say the revolting tribes of the northern kingdom after King Solomon’s death )  with instructions to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast our devils in lifting up the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 10: 5- 8 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  And as ye go, preach, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”   Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Regardless for how you may feel about it, the Apostles or disciples were not sent to others at that time. Why? Because it was not in God’s will for them to go to others at that time. This shows us that all things happen according to God’s will and why we obey God rather than men.  Then later God sent his Apostles to all nations and creatures.

MATTHEW 28:16 -20 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

MARK 16:14 - 18 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

God works healing many times by empowering his Ministers which can include medical care as in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Binding up the wound and using oil and wine as a medical treatment during that time.

LUKE 10:30 -37 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,  And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?   And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Contagious disease which can spread from one person to the entire community as Leprosy is often used to symbolizes the defilement of sin which results in separation from God and the community. Once again establishing the need for mitigation when dealing with epidemics or pandemics, local or worldwide spreading disease. Now examine the reported information on covid-19 by the medical authorities.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).  The disease was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province, and has since spread globally, resulting in the ongoing 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.  Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.  Other symptoms may include fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, body chills, sore throat, loss of smell, and abdominal pain. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around five days but may range from two to fourteen days.  While most cases result in mild symptoms, some progress to viral pneumonia and multi-organ failure.   As of 26 April 2020, more than 2.96 million cases have been reported across 185 countries and territories, resulting in more than 203,000 deaths. More than 829,000 people have recovered.

I will not quote the total death seen in the vision of the pandemic in the hope that the vision will be defeated by mitigation and not promote public panic.  But the Churches I visited and openly revealed the prophecy know of the numbers we spoke; to many about ten years ago and some about one year ago. We are rapidly approaching those numbers now. In God’s mercy, he gives us a way to deal with disease. There are more visions and other things to come.

The virus is primarily spread between people during close contact, often via small droplets produced by breathing, coughing, sneezing, or talking. While these droplets are produced when breathing out, they usually fall to the ground or onto surfaces rather than being infectious over long distances. People may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.  The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 3 days or 72 hours.  It is most contagious during the first three days after the onset of symptoms, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear and in later stages of the disease.

Recommended measures to prevent infection include frequent hand washing, maintaining physical distance from others (especially from those with symptoms), covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inner elbow, and keeping unwashed hands away from the face.  The use of masks is recommended for those who suspect they have the virus and their caregivers

After reviewing the recommendations to prevent the spread of Covid-19 you can see that we will carry out baptism, laying on of hands, and all Church services within the guidelines for safety. There is no need for religious showmanship and crowd arousing accolades or the Tempting of God as the devil tempted Jesus Christ after his fasting in the wilderness. Many times, the voices persuading you to do reckless things are the demons working, walking and possessing people who are unbelievers.

When and whether you are healed rests entirely on Jesus Christ who is God Almighty.  Arousing speeches and sermons that make promises outside the word of God to show enthusiasm for faith healing and preacher recognition can bring false hopes. "Just believing hard enough, long enough or strong enough will not strengthen you or promote your healing. Doing mental gymnastics to 'hold on to your miracle' will not cause your healing to manifest now."  When we lay hands on people and pray for them or with them to be healed, we are fully aware that healing may not always follow immediately but will happen in God’s own time according to his will.  We never tell them to avoid medical care or that seeking medical care and advice shows a lack of faith. It is now being reported that preachers and their wives have died during this pandemic.  I am truly sorry that so many people have been misled by those with limited information. I have been truly blessed in my life because God has healed me from my sickness and diseases, and I am a living testimony of divine healing with and without medical care. While it is true that in the past it was said that Elder should not wear glasses. It is true and written that Saints were advised to not administer medical aid. And it is written that Saints refrained from pills because people would think you were taking aspirin because many thought that medical help indicated a lack of faith in God misinterpreting Romans 14 chapter. This is proof again that we are to Obey God rather than men.

I love you always with perfect love,

Apostle Dennis G. Smith

What Is Social Distancing?

Social distancing means staying away from close contact in public spaces. It includes actions like staying out of places where lots of people gather and maintaining distance — approximately 6 feet — from others.

Social distancing also includes minimizing contact with people by avoiding public transportation when possible, limiting nonessential travel, working from home, and skipping social gatherings.

All people should practice social distancing — not just those who are seriously ill or at high risk.

Social distancing is a proven way to slow the spread of pandemics.

When to Wear a Mask

Those who are staying home and have no close contacts who are infected with COIVID-19 don’t need a mask most of the time. However, wearing a nonmedical or homemade mask may be helpful in certain situations or for certain populations.

•        Shopping at essential businesses, like grocery stores or pharmacies.

•        While visiting your health care provider.

•        Traveling on public transportation.

•        Interacting with customers/clients at essential businesses.

•        When feeling sick, coughing, or sneezing.

Because homemade masks protect everyone else from the droplets created by the wearer, it is important that as many people as possible wear these masks when leaving their homes.

This helps prevent those who may be infectious but are only mildly symptomatic or not symptomatic from spreading the virus to others in the community.

Everyone should remember the phrase: “My mask protects you; your mask protects me.” By increasing the overall number of people who are containing their coughs, sneezes, and other droplets, it will help us control the overall spread of the virus.