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 17, 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.

• As of April 14, 2022, the City of Atlanta, Georgia remains in the Green Zone with community transmission of Covid-19 trending upward toward 6% community spread. This means that transmission is low but increasing, and you will need to follow reasonable guidance and caution to limit being exposed to the virus at this time. 
• Social distancing and face mask are recommended for gatherings to control the spread of Covid-19 or for individual safety.   
• Gatherings indoors is allowed but face mask and social distancing is recommended for individual safety.
• Vaccinations and boosters remains the recommended most effective way to control the spread of Covid-19 by health authorities. 
• Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters in Georgia are offered to everyone 5 years of age and older.  

     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:

 The Truth about Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (2022)

Edited By Apostle Dennis G. Smith

     The supernatural glorified bodily resurrection of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from the dead, which Easter celebrates, is one of the chief tenets of the Apostolic Christian faith. The resurrection established the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and is cited as proof that God will righteously judge the world.  

     For those who trust in the death and resurrection of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, "death is swallowed up in victory.  Any person who chooses to follow the Lord Jesus Christ receives "a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

 Through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty, those who obey his commandments and follow him are spiritually resurrected with him so that they may walk in a new way of life and receive eternal salvation, being physically buried with him by baptism in water in the name of Jesus Christ and rising or resurrected from the watery grave to walk in the newness of life entering into the Kingdom of God.

John 3:3 - 5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 6:3 - 6 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

     Easter is linked to Passover and the Exodus from Egypt recorded in the Old Testament through the Last Supper, sufferings, and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ that preceded His resurrection.  According to the three Synoptic Gospels, the Lord Jesus Christ gave the Passover meal a new meaning, in the upper room during the Last Supper as He prepared himself and his disciples for his death.  He identified the bread as his body, soon to be sacrificed and the cup of wine as his blood, soon to be shed. 

Apostle Paul teaches us, 

1Corinthians 5:7 - 8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:  1Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

"Get rid of the old leaven (yeast symbolic of your old sinful, evil ways) that you may be a new batch without yeast (without sinful conduct) which you have become. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."  This refers to the Passover requirement to have no yeast in the house and to the Lord Jesus Christ as the Paschal lamb or the lamb that was sacrificed whose blood was used to mark the door post in Exodus so that the Lord God would pass over the house during the plague of death of the firstborn in Egypt.

Exodus 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

We believe that the Truth should be told about the Celebration or Christian Holiday called Easter.  As you are enjoying your annual holiday with family and friends, if you tell them that the Easter Bunny brought them the springtime gifts and painted eggs, you will be lying and committing sin.  You must learn to enjoy your family, friends, associates, colleagues, fellow Christian brothers, and sisters through the unconditional love that Jesus Christ is pouring into your heart. And when you do this, you will be able to enjoy all family, national, and religious celebrations for what they commemorate or remind us about. 

     It was through the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ that the power of hell and sin was broken. Jesus died a natural body but arose a spiritual body and told the Apostles “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” 

Mark 16:15 - 16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

     There is no judgment in any food, drink, or any holy days. Our salvation, love, nourishment, and strength is from, through and in the Lord Jesus Christ.

COLOSSIANS 2:16 -19 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:  Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Romans13:8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Romans13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

     We should always celebrate and commemorate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ this day, every day of our life, and throughout all eternity by loving each other and living a holy life without practicing sin. 

 How did the Cross effect the salvation of human beings? His death shows people how much God loves them.

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

JOHN 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ declared him to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 

Romans 1:3 – 4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis for the Christian hope for life after death; brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

I Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ established or is the basis of our faith and hope.  Without the Resurrection of Jesus Christ our faith and hope would be vain or useless.

1CORINTHIANS 15:12-18 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:   And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:   And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ground for living a holy life without sin walking in the “newness of life.”

Romans 6:4- 6 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is also the ground to “seek the things that are above”

Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ establishes the belief that Christ has all power and is present in and with his church. 

EPHESIANS 1:19 - 23 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the good news and gospel that we preach  

1 Corinthians 15:1- 8 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:   And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.  After that, he was seen of James, then of all the apostles.  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

      The Bible nowhere states that the day Christ arose was Easter. Easter, also called Resurrection Sunday, is a festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead.  The bible teaches us in the New Testament that the Lord Jesus Christ arose from the dead on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus Christ.  Depending on one's views, the Passion of Jesus may include, among other events, Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his cleansing of the Temple, the woman anointing him, the Last Supper, agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, his betrayal by Apostle Judas Iscariot and arrest, his Sanhedrin trial, his trial before Pontius Pilate, his crucifixion and his death on the cross, his burial, and the resurrection.  For many the suffering or Passion of Jesus Christ only includes his trials, crucifixion, and death.

     Have you ever considered that Easter comes at a different time each year? Then how could He be crucified on one date one year and on another date another year? That does not make good sense! Herod planned to bring Peter before the council after Easter as stated in the bible, but it does not say that Jesus Christ arose this day.

Acts 12:1 - 4 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. Acts 12:2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. Acts12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)  Acts12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Acts12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

     Herod and the Jews were not interested in the commemoration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The very reason the people wanted to kill Peter and the Apostles was that they were preaching the power of the resurrection. It was through the crucifixion and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ that the power of hell and sin was broken. The Lord Jesus died a natural body but arose a spiritual body and told the Apostles “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Mark 16:15 - 16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

     The name Easter is traced back to the old German word, Eastre, (plural) Eastron, from the name of the old Teutonic “goddess of spring,” who was called - Eastra. NOTE THIS CAREFULLY: Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon that falls on or the next after the vernal equinox (March 21 in the Gregorian calendar); if the full moon happens on Sunday, Easter is celebrated one week later.

      We do not find the actual festival or Easter associated with the resurrection of Christ until the year 300 A.D. It was then looked upon as a joyous festival and sermons were preached on it. So then, Easter was simply a spring festival to the goddess Eastra which came around the time of the Jewish Passover and was later incorporated in the backslidden church. Because the spring festival occurred around the time of the Jewish Passover the word Easter in the bible is recognized in Acts 12:4 to refer to the Jewish Passover. Once again the bible does not state that Easter was the day that the Lord Jesus Christ arose from the dead.

     Dear reader, be not deceived and carried away by the customs of this world, for the people's customs are vain. Never use holidays as a point of judgement for sin and salvation. The Pope, himself, cannot prove Lent and all it stands for to be sanctioned or required for salvation by the scriptures, nor can anyone else. 

     You may commemorate the Gospel, the acts and earthly life of Jesus Christ through holidays without lying. As you enjoy holidays and events do so in honesty showing a separated lifestyle devoted to Christ. Jesus Christ wants us to be baptized in His name and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues according to Acts 2:38. He wants us to be holy and serve Him, not only on certain days and seasons of the year, but to live holy every day of our lives. ……… that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. Luke 1:73-75.

     We continue to love the Brethren around the world and do not use the religious holidays as points of separation, contention, or debate but we speak the truth in love reminding them of our biblical apostolic growth and heritage.

We will continue with the message The Actions and Teaching of the Biblical Apostle part 11……

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 you must continue in prayer to God asking him for the Holy Ghost, calling on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and waiting or 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.

Then you must 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 9:50 am for Eternal Life Church of the Living God and 11:00 am for the general Ministers of Jesus Christ Church services to the Saints and friends who sent in 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 services 10 am each Sunday morning and 7:30 pm each Thursday Evening for Bible Study and Auxiliary meetings. 

      You are invited to attend and be a part of the Ministers of Jesus Christ Church Services on  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 tithing and offerings through Givelify, Cash App, Visa, Master Card, American Express Credit and Bank cards or PayPal.  For cash app use the 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.