Pastor Eugene C. Staples Sr.

Sharing My Faith. . .

2011-09-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

The following is a list of concepts principles that I consider worthy of application to my personal approach to sharing my faith with: family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, class mates, couples and strangers:

Lead by example
I have some family members who knew me when I was not saved or living saved and many of the ones I am called to reach have watched me transition and some are still waiting for me backslide. I have to continue to develop my walk, keep the correct Christian attitude and behavior through the good-times and the bad. “I can’t just talk about it, I have to be about it’ – or in other words my love for God and desire for others to be saved has to be seen and shared.

Can’t Postpone
When it comes to sharing with my friends I can’t wait till the ideal moment to share or be consumed with what they could use as an argument against what God gives me to do. I have to look for and create opportunities to share. I have to remember the Word and my responsibility to share the Word in season and out of season because the use of it is always good.

Connect the Dots and Combine My Gifts
When it comes to reaching out to those I am developing with I have to be honest about where I am, my abilities and limits then learn of theirs find where we can assist each other then collectively use our gifts to change the world as well as remember that “iron sharpens iron”. This will increase the effectiveness of the mission of the Great Commission.

Buddy Up
Make sure my wife and I are growing together. Share with her the challenges I am experiencing. Do all I can to insure my growth and my wife’s Spiritual growth is developing daily - then demonstrate the strength and importance of couples working, worshipping and witnessing together – building each other and strong families. I believe couples working with couples are excellent examples for each other and communities.

Build Relationships & Share My Life
With those I have opportunity to do life with I must find common interest, care to know their lives from challenge to victory, concerns to passions, needs to wants. Once I listen I must be open and honest about who I’ve been, who I have become and where I see God leading my life.
Do life where I live with those who I live with and around
I have to get to know my hood and learn to use my personality and developing life in concert with those in my neighborhood as we work to improve our community and evangelize as through servant evangelism.

Be the Me God Made Me to Be
No matter where I am I have opportunity to share my life I shouldn’t hide what I do, I need to strike up conversations with strangers, find topics of common interest and discover points of need for prayer in the lives of those new acquaintances, I can even pray for strength to spot opportunities to reach strangers I’m around.

We are called to share the Good News and insure that everyone has the chance to receive the Grace and Mercy that God offers all through His Son Jesus Christ.

What's Your Plan For Sharing Your Faith?

My Personal Testimony

2011-09-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

Just because you’re in Church Doesn’t Mean you’re in
Christ!

Been thinking about how I became a servant - I grew up in a Christian home in South Bend, Indiana as an only child.
I did well throughout school (like I had a choice – being an only child my parents kept a close watch on me). My mother wasn’t supposed to have children and being born premature I spend my first days of life in an incubator.
I was forced to go to church and participate in the holiday programs. I always said that first chance I got I was never going to go to church. Once I left home for college I thought I’m free of church but God put cast of student believers around me from around the country who thought as a group we should all be attending church on Sundays. Seemed I just couldn’t get away from God’s people. (Which reminds me it is important who you associate with).

Can't Run From God. . .
I tried to get away from Godly influences- yet even when I auditioned for my traveling college performing arts group the director made me recite the Lord’s Prayer during every performance. Still I had no desire to serve the Lord.

Making Money-Building A Name. . .

Coming home from college to do an internship at our local newspaper I was offered a job working as a producer for the television station which was owned by the same company that had the newspaper. Working, making money, gaining notoriety – basically I had become a local celebrity. I owned my own audio production company – again making money making music for TV, radio and local artist. Never had a worry about paying for entrance to the clubs, buying drinks or any of life’s pleasures. I didn’t spend anytime think of God I was too busy doing me.

Couldn't Catch A Break. . .

Thought my hometown was holding me back so I moved to Indianapolis. I left my hometown as a big fish in a small pond and went to where I thought I could immediately capitalize on my skill set. I knew because of MY GREATINESS my career would quickly advance. Listen here’s the shocker every door stayed closed except an invitation from Dr. T. Garret Benjamin the Senior Pastor at Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis Indiana. He made me Minister of Media Services. Here I was serving in one of the largest ministries in Indianapolis, leader over teams of seasoned Christians, but not living or knowing how to live as a Christian is supposed to. I was living a double life - In church but not in Christ.

My Daddy Got Sick. . .
Then my father’s health went bad and I moved my family back to South Bend. One day I got an automated message inviting me to a Bible Study (man I didn’t even own a Bible-but I started sneaking to the afternoon study).
All the time I’m trying to find what is missing from my life it appeared I had it all together, but I didn’t. In my professional world I was back to being a big fish in the media industry partying with the cream of the city’s elite, making money, rubbing elbows with people who made more money in a month then some will make in a lifetime. All this and I was still empty – still feeling as if something was missing. I tried to fill the hole with booze yet I could drink massive amounts of liquor and never get drunk no matter how much I partied. I would hang-out all night with my crew and constantly tell them that we were all missing something. Yea I was dressing in the best, driving the most expensive, even having the most extreme privileges and that wasn’t enough. I was hurting. I was empty. I was searching for what I needed in all the wrong places.

It Happened So Suddenly. . .

Then one Sunday morning after a Saturday night that only ended because I stopped and showered to get ready and go to church, during service I leaned over to my wife and complained that I could smell alcohol on someone’s breath. I quickly realized that it was my breath bouncing off the back of the head of the person in front of me.
Yea, it was me. I was the one in church reeking of alcohol. I had come face to face with the need to make a life choice – was I going to continue to try Christ, live for Christ or continue to live life in crisis trying to fill my life void with material things empty of Spiritual satisfaction and perishable possessions. As much as I tried I wasn’t sure where I was going – I didn’t have confidence that being a good person would have lasting benefits.

A Made Up Mind. . .
That day I made my mind up to live for Christ. Not only did I receive Christ as my Lord and Savior I went on a quest to learn how I could help my lost family and friends receive what I have. As a result the unexpected happened – I was called into ministry.
That was over 14 years ago, now I’m in my 11th year of pastoral leadership- from wanting to open a night club to being pastor of a small church for 7 years to planting a ministry almost 3years ago. God has used me to lead my family, church family and a community of people to growth in Christ.

Trust In Christ. . .

I’ve trusted Christ through victories and defeats, fiscal windfalls and times I was so broke I couldn’t pay attention. As a result I have been able to share my testimony all over the United States and in several countries in Africa.
I can honestly tell you that when I look back over my life I can say that had I not accepted Jesus as my savior, God’s love for me, God’s gift of His Son to pay for my sins and shame then I would have been either dead, depressed, strung-out or a danger to myself or others.
Jesus gave me hope, a promised future and freedom from guilt and shame. I feel free from my past. I was an only child but now I have many brothers and sisters because of the bloodline that Jesus used to connect me into the my new Christian family.
I started reading God’s Word with personal acceptance and my verse of liberation is 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Wordstudy KJV) 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. This verse is what confirmed for me that being in church was not enough – I had to be in Christ…go where He goes do what He does, be intimate with Jesus every move.

Give Your Life. . .
Did you know that giving your life to Christ and learning His will for your life through God’s Word will do the same thing for you that it has done for others who have applied it’s truths to their life.
God is not a respecter of person and He desires for all of us to be saved. God has a plan for every life and it is easy to receive His gift. All I did was pray and acknowledge I am a sinner, confess Jesus as the only begotten Son of God who died for my sins. I said this prayer believing in my heart that I God loved and accepted me and was going to clean me up and use me in a might way to help build His kingdom.

Still Have Issues. . .

Now even though I still experience trials and challenges in my life I have the ability to overcome all by reminding myself that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
No I am not complete yet and I still have sin issues in my life so I have to work daily to become who God has called me to be. I have a different attitude and power to achieve because I believe and I lean on God's Word to direct my paths.

What's Your Testimony? As You Can See I Am A Living Testimony. . .

Updated Summer Schedule

2011-06-11T18:03:00.001-07:00

- Updated Summer Schedule - Updated June 11th

Church on the Move? What?
That’s right church on the move!

Try it!

Capernaum Community Church invites you to join "Church On The Move 2011" every Sunday at 10 am - You don’t even have to dress up but you can…

Veiw our Summer Worship Schedule and Join us at one or all of the published Church On The Move services!

Come join Capernaum Community Church for church @ 2321 Lincolnway West in South Bend, Indiana every Sunday from 10 am to 11:15 am starting Sunday August 14, 2011.

Can’t Miss Events
These events are designed to better prepare our church family and community to Refocus, Recommit and Respond to Re-Launching the work God has called C.C.C. to do on the Northwest side of South Bend, Indiana.

June 12th @ 10am Macedonia MBC
service location: 1862 N. Olive Street, South Bend, Indiana

June 18th from 9am-Noon Capernaum CC Church Clean-up 2321 Lincolnway West

June 19th @ 10am Riverside Church
service location: Resurrection Lutheran Academy6840 Nimtz Parkway, South Bend

June 25th from 9am-Noon Capernaum CC Church Clean-up 2321 Lincolnway West

June 26th @ 10am Worship @ Pastor’s House service location: the Staples Home—1638 College Street, South Bend, Indiana 46628

July 3rd @ 10am New Peter’s Rock MBC service location: 802 Van Buren Street, South Bend, Indiana

July 10th @ 10am Morning Worship 2321 Lincolnway West

July 17th @ 10am New Salem MBC service location: 141 Camden Street, South Bend, Indiana

July 24th & 31st—August 7th @ 10am Morning Worship 2321 Lincolnway West

August 13th 10am-2pm Capernaum Community Celebration

August 14th@ 10am Capernaum Community Church Grand re-Opening 2321 Lincolnway West

The Count Down Is On!

2011-06-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

Capernaum's 2011 Summer Schedule is published and the Grand Opening Celebration of Capernaum CC at our new location

2321 Lincolnway West, South Bend, Indiana

is August 13th & 14th, 2011.

Can’t Miss Events
These events are designed to better prepare our church family and community to Refocus, Recommit and Respond to Re-Launching the work God has called C.C.C. to do on the Northwest side of South Bend, Indiana.

Events
June 12th @ 10am Macedonia MBC
service location: 1862 N. Olive Street, South Bend, Indiana

June 18th from 9am-Noon Church Clean-up 2321 Lincolnway West

June 19th @ 10am Riverside Church
service location: Resurrection Lutheran Academy 6840 Nimtz Parkway,

South Bend

June 25th from 9am-Noon Church Clean-up 2321 Lincolnway West

June 26th @ 10am Worship @ Pastor’s House
service location: the Staples Home—1638 College Street, South Bend, Indiana 46628

July 3rd & 10th @ 10am Morning Worship 2321 Lincolnway West

July 17th @ 10am New Salem MBC

service location: 141 Camden Street, South Bend, Indiana

July 24th & 31st—August 7th @ 10am Morning Worship 2321 Lincolnway West

August 13th 10am-2pm Capernaum Community Celebration

event location: Family Fun Fair on Church Campus 2321 Lincolnway West,

South Bend, Indiana

August 14th@ 10am

Capernaum Community Church Grand re-Opening

2321 Lincolnway West - South Bend, Indiana 46628

Consider the Credentials of:

2011-06-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

Eugene C. Staples,Sr.

Emphasizing
Creative Direction
All aspects of Written and Verbal Communication, Use of Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite Products, Support Talent, Marketing, Audio/Visual Production, Videography, Producing, Directing, Computer Editing, Audio Production, Copy Writing, On Air Talent, Photography, Public Relations, Event Coordination, Public Affairs, Motivational Speaking, Workshops, Ministry and Management

Proverbs 18:16 (AMP)
16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT-JW7Mz-Ws

Let Me Be A Blessing To You...
I bring to your team a highly skilled professional; an individual thoroughly versed in all aspects of the communication and creative process. I bring demonstrated creativity and innovative techniques to every production or public relations opportunity. I am ready to make an immediate contribution to your professional team.

Let Me Help You Expand and Improve Your Efforts...

As evidenced by this short video I have a wide range of demonstrated "adaptable skills" and the ability to work with and in diverse populations and environments.

I also have the willingness to learn how I can best assist you as an individual, business or ministry; taking and molding that information in creative ways so that you or your organization will achieve the greatest level of success possible through the use of multi-media.

Let's Get Started Today...

Don't delay contact me today at adaptableskills@gmail.com or phone 574.256.8282

State of Capernaum Church Address

2011-02-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

What Happens When You Do

Life - Church - Business God's Way?

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 12:1-2

What I'm Learninng is:

We don't have to make it happen - God Does
We don't have to bless ourselves - God Does
We don't have to make a name for ourselves - God Does

And when God makes it happen we become a blessing!

Capernaum Success in 2010

It’s the beginning of the year and I’m writing to share a few things! In 2010 at Capernaum we saw a TON of amazing things happen last year, like:

• Baptism of Adults and Youth (Nine (9) Total Baptisms by Submergence)

• Capernaum Community Celebration 2010. We gave away backpacks filled with school supplies to 90 students-allowing us to personally connect with over 40 new Non-Capernaum Households – Plus we held a Health Awareness & Blood Drive. Our Blood Drive had 21 pre-registered donors, 15 walk in donors, and 18 additional donors signed in! 10 units of blood were collected, and there were 8 referrals. Together we saved 30 lives! Thanks to all who made it happen!)

• Food Pantry (We supplied food and/ or hot meals for over 2,300 people & multiple households on the Near Northwest Side. Plus fed five (5) hand selected families for Thanksgiving).

• Daily Outreach Ministry Education Development-Assisted A 24 year/old Black Male gain his GED, provided online access for adult job searches, student research & homework, tutoring for primary & intermediate students, open access & workstation for developing and aspiring entrepreneurs and provided Drug-Alcohol & Other Addiction Programming).

• Temporary Housing (Assisted displaced adult males and females with short term housing and assistance obtaining public aide as a means of providing support system for those who have faltered)

• Alternative Entertainment (Movie Night-showing of New Release/Top 10 Movies on the Big Screen in our Theater, Ladies Night-Women-Utilizing Capernaum as an Overnight Get-Away, Sports Events and Men’s Outings, Clean Comedy & Spoken Word Events).

Determination to be a Blessing

We are determined to start our year right! Capernaum has concerns about our community, the challenges our city faces - which include crime, education, employment and economic equity. I am extending you the opportunity to be a blessing by becoming a prayer partner in our work.

Soon we will be moving into our new location at 2321 Lincolnway West in South Bend, Indiana and we expect great things. Call/text/email or stop by and share you encouragement.

We Are Capernaum

And We Help Others By:

Learning, Living And Sharing

The Word of God!

Contact Us:

574.310.8898

capernaumcc@gmail.com

2321 Lincolnway West

South Bend, Indiana 46628

We Have Moved!

2011-02-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

CAPERNAUM COMMUNITY CHURCH HAS MOVED!

...go to the land that I will show you. I will bless you and make your descendants into a great nation. You will become famous and be a blessing to others. I will bless anyone who blesses you, but I will put a curse on anyone who puts a curse on you. Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you. Genesis 12:1-2

God has blessed our ministry with the opprotunity to move into a location that allows us to architect our outreach efforts to the culture within the Linclonway West/Olive Street proximity in South Bend, Indiana.

That's right Capernaum Community Church is now located on one of the busiest corners on the northwest side of South Bend, Indiana (a City with a population of over 100,000). Our targeted group equals 1% of the SBI population.

Praise God with us and for us! Please pray for God's Speed in our work at our new location?

Capernaum Community Church - C3

We are Capernaum and We Help Others by:

Learning, Living and Sharing the Word of God!

2321 Lincolnway West

South Bend, Indiana 46628

574.310.8898

Another First. . .

2010-03-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

What an AWESOME GOD we serve!

Another First . . .

Today our church family celebrated another first as we baptised for the first time in OUR new Worship Center.

Reaching the Lost . . .

God is allowing us the opportunty to truely reach people for Christ sake and to help them make decisions to live and serve Him with their whole heart.

Prayers Needed . . .

Please continue to pray for our efforts?

Living, Learning and Sharing . . .

We Are Capernaum We Help Others By: Learning, Living and Sharing the Word of God!

Please Stay Tuned . . .

Please stay tuned for a video update in the near future...

A Wonderful Weekend!

2010-02-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

Pictures Speak Louder Than Words!

I could try to write about the great weekend we had at CCC for SC2010 but I believe the pictures in this short video says it all.

Please watch, enjoy and be encourage that God is at work in this ministry. How awesome to be connected to all the great folks who shared with us in worship during the multi activites over the weekend of celebrating.

Thank you to all who supported our efforts!

"SC2010" Super Celebration 2010

2010-02-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

How awesome is God?

On Sunday February 7th 2010 the CCC family had the chance to publicly celebrate the official opening of phase one of our Worship Center and we were blessed with the music ministry of the Voices of Faith from the University Notre Dame.

Technology is Great!

We have a plan to webcast the entire service but, I just had to share with you all this clip from the cell phone of one of our members. Can you believe the quality?

I thank God for the opportunity He has provided me to serve and the relationships or connections we are forging.

Wow, what a God we serve!

Minister Gregory David Brown - Licensed To Preach

2010-02-14T22:43:00.000-08:00

Praise God for He is Worthy to Be Praised!

Today our church family experienced another first and I thank God for His greatness. The CCC family had the opportunity to share in the official Ministry Licensing of Ministry Gregory David Brown.

Kingdom Builder
Many in our community know of the positive contributions that Minister Brown makes on a daily basis to help build the Kingdom.

I thank God for using this brother, friend and son in the Ministry.

Please share with us as we applaud the God in Minister Gregory David Brown.

When you see him encourage him that he continues to stay focused and obedient to the will of God for his life.

Instructions From the Word

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

II Timothy 4:3

The Time Has Come - You're Invited!

2010-01-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

SC2010

Super Celebration 2010...

Capernaum Community Church Invites you to join us for

Super Celebration 2010!

SC2010 is three days of celebrating the Grand Opening of Phase One of our new Worship Center. 1634 Lincolnway...South Bend, Indiana

Friday, February 5 Free Movie ”Facing the Giants" 7 pm
Saturday, February 6 Open House 3pm-5pm
Saturday, February 6 Gospel Comedy Slam 6:30pm
Sunday, February 7 Super Bowl Party 5:30pm

That's Three Days of Celebrating with Capernaum Commnunity Church - 1634 Lincolnway West - South Bend, Indiana

SC2010

2010-01-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

SUPER CELEBRATION -

SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!
FEBRUARY 5,6,7, 2010

Praise God! Celebrate with us as Capernaum Community Church moves to the next level of ministry - the opening of Capernaum Worship Center.

Capernaum Community Church

Invites you to join us for Super Celebration 2010!

SC2010

is three days of celebrating the

Grand Opening of Phase One of

our new Worship Center

1634 Lincolnway West...South Bend, IN

· Friday, February 5 Free Movie ”Facing the Giants” 7 pm

· Saturday, February 6 Open House 3pm-5pm

· Saturday, February 6 Gospel Comedy Slam 6:30pm

Sunday, February 7 Super Bowl Party 5:30pm

SUPER CELEBRATION -

SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!

FEBRUARY 5,6,7, 2010

Hold On to Your Future, Hold On to Your Dreams

2010-01-17T15:12:00.001-08:00

THIS IS THE STORY OF A DREAM
ONE MAN'S DREAM!

THE DREAM THAT ONE DAY WE ALL WOULD LIVE TOGETHER IN UNITY, TREATED AND RESPECTED AS EQUALS.

THE DREAM AND HOPE THAT ONE DAY DISCRIMINATION WOULD NO LONGER EXIST.

TO MAKE THIS DREAM A REALITY WE ALL MUST HOLD ON AND KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE.

HOLD ON.

KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE.

Orginal Music, Script, Production and Direction by:

E.C. STAPLES, SR.

Come Celebrate With Us!

2010-01-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

Celebrate with us for we have followed the instruction of the Lord and He has provided!

Genesis 12:1-3 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and form thay father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless the, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

When God Moves You Move!

When God says move you have to move, even when you have no idea which direction you are to go. God has a funny way of seeing if we will depend on Him to direct our paths or if we are going to yield to the opinions of others.

Leaving our comfort zones is never easy. Isolating from family, friends and the place where everything is fruitful and familiar can create challenge and stress. But please let me add this qualifier, when God gives you instruction as a leader, parent our community contributor, follow His instructions cause that's when you leave room for God to SHOW YOU WHERE TO GO!

True Testimony

I share with you true testimony. Not just past HIStory - but present activity! God has done great things according to His word for Capernaum Community Church as a result of leadership following His instruction.

You are invited to join us as we move to the next level of ministry - the Opening Celebration of Capernaum Community Worship Center.

We have been blessed with the opportunity of developing the UPPER ROOM. The Upper Room is phase one in the creation and development of a ministry center that will provide not only a place for unique forms of Worship and expression, but a place where Christians, Churches, Civic Groups and the community at large can have collaborative access and use of technology, training, education and entertainment for use in Kingdom building.

Celebrate With Us!

We Praise God for Our New Ministry Home at 1634 Lincoln way West in South Bend, Indiana. Please stop in and Worship with us Sundays @ 10 am .

Capernaum Community Church in the Upper Room - "Where We Help Others By: Learning, Living and Sharing the Word of God."

Open House and Super Celebration - Superbowl Weekend!

February 5, 6, 7, 2010

Stay Posted For More Information!

New Sermon Series

2009-05-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

CAPERNAUM COMMUNITY CHURCH
PROUDLY INVITES YOU TO JOIN US FOR:

The iGod series by Pastor Eugene C. Staples, Sr. is the life cast that you need to tune into. The iGod Series explores some of the I Am's of God...I am God of Protection, I am God of Provision, I am God of Purpose, I am God of Possibility...Don't miss this exciting new sermon series . . . iGod from Pastor Teacher Eugene C. Staples, Sr.... Get Connected!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPQ4VjIArOs

CAPERNAUM COMMUNITY CHURCH IS LOCATED IN SOUTH BEND INDIANA AND IF YOU HAVE NEVER TRIED CHURCH IN A MOVIE THEATRE - TRY IT SUNDAY - 10AM TO 11:15 AM @ SHOWPLACE 16 - 450 CHIPPEWA AVE, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA

BE A BLESSING IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND!
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN THE SOUTH BEND AREA PLEASE ENCOURAGE SOMEONE YOU KNOW WHO LIVES IN OUR AREA TO JOIN US EVERY SUNDAY MORNING FOR "CHURCH IN A MOVIE THEATRE!"

www.capernaumcommunitychurch.org

Reflections From Mother's Day

2009-05-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

What a Wonderful Day of Worship!

I continue to be moved and humbled by how God is blessing the ministry of C.C.C., Sunday was no exception. For me Sunday took us to a whole new level of ministry.

Some of the most precious ladies in the world worshiped with us and I thank God for the opportunity to speak into their lives, capture the moment by giving everyone who shared the day with us a Free Professional Family Photo forever documenting the greatness of our time together and bless all the ladies with free flowers that they can enjoy (an expression of appreciation for their lives and contributions to family, community and self).

We continued our series on the "Power of Influence" with the focus on "DEEPEN MY FAITH". The Lord spoke to us from James 1:2-4 where we dealt with the imperative or imperatives or the commands of James for leaders to:

Sum Up Your Joy - Count Count is a financial term that is illustrated by the ability to add-up and cash in that which is valuable during a time of need. Even add to their account when different kinds of trials come.

See the Benefit of Life's Trials - Know - know carries with it the ability to sense or be aware of something. So when trouble comes - and it will - a leader has to be able to SEE past your right now and see the benefit of what today's pressure will bring in the future.

Surrender to the work of Patience - Let - this little three letter word screams to us as leaders to surrender to what God allows to happen in our life and to stay where we are til our change comes - Hupomeno- to remain under in a fixed position waiting for your change to come...that's patience and if you'll just wait on the Lord - (excuse me I'm getting excited because over the last year I learned how to wait. My testimony is you don't forget about God when your going through cause with just a bit of faith, family and friends you can make it...) any way when you surrender it will help to break your fall.

Tips to Beak Your FALL
In the natural in order to break your fall there are a couple of recommendations:
1. Keep you head up!
2. Bend your knees!
3. Spread your body out!
4. Relax and go with the fall!(When being attacked sometimes you have to fall back!)

That excites me cause when you get attacked in the Spiritual you should utilize the same techniques:
1. Keep your head up by looking towards heaven - think right - Count it all Joy!
2. Bend your knees - get down and pray - after all one of the main themes in the book of James is prayer - bend your knees!
3. Spread you body out - stretch out on God when you pray spread out and See or Watch God Work It Out!
4. Relax and go with the flow - remember that God is able to keep you from falling and present you faultless...

At the close of Service we had Communion and on the BIG SCREEN showed a Video Mother's Day Card that sparked emotions with many...especially my wonderful wife. Other mothers became emotional as well - even many of the men ended up watery eyed . . .

Staying In His Will,
Staples
Pastor-Teacher Capernaum Community Church

Envisioning Your Future!

2009-04-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday was truly a day of blessing, excitement and freedom. One thing about worshiping in a Movie Theatre is that you really have opportunity to set the pace as opposed to having to deal with the traditions that have been set before you.

God has blessed us for the last three weeks to have a wonderful group of worshipers. The real testimony is in the fact that many of the congregants are first generation attendees. God has been sending growth of unchurched people. Exciting only begins to describe how humbling being apart of God's move is...

Series Preaching and Teaching
God has placed us on a path to develop new leaders in the Body of Christ and the series we are ministering from is called "The Power of Influence." Our first message was from 1Peter 1:3 "Power Source", the remaining six messages deal with the acronym L.E.A.D.E.R.
"Lead Myself"
"Envision My Future"
"Activate My Gifts"
"Deepen My Faith"
"Engage My World"
"Reproduce My Influence"

Getting Past Your Now To Deal With Your Future...
This Sunday we dealt with "Envisioning Your Future" Ruth chapter 2...Why the book of Ruth when dealing with vision? That's a good question one that's found in the root meaning of her name - at the surface Ruth means neigbhor, companion or friend but at the root of the Hebrew definition her name means vision or ability to see.

Real quick, from the outside her situation looked bad...she had tragedy and trails but because she was able to see past her present and move to her prosperity - Ruth was able to have triumph.

What Is Vision...
Envisioning has to do with having vision and vision generally refers to that upon which individuals, families or members of an organization have “set their sights.” It could be seen as a synonym for “overall goal.” But, True vision is Divine Revelation...

Some of the Things We Have to Do to "Envision Our Future" is:
Plan to Have a Future - Ruth 2:2
Plan to Do Something and not let Something Do You - Ruth 2:2
Plan to Get Blessed Along the Way - Ruth 2:2
Plan to Work In The Right Field - Ruth 2:3
Plan to Ask the Right Person/People for HELP Ruth 2:7
Plan to Thank Those Who Help You - Ruth 2:10
Plan to Use What God Puts In Your Path - 2:16

Learn to Glean:
Glean - laqat, law-kat'; a primitive root; properly to pick up, i.e. (general) to gather; specifically to glean :- gather (up), glean. (to gather that which is left behind or that which no one else took).

Often we don't want that which others leave behind. We can't see how we can use something that somebody else didn't want. Could it be that if we will take the little that God has others leave in our path that it will add up to be much once it is all added together. I THOUGHT THAT Romans 8:28 said...And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

In fact aren't the steps of a good man ordered? Can I get a witness?

We need the vision to see that those hands full of purpose God places in our paths is His way of making provision so that we will have even more than enough...When your "Envisioning Your Future" remember to Plan To Help Somebody Else Once You Come Into Your Kingdom...

Bible Study In A Bowling Alley? Try It Thursday!

2009-04-14T23:12:00.000-07:00

I praise God not only for what He has done but for what He is doing...

The Word says we have not because we ask not...so I made a decision to take God at His Word. Tuesday Sister Kelly and I took a little trip over to the Bowling Alley where God has opened a door for us on Thursdays to do a noon day and an evening 6:30 pm Bible Study @ Chippewa Bowl - 225 W. Chippewa Avenue, South Bend, IN 46614 - anyway we realize that we have to have something for the young people - while making arrangements for a second room for the children of those who will be attending Bible Study I was lead to ask if the bowling alley could provide any help discounting or letting our children bowl free during teaching time. The General Manager is making available two lanes right outside our classrooms for young people to bowl.

Did Y'all hear me?...now don't get it twisted before the youth bowl they will have a short lesson then off to the lanes while God allows me to pour into their parents.

We have been granted this opportunity for a year...plus if after Study is done and the parents want to bowl, they can for half price on games and shoes.

I believe God is creating an attraction for people that will eliminate any excuse they might have ever had as to why not come learn the Word and He is allowing us to put into motion activity that reaches the family as a whole.

Taking the Gospel Outside of The Walls Inviting the Community to Unity in Christ!

Blessed & Excited To Serve The Master,
Pastor Eugene C. Staples, Sr.

Please Be Our Guest . . .

2009-03-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

Inauguration for New Ministry!
As most of you know Sunday, April 12, 2009 @ 10am is the first official public worship service of Capernaum Community Church.

A Host and A Sponsor...
Our home church is hosting an Inaugural Celebration in partnership with our Sponsoring church Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church-1862 N. Olive Street, South Bend, IN 46628 - Reverend Ray Owens, Pastor/Teacher and "Come As You Are Community Church" from Fort Wayne, IN - Reverend Anthony Payton, Pastor/Teacher.

This celebration will beheld Good Friday - April 10th, 2009, 7pm @ Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church - here in South Bend, Indiana.

I am personally requesting you and your families to join us! If you can't attend this celebration please partner with us in prayer?

Pastors Are Especially Encouraged To Attend!
As an experienced Pastor I know how draining it is to always be serving and pouring out to others; please make it a priority to attend this Service and allow God to use Pastor Anthony Payton to help replenish all of us who serve. Pastor Payton has one of the most successful ministries in the country - this is an excellent time to sit and allow someone to minister to us as ministers.

Please RSVP electronically as soon as possible your response will help us plan accordingly.

It is my prayer that you will join us Friday, April 10, 2009 at 7:00 pm @ Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church - 1862 N. Olive, South Bend, IN 46628

Your Brother In Christ,
Pastor Eugene C. Staples, SR
reverendstaples@gmail.com
mobile: 708-250-7378
Church: 574-234-0644

The Birth of A New Ministry

2009-03-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Pastor Eugene C. Staples, Sr. currently serves as Senior Pastor of Capernaum Community Church in South Bend, Indiana. Staples established Capernaum Community Church (C.C.C.) after seeing the need to provide a place where persons of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities and abilities could be encouraged to develop their full spiritual, emotional and physical potential through innovative forms of worship. Pastor Staples is committed to providing not only life changing and challenging ministry of Excellence, but teaching and training that puts Christ into service within the community.

Don't Go It Alone...
While serving as Associate Pastor at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in South Bend, Indiana (the same church where he began his preaching & teaching ministry) under the direction of Senior Pastor the Reverend Ray E. Owens – Staples and Owens worked together to assist in the birth of C.C.C.

Applied Experience...
Pastor Staples past ministry experience also includes serving for nearly seven years as Senior Pastor of Southwind Immanuel Church in Michigan City, Indiana, as Chaplain for Alford’s Mortuary in South Bend, Indiana and as an on-air-talent at LeSea Broadcasting where he could be heard or seen contributing to LeSea’s international television broadcast outreach ministry show “ Harvest”.

Pastor Staples is also the founder and President of S.A.F.E. (Staples & Associates Family Educational) Ministries. Pastor Staples is truly a faithful and obedient servant of God who has demonstrated ministry leadership, and proven communication skills that highlight his ability to deliver dynamic high powered sermons or lectures. He is well versed in all aspects of pastoral care and is a self-published author of “BENT BUT NOT BROKEN” a Booklet and Bible study designed to help equip students in the process of straightening out those things in life that have become “BENT BUT NOT BROKEN”. Staples, assures that in the study participants will find essential elements to help live successful Christian lives.

Keeping Family Involved...
Granted Pastor Staples has experienced many ministry victories his greatest joy is seeing the fruit of his investment in his family. Pastor Staples and Kelly have been married since May of 1988 and through their union God has blessed them with five children (Eugene II-August 1, 1989, Sidney-January 15, 1993, Gabrielle-April 9, 2000, Sam-May 1, 2006 and Adam-January 3, 2008).

Part of Pastor Staples approach to ministry is utilizing the family module of leadership. While Staples agrees with and applies the requirements that are set for pastoring in the book of 1 Timothy Chapter 3, he still enjoys the benefits of team ministry by employing the gifts of his wife and two oldest sons.

Kelly assist with the women’s ministry and training of younger children (see her biography for more detail).

Eugene serves two roles-that of Music Minister and Youth Pastor. While the title Music Minister speaks for it’s self – C.C.C. defines youth ministry a little differently. Our Youth Pastor focuses his attention on College and High School endeavors.

Sidney comes along side Eugene and serves as Youth Minister. Our Youth Minister is responsible for intermediate age students. On occasion our Youth Pastor and Youth Minister collaborate on activities and planning that encourages mentoring relationships between the college, high school and intermediate student levels.

Dedication to Service...
All in all, Pastor Staples has dedicated his life’s mission to helping build the Kingdom of God by using the Gospel to engage young people, adults and families in the examination and correction of the most critical issues of their lives.

“I just want to use the Word of God to empower individuals and families for healthy development of mind, body and spirit: helping those who have faltered to get back on course while helping all become positive, productive contributors to the communities in which they live and serve – by teaching everyone that the affirmative application of the Word of God combined with commitment to community involvement can make this world a better place to live, learn and share.”
Pastor Eugene C. Staples, Sr.
February 11th, 2009

Prayer Request!

2009-02-16T01:10:00.000-08:00

We Need You!
Pastor Staples and First Lady Kelly Staples are personally reaching out to you to become a prayer partner with us as we plant a new ministry here in South Bend, Indiana.

We are asking for your pledge of support because you will be making a special contribution to our lives, the development of our children's lives and the Spiritual growth of the Michiana Community.

Commitment To God's People
As you may already know Pastor Staples (and the entire Staples family) is committed to the community of South Bend, Indiana & the surrounding areas and has a vision to see people saved, serving and seeking to help others.

“I just want to use the Word of God to empower individuals and families for healthy development of mind, body and spirit: helping those who have faltered to get back on course while helping all become positive, productive contributors to the communities in which they live and serve – by teaching everyone that the affirmative application of the Word of God combined with commitment to community involvement can make this world a better place to live, learn and share.”

Pastor Eugene C. Staples, Sr.
February 11th, 2009

Why Should Other Pastors, Churches and the Community Support This New Ministry?
1. New churches can be feeder churches for older churches.
2. Unity! The stability and well-developed creative new programming from collaborative efforts of older established churches with intensity of new church ministry.
3. New churches usually reach some people that will end up in older established churches.
4. New churches and older churches need each other. For either one to be in a situation without the other is not very healthy.

Please Respond To the Call
You are invited to partner with us as we celebrate the founding of this new ministry (Launching Sunday, April 12th, 2009)

For additional information contact:
Pastor E.C. Staples, SR @ mobile: 708-250-7378
home: 574-387-4617
email: reverendstaples@gmail.com
or
Sister Kelly Staples @ 574-315-7959 or email: kellystaplesfirstlady@gmail.com

www.CapernaumCommunityChurch.org
capernaumcommunitychurch.blogspot.com

Increase.......................1 Corinthians 3:6

2009-02-05T21:49:00.001-08:00

Kingdom Building Ought To Be Our Priority

Have you ever asked why is it that so many men of God work against each other as opposed to with one another? Why is there so much insecurity amongst the brethren? How come preachers and pastors allow the congregation and community to divide them?

Too many who serve as leaders of God’s people find themselves asking, “Why isn’t the influence of the church taking over the community?” Why isn’t my congregation growing?

Well maybe, just maybe, we as leaders have become more focused on growing the congregations where we serve instead of building the Kingdom of God.

I have come to the conclusion that to many of us preach brethren have decided we’ve arrived. When someone comes to Christ we are the first to say “Doc I killed them today…such and such number came to the Lord”. Is that really the case? Does church growth and Kingdom building come from good preaching alone?

If your answer is yes than let’s engage in an argument based off the principles I found in 1 Corinthians 3:6.

The church at Corinth found it’s self in what I call religious battles, problems over preacher personalities and conflicts from carnal Christians. In a word the church was focusing so much on church conflict that they couldn’t care for the crisis in the community.

When the church is so inward focused it creates a farce to faith. The body of Christ needs more men of God who are willing to step-out on faith and do whatever God prescribes even if that means doing church different than folks are use to it being done.

Meaning we need more leaders to:
Pioneer: I have planted,… 1 Corinthians 3:6a (KJV)
Paul says he planted - phuteuo, Greek 5452, Strong’s – by definition and illustration to put into or the process of making preparation that the thing instilled will bring forth a harvest.

Check it out planting involves work, pioneering work. A person who plants takes the lead or initiative. A planting pioneering has to participate in the development of that which it expects a return. One who plants has to break ground and get down in the dirt.

Maybe that’s it, to many of us as leaders don’t want to get dirty. We are to high and mighty to get down and dirty. We think we have become to clean to get dirty. Did we forget that our distant cousin Adam was formed from dirt? Our Creator understood the value of planting in fertile soil when He pioneered us by creating something that had never been created before.

Man, do it like that television slogan “boldly go where no man has gone before…” do ministry in non-traditional ways. Pioneer!

This is aorist tense/active voice/indicative mood, so it’s a fact, the planter or pioneer has to live in the moment regardless of his or her past or the events of now or the threats of the future, leaders must act now and plant the Word of God in somebody’s life.

Yea do like Paul, dig so that what you plant makes a deep and lasting impression. Plant and let the Word of God be the plow.

Always remember that it takes more than you because it’s not about you!

Meaning we need more leaders to:
Partner: …Apollos watered; …1 Corinthians 3:6b (KJV)
Paul shares that there has to be a commitment of self (I planted) and a consciousness of connection (Apollos watered). Paul was saying pioneering was my part and partnering furthered the process.

Apollos had to take the baton and do what Paul did not.

Apollos watered- potizo, Greek 4222, Strong’s – by illustration means to give to, to nurture or feed.

Did ya’ll see that? Paul showed HUMILITY and acknowledged that he had HELP because they had the same goal to see a HARVEST!

It’s a fact (indicative) even though Paul created the work Apollos continued the work with the same precepts. Watering is also aorist tense so it didn’t matter who started it – the folk needed help, nurturing and a source to keep feeding them the Word, Apollos was that source.

Although Paul and Apollos had to do ministry in the mist of controversy caused by congregation, community and competing religions, the two preachers managed to have no loss of love and respect for each other.

Isn’t it time for preachers, pastors and people of today to follow that example by acknowledging who God has made us to be through His given abilities. Then accepting we need each other.

We can’t do it all we weren’t created to do everything!

When we do our part and get out of the way we’ll see increase.

Meaning we need more leaders to:
Pause: …but…1 Corinthians 3:6c (KJV)
Although we work we sometimes have to stop and let God in…you see these partners in ministry had a BUT….
But - alla, Greek 235, Strong’s – when you have a but in your life you have an interruption that is a marker of contrast. A sign that transition is coming. The word but means to PAUSE and transition.

I don’t know about you but when I drive and I’m going somewhere I’ve never been I tend to slow down when there are road signs or mile markers along the way. I can’t always read the signs when I’m driving full speeding, so every now an then you have to pause from your routine and transition.

Even though Paul had done all he could and Apollos had done all he could they couldn’t cause the sphere of the church to grow…BUT God…

Understand that preachers and people can labour all day and all night and not see increase until God interrupts and makes the difference.

Meaning we need more leaders to allow God to:
Produce: …but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6c (KJV)
Too often we let fads creep into our ministries and then we have the nerve to get upset when we don’t see increase in membership, increase in tithes & offerings, increase in commitment to live right and increase of influence over our community.

What is increase anyway? Increase is - auxano, Greek 837, Strong’s – enlargement or growth. Meaning, too have more.

The ministry at Corinth didn’t just jump to increase. Three things happened first:
1. Paul PIONEERED the church effort – more pastors and people have to be willing to get past tradition and plant in areas that have never been planted in before.
2. Paul PARTNERED – more pastors and people have to be willing to humble themselves and partner with other ministries to get God’s work done.
3. Paul PAUSED – more pastors and people have to pause and let God in…
Then we will see increase in people, power and production…

As I close watch the fact of the syntax of God given increase:
* It’s active – God does it. The subject performs the action. When we do our part God gets involved and makes something happen. He makes happen what you can’t.
* It’s Imperfective – which means that it is continuous action. In other words God continually adds, enlarges, and causes growth. Now that’s good news…when I do my part and partner with someone who does their part God will cause results to constantly be produced.

Here let me rephrase – when I’m done working God keeps working. God keeps building, God keeps making it happen...THAT'S INCREASE!

How To Get To Your WHEN... Luke 22:31-32

2009-01-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

I pray that everyone who stood today to proclaim what thus saith the Lord was as blessed as we were at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where we are "A Connected Church For A Community In Chaos"!

Today our congregation shared in a worship service that will go down in the history book of our church as the launch of what I will call "College Sunday". Under the direction or our Senior Pastor, Reverend Ray E. Owens, every fourth Sunday our church family will share worship with the University of Notre Dame "Voices of Faith". VOP is a gospel choir comprised of N.D. students from across the country.
This day appeared to be a blessing for all involved...

God led me to share from Luke 22:31-32 (the context runs through verse 34...but there was much meat to pick in the first two verses). God showed me that one of the issues with the Body being successful is that many of us don't get to our WHEN...

Yea, I said the adverb when. This little word shows us that there is a place in time that things occur. The Greek definition points to the past, the present and the future.

In other words, we all have a when. To those of us who have been loosing, I just want you to know that you have a WHEN in you. The good news is that if you only remember when you use to be... or if you are focused on when you get the job, when you get the check, when you get a man, when you retire, when you move out of yo' momma's house, when you graduate, when you get it together...then this message was birthed to insure that you get to your God ordained WHEN! When you get to your WHEN not only do you WIN, but the Body of Christ will WIN...

All you have to do to get to your WHEN is just:
Remember your Simonist ...in other words remember to forget your selfishness...
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, ...

Simon's name at the root definition means "to hear"...but many of us forget that there is a difference between hearing and listening.
• Hear - : to perceive or apprehend by the ear
• Listen- to pay attention to sound hearing something with thoughtful attention: give consideration
I believe that's why Jesus had to say Simon, Simon, behold....He was saying Hear and Listen...Pay attention to what I'm saying ....

That tends to be the issue with most of us as we sit in church Sunday after Sunday hearing the Word, but not listening. Our selfishness causes us to turn off the preached Word unless it is what we want to hear. It's the Simon in us!

In fact the Simon in us allows us to be Arrogant! Arrogance makes many of us calculate what God can do based upon our experience...not our experience with God - but our expertise....our abilities...our knowledge or our fishy life experiences...
• Our resumes can't take us as far as God can...don't let your Simonist make your Fishing expedition a flop & cause you to starve
• Envy...don't be so busy looking at how God is blessing somebody else that you don't hear when God gives you your assignment...don't ask what about John...don't let your Simonist get in the way. Scripture shares that when Peter was being his Simple Simon Self he asked Jesus "what about John" even when Jesus had already given him instruction to feed His sheep...don't miss your assignment being jealous or too focused on how God is using somebody else...stay in your lane!
• Do you remember the game Simon says? Well that's the problem with many church members - they want to play "Simon Says" in church. Soon as you don't do what Simon says y'all fall out...Simon says sit here, Simon says don't talk to her, Simon says don't wear that...ask your neighbor is you name Simon? Do you think this is Burger King and you can have it your way? If they say yes just get up and move...Tell em' "I know you didn't say Simon says...but let em' know you just got divine revelation that you're sittin' by a selfish, stubborn, stuck-up church goer..."
• Doesn't matter if you have your own business, even if you have the big house and Jesus lives with you...your Simonist can still show up while you're with other saints...

Remember Satan has Served Summons for Surrender of your Soul Luke 22:31 (KJV)
...Satan hath desired to have you,...

Don't let the noise the devil makes fool you into believing you can't win...or that you can't make it to your WHEN...remember he's seeking and just making noise like he's somebody... (1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:) just like the devils on your job, your school, your neighborhood, and some of our homes...haters....don't forget Satan has served summons for your Soul....

Remember Shaking is Satan's Attempt To Separate the Saints (you might get Shook)
...that he may sift you as wheat:

Now sometimes life will shake you! The devil wants to shake up the church. That's why Luke uses the word Sift.
Sift- siniazo, sin-ee-ad'-zo; from sinion (a sieve); to riddle (figurative) :- sift.
Wheat would be sifted to separate the genuine wheat from other items that had gotten mixed in with it.
• The emotion that comes from your Simon and the threat that comes from Satan can have you acting just like Elvis 'all shook up'
• Thing is, if you ain't getting shook from the inside chances are you get it from the outside. So, if you are not careful, the Devil will think that he won...that's when you have to remember that all shaking isn't bad...if you give yourself to God, He and He alone can make your shaking benefit the Kingdom...Good measure pressed down shaken together running over...

Remember your Savior's Supplication
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:

• Naw, I'm not talking about the Lord's Prayer or the model prayer...I'm talking bout the fact that God prayed for you...I mean God talked to himself about you...look at the text God talking to himself ...saying I prayed for you...man, Jesus talking to God about you...GOD To God...remember the Savior has, and is praying for you...

Remember to Stop or Start Again
...and when thou art converted,...

Often we can choose the wrong road. We can get caught up in situations that cause us to fail. Well when you fall short (as we daily have and will) we serve a God who wants us to realize that He loves us and gives us opportunity to Stop...Turn around...and Start over...no matter how old or young.

You don't have to be what you have always been and you don't have to continue being what you are being! TURN IT AROUND...Convert!

converted - epistrepho, ep-ee-stref'-o; from Greek 1909 (epi) and Greek 4762 (strepho); to revert (literal, figurative or moral) :- come (go) again, convert, (re-) turn (about, again).

It's Aorist/Active...which means that no matter what your past has been and it matters not what your future is to be...the now says stop and take a picture of what you need to change in your life. It is up to you to respond to the opportunity to change.

Remember to Strengthen your Brother
...strengthen thy brethren.

I'll just leave you with your WHEN responsibility...STRENGTHEN YOUR BROTHER........!

Do you remember the man on the cross next to Jesus? He simply said in Luke 23:42 (KJV)
...Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

When you come into your kingdom...remember your brother, strengthen your brother...feed your brother...clothe your brother...pick-up your brother...visit your brother...when you get to your win.... Help Your Brother WHEN.............

Protection from Deception 3John 1:11

2009-01-14T22:26:00.001-08:00

Didn’t Want to Preach This Text
I pray that every Pastor, Preacher and Teacher who stood to proclaim what thus saidth the Lord was obedient and yielding to the Spirit as I was forced to be.

Everyone Has A Comfort Zone
Personally I am not a last minute, Saturday sermon or “Saturday Sermon Special” kind of preacher. God usually allows me to know days or weeks in advance what Text I am suppose to minister on any given Sunday. I had known for weeks I would be sharing with the New Covenant Baptist Church family in South Bend, Indiana, yet God still hadn’t spoken to me about what to share.

Totally bothered by this unusual week of meditation I called my Pastor to complain about how God was treating me. Tuesday passed and still no Scripture. Wednesday and Thursday came and I had nothing.

Friday, I called Pastor Owens again and asked if I was supposed to “warm-up some soup?” (Hey, I’ve been preaching, teaching and pastoring for well over a decade – I have a file of messages – but I’d been praying for a fresh Word for New Covenant). Owens in his wisdom said “oh my, the Lord truly is going to bless you and New Covenant on this Sunday.” (It’s good to have a Pastor - better yet a brother in ministry to who you can vent…). I took those words to heart and continued to pray and study. Suddenly early Saturday morning God spoke and took to me 3John 1:11.

Preaching Out of Obedience Got Two People Saved
We live in a world where daily people are being deceived. Just look at how Bernard Madoff has made off with many peoples money. Madoff, deceived famous and not so famous people into believing that he was the one they should trust with major life investments. You expect people to trick others into surrendering power to them in the world, but not in church. Our text focuses on a man in the Church who deceived members into believing that they should follow him. Give him the power to make their decisions. He didn’t negotiate for the people’s money, his deception was for position of power.

Well how do I protect myself from being deceived (especially in the house of God)? Yea, believe it or not we have to know how to gain protection from deception as a member of the Body of Christ. There are some people in church who are more concerned about having a position of power than presenting the power that comes from preaching God’s Life changing Word. So let me share with you this simple outline on how to have “Protection from Deception”.

1. Prepare yourself with the Truth – although our message comes from 3John…our writer, the Apostle John, also wrote the Gospel of John and declared in John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Then in verse 14 the Word becomes flesh…that same flesh declared that He is the way, the truth and the life. So we prepare ourselves by learning the Word or learning the Truth.

2. Practice the Truth – 3John 1:6 John gets reports that his “…children walk in truth.”

3. Partner with the Truth –3John 1:8 John encourages partnership “…that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”

4. Perceive the Truth - 3John 1:11 John illustrates we have to know the difference between an evil leader and a good leader “…follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.”

The Word teaches us to try the Spirit by the Spirit. When you find that someone is trying to pull you into a Clique at Church try the Truth by the Truth. Check the person’s words by the Word and I guarantee that the Word will show you the Way. The Word which is the Way, the Truth and the Life will always provide Protection from Deception.
(Special thanks to Pastor Ray Owens for his contributions to this Sermon Outline and Scriptural Observation – I honestly have never had a preaching brother demonstrate such an unselfish eye and willingness to remind another of his preaching gifts).

Family Matters

2009-01-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

It was almost a week ago today that I was apart of a Memorial Service for one of my younger cousins Jason Love Stewart. Jason was only 31 years old. Yea, another black male shot down in his early years.

When I really think about it I couldn't find peace in this situation. Here is my problem – just a couple of months ago I had the privilege of preaching the morning service at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church – celebrating the “1^st Year Anniversary of Pastor Matthew Adams.” Now, I considered that an honor because in 2008 Pastor Adams taught and preached from his assigned pulpit every Sunday morning, except maybe two or three times.

Jason Was Saved!

On this particular Sunday the Spirit was high and Adams prayer in the Pastor’s Study loosed me to freely share with New Salem. As a result two young men came and gave their lives to Christ. One of those who came was Jason.

Before Christmas Pastor Adams baptized Jason. Jason was committed to serving in ministry. Adams, New Salem and Jason L. Stewart had plans to get folks saved. Win souls for the King.

So why would God allow Jason to be struck down right when he seemed to be on the right track? What could God be trying to teach us? Why couldn’t I find peace in all of this? After all the boy was saved, had confessed Christ, had made a commitment to serve under pastoral guidance. God what are you doing?

I, being a pastor, man of the cloth, and experienced preacher, couldn’t find peace to face my family and try to explain what the Lord had done and was doing. Peace escaped me until the funeral. It was there I saw all the young people in t-shirts with Jason’s picture, that’s when I knew God was up to something big. That’s when Pastor Matthew Adams recited Philippians 4:7 from the King James Bible:

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Preacher Preached!

Adams shared three points from this verse and I share this brief outline with his permission.

Peace - And the peace of God……Adams defined peace from God -vs- peace from man.
Protection - …shall keep your hearts and minds…Adams shared the power of God’s peace to protect our feelings and thoughts.
Position - …through Christ Jesus…Adams illustrated that the only way to have God’s peace in times of trouble, times of calm or anytime during life is to be in the right position.

Somebody Got Saved!

By the time Pastor Adams closed the story he shared about what Jason said when he came up out of the water from baptism “now let’s get some souls saved,” I understood that I could have peace and my family could have peace because all the folks in the room young and old knew Jason didn’t die in vain. It was at that moment the doors to the Church were opened and seven, SEVEN people came to Christ….

Did you hear me? Can you read? I said not one but seven (7) people surrendered to do the will of God. What we saw as goodbye to a family member, God used as a welcome to the family of God for (7) seven new members.

Let me tell you something FAMILY MATTERS!

Brotherhood

2009-01-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

The Emotions From Today's Worship

As I sat in service this morning, I gained a larger appreciation for what God is doing at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. More so for how He has blessed our congregation with an outstanding young leader who has elderly wisdom. Pastor Ray Eugene Owens, is an example of focused determination, Christ-like confidence and a true expression of desire to "help somebody." (Plus this brother can flat-out Preach!)

Don't get me wrong I have had some great men of ministy in my life:

Pastor Anthony R. Pettus, Sr. - Pastor Greater Progressive MBC- Ft. Wayne, IN - My Spiritual Father who taught me the importance of dedicated study habits, pulpit edicate, servent leadership and to always strive to improve my God given abilities.
Pastor Ricardo Taylor - Pastor Mt. Carmel MBC - South Bend, IN who encouraged me to go beyond preaching and teaching - but to not be afraid to sing songs of Zion in public.

Bishop Donald L. Alford, Sr. - Pastor Pentecostal Cathedral - South Bend, IN who has spoken into my life ever since I was called to my first Pastorate - When I debated accepting the call, it was Bishop Alford who taught me that 'just because you start in one place, doesn't mean that's where you finish'", Those words echo in my ministry still till this day. Why, because I'm still a Pastor-only 10 years later I'm a Pastor in waiting.

Pastor Allen Gary, Pastor Billy Kirk and Pastor Sam Chase, all pastors who have gone home to be with the Lord, but before they left took time to pour into me lessons about how to wait on God.

Now, Pastor Owens, who has become more than my pastor, is even more than a friend. To quote an old song "he ain't heavy, he's my brother".

2008 for me was a year of challenge [from a major ministry disappointment to the passing of my father Sears L. Staples, Jr. to dealing with personal issues that stem from missing a parent] but through it all Pastor Ray Eugene Owens has been here for me. Just like the Word says...God will give us Pastors after His heart.

When I needed a brother, a friend, a pastor to believe in me and encourage me to "keep on keeping on"...Owens was there! When I said maybe I should just quit, Owens was there! When I said-I think I'm not going to preach for a while, Owens stood-up from the pulpit that God had recently assigned him and said "Macedonia every third Sunday, Pastor Staples will be preaching from this pulpit," Yea, Owens was there!

The Definition Of Brotherhood

Brotherhood 1 : the quality or state of being brothers 2 : fellowship , alliance 3 : an association (as a labor union or monastic society) for a particular purpose 4 : the whole body of persons engaged in a business or profession. This is how Webster defines brotherhood, but on the real, if I had my own dictionary and defined the root word BROTHER, I wouldn't use words, I'd simply put a picture of Pastor Ray Eugene Owens.

It is my prayer that every preacher, every church, every community could have a pastor/preacher/teacher/friend/BROTHER like the person in which God has blessed me and the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in South Bend, Indiana.

Perhaps Solomon said it best in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - (9)Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. (10) For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help him up.

Brothers & Sisters don't go it alone-but find a brother that puts some brotherhood in your life, your ministry and your future...pray that God places an Owens in your life!

New Year's Restoration Ezekiel 36:26

2009-01-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

My brothers and sisters as we have come to the beginning of a new year many of us have made New Year's Resolutions. But, how many of us have come to the resolve to let God restore us? Year after year we make decision to make change in our lives, to undo that which we did wrong, pledging to live right, eat right, act right, only to find that we're not strong enough to accomplish that which we are confident we can do in our own power.

Yea, we make definate decisions to divorce our past and marry our future - forsaking the sins of the past planning to live united to the today and tomorrows that God has planned for us.

Well this year how about letting God give you a New Year's Restoration as opposed to trying the same old human resolutions. In our text today Ezekiel was a Prophet who not only spoke to the folk living in his time, he provided hope for us future folk. Hope for those of us who are called by God's name, but some how have gotten caught up with the heathens of our time. Praise God that He can take a backwards brother like me clean me up and place me in a spot where nothing else can would grow, a place where everything was dead, a place where even I thought was a place of use to be's and allow my life, my ministy, my marraige, my money, my health all to blossom and mature just so His name will get the glory!

Watch the text:(this is a brief outline)
Chpt 1-24 judgment on Judah & Jerusalem -this shows us judgement also comes from doing and not doing what God says do
Chpt 25-32 all nations would suffer same fate - the results of disobedience is the same for everyone
Chpt 33-48 Restoration Israel -
33:10 people reality of sin realized - you have to recognize and commit to eliminating the sin in your life
33:11 God's message of hope begins - soon as you acknowledge and commit God moves right away

Then in Chapter 36 God starts to prepare the land for His people who have recognized their wrong doing. In other words when you make the choice to do right God starts to "Make a Place for YOU....

(Here's The Meat Of Today's Message All In verse 36:26 with final point in verse 36:38)
While God's making the place for you He makes you ready....how? Good question.....first He works on your:
Mind - Heart..........A new heart also will I give you,
Motives - Spirit......and a new spirit will I put within you:
Materials - Stony heart replaced.....and give you an heart of flesh.
Now God often won't give us the place He has prepared for us until our thinking is different, our intentions have changed and we are ready to use the things He replaces in our life....and oh yea til He knows we will give Him the glory and that every who sees how blessed we are, knows that all we have and are able to do.....Magnify God's ability to restore, renew and redefine the course and blessing of our lives).
Magnify - God gets the glory (verse 38 to close) ...and they shall know that I[am] the LORD.
It's all about allowing God to be magnified in our lives.................