HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!!

We all know what today is....October 31st is “Reformation Day”commemorating the day in 1517 when Christian reformer Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses challenging the doctrine of penance, the authority of the pope, and the usefulness of indulgences. Dressing up the kids like Reformers and handing out doctrinal challenges, however, might not be the wisest form of cultural engagement. The period outfits are cool, though.

Missiology Pt 3

Here is a Link to an Excellent Talk by Dr. Tim Keller on the cost involved with living Missionally. It only 20 minutes. Give it a listen and post your comments.
Click to Listen

Missiology Pt 2

Bigger Things

"To rejoice in our forgiveness, teach right doctrine, and yearn for heaven are wonderful things, but God has much bigger things in mind for us." - Dallas Willard

Some Suggested Reading

Here is some suggested Reading for you. All of these revolve around Evangelism and Mission.
Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll, Celtic Way of Evangelism George Hunter, Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer and Open Secret by Leslie Newbigin

Missiology Pt 1

Definition of the Missional Church
The mission of the church is to be found in the mission of God. God calls the church to enthusiastically participate in God's mission in the world a world that has radically changed in North American in the last 50 years.
To engage today's world with the good news requires the formation of a disciple community - the church of Jesus Christ - to be a visible representation, witness and instrument of the sovereign rule of God in every aspect of our lives. A missional church responds to the changes in culture, the leadings of the Spirit, and the needs of the world as it attempts to follow Christ's mission.
- Scott Thomas
Acts 29 Network

The Cook Out

Last week we hosted a Cook Out at Landreth Park in Joplin. Despite the cold, gray weather we had over 50 people come out. Nate and Josh cook a mean burger and everyone pitched in for a great time. We say many new faces and hopefully made some new friends in the process. Looking forward to doing it again in the Spring with some sun shinning!

Colbert Report: Richard Dawkins

Who seems to have more "intelligence" here?

"If Christ were here now there is one thing he would not be—a Christian.” - Mark Twain

LOST?

Our New Mid Week Bible Study continues this Wed Night at 6pm. Check the site under location for more info. We will be in Corinth This week as we look at the 18th Chapter of Acts. And we think church today has problems.
Join us on Wed for friends and study and then join one of the 10000 LOST watching parties that happen afterwords.

VISION NIGHT #2

Interested In Knowing More about our New Church. Well Here is your opportunity. We are hosting our second vision night this coming Tuesday Night Oct. 17th at 6pm. It is being held at The Foundry in south Joplin. Its located near The Hammons Convention Center at THE BRIDGE. Free drinks at the soda bar and childcare is provided. Email us for more information.

Disappointment

"One of Mahatma Gandhi's more famous quotes was supposedly spoken to a group of British journalists as they rode on a train through English-held India. He was asked, "Why is it that you speak so highly of Jesus yet you are not a Christian?" He quickly responded, "I would become a Christian... if I could just find one..." Since reading those words a couple of decades ago, I have been haunted by the cutting truth behind the observant eye of this Hindu world changer. There are many billions through the ages who have dared to glibly call themselves Christians - as there are many today who take on that descriptor. That term means literally "little Christ." If you stop to think about it, it's a pretty audacious thing to call oneself a "Christian" in light of the literal meaning of the term. As I write this I wonder if I have ever met a bona fide Christian in all of my thirty-plus years of seeking to follow Jesus. To say that this is disappointing doesn't begin to capture my feelings about this generation of the Church."

Steve Sjogren- Launching Pastor Vineyard Community Church in Cincinnati, OH and Author of Conspiracy of Kindness

The Word

"It is not the Word of God because the church says so...The Church does not make the Word, but it is made by the Word."
-Luther

Updates

• MysteryChurch.com has been updated. Check the Location section where you will find new times, lococations and maps for our Home Gathering-Bible Studies. Sunday & Wednesday evenings.

• Check out the Flyer below. We are having our Very first MYSTERY COOKOUT. Sunday Oct. 15th at Landreth Park in Joplin. Everyone is Welcome and Everything is FREE! Make some new friends, eat some food and get to know the men & women of Mystery.

Purposeless

"The Concept of Sin makes no sense if human life, taken as a whole, is purposeless." - Cornelious Plantinga Jr.

Substitutes

“Aspiration, resolution, morality
and religiosity are not substitutes
for faith.”- J.I. Packer