Old is the New New

We are currently discussing Kingdom Transformation at our Sunday Worship Service. The fact that we are called by God to find our Identity in Him. To express who are we in the city through the local church. To do this effectively the Holy Spirit must transform us completely begining with our hearts at conversion and moving on to our minds (values) as He sanctifies us.
The result of a radically transformed life, living a transformed lifestyle determined by new Kingdom values is priceless. Acts gives us a picture of the first followers of Christ. And you know what it was that was so attractive about the church that people respected andd joined it daily- authetnic transformation- people lived what they beleived. Jesus is King and has authority over all our lives. Jesus is sufficient and meets all our needs. Jesus is our example and we strive to live as he did.
If we view all of life as the product of our identity, worshipers of God, we would not need marketing or outreach plans. If we lived in the city, commited to glory of God and the betterment of the people, regardless of whether they are Christians or not, the world as we know it would be transformed.
Church Marketing Sucks just took a poll asking for the coolest promotional idea churches are using. Their were many humorous responses, the most effective idea remains transformed people living authentic Christian lives among the people.
There is indeed nothing new under the sun. The gospel is just as relevant and meaningful today . Jesus is still sufficient in all things.

Tips for Reading Scripture

Great Post on the ESV Bible Blog containing some good tips for how to best read scripture. We live in a pretty bible ignorant time. Anything to making our reading of Scripture more lasting, meaingful and insightful is a good thing. Check it out.

“I read Scripture as a grand story, the story of Redemption. When all of Scripture is read in this way, we will not see the individual stories as moral lessons or as mere examples of what to do and what not to do in life.”

“The purpose of Scripture is not that we become holy. The purpose of Scripture is to know this Triune God Who has revealed Himself in Scripture. Becoming holy is a byproduct of knowing God through Christ.”

Consumerism Pt 2

Part 2 of Dr. David Well's video talk on the concumerism of American churchs today.

Click Here for the short video.

Missional Mouse?

"You guys get down there at least twice a month. For God's sake, don't eat off the lot. Stay there... lunch with the guests... talk to them."
-Walt Disney

Wow...Wise Missional words from Walt Disney.

NEW BLOG

Just recently began posting on a new blog. Its called Pastor Steev. On it I hope to be more introspective and thoughtful, more personal and pastoral, keep this one more informative.

Troubling

"Although large majorities of the public claim to be “deeply spiritual” and say that their religious faith is “very important” in their life, only 15% of those who regularly attend a Christian church ranked their relationship with God as the top priority in their life."

Read more from the Barna research's article "The 12 most significant religious findings of 2006"

YES TONIGHT

Despite the weather we WILL be having bible study tonight. So brave the weather and we will study toghether. See ya there, lets show this ice whose boss.

Church Consumerism Pt 1

Part 1 of a two part discussion of the consermerism mentality of churches and church goers. The Video is taken from the Desiring God Conference prmotional videos done for the 2006 conference.

Click Here to watch the video. Its short.

SUNDAY EVENTS CANCELED

ALL SUNDAY EVENTS FOR TOMORROW JAN. 13th are
CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER.
THIS INCLUDES SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP & SUNDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY.
MAKE A FIRE, POUR A CUP OF COFFEE, LOOK OUT THE WINDOW & MARVEL AT GOD'S BEAUTIFUL CREATION... ENJOY.
(If you regularly attend Bible Study on Sunday maybe this is a good week to try out Wed.)

Friends

"We do not make friends with God, God makes friends with us..."
J.I. Packer Knowing God
Galatians 4:9

New Study Begins Tonight

The Kids are Alright

We have had a few emails now that it's the beginning of the year asking how things are going personally with the Inge family here on mission in Joplin. I thought I'd give a quick update on things for those who like to keep up.

Christmas was good. Ashley and Abby got to fight the "christmas crud" but are feeling better. We had a 2 yr old in the house for Christmas again and that was great. Nothing like the magical experience of Christmas morning with children! I expect the first morning in Heaven will be similar for myself :)

New Years was uneventful, but it sounded like the kids next door were having a hoot!

Ethan and Abby got straight "A"s on their report cards today. Very proud of them!

Lilly turned 2 this week (Jan 2nd) and is everybit the terrible two. Very stubborn and independant. Not sure where that came from...She is talking like crazy and putting sentences together. Very fun.

Ethan, Abby and I just finished our weekly reading/study of Genesis. Good times.

Ashley is doing well and continues to be the backbone of this family. God definately blessed me with the most awesome wife on the planet! She is a proverbs wife and a crown on my head.

Winter comes and goes from Joplin. Planting a church is still pretty hard and yet satisfying. The family is learning about the provision of God and experiencing things in new ways. Our faith is constantly pushed and God's grace is evident daily!

Thank you for your love, support, concern and prayers for the continuing work of planting this church called Mystery. You are a blessing.

Back in the Saddle

All regularly scheduled events for Mystery are back in full swing after the holidays.

Sunday Morning Worship at the Inge's Home 10:30am
Sunday Evening Bible Study 5:30pm at the Inge's Home
Wednesday Evening Bible Study 6:00pm at the Neely's Home

Maps to both homes are available on the web site under "location".

Modern Faith

"Lifestyles and values of people in the church (in North America) mirror so closely the lifestyles and values of the people in the larger culture...Faith, in the modern world is about intellectual assent, not belief in the biblical sense." In many ways. "we now have a church that is more secular than the culture." - Reggie McNeal The Present Future

NEW RESOLVE

Ex 12:2- “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year.”
- God to Israel at Passover

Here are some thoughts and challenges for the church in 2007

• Let this be for us our first month of our first year- a year of worship, living, expecting
• A New Year, New challenges, New places- let us attack it full force, let us charge into the unknown- forgetting what was behind and straining toward what is ahead.
• Let us remember our sin and be shamed and then all the more dwell on his Grace and rejoice in our salvation!
• May we see our worlds transformed as we take the whole gospel with our whole strength to the whole city.
• Let us plead with the Lord for his grace and mercy to also be poured out on Joplin.
• Let us Expect God to be glorified in all things through us
• Let us remember and celelbrate God's saving grace & hope in his sanctifying work in you
• Let us find our humility, confidence & enjoyment in Christ alone
• Expect that he is doing big things in you, through you and for you

Amen

Happy New Year from a church called Mystery

Gal 2:20 Phil 1:6