Content to be Nothing

"Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are." - Charles Spurgeon

Faith's Reward

Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.
- Saint Augustine

MERRY CHRISTMAS

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For aunto you is born this day in bthe city of David ca Savior, who is Christ ethe Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby gwrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel ha multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God jin the highest,
and on earth kpeace lamong those with whom he is pleased!” - Luke 2:8-14

BEFORE THE THRONE

Why do we worship? What is worship? Is it just Sundays? What does it look like to have Christ as the center of everyday and every situation? Pastor Nate begins a two week series on what it is to be a church that worships this coming week. As we close out the year and begin a new one we want one resolution to stand firm in the midst of many- To be captivated by Christ and controlled by his great love.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE DOWNTOWN

We are celebrating Christmas Eve as a family this year. It's an exciting time at Mystery with Christmas, Advent, 60in60 and the move to Downtown Joplin in January. We are doing two things this week. One- Christmas Eve Service at 6pm on the 24th. Two- A preview of our new location at 514 Main St. in Downtown Joplin. We will be combining a candlelight celebration with a look at the new building. You will be able to see whats happening, the work going on and feel the excitement and anticipation of the move and most of all the coming of our King Jesus. Join us this week as we remember what God has done and look forward to what Christ is doing.

Last Week for Give Love

We are raising money to through a Christmas party for kids in Uganda and India. This is our second year to buy gifts, food and fun for the children and orphans of these areas through church planters whom we support in the regions. We are trying to raise $1000. Can you help? You can donate through our Paypal account or in one of the jars at our gatherings. This is the last week for Give Love and we are a little behind our goal. Please drop your spare change, coffee money or large check in one of the Give Love jars some of Mystery's young people will have at our Christmas Eve service and our final gathering for 2008 next Sunday.
Thanks for your support.

Advent 2008 Week Three

But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed. - Is. 53:5

Week Three of Advent leads us to think about not only the birth and incarnation of Christ, but also his Atoning death on the Cross. Why did Jesus come? Why would God wrap himself in flesh, submit himself to suffering and humble himself even to die on a tree for a sinner as vile as myself? Because of the the great love with which he love me from eternity. Because he is merciful and gracious, forgiving, steadfast and abounding in grace. He has been wounded for MY sin, crushed for MY betrayal, carried my shame and guilt to the cross and took the wrath and justice of God upon himself for his people whom though they have all gone astray are pursued, rescued and forever loved and free from sin and death to live with him in love with him.

Thank you Jesus - Amen

Sunday December 14
Isaiah 49:1-7; 50:4-11 – Servant of Kings, Sustainer
Of the Weary

Monday December 15
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – Suffering Servant and Lamb
Of God

Tuesday December 16
Jeremiah 23:1-6, 33:14-19 – Righteous Branch

Wednesday December 17
Ezekiel 34:1-31 – The Good Shepherd

Thursday December 18
Daniel 7:9-14 & Micah 5:2-5a – The Son of Man
And Ruler from Bethlehem

Friday December 19
Zechariah 9:9-10; 12:10-13:1 – King on a Donkey
And Pierced Firstborn

Saturday December 20
Malachi 3:1-4, 4:1-6 – Covenant Messenger and
Sun of Righteousness

What is Christmas?

For many people Christmas is simply a huge headache, a costly expense or over hyped holidy season. You have an idea of the meaning of Christmas. What is it? We all do. But what is it really? Beyond what we think about it, what does the bible say (since we did first learn about it from this sacred book)? What does God say about Christmas (since it is supposed to be about him)? Have you thought about what you think about this time of year and have you compared your own thoughts to the real story of Jesus?
Here is a great video asking and beginning to explain Christmas. I'd encourage you to watch it yourself, then share it with a friend and maybe begin think about what it really means to celebrate Christmas.


That's Christmas! from andy pearce on Vimeo.

Christmas and Mission

It's a great time of year to connect and reconnect with people. Christmas is where we clearly see God as a Missionary. John 20:21 says that Jesus was sent by the Father on mission- His Mission to save sinners from Satan, sin, death and themselves.
As we celebrate Advent this year as a church let's all ask ourselves - Have you considered lately what God has done at his great expense to rescue us out of darkness, to warn, comfort us, lead us into his presence, his kingdom and our joy.
Maybe today with the cold outside we might be warmed again with the wonder of the great love with which he has loved us. How are we responding to his love? How are we sharing his love with others? Are we living, like Jesus as missionaries? Are we loving, like the Father and going into the world as a light to push back the darkness. This week lets be moved to worship him and live mission. Encourage a friend or a stranger. Smile. Live on less so we can give away more. Spend less, give thanks more. Teaach your children about the great things that God has done in Jesus and in your own life. Invite a friend to worship with you on Sunday. Invite new friends into your home. Introduce them to your church family. Pray- for friends, for family for your church for peace. Read about and remember Jesus. Thank him. Love him. Live for him, Enjoy him.

Peace





Peace

Truth and Fiction

“Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation.”
-- J.I. Packer

Advent 2008 Week Two

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." -Psalm 16:9

As we enter into Week two of our community celebration of Advent lets look for and remember all that is great about God. How has he made your heart glad this year? What suffering has he brought or is he bringing you through? What glory has he revealed, what joy has be brought about in your life and what security have you found in his presence?

Sunday December 7
Psalm 16 and Job 19:23-27 – Holy One of God

Monday December 8
Psalm 22 – The One Forsaken by God

Tuesday December 9
Psalm 72 – Royal Son, Deliverer of the Afflicted

Wednesday December 10
Psalm 110 – Priest and Lord at God’s Right Hand

Thursday December 11
Isaiah 7:14; 9:1-7 – Immanuel

Friday December 12
Isaiah 11:1-10 – Branch from Jesse’s Root

Saturday December 13
Isaiah 42:1-10 – Covenant and Light
of the Nations

ADVENT SERIES BEGINS THIS WEEK

Mystery is in the midst of celebrating Advent as a church and our three part series on the offices of Christ begins this week and continues through Christmas. Our 1st through 5th grade students will be joining their families in the main service as we explore the roles Jesus came to fulfill.

December 7th - Jesus Came as Prophet with a Message
December 14th - Jesus Came as Priest to be our Mediator
December 21st - Jesus Came as King to declare His Majesty

If you haven't already downloaded our Community Advent Devotional do so here. It's a great resource to teach your children, share with friends and build your own anticipation of Christmas - the day we celebrate God himself entering our lives and our hearts.

I Have Never Read

I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are wise and very beautiful; but I have never read in either of them: Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.''
- Saint Augustine

Advent Family Devotional

Mystery is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord, Savior and King this Christmas season. Its our hope that as a community Mystery will celebrate the Incarnation of Christ and look forward with great anticipation the return of our good King Jesus. Attached for download is our compiled daily devotional for use with family and friends. This is a great time to remember Jesus and introduce your friends and family to Jesus. Through traditional Christmas stories, Prophetic Old Testament Texts, Prayer and Hymns we are encouraging Mystery as a community to study the scriptures looking for Jesus to celebrate his coming, his life, his sacrifice, death and resurrection. Download the Devotional, attend our services and celebrate the King!

Come and See What God has Done....

Click here for Mystery's Advent Devotional.

Advent 2008 Week One

Mystery is celebrating Advent this year beginning this week. We will be posting daily readings here each week, beginning with this post as well as a family devotional that you, your family and your friends can use to study, celebrate and worship Jesus this season. Check here each week for the weeks readings and look for a post with a link to the Mystery Advent family devotional today.
Enjoy The Season, Enjoy the Savior

Week One Daily Readings

*Sunday November 30
Genesis 3:1-20 – Seed of Eve

Monday December 1
Genesis 22:1-18, - Only Beloved Son & Sacrifice

Tuesday December 2
Genesis 48:15-16, 49:8-10 – Lion of Judah

Wednesday December 3
Numbers 23:18-24, 24:3-9, 15-19 – Star of Jacob

Thursday December 4
Deuteronomy 18:14-22 – A Prophet Like Moses

Friday December 5
2 Samuel 7:1-17 – Son of David

Saturday December 6
Psalm 2 – Messiah: Son of God and King

Check out LivingChrist360.com and listen to Dr. Bryan Chapell
from Covenant Seminary discuss each days verse.

Ladies Craft Night

Hey Ladies Come get your Craft on!
The Women of mystery will be getting together at Rachel Eden's house Monday December 8th at 7pm till the glue and paper run out!! They will be working on Christmas presents, enjoying food and fellowship. You dont even have to bring or make anything you can just come and enjoy.
Everyone is asked to bring a "finger food" to share. Christmas sweaters and Santa hats are encouraged but not mandatory. Bring a friend. It's a great way to live mission and connect friends outside and inside mystery.

* Note to husbands. Watch the kids for your wife this night. You need time with them and she needs a break. Love your wives like Jesus...let her make crafts.

ADVENT

Ad·vent (n)
The arrival of something important or awaited.
This Christmas Mystery will be celebrating Advent as a church- the coming of Jesus, our Lord, Savior and King. We will be looking at the offices of Christ. Jesus came to fulfill the roles prophesied about the Messiah. He was to come and be the great Prophet, our understanding and intervening High Priest and good, loving King. This will be a time of expectation and celebration with classic and contemporary songs, liturgy and prayer.
We will also have an accompanying guide for families to use to celebrate Advent on their own during the week. Join us for this great time honored tradition done the Mystery way.

Prayer and Pursuits

Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.
- Saint Augustine

Show Yourself

Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! - Psalm 90:16-17

I have recently began to live a little more expectantly. For so much of my Christian life I was unconsciously (maybe consciously) taught not to expect supernatural things from God. So we pray "if it's your will" or "Lord willing" or "please do this...unless you dont want to then do what you want." I think this is a cop out. I have come to see that at least in my own life what I was really saying was "I don't think you can answer my prayer" or "I dont think you will or even want to."
This is not the type of prayers we see in scripture, perticuallry as I have been going through the Psalms. Is this the God we are told to pray to? The God who can't answer, wont answer does not will to answer his children? This is not how Jesus taught us to pray saying in Matt 7 " ...which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" We are to ask with confidence, we are to ask expecting we are to ask assuming God desires to give good gifts, to make himself known and to glorify himself in answering our prayers and revealing his power.

Many people will respond saying the God doesn't do everything we ask - only according to his will. I would agree. But if I know Jesus, I will pray more and more according to his will and if I trust Jesus I will praying knowing he will respond in a way that DOES answer my prayer in a way that DOES bring him glory and accomplish his will. God's will should be a safe guard against our ignorance not a hindrance to our asking.

I have started to realize I pray week prayers. I pray me-centered prayers. I pray for God to give me the ability to answer my own prayers and accomplish my own will. The Spirit has been lovingly showing me my sinfulness in prayer. My unbelief in the gospel in prayer. My misunderstanding of grace and my projected fatherly issues attached to my prayers.
But God is a loving Father who desires to give good gifts. A mighty God who seeks to make himself known. A jealous lover who longs to save us from ourselves and sin.

What if we prayed like God could answer, would answer and wanted to answer? What if I prayed expecting his good, trusting is promises and pleading for his action so that we would see his glory, so that the world would see his power so that I could experience his love.

I'm starting to pray like that- honestly it's a little scary. It's a little odd. It's pretty exciting.

Dependant Happiness

”Do not let your happiness depend on something you may loose. If love is to be a blessing, not a misery it must be for only the only beloved who will never pass away.” C.S. Lewis in Four Loves

IMAGINE GRACE

But, as it is written, No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him- 1Cor. 2:9

Conflict and Comfort

“A person must confront his own sinfulness in all its ravaging depths before he
can enjoy the comforts of salvation.” —Martin Luther

So walk in Him

From Spurgeons Morning and Evening Devotional - Morning Nov. 9th

“So walk ye in him.”

Colossians 2:6

If we have received Christ himself in our inmost hearts, our new life will manifest its intimate acquaintance with him by a walk of faith in him. Walking implies action. Our religion is not to be confined to our closet; we must carry out into practical effect that which we believe. If a man walks in Christ, then he so acts as Christ would act; for Christ being in him, his hope, his love, his joy, his life, he is the reflex of the image of Jesus; and men say of that man, “He is like his Master; he lives like Jesus Christ.” Walking signifies progress. “So walk ye in him”; proceed from grace to grace, run forward until you reach the uttermost degree of knowledge that a man can attain concerning our Beloved. Walking implies continuance. There must be a perpetual abiding in Christ. How many Christians think that in the morning and evening they ought to come into the company of Jesus, and may then give their hearts to the world all the day: but this is poor living; we should always be with him, treading in his steps and doing his will. Walking also implies habit. When we speak of a man’s walk and conversation, we mean his habits, the constant tenor of his life. Now, if we sometimes enjoy Christ, and then forget him; sometimes call him ours, and anon lose our hold, that is not a habit; we do not walk in him. We must keep to him, cling to him, never let him go, but live and have our being in him. “As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him”; persevere in the same way in which ye have begun, and, as at the first Christ Jesus was the trust of your faith, the source of your life, the principle of your action, and the joy of your spirit, so let him be the same till life’s end; the same when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and enter into the joy and the rest which remain for the people of God. O Holy Spirit, enable us to obey this heavenly precept.

60in60

Friends, Family and Supporters of a church called Mystery

Hello. It’s my hope that you are doing well and enjoying Jesus. There is a lot going on at Mystery right now. Christ is moving in exciting ways. Lives are being changed, a city is being transformed and God is being glorified. We have seen new life in the form of new children, re-born individuals and new membership. Christ has been faithfully maturing us and bringing us new missional people and changing and lives. It’s simply amazing to be part of what Jesus is doing here with this rag-tag church in Joplin, MO.

I write this letter to share some of the excitement, but also to ask for your help. We are entering into a time of transition and are calling upon our friends, family and regular supporters to assist us by praying for and considering giving to a sizable step of faith God is clearly moving us to take.
Currently Mystery meets in an historic church in Webb City, just north of Joplin. We have been here by God’s grace for a year and half. We have been informed however that our lease will not be renewed come 2009. As much as we enjoy our current facility we feel very strongly that Jesus is moving us to the next phase as a church. We are actually quite excited about this opportunity and believe it will grow us in faith and size to settle into a place that can be more “ours”. This will allow us to express more of who we are creatively, stretch us spiritually and ultimately allow for greater missional opportunities in the heart of our city.

As we look for space closer into Joplin we are finding that church needs are unique and definitely not cheap. By all our estimates our monthly facility expenses will increase by four times our current level. We are not thinking extravagant by any means, rather we are moving into more realistic (normal) financial responsibilities as a church. Currently we have it very easy in terms of facility and day-to-day expenses.

Based on our estimates we will need a minimum of $60,000.00 to move into and make a facility usable as a church. Why so much? Well, churches, with all their needs (classrooms, a large meeting area, etc) also have some unique requirements from the city. A major expense to allow a growing congregation to gather all together is that the facility will require a sprinkler system and possibly additional code required upgrades. Currently we also use many items that belong to the church we use and will no longer have access to these items, things like nursery and children’s furniture, sound equipment and, for most of the locations, seating. And chairs I’ve learned cost a decent amount.

Again we are excited and a little anxious, but fully confident we are being lead clearly in this direction. That said we have entered into a rather ambitious step of faith. Mystery is trying, by God’s grace and your help, to raise $60,000.00 in 60 days beginning Nov.1st and ending Dec 31st. We feel this is a realistic amount for what we would need to move and make a building a church and home for Mystery. I have honestly tried to limit Jesus on this and have experienced his continued presence leading us to pursue this enormous step of faith so that he can show us, and our city, that he is indeed a good, loving and providing Lord. Would you please prayerfully consider contributing any and everything to our 60in60 endeavor? We have no flashy campaign, no color drawings or fancy mailers, we simply have an idea we know is from God and friends and supporters who we are asking to walk with us on an extremely exciting journey. We are anxious to share with you in joyous celebration the fact that God is truly amazing and good. Any amount helps. Every gift counts. Whether a one time sum now or increased monthly giving every gift counts.

We need to move quickly in terms of a facility. Allowing for build out, changes and code requirements we have a lot to do before the end of the year. Last year January and February where big growth months for us as a church, and we are hoping to capitalize on this and create momentum going into a new year.

We realize this seems over ambitious, even impossible, especially in our economic climate. For me personally this is all the more affirmation that it is Jesus. We have been called brave, crazy and unrealistic, but I prefer faithful. Please pray, fill out the enclosed card and send any and all tax deductible donations to Mystery Church care of 60in60. (mark that on the check). You can also give through our paypal account. If you would like additional information please contact me at steev@mysterychurch.com or my cell is 417-483-4686. Thank you in advance for your prayers (we need lots) and for trusting God with all things. Jesus Christ is doing a great work in our city and we pray in yours also!

Your friend in need – Steev Inge Lead Pastor of a church called Mystery

Our verse through this time has been Psalm 31:19. We hope it moves you to trust his goodness in your life as well.

Transformation and Time

Years ago while in a used book store I picked up a copies of Cliff Notes for the Old and New Testament. I found them humorous and sad at the same time. But isn't that how most of our lives are- busy- too busy for family, for relationships, for fun....even too busy for God.
Most of us would like to think we have a great relationship with God. He comes when he is called, answers when he is needed, but is this a great relationship? Sounds more like a staff position God was hired to fulfill. And if there is one think I have managed to figure out it is that God is not paid staff.
Sadly we too often think of Jesus as unavailable and distant. But scripture says he is right here in our midst. (Part of the whole omnipresent thing) Relationships take time and effort and so does Spiritual growth. Five minutes a day with Jesus, if that, does not grow a healthy enjoyable relationship, we barely know each other. Walking with Jesus is not updating our Facebook status with him and checking his. It's time with him. In his word listening to him, time praying- talking- with him. Its sharing with others about him and asking questions. Its plumbing the deep things of God, theology and doctrine. When we want to really know anyone it takes time and takes honesty and intimacy that only comes from time and effort.
Our spiritual growth takes time, but it also takes a relationship that is close. As we walk with Jesus we see him, experience his presence, learn from and begin to emulate his actions. Sadly way too many professing Christians are just that, professing. There's not a lot of depth, a lot of growth, there's not a lot of joy. The joy that comes in knowing Jesus and in seeing yourself- your mind, your morals, your attitudes and actions transformed - sanctified if you will.
There are no shortcuts in the spiritual life. It takes effort, it takes a relationship, it takes the Spirit of God. It require repenting of sin continually, preaching the gospel to ourselves constantly and trusting in the Holy Spirit to mold us, discipline us, make us and it takes time.
Maybe today we spend an extra 15 minutes walking with Jesus. Share your day. Your fears. Your hopes and dreams. Maybe ask him to share his for you. Maybe this week you begin to ask where he wants you to grow. What he is trying to remove from you to replace in you more of himself. Maybe we tell a friend in our community group that your trying and you need some accountability. Maybe right now we simply examine our lives and acknowledge its going to take more time and effort than we though, but remember there is joy to be had in the labor of loving Jesus.

Baptisms

Been Baptized?
If you are a new Christian or have never been obedient to Christ in baptism we would love to meet and talk with you about celebrating with you what Jesus has done in your heart and life. We are currently organizing our next baptism celebration and want those with a need and desire to be "dunked" to let us know so we can be sure to include you in whats sure to be another fun and exciting time with the Mystery Family.

NEW WEB SITE

Mystery's New Web site is launching this week. Same address new look. Our plan is to have more articles and information for our visitors and members as well as keeping up with all the news and happenings at Mystery. Would love your feedback as we iron out the kinks and continue to add content. ENJOY.

Start the countdown now...

THE BROTHERHOOD

Men of Mystery resumes this week as "The Brotherhood". It's a great night of "dudedom" at Pastor Nate Karnes house from 8-10pm. Bring your bibles, we'll be talking about being men of the Word. We will be outside with a bonfire. Bring whatever you want to drink, eat or whatever. It BYOE (everything). Be there and bring a friend.

Perfect Church?

“If I had never joined a church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all. And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us.” - Charles Spurgeon

Managing Resources

“Christian stewardship is the management of life and all its resources for the glory of God.” —Murray J. Harris

Vote as though not voting

Dr. Piper has a great post over at desiring God concerning the Christian and voting. With the election just a week away it's a good time to consider who we are in Christ, the world we live in and our role as resident aliens. I would encourage you to pray for the candidates, for the voters, for the country that in all things God might be glorified in our actions, attitudes impacting others and moving them to know and love Jesus as well. So vote in a way that makes much of Christ, vote as if it depends on you, vote knowing that it all is under the authority of Christ.

Vote as though not voting article.

Heart Surgery

“Scripture is clear in teaching that we are not all journeying toward God. Instead, Scripture presents us as needing to have our hearts replaced, our minds transformed, our spirits given life. We can do none of this for ourselves. The change each human needs, regardless of how we may outwardly appear, is so radical, so near our roots, that only God can bring it about. We need God to convert us.” —Mark Dever

Gravest Question

“The gravest question before a person is always God Himself, and the most portentous fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like.” - A. W. Tozer

Who is Your Father?

I am a nerd. I'll admit it. I am not ashamed of it. I think, if the rest of the dudes in my family would admit it, they are nerds too. To be more specific I am quite the Star Wars Nerd (I even have a shirt that says I am). I still remember siting in the theater and gasping in astonishment when Darth Vader told Luke Skywalker he was is real father. "NOOOOOOOOOOO" was the cry of Luke to learn this horrific news. Who wouldn't cry out like to learn the Dark Lord of the Sith was your daddy. Now I am partial to Vader, black is my thing. I like Johnny Cash too, but man that would be some shocking news. It changed everything for Luke.
The Apostle John writes in 1 John chapter three that people not only have earthly fathers, but spiritual dads as well. And when it comes to our spiritual fathers there are only two options- God or the devil. Bold statement. Perhaps even more shocking than in Star Wars.
John wants us to know our dads. So we can love and please him, or run from him if he happens to be all that is evil and against God.
Who's your Father? Do you know? John gives us a spiritual paternal test here in 1 John:
1. Who do you love? Children of God Love Jesus and live for Jesus.

2. What's your life look like? Do you keep God's commands our are you constantly ignoring them and finding a million ways to stay as far from him as possible? Children of God love their daddy and listen to him (listening and applying scripture and biblical teaching) and obey him cause this keep us from sin, evil and death.

3. Finally What's your love look like? God's Kids love their brothers and sisters. Do you? Do you spend time with other Christians, do you meet the needs of other beleivers- do you know the needs of other children of God? Do you love the church? Is it a priority in your life?
Does any of this come as a shock? You might need to look around and ask yourself some questions. Does it lead you to a curdling scream of "NOOOOOOOOOOOO"- maybe thats a good thing. Maybe that leads to you to examine a few things about your father, maybe it moves you to repentance and pleases of grace and mercy, maybe it leads you to love and adore God- the good father who longs to love you, adopt you, provide for you and accept you as his Son.
Image to be with THE FATHER where He rules the Galaxy together Father with the Son. (yeah that was another cheesy Star Wars Reference....)

Ashley and I this Halloween....Oh how I Wish.....

Ownership Seminar Begins this Friday

Heads up! If you are sign up for the Ownership Classes they start this FRIDAY Oct. 3rd at 6:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church Building.

Bring your bible, a pen and an appetite for food and learning.

This week will be an introduction to the membership chapter one: The Bible.
We will be answering "what is the bible" and what Mystery believes about scripture.

See you There.

Holiness is the Goal

“In reality, holiness is the goal of our redemption. As Christ died in order that we may be justified, so we are justified in order that we may be sanctified and made holy.” —J.I. Packer

Community Groups are Gathering

This is now the third week of Mystery's new Community Groups. Are you in one? We have several that currently meeting and it's not to late to get involved. In the New Testament Christians are primarily associated with community. There just is no such thing as a solo Christian that is experiencing all God has for them and certainly no such thing as individual gifted to build a kingdom community living alone and detached from the body.
One of our values as a church is community and part of the gospel identity we hope everyone at Mystery will carry is Family. We would encourage everyone that calls Mystery home and everyone looking for a home to get personally involved in a community a beleivers that not only worship on Sunday but live life together during the week.

CG's meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to give everyone an opportunity to know and be know.

Dissapearing Sin

"...The concept of sin among many conservative Christians has been essentially redefined to cover only the obviously gross sins of our society. The result, then , is that for many morally upright believers, the awareness of personal sin has effectively disappeared from their consciences. But it has not disappeared form the sight of God. " Jerry Bridges in Respectable Sins

Christian Stewardship

“Christian stewardship is the management of life and all its resources for the glory of God.” —Murray J. Harris

No Interest in Commitment

“If you have no interest in committing yourself to an actual group of gospel believing, bible teaching Christians you might question whether you belong to the body of Christ as all.”
– Mark Dever

Ownership Seminars pt 4

Acts 2:47: “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

If you are a Christian, the biblical expectation is that you join a single local church. It may not be Mystery, maybe it’s another church that loves Jesus and preaches the Bible, but we are to become a participant and a provider within a local body. You were not saved to be a consumer.

We invite you to help make Mystery happen. Owning Mystery is a declaration that you are moving from being a consumer to being an investor--that you are joining not simply just the community of Christ, but the whole cause of Christ. It is not what you can receive, but what you can give.

Jesus does not need us for anything, he invites us into participation. Mystery does; however need your help to accomplish God’s calling on our church in this city. We are asking you to own the church rather than simply watching and consuming. We are calling people to ownership; to live sacrificially so people can meet Jesus.

Dates and Times for the Fall Ownership Seminars are:
Dates: Fri 3rd, Sat 4th, Fri 10th, Sat. 11th, Fri 17th, Sat. 18th, Fri 24th, Sat. 25th
Times: Fridays from 6:30-8pm, Sat. 10am-Noon

Ownership Seminars pt 3

Who should take the Ownership Seminars?
The class is open to everyone. If it’s your first week at Mystery, if you believe in Jesus or not, this introductory class is a great place to get started for those who are merely curious and for those who are excited to get connected. We do ask that everyone considering making Mystery their church take this class to assess how they feel about God, the gospel, and who we are, praying for discernment and growth as they choose a local body of believers to call their family.
Discovering what church God would have you in is a very important matter. There is certain, necessary information that a person should know prior to making the decision to join a particular church. We hope to serve you by helping provide such information. We want to clarify for you What We Believe, Who We Are and What We Do as a church. We hope to help define the importance of the local church in God’s plan and in your life.

Dates and Times for the Fall Ownership Seminars are:
Dates: Fri 3rd, Sat 4th, Fri 10th, Sat. 11th, Fri 17th, Sat. 18th, Fri 24th, Sat. 25th
Times: Fridays from 6:30-8pm, Sat. 10am-Noon

Ownership Seminar pt 2

What's the Difference in Ownership and Membership?
The term member carries little weight or importance in our culture today. We are members at gyms, golf courses, websites, associations, and other organizations. Most memberships are painless to obtain and even easier to discard. We want people to become owners of Mystery. Members are usually just consumers, owners however are investors, they make things happen. Jesus never intended us to simply consume. We are told to love, to live, to serve, these can only happen as we give of our whole life. Ownership is a higher calling with greater responsibility than membership.

Ownership Seminars pt 1

What are Ownership Seminars?
Mystery’s Ownership Seminars are designed to be the first point of connection for those considering making Mystery their church home. This class is an 8-session course where you’ll form friendships, find answers and learn about the biblical truths and values our church is built on. Owning Mystery is the first step to take if you would like to become an “owner” in Mystery.

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Heb 10:25 NIV


Sign Ups Have Begun for the Fall Ownership Seminar. You can sign up before or after our Sunday Gathering now through the end of the month.

Change vs. Transformation

An absence of transforming change to your life exposes that our methods of change, let's call them saviors, are cheap substitutes. It is obvious we all are looking for, wanting even desperate for change. It's blatantly apparent this election season. But what can a politician change?
They can change our situations I guess, but cheaper gas wont fix a broken marriage. They can change foreign relations with other nations, but that wont eradicate addiction. They could raise or lower takes, but that doesnt offer love and acceptance, maybe just the just to buy some more false hope.
Where does real change happen then you ask? It happens inside of a person. True transformation must be internal. Changing the things around us is just shuffling the furniture. To be really transformed there needs to be an agent of transformation. What's yours? Where are you looking for "salvation"? In your circumstances? Your behavior? Your Thinking? To a politician or even a priest?
Jesus says in John's gospel "I am the way, the truth and the life..." Basically "I am the change your looking for."
Many people will present themselves as Four year (or eight year) saviors over the next few months, but non of them can accomplish what I need. At best they might change the world world (thats the problem right not me) but they cant, they wont (I wouldn't let them) change me. I know that in the end the are powerless, functional saviors not the real thing. We all know this, that's why we have term limits.
But Jesus knows no limits. He will cross all boundries even death to love us, accept us, forgive us and welcome us- this is what changes a heart and transforms a life. He and only he can change the world, one heart at a time.

Not Just a Place

A Healthy church is not simply a place that looks a certain way. A healthy church is more a people who love, live & enjoy in a certain way that the world can see and which others long to experience and emulate.

Fellowship Involves Sharing

“Fellowship involves sharing what we have with others. One of the most valuable things we can share is ourselves: our time, our talents, and our energies in serving one another in the Body of Christ.” —Jerry Bridges

THIS IS THE WEEK

Mystery is re-launching this week. Ever fall we kick things off all over again and this year its not different. We will have new music, be installing a new elder, meeting new people and starting a new series in First John called "Children of God". Won't you join us, it'll be....well new and fun. Hope to see you this week 5:30 at Mystery.

God Forbid

"God forbid that we should be so interested in the words of the bible as to so miss the Word itself"
- Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones

RE:LAUNCH

This Sunday Mystery Re-Launches as a church for the new year. What does this mean? Well it means that we've made it through another summer. It means that new faces are showing up and old friends are returning. It means we're starting a new preaching series in the very practical book of 1 John, it means there's many new things to do as a church, many more people to reach and a city to be changed one life at a time. We'd like to invite you to join us this coming Sunday at 5:30. Same Location- Corner of Broadway and Ball in Webb City. The band will be rocking, there will be new friends to make, family to reconnect with and Jesus, whom we love, to worship in Spirit and in Truth. Please be in prayer for Mystery, for the weekend and for people who you can invite to hear the gospel and connect with as family.

Marketing pt 2

Mystery is taking a step in the marketing direction this fall advertising in Joplin's entertainment and arts magazine The Current. As a church in Joplin where religion comes before the gospel and church is more a buffet to fill ourselves on rather than commit ourselves to, we've struggled with how much we want to market Mystery. It's our hope that we would reach many people by word of mouth and through relationships built with people in our culture groups.
That said we are stepping into the advertising game. We decided to make ourselves accessible to people who might not normally check out a church. We are running at least 3 ads in The Current through August and into September aimed at poking fun at ourselves as Christians, addressing concerns non-Christians might have with church and trying to break the ice with unChurched people. We know it will ruffle some feathers, but it just might break down some barriers among people who we want to reach for Jesus. He hung out with the "wrong people" we hope we can too.
Here is the first of our three ads:

Marketing

"You can't market your church if your church isn't ready to sacrifice."
- churchmarketingsucks.com

A Community of Joy

Enjoy – The goal of man’s life is to bring glory to God. We glorify him most when we find our satisfaction, delight and joy in him. Mystery longs to be a joyous place. We are recipients of the greatest gift ever given and are entrusted with the greatest message the world has ever heard. God has rescued his people out of darkness and brought them into the light. He has saved his people from all our enemies (Satan, sin and death) and freed us to live a full life in him by His power and provision through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are confident in hope and certain in faith. In all things we rejoice, even in suffering and hardship. A full life is a happy life and happiness flows from knowing God’s sovereignty and salvation. Our joy will be expressed through worship of Jesus, fellowship with one another, service to the community and seeing others come to saving faith in Christ.

Ps 16:11 “You make known the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

John 16:22, 24 “…you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you…until know you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full”

Decline

“My primary assessment would be because American Christians tend to be incredibly self-indulgent so they see the church as a place there for them to meet their needs and to express faith in a way that is meaningful for them...There is almost no genuine compassion or urgency about serving and reaching people who don’t know Christ. I think the bottom line really is our own spiritual narcissism. There are methods and you can talk about style, structure and music, but in the end it really comes down to your heart and what you care about..."

-Erwin McManus

Chattering & Twittering Birds

"Believers love to bring others to the House of God because they wish to do good to them. Did you ever notice how the little birds, when they find a heap of corn, begin to chatter and twitter as if they would call all the other birds to come and feast, also? Grace is generous and is never akin to churlish Nabal. Misers would rather keep all their wealth to themselves, but a man who is rich in faith feels his happiness increased when others have faith, too! As soon as we drink of the Water of Life, a sacred instinct within us bids us cry, “Come.” “Ho, everyone that thirsts, come you to the waters.” He knows not the Grace of God who has no desire that others should know it, also. You will assuredly long for the souls of others if God has saved your soul. Natural humanity, let alone our alliance to the Divine Nature, leads us to bid others come to Christ. "
- From Charles Spurgeon's Sermon A Call to Worship

TheMissionofMystery- Wk 3 ENJOY

This week we are finishing our series on the Mission of Mystery. The Final of our three word mission as a church is "Enjoy". What exactly is the Joy of a Christian. Christians as defined as joyous. Dr. Martin Lyod Jones says we are called to joy and "we are failing in our Christian witness unless we are experiencing and manifesting it."Where does it come from? Why is it there? What does it accomplish? Join us this week as we look at The Joy of a Christian.

God's People and Prayer

"Moreover, the love which God’s people have for prayer shows their desire after heavenly things. Those who frequently meet together for importunate, wrestling prayer, practically show that they desire to see the Lord’s Kingdom come. They are not so taken up with their own business that they cannot afford time to think of God’s business. They are not so occupied with the world’s pleasures that they take no pleasure in the things of God. Believers in a right state of heart value the prosperity of the Church and, seeing that it can only be promoted by God’s own hand, they cry mightily unto the Lord of Hosts to stretch out His hand of mercy and to be favorable to His Church and cause."
- From Charles Spurgeon's Sermon A Call to Worship

Drinking From Toilets

“Might I suggest to you, that if you are thirsty for insight on theology, that you not drink from the toilet even though there is water there.”- Mark Driscoll

Community Group Sign Ups Begin this Week

The church as Family

The church is a family. In Christ we are sons and daughters of God.
The church should be a close family. The church should always be intimate, involved and caring.
The church should be an open family. The church should always be a home that is expecting guests.
The church is the bride of Christ.
We are sons, daughters and co-heirs of the kingdom in Christ.
Love the brotherhood...especially the household of faith.

TheMissionofMystery- Wk 2 LIVE

Our Series on our mission continues this week with The Life of a Christian. Join us in exploring how our Identity as Christ Followers is lived out at Mystery.

A Community of Love

Love – The greatest command is to love; to love God with all we are and to desire him as everything we need (Matt 22:37, Ps 73:25) and to love our neighbors through the sacrifice of ourselves for them ( Matt 22:39, Rom 12:3) All of the law is summed up in Love ( Rom 13:10, Gal 5:14) Jesus said that of all things Christians are to be known for they are to be known for their love (John 13:35). As a community of Christ followers Mystery wants to be known as a people who love. As a church we will seek to express love for God and for others through Community Groups by gathering weekly as family, serving the church, the city and visitors monthly. We will give our time, talents and treasures with glad hearts, in response to God’s saving grace in our lives (1 John 4:10,16), to meet needs and grow in grace.

Intelligent Trust

When you intelligently trust in Jesus as having suffered for you, then you discover the fact that God will never punish you for the same offense for which Jesus died.- Spurgeon

TheMissionofMystery- Wk 1 LOVE

FAMILY MEETING

Re-Lit

Like good books? Like good books about Jesus? Cruise over to Re-Lit. Buy, pre-order or peruse.

Community Group Training Day

C.S. Lewis on Friendship

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one”- C.S. Lewis

THIS SUNDAY-The Church in Joplin

This week we are joined by people from Life Point Church in Ozark, MO. one of our supporting churches. Pastor Lane Harrison will be speaking to the Church in Joplin. They are bringing their band, some members and much excitement. Join us for a great time with friends and family from another city.

FINANCIAL FORUM - THIS SATURDAY

This Saturday 10am-12pm at the Inge's Home: 1002 Country Side Dr. Everyone is welcome.

Poem on Friendship

A ruddy drop of manly blood
The surging sea outweighs,
The world uncertain comes and goes,
The lover rooted stays.
I fancied he was fled,
And, after many a year,
Glowed unexhausted kindliness
Like daily sunrise there.
My careful heart was free again, —
O friend, my bosom said,
Through thee alone the sky is arched,
Through thee the rose is red,
All things through thee take nobler form,
And look beyond the earth,
And is the mill-round of our fate
A sun-path in thy worth.
Me too thy nobleness has taught
To master my despair;
The fountains of my hidden life
Are through thy friendship fair.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Coming in August - The Mission of Mystery

Wise and Foolish Men

I think what I would say to a young man, is that there are categories he needs to familiarize himself with from Scripture. Two would be categories revealed particularly in Proverbs – the wise and the foolish. And I would want any young man (and this has broader application for all of us, but particularly for a young man) to familiarize himself with those two categories.

Those are the only two categories that exist. There are no other categories from God’s perspective. One either identifies with the wise or the foolish. Proverbs is a wealth of wisdom given by God as a gift from God to that age group in particular — to protect them from walking with fools, from being a fool, and from experiencing the consequences of being a fool.

Taken from an interview with C.J. Mahaney on The Shepherds Scrapbook

This Sunday- Proverbs: Friends

Gladness

We must serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2). We are not simply given the charge to be faithful, but also be joyful. How are you doing with enjoying God?

BLOCK PARTY TOMORROW

MYSTERY BLOCK PARTY
TOMORROW 5PM
MEMORIAL PARK
Webb City. Bring a Guest.
Free food, games, music, enjoyment.
Spread the Word.

THIS WEEK - Daughters of Eve

We continue through Proverbs this week examining what it is to be a woman who bears the image of God. Taking our example from the Proverbs 31 woman we will look at what it is to move from being daughters of Eve to daughters of God and sisters of Christ. Who has God made women to be? What role to they play in his plan? How can women best reflect the image of God to the world? Join us for an intriguing and no doubt controversial look at Biblical Femininity.

The Best

"For the Christian, the best is always yet to be."- J.I. Packer

Family Swim Day

When I Feel Lean

Good words to me last week....

“The ill favoured and lean-fleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine.”

-Genesis 41:4

Pharaoh’s dream has too often been my waking experience. My days of sloth have ruinously destroyed all that I had achieved in times of zealous industry; my seasons of coldness have frozen all the genial glow of my periods of fervency and enthusiasm; and my fits of worldliness have thrown me back from my advances in the divine life. I had need to beware of lean prayers, lean praises, lean duties, and lean experiences, for these will eat up the fat of my comfort and peace. If I neglect prayer for never so short a time, I lose all the spirituality to which I had attained; if I draw no fresh supplies from heaven, the old corn in my granary is soon consumed by the famine which rages in my soul. When the caterpillars of indifference, the cankerworms of worldliness, and the palmerworms of self-indulgence, lay my heart completely desolate, and make my soul to languish, all my former fruitfulness and growth in grace avails me nothing whatever. How anxious should I be to have no lean-fleshed days, no ill-favoured hours! If every day I journeyed towards the goal of my desires I should soon reach it, but backsliding leaves me still far off from the prize of my high calling, and robs me of the advances which I had so laboriously made. The only way in which all my days can be as the “fat kine,” is to feed them in the right meadow, to spend them with the Lord, in His service, in His company, in His fear, and in His way. Why should not every year be richer than the past, in love, and usefulness, and joy?—I am nearer the celestial hills, I have had more experience of my Lord, and should be more like Him. O Lord, keep far from me the curse of leanness of soul; let me not have to cry, “My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me!” but may I be well-fed and nourished in thy house, that I may praise thy name.

From Charles Spurgeon's Morning Devotion fro July 3rd Mornings and Evenings Daily Devotional

2008 Block Party Next Saturday the 12th

Our annual block party is next saturday july 8th. come eat, celebrate and bring a friend. everythings on us!

THIS WEEK - SONS OF ADAM

Our Series in Proverbs Continues this week as we examine biblical manhood. God has given much weight and responsibility to men. What are men called to be and how are we to handle the role? Join us as we look at this important issue.
Next Week: Daughters of Eve

I Decided...

“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Cor. 2:2

SUNDAY- CONFIDENCE

Most Serious

What is the most serious threat to the gospel?

For this question I think J.C. Ryle provides us with enduring discernment:

“You may spoil the gospel by substitution. You have only to withdraw from the eyes of the sinner the grand object which the Bible proposes to faith--Jesus Christ--and to substitute another object in His place… and the mischief is done.

“You may spoil the gospel by addition. You have only to add to Christ, the grand object of faith, some other objects as equally worthy of honor, and the mischief is done.

“You may spoil the gospel by disproportion. You have only to attach an exaggerated importance to the secondary things of Christianity, and a diminished importance to the first things, and the mischief is done.

“Lastly, but not least, you may completely spoil the gospel by confused and contradictory directions… Confused and disorderly statements about Christianity are almost as bad as no statement at all. Religion of this sort is not evangelical.”

(taken from a post C.J. Mahaney made on the Together for the Gospel site)

PRAYER NIGHT

SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER

Mars Hill Adopts Mystery!

God has been simply amazing to our little church called Mystery. Church planting can be difficult and discouraging at times to say the least. But this is a post about God's glory and goodness to our church in Southwest Missouri.
Mystery exists because of a vision Christ gave for the planting of a gospel centered, missionally minded church in Joplin, MO to reach young adults, the churchless, the religionless and the burned out and discouraged. All credit goes to Jesus for bringing us together, for providing for our needs and moving us toward him. We are indeed blessed and loved by him.
Along the way several churches from different walks have come alongside us to partner with us in planting. God, to his glory, has given us GREAT supporting churches. Life Point church in Ozark, MO, North Point Church in Lewisville, TX, Fusion in Muskogee, OK, and The Journey in St. Louis, MO have all been exceedingly good to us. Mystery would not exist without their financial support, encouragement and experienced leadership. Church planting is not easy or cheap and the resources and friendships these churches have provided is invaluable.
This week we received word of an exciting new supporter: Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA!
I was blown away when I got the email. Mystery, in Joplin, MO....now partnering with Mars Hill to see the gospel go forth into JoMo. Man God is just beyond good. Mark Driscoll, pastor of MH has said "grace always move to the front of the line" and let me just say this is the grace of God and the goodness of Jesus who indeed cares for our city even more than we can imagine.
Specifically we are being adopted by the Shoreline Campus pastored by Steve Tompkins. They don't want to be hands off either-they are looking to grow with us spiritually and relationally and are looking forward to working with us this coming year. Please be in thankful prayer to Jesus for this new partnership and also in prayer for Pastor Steve and Mars Hill Shoreline.

"Jesus...thank you. Thank you for your grace, your love and your provision. You are too good to us an undeserving lot of greatly graced people. We love you and lift up our prayers for our supporting churches and your love and provision for them as well. Amen."

N.T. Wright on Colbert Report

THIS SUNDAY- WHAT ARE YOU BUILDING?

Recovery

"One of the most urgent tasks facing evangelical Christendom today" is "the recovery of the gospel."- J.I. Packer

BLOCK PARTY PREPARATION

THIS SUNDAY- PROVERBS: Our Ways

Gospel Beginning and Ending

"The gospel begins and ends with what God is, not what we want or think we need."
-Tom Houston

Church as Fruit

"The church is the fruit of the gospel." -Hywel R. Jones

Not God Loves Us

"The gospel is not 'God loves us,' but 'God loves us at the cost of his Son.'" -Derek Thomas

THIS SUNDAY- PROVERBS: Our Words

True Gospel Preaching

"Let this be to you the mark of true gospel preaching - where Christ is everything, and the creature is nothing; where it is salvation all of grace, through the work of the Holy Spirit applying to the soul the precious blood of Jesus." -Charles H. Spurgeon

MYSTERY ZOO DAY!

Humility

Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.- Proverbs 18:12

"The Spring of this humility is true self-knowledge"- Charles Bridges

LEADERS MEETING MONDAY JNE 2nd

Leaders Meeting June 2nd at 7pm at the Inge's House

Pardon and Protection

"Our God's mercy is a holy mercy. He knows how to pradom sin, not to protect it."
- Charles Bridges

MORNINGS FOR MOMS

FUN FOR THE FAMILY

Stat

75-80% of people attend church for the first time because they were personally invited.

MANLY MOVIE NIGHT- MONDAY!

Weath 6- Filthy Rich

2 Cor 8:9 “For you know that grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

Women of Mystery

Women of Mystery

Join the ladies this Monday Night at Butterfly Koffee Klatch, located in University Plaza on 7th and Duquesne @ 7pm for konversation and koffee through the book of Philippians.