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.