Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Knowing the Cross
If we are ever to truly understand Jesus Christ we must first know and understand the Cross. It is through the cross we come to know ourselves, our great sin and our glorious savior.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Happy Anniversary Mystery!!
This past weekend (the first weekend of April) marks Mystery's the second anniversary of our Sunday Worship gatherings. Some of you have been with Mystery from the beginning - through the home bible studies, Sunday home church and weekly prayer and planning meetings.
We began 2 years ago with a Sunday night service at Historic First Presbyterian Church in Webb City. Slowly we grew and changed as God brought people and continued to build his church.
In January of this year we moved into our new location in downtown Joplin and in February moved to a Sunday morning service.
Yesterday we celebrated with cake and shared our stories of where we have been, how we got here and where we see ourselves going. It was a great time.
As I looked out over the growing number of people this week I saw new faces, new stories, new opportunities for the gospel and I was very moved to thankfulness for all God's grace, patience and blessing. We certainly do not deserve all Jesus has done and is doing. He is incredibly loving and faithful to his people.
It's been two years of change, gospel transformation and formation. Two years of difficulty and stress, but two years of joy, wonder and excitement. I am very thankful for all those who have been apart of the last two and am looking forward with great anticipation to ten more.
Steev
We began 2 years ago with a Sunday night service at Historic First Presbyterian Church in Webb City. Slowly we grew and changed as God brought people and continued to build his church.
In January of this year we moved into our new location in downtown Joplin and in February moved to a Sunday morning service.
Yesterday we celebrated with cake and shared our stories of where we have been, how we got here and where we see ourselves going. It was a great time.
As I looked out over the growing number of people this week I saw new faces, new stories, new opportunities for the gospel and I was very moved to thankfulness for all God's grace, patience and blessing. We certainly do not deserve all Jesus has done and is doing. He is incredibly loving and faithful to his people.
It's been two years of change, gospel transformation and formation. Two years of difficulty and stress, but two years of joy, wonder and excitement. I am very thankful for all those who have been apart of the last two and am looking forward with great anticipation to ten more.
Steev
Fight Club Blog
Attention Men of Mystery enrolled in one of our Fight Clubs. There is a new blog set up to host conversations and insights as you are attacking the assignments. You need to be in a group to access the site. You should have received an invitation via email. Create and account or log in so you can access the site and be part of the conversations. Check your email and join us in the ring.
mysteryfightclub.blogspot.com
mysteryfightclub.blogspot.com
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Sin and Saddness
"Your sadness over your sin should be greater than fact that it complicates your life." - Paul Tripp
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Dreadful Implications
"Few people ever think about the dreadful implications of being under the wrath of God. And most of all, none of us even begins to realize how truly sinful we are." Jerry Bridges Gospel for Real Life
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Jesus Came to Die Pt 1
Christ came into this world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The mission of Jesus was to save sinners (1 Tim 1:15) and the means of accomplishing his mission was the Cross. Jesus came with the cross in mind. He was born to die. Not like all of us who will die, but Christ, God the Son and God the Father purposed that Jesus die. His life's goal centered on being put to death.
His life was lived with one destiny in mind, a hill outside the city gates, a bloody and violent death atop the hill. Jesus carried our curse up the hill (Gal 3:13) became the curse. At the top of that hill of death he was murdered. Nailed to a tree to die. Disgraced, shamed and shunned for our sin.
To this end he came, to Die, so that by faith in him we might live.
Have you ever thought about Christ's death as for you? How about because of you? Have you ever pondered the determination of the cross? Have you have considered the implications of the cross?
Have you ever marveled at the love of the cross?
It was for love he came. It was in love he set his face toward Jerusalem. it was for love he endured the suffering and pain. It was for love he Came to Die.
His life was lived with one destiny in mind, a hill outside the city gates, a bloody and violent death atop the hill. Jesus carried our curse up the hill (Gal 3:13) became the curse. At the top of that hill of death he was murdered. Nailed to a tree to die. Disgraced, shamed and shunned for our sin.
To this end he came, to Die, so that by faith in him we might live.
Have you ever thought about Christ's death as for you? How about because of you? Have you ever pondered the determination of the cross? Have you have considered the implications of the cross?
Have you ever marveled at the love of the cross?
It was for love he came. It was in love he set his face toward Jerusalem. it was for love he endured the suffering and pain. It was for love he Came to Die.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Suggested Reading for Easter 2009
This week at Mystery we started a new series called "Jesus Came to Die" looking at the implications and applications of the cross on our lives. Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Seattle (one of our supporting churches) has written an incredible book Death by Love. It is a series of letters written over the years to various church members that pulls specifically from Christ's atoning working on the cross to address and answer everyday persons concerns, fears, issues and sins. It is theologically rich, deeply practical and very personal. Its easy to read and understandable written conversationally so it's an easy read.
Part of our Gospel Identity at Mystery is to grow as Learners. We want to grow in our knowledge of God so that we can best worship and enjoy him. Each month we recommend books and resources for people to read. This Easter season as we preach and teach on the cross Mystery highly recommends Death by Love to anyone looking to unpack and understand the grace and truth of the loving work that Jesus accomplished on the cross on the behalf of his people.
Clink the link to purchase it from Amazon or get it on Sundays at the Mystery Book Store for the same price.
Part of our Gospel Identity at Mystery is to grow as Learners. We want to grow in our knowledge of God so that we can best worship and enjoy him. Each month we recommend books and resources for people to read. This Easter season as we preach and teach on the cross Mystery highly recommends Death by Love to anyone looking to unpack and understand the grace and truth of the loving work that Jesus accomplished on the cross on the behalf of his people.Clink the link to purchase it from Amazon or get it on Sundays at the Mystery Book Store for the same price.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Fight Clubs Forming
Are you man at Mystery? Looking to grow as a follower and train to fight the good fight for King Jesus? Mystery is beginning it's first round of "Fight Clubs" for men interested in learning to lead as men in home, the work place, the church and in the city. Fight Clubs are a monthly meeting with one of Mystery's Pastors and a small group of like minded men to discuss issues of gospel, leadership, mission and church.
God has called men uniquely to work his creation and cultivate creatively keep his kingdom on mission and moving forward. God is calling you. Mystery needs you and the Brotherhood awaits. For more information email info@mysterychurch.com and we can get you plugged into a group. Clubs are forming now and space is limited.
God has called men uniquely to work his creation and cultivate creatively keep his kingdom on mission and moving forward. God is calling you. Mystery needs you and the Brotherhood awaits. For more information email info@mysterychurch.com and we can get you plugged into a group. Clubs are forming now and space is limited.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Jesus Came to Die - New Series Starts Sunday March 29th
New five week series looking at five reasons Jesus came to die begins this week March 29th.
Why did the Son of God come to earth and live among us? Jesus Christ came to earth and lived for the express purpose of Dying. Jesus laid down his life willing as a sacrifice and specifically to save sinners from God's Wrath, to save his people from the Invisible Hold of Sin, to save Self-righteous people from Themselves, to Defeat Death and Give us Life.
This is the gospel. An understanding of depth of Jesus Death is the crucial truth for believing and becoming a Christian. It is also the catalyst for continuing change and freeing life for the Christian. Join us as we look in depth at the gospel and the finished atoning work of our Loving King Jesus on the Cross.
Sundays 10am 514 S. Main in Downtown Joplin.
Why did the Son of God come to earth and live among us? Jesus Christ came to earth and lived for the express purpose of Dying. Jesus laid down his life willing as a sacrifice and specifically to save sinners from God's Wrath, to save his people from the Invisible Hold of Sin, to save Self-righteous people from Themselves, to Defeat Death and Give us Life.
This is the gospel. An understanding of depth of Jesus Death is the crucial truth for believing and becoming a Christian. It is also the catalyst for continuing change and freeing life for the Christian. Join us as we look in depth at the gospel and the finished atoning work of our Loving King Jesus on the Cross.Sundays 10am 514 S. Main in Downtown Joplin.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Onwership Starts This Week
Mystery's next round of membership classes starts THIS FRIDAY evening at 6:30pm. If you are not signed up please email us at Ownership@mysterychurch.com so we can get you enrolled and have all your materials. There is childcare, but you will need to let us know in advance.
Class Schedule is:
Times: Fridays from 6:30-8pm, Sat. 10am-11:30am
Dates: Friday & Sat, March 27th - 28th,
Friday & Sat, April 3rd - 4th,
*Easter Weekend No Classes
Friday & Sat, April 17th – 18th,
Friday & Sat, April 24th - 25th
Class Schedule is:
Times: Fridays from 6:30-8pm, Sat. 10am-11:30am
Dates: Friday & Sat, March 27th - 28th,
Friday & Sat, April 3rd - 4th,
*Easter Weekend No Classes
Friday & Sat, April 17th – 18th,
Friday & Sat, April 24th - 25th
Friday, March 20, 2009
Why Join a Church?
Mystery Ownership Seminar (Member Classes) begin next week. In anticipation Pastr Nate has written Big C little c…
1 Peter 2:4,5
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
When we become a Christian, when we come to Jesus, we become a part of Christ’s bride, the Church – with a big C. Our union with Jesus makes us part of God’s family; we have brothers and sisters all over the world! We are also connected to men and women in the very town or city we live in. 1 Peter tells us, we are built up as a spiritual house as we come to Christ. That is why it is important for us as believers to be a part of a church – with a little c. To be “built up as a spiritual house” means we are connected to one another. We are dependent on others, and they are dependent on us. As Mark Dever says in What is a Healthy Church?, “By identifying ourselves with a particular local church, we are telling the church’s pastors and other members not just that we commit to them, but that we commit to them in gathering, giving, prayer, and service. We are telling them to expect certain things from us and to hold us accountable if we don’t follow through. Joining a church is an act of saying, “I am now your responsibility, and you are my responsibility.” Our life as a part of the big C Church gets expressed in our life as a part of the little c church, and so that is why we join a local body. Within that local body, we care and are cared for, we love and are loved, we support and are supported, and we encourage and are encouraged. To not join or be committed to a local church is to withhold those things from others as well as ourselves. A solitary stone is not a building, it becomes part of a building as it is connected and bonded to other stones.
So live out your life as Christ’s bride and part of the big C church within the context of a little c church where you live. It pleases God, brings glory to Christ, and blesses both you and others!
- Nate Karnes
1 Peter 2:4,5
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
When we become a Christian, when we come to Jesus, we become a part of Christ’s bride, the Church – with a big C. Our union with Jesus makes us part of God’s family; we have brothers and sisters all over the world! We are also connected to men and women in the very town or city we live in. 1 Peter tells us, we are built up as a spiritual house as we come to Christ. That is why it is important for us as believers to be a part of a church – with a little c. To be “built up as a spiritual house” means we are connected to one another. We are dependent on others, and they are dependent on us. As Mark Dever says in What is a Healthy Church?, “By identifying ourselves with a particular local church, we are telling the church’s pastors and other members not just that we commit to them, but that we commit to them in gathering, giving, prayer, and service. We are telling them to expect certain things from us and to hold us accountable if we don’t follow through. Joining a church is an act of saying, “I am now your responsibility, and you are my responsibility.” Our life as a part of the big C Church gets expressed in our life as a part of the little c church, and so that is why we join a local body. Within that local body, we care and are cared for, we love and are loved, we support and are supported, and we encourage and are encouraged. To not join or be committed to a local church is to withhold those things from others as well as ourselves. A solitary stone is not a building, it becomes part of a building as it is connected and bonded to other stones.
So live out your life as Christ’s bride and part of the big C church within the context of a little c church where you live. It pleases God, brings glory to Christ, and blesses both you and others!
- Nate Karnes
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Smaller Gospel
Great post over at Desiring God by John Piper on not letting the gospel ever grow small.
Read it Here: Never Let the Gospel Get Smaller in Your Heart
Read it Here: Never Let the Gospel Get Smaller in Your Heart
Monday, March 09, 2009
THE BROTHERHOOD - MARCH
CALLING ALL MEN OF MYSTERY!
We are inviting all the men of Mystery to gather Sunday Night March 22nd, 6:30-8pm at the Mystery Building. Any dude who calls Mystery there church at all is encouraged to attend. We will be talking about being men of God - Men who Live as Christians, as Men and as Leaders. We'll be eating free food also be unveiling our new plan and direction for training up men to lead their homes, the church and in the city.
Wanted to grow in knowledge and wisdom as biblical men? Want to learn how to fight for the gospel and be the men God has created us and call us to be? Come and join the Fight Sunday March 22nd 6:30pm.
We are inviting all the men of Mystery to gather Sunday Night March 22nd, 6:30-8pm at the Mystery Building. Any dude who calls Mystery there church at all is encouraged to attend. We will be talking about being men of God - Men who Live as Christians, as Men and as Leaders. We'll be eating free food also be unveiling our new plan and direction for training up men to lead their homes, the church and in the city.
Wanted to grow in knowledge and wisdom as biblical men? Want to learn how to fight for the gospel and be the men God has created us and call us to be? Come and join the Fight Sunday March 22nd 6:30pm.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Lenten Reading List
The season of Lent is upon us. As we anticipate the coming of Easter and the celebration of our Savior Jesus Christ rising from the grave we are encouraging everyone to prepare their hearts and minds by reading scripture and mediating on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. THis reading plan will get you through all four of the gospels by Easter. It's easy and manageable with only a few chapters a day.
Ask yourself as you are reading: Why did Jesus come? What was his end goal? How did he love & live? Where do I find myself in the story? What does this say about God, about me and about the depth of God's love, pursuit and provision.
This is an incredible time of year and awesome opportunity to draw near to Christ.
May you Worship & Enjoy Him.
Mystery Lenten Reading Plan 2009
Day of the Week Date Text to read
Ash Wednesday Feb 25 Matthew 1-3
Thursday Feb 26 Matthew 4-6
Friday Feb 27 Matthew 7-9
Saturday Feb 28 Matthew 10-12
Sunday Mar 1 None
Monday Mar 2 Matthew 13-14
Tuesday Mar 3 Matthew 15-16
Wednesday Mar 4 Matthew 17-18
Thursday Mar 5 Matthew 19-20
Friday Mar 6 Matthew 21-22
Saturday Mar 7 Matthew 23-24
Sunday Mar 8 None
Monday Mar 9 Matthew 25-26
Tuesday Mar 10 Matthew 27-28
Wednesday Mar 11 Mark 1-3
Thursday Mar 12 Mark 4-6
Friday Mar 13 Mark 7-9
Saturday Mar 14 Mark 10-12
Sunday Mar 15 None
Monday Mar 16 Mark 13-14
Tuesday Mar 17 Mark 15-16
Wednesday Mar 18 Luke 1-3
Thursday Mar 19 Luke 4-6
Friday Mar 20 Luke 7-9
Saturday Mar 21 Luke 10-12
Sunday Mar 22 None
Monday Mar 23 Luke 13-14
Tuesday Mar 24 Luke 15-16
Wednesday Mar 25 Luke 17-18
Thursday Mar 26 Luke 19-20
Friday Mar 27 Luke 21-22
Saturday Mar 28 Luke 23-24
Sunday Mar 29 None
Monday Mar 30 John 1-2
Tuesday Mar 31 John 3-4
Wednesday Apr 1 John 5-6
Thursday Apr 2 John 7-8
Friday Apr 3 John 9-10
Saturday Apr 4 John 11-12
Sunday Apr 5 None
Monday Apr 6 John 13-14
Tuesday Apr 7 John 15-16
Wednesday Apr 8 John 17-18
Thursday Apr 9 John 19-20
Friday Apr 10 John 21
Saturday Apr 11 1 Corinthians 15
Sunday Apr 12 EASTER!!
Ask yourself as you are reading: Why did Jesus come? What was his end goal? How did he love & live? Where do I find myself in the story? What does this say about God, about me and about the depth of God's love, pursuit and provision.
This is an incredible time of year and awesome opportunity to draw near to Christ.
May you Worship & Enjoy Him.
Mystery Lenten Reading Plan 2009
Day of the Week Date Text to read
Ash Wednesday Feb 25 Matthew 1-3
Thursday Feb 26 Matthew 4-6
Friday Feb 27 Matthew 7-9
Saturday Feb 28 Matthew 10-12
Sunday Mar 1 None
Monday Mar 2 Matthew 13-14
Tuesday Mar 3 Matthew 15-16
Wednesday Mar 4 Matthew 17-18
Thursday Mar 5 Matthew 19-20
Friday Mar 6 Matthew 21-22
Saturday Mar 7 Matthew 23-24
Sunday Mar 8 None
Monday Mar 9 Matthew 25-26
Tuesday Mar 10 Matthew 27-28
Wednesday Mar 11 Mark 1-3
Thursday Mar 12 Mark 4-6
Friday Mar 13 Mark 7-9
Saturday Mar 14 Mark 10-12
Sunday Mar 15 None
Monday Mar 16 Mark 13-14
Tuesday Mar 17 Mark 15-16
Wednesday Mar 18 Luke 1-3
Thursday Mar 19 Luke 4-6
Friday Mar 20 Luke 7-9
Saturday Mar 21 Luke 10-12
Sunday Mar 22 None
Monday Mar 23 Luke 13-14
Tuesday Mar 24 Luke 15-16
Wednesday Mar 25 Luke 17-18
Thursday Mar 26 Luke 19-20
Friday Mar 27 Luke 21-22
Saturday Mar 28 Luke 23-24
Sunday Mar 29 None
Monday Mar 30 John 1-2
Tuesday Mar 31 John 3-4
Wednesday Apr 1 John 5-6
Thursday Apr 2 John 7-8
Friday Apr 3 John 9-10
Saturday Apr 4 John 11-12
Sunday Apr 5 None
Monday Apr 6 John 13-14
Tuesday Apr 7 John 15-16
Wednesday Apr 8 John 17-18
Thursday Apr 9 John 19-20
Friday Apr 10 John 21
Saturday Apr 11 1 Corinthians 15
Sunday Apr 12 EASTER!!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Romance, Dating, Marriage & Sex - FORUM Q&A
Live questions, lively answers about sex, love, romance and marriage. we've been in the Song of Solomon for several weeks and will be coming to a close march 8th. What questions have come about in your mind? what do you do with them? where can you find some answers. Well Mystery is hosting a live Q&A to help answer and point to answers regarding God's view on marriage, dating, romance, sex etc.etc. Got a question? Fill out a card starting Sunday during our worship gathering. or Email "questions@mysterychurch.com". Join us for a night of honesty and answers.
Note: this is a 17 and up event and there will be no childcare.
Note: this is a 17 and up event and there will be no childcare.
Monday, February 23, 2009
SPRING OWNERSHIP SEMINAR
Want to know more about Mystery? Curious about Christianity? looking for a church? Interesting in making Mystery your home? Just have some questions? The Spring session of our Ownership Seminar Begins Friday Night March 27th. This series is aimed at answering your questions about Christianty and our church. It consists of eight sessions over a four week period. Friday evening 6:30-8pm and Saturday morning 10-11:30am. There is food and childcare available.
This is a prerequisite for membership at Mystery and is a great time to make new friends and find the answers you are looking for. Its fun, informal and informative. Sign up Sunday mornings at our worship gathering.
This is a prerequisite for membership at Mystery and is a great time to make new friends and find the answers you are looking for. Its fun, informal and informative. Sign up Sunday mornings at our worship gathering.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
EVERY DUDE NEEDS TO READ THIS
Currently Mystery is in a series called Love Song looking at romance, love, marriage and sex from a biblical perspective. These subjects bring up many questions for the church, Christians and men in particular as leaders called to love their wives and lead the church.
A huge struggle for men of all ages is lust and pornography. Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill church in Seattle has written an online book called Porn-Again Christian that's available to read for for free at relit.org and in downloadable pdf format.
I would encourage every man and definatley every guy at Mystery to read this book.
It's short, honest, biblical and very convicting and extremely helpful in dealing with such a pervasive and invasive issue weighing on men's hearts.
Download our Love Song series on the Song of Solomon and join us ove rthe next few weeks as we continue to talk about issues every Christian should address.
A huge struggle for men of all ages is lust and pornography. Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill church in Seattle has written an online book called Porn-Again Christian that's available to read for for free at relit.org and in downloadable pdf format.
I would encourage every man and definatley every guy at Mystery to read this book.It's short, honest, biblical and very convicting and extremely helpful in dealing with such a pervasive and invasive issue weighing on men's hearts.
Download our Love Song series on the Song of Solomon and join us ove rthe next few weeks as we continue to talk about issues every Christian should address.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Marketing
"You can't market your church if your church isn't ready to sacrifice."
Churchmarketingsucks.com
Churchmarketingsucks.com
Monday, February 16, 2009
FAMILY FEAST
Looking for a way to connect with others and learn more about Mystery? We're having a family feast March 1st right after the morning worship gathering. We'll eat and enjoy together as a church and as a family. If you are a member/owner of Mystery we are requesting your presence. We will be giving a bit of an update as well as some goals for the coming months. Everyone is Welcome and the festivities are open to friends and guests - bring someone and share the fun. It's a great opportunity to meet more of Mystery, cultivate new relationships, ask questions and eat some great food. Make plans to attend.
If you would like to help with food, check the bulletin for how to help, contact Erin Karnes or email us at info@mysterychurch.com.
If you would like to help with food, check the bulletin for how to help, contact Erin Karnes or email us at info@mysterychurch.com.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Craftsmen
Every one of us is, even from his mother's womb, a master craftsman of idols.
- John Calvin
- John Calvin
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