Mark Driscoll At WSU

Excerpt from the Introduction of Radical Reformission:

"As I continued to read (the gospels), Jesus seemed okay, but the guys I really liked - because of their self-control and strength - were the denominational leaders of that day:  the Pharisees.  They were about the only guys in the cast of characters with any guts.  I identified with them and was convinced they were the good guys in the story...until they killed Jesus.  I wasn't much of a theologian at the time, but murdering Jesus did seem like a bad move."

The oldest of five kids from a hardworking, blue-collar Catholic family, Mark Driscoll was raised to believe that morally outperforming those below him on the ethical food chain would mean The Jefferson's "movin' on up" theme song would play at the end of his life.  Then everything changed.

Mark graduated from high school Most Likely to Succeed and student body president.  He never drank, smoked, or tried drugs.  His hard work earned him several scholarships making him the first from his family to go to college.  Talk about the all-American, apple pie kid!  Mark's upbringing and achievements encapsulate the American dream.  Good looks and a keen mind brought popularity, girls, scholarships and fame.  Life was good.  What could stand in his way?  Mark seemed to have it all before he was confronted with the Gospel.

At WSU Driscoll began reading a Bible given to him by his high school sweetheart, Grace.  Not surprisingly, the first characters that captured his attention were the Pharisees, the most prominent sect of Judaism in the days of Christ.  The Pharisees were known for their self righteousness, analyzing the law of Moses to a fault.  With the best of intentions they would zealously put their spin on God's commandments.  Unfortunately, this spirit of legalism always turns hypocritical, drawing strong rebuke from Jesus in the Gospels.

Mark, like the Bible's famous Pharisee, Saul, had serious credentials.  The similarities didn't end there.  They both had dramatic conversion experiences.  Mark's Bible informed him that he was a sinner.  In his college philosophy class he learned from Augustine that sin naturally flows from our polluted hearts like sewage out of a culvert.  The root of sin is pride and the worst sins include things like false morality and autonomy from God.  That was Mark to a T.  A selfishly ambitious, self-righteous shell of a man in desperate need of a Savior.  Mark repented of his sins and humbly accepted forgiveness and reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus.  God mercifully saved him and the "rest of the story" is remarkable.  His church, Mars Hill, has grown from a handful to over 4,000 in 9 years.  More impressive, his church planting network, Acts 29, has planted over 100 churches in the last 5 years.  He writes a monthly column for the religion section of the Seattle Times and is currently working on a few books that will undoubtedly have an impact outside of the Pacific Northwest.  What an amazing testimony of God's mercy and grace!

This story reminds me that I have nothing to offer God apart from Christ.  After all, if Mark couldn't cut it, how do I expect to merit the favor of God through my own righteousness?  Galations 3:3 talks about salvation beginning and ending with grace.  Listen to the strong language Paul uses.

"Are you going to continue this craziness?  For only crazy people would think that they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God.  If you weren't smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it?" ( The Message )

I've waisted a lot of valuable time on this earth "working" for Jesus.  How many of our churches in America are emersed in the sweat of human activity while lacking the life and power of God?  C.J. Mahaney said that within every man of grace there is a legalist trying desperately to get out.  That's me.

There's no perfect Christian or Church.  But I believe legalism and self-righteousness are two of our biggest enemies.  Yes, the Gospel of grace can be used as license to sin.  But I believe beneath the surface of "greasy grace" lie extra-Biblical teaching, expectations, traditions, forms of godliness, buildings, morality, character and everything else that we base our self-worth on apart from the grace of Christ Jesus.  Organized religion isn't bad or wrong.  It can, however, become a great distraction to worshipping God.  Are we connecting with the life of God?  Are we abiding in the Vine.  Are we walking by faith and not by sight?  I'm trying.....one adventurous step at a time!  Pray for me. 

Comments

[Chris Giammona]

Jim

Recently, someone sent me some mp3's by Mark Driscoll - his teaching is very solid.

Chris

[James]

The Mars Hill site has virtually all of his teachings available online for free. MH must invest tens of thousands of dollars into this teaching ministry. Their free sermon downloads are up in the millions now.