Mars Hill Church: Pastor Mark EnglishTranscripts

Jesus, the Son of God (Part 95)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:17:00 -0700

Jesus is arrested, blindfolded, beaten, and blasphemed. He’s asked a series of questions, all of which boil down to one issue: is he the only God? Knowing that he will be crucified, Jesus declares himself to be the only God in three ways: he says he is the Christ, the Son of Man, and the Son of God. Some of you have been told Jesus never said he was God. He did. That’s why he was put to death.

Jesus and Judas (Part 94)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:07:00 -0700

On Mars Hill’s fifteenth birthday, we examine a sobering text of Scripture and lessons to learn from the life of Judas. Judas was no victim. Judas’ desire was to betray Jesus, and Satan came and empowered that desire. The Bible doesn’t tell us why Judas did what he did; “Could I do the same?” Each of us must humbly, soberly pray for God’s grace to not be a Judas.

Jesus Sweats Blood (Part 93)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:16:00 -0700

Jesus is in absolute agony, sweating blood, as he prays honestly with the Father. Every sin is like a drop into a cup. We pour the sin in. God, at the end of this life, pours out commensurate wrath. Yet Jesus submits his will to the Father’s; he exchanges places with us on the cross and drinks every single drop of cup of the wrath of God. The cross is where the love of God is most clearly seen.

Jesus, Tough and Tender (Part 92)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:14:00 -0700

On his way to the cross, the Scriptures give Jesus confidence, courage, and clarity. When life gets hard, go to the book that God wrote. God wants us to receive and consider the whole book (or tota sola Scriptura), and to connect all of it to Jesus. Jesus does this when he recalls Isaiah 52–53—written 700 years prior—and shows how it promised his coming, his crucifixion, and his resurrection.

Jesus and Peter (Part 91)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:28:00 -0700

Jesus knows who will fail him, and when, where, and how. He knows that all of us will fail him, even the best among us—including Peter, the senior leader of Jesus’ disciples. After Peter fails Jesus, he weeps bitterly and repents quickly, as should we. The good news is Jesus fails no one. He restores his friendship with Peter and then encourages him to tell his story in order to strengthen others.

Jesus and True Greatness (Part 90)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:04:00 -0700

Jesus’ disciples argue over who is the greatest, but Jesus doesn’t rebuke their desire, he redirects it. He redeems the pursuit of greatness, showing the difference between worldly and godly greatness. True, godly greatness is simply service. Are you selfish or a servant? When we live a life that glorifies God and serves others, we receive joy in this life and eternal rewards in the life to come.

Jesus and the Last Supper (Part 89)

Pastor Dave Bruskas — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:30:00 -0700

Jesus celebrates his Last Supper with the disciples, and we see Communion is about Jesus. When you see things from Jesus’ perspective, you realize that his plan is better than yours, his Word is more reliable than yours, and his love is bigger than yours. He’s eager to share this meal with us because he loves us with a love that’s spelled out in blood, a love that we remember with bread and cup.

The Parable of the Fig Tree (Part 88)

Pastor Tim Smith — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:08:00 -0700

After Jesus predicts signs that his kingdom is coming, he challenges his disciples (and us) to wake up and be alert. When we are weighed down by the cares of this life, we miss Jesus and his kingdom. But when we withdraw in prayer, worship the Giver, and steward our resources for the kingdom, eagerly anticipating Jesus’ return, we see how he advances his kingdom through us.

The Worst Tragedies Can Be the Best Opportunities (Part 86)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:26:00 -0700

Jesus requires us to wear bifocals when he speaks of events that were near to his day and far off. He prophesies that the temple will be destroyed, false teachers will arise, and sin and persecution will continue. So what do we do? Jesus tells us: Make the most of every opportunity. At the cross, the worst tragedy in the history of the world became the best opportunity for the hope of the world.

The Father of a Murdered Son (Part 82)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:09:00 -0700

In this intense parable of the wicked tenants, Jesus gives us a look at what it’s like for God to deal with us. God made this world. It’s his vineyard, and he has allowed us to steward and cultivate it and be fruitful as tenants. Yet, when it comes time to collect our dues to him, we beat his messengers and then, wanting the inheritance for ourselves, murder the beloved son he sent.

Angry Jesus Cleanses the Temple (Part 81)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 19:38:00 -0700

The temple was intended to be the center of worship and teaching for the Israelites, but corruption had taken over. The religious leaders were not honoring God, but instead were taking advantage of the poor, not practicing hospitality, and pocketing money for themselves. So Jesus, in righteous anger, drove the dishonest businessmen out. We learn from Jesus how to have a godly, righteous anger.

Jesus Christ Is Lord, King, and Savior (Part 80)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:10:00 -0700

Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a colt, just as Zechariah prophesied, as a humble prince to take his bride, the church. But as he surveys the city, he weeps for it. This should be our heart, as well, as the Holy Spirit breaks our heart for the cities in which we live.

Investing for Jesus (Part 79)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 13:58:00 -0700

In this parable, a nobleman gives ten of his servants one mina each to engage in business with while he goes away to receive a kingdom. Those who steward their mina well are entrusted with cities to oversee; those who don’t have theirs taken away. Similarly, Jesus is a King with a kingdom, and we have the opportunity to be faithful servants of Jesus’ kingdom while we await his second coming.

Jesus and Zacchaeus (Part 78)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:49:00 -0700

Zacchaeus was not just a wee little man, he was a man idolizing money and power and taking advantage of his neighbors. But when Jesus calls out to Zacchaeus, his life is changed forever. Zacchaeus immediately repents and offers restitution to anyone he’s wronged, which results in much rejoicing.

Jesus Gives Sight to the Blind (Part 77)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:53:00 -0700

A blind beggar cries out to Jesus from the side of the road, calling him the Son of David. We are the blind man, and sin is our blindness. Jesus gives us sight, but we first have faith. Faith is an internal conviction that leads to external actions of worshiping, witnessing, and walking with Jesus. Do you have faith in Jesus? If not, the power of the Holy Spirit is not unleashed in your life.

The Bible Is about Jesus (Part 76)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:46:00 -0700

The Bible is not a book that gives good advice or tells you how to live your life. The Bible is the Word of God, and the whole Bible is about Jesus. This includes the Old Testament, which makes up three-quarters of the whole Bible. In particular, we find Jesus in the Old Testament Christophanies, types, analogous service, events, titles, and prophecies.

Jesus on Money, Idolatry, and Comedy (Part 75)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sat, 28 May 2011 12:08:00 -0700

When a rich ruler comes to Jesus to ask how he can earn eternal life, Jesus calls him out on his sin of idolatry and pride. Jesus, a master of word play, irony, and satire, uses humor to speak truth to the rich ruler by showing him two ways to find idols: follow the money and figure out what’s not funny to you.

Jesus and Children (Part 74)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 22 May 2011 20:54:00 -0700

Jesus says to receive the kingdom of God—to come to him—like children, Fudgesicle stains and all. The fact that the Father loves, endures with, protects, provides for, instructs, and corrects us reveals that he’s glorious. We, by the grace of God, get to be children of God, the objects of the Father’s love, his glorious inconveniences. That’s what Christianity’s all about.

Works Righteousness vs. Gift Righteousness (Part 73)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 15 May 2011 22:15:00 -0700

Works righteousness is in fact unrighteousness. We are not saved by our good works; we are saved by the gift of Jesus’ work on the cross. Trust in the Lord as the repentant, humble sinner who received the gift righteousness did. Confess your sin to Jesus. Receive the righteousness of God in Christ. And then celebrate with joy.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Part 72)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:08:00 -0700

Jesus exhorts us to persist in prayer because he is a judge who is completely unlike the unjust judge in the story. Persist in talking to God our Father until this life comes to an end, when we will all stand before the Judge and there will be justice. This life is like a marathon and to be a Christian is to run through to the end. Persistence plus patience equals perseverance.

Easter Celebration - 2011

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:09:00 -0700

17,500 people gathered on Sunday, April 24th at Qwest Field in Seattle to form the largest church service to ever take place in the Pacific Northwest. Pastor Mark Driscoll preaches on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This video features Pastor Mark’s sermon; a video of the full service, including music and baptisms, will be coming later this week.

The Coming of the Kingdom (Part 71)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:21:00 -0700

The kingdom of God begins in this life with Jesus, the Son of Man, and is ultimately fulfilled upon his second coming. He will usher in a perfect world that never ends. Will you be in the kingdom? Remember Lot’s wife and don’t look back, long back, or go back. Remember Noah and trust that judgment is coming. If you don’t receive the grace of God like Noah did, then all that awaits you is justice.

How to Fight to the Glory of God (Part 69)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 19:22:00 -0700

All of us will have conflict with others; the question is if we will fight to the glory of God. Two things happen all the time in human relationships: someone sins and someone is sinned against. Jesus teaches us three things to do when dealing with our sin or potential to sin, and three things to do when dealing with others’ sin. In sum: sinners, repent; victims, forgive.

Heaven and Hell (Part 68)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:28:00 -0700

What does Jesus say about what happens upon death? Not naturalism, universalism, reincarnationism, annihilationism, or purgatory. The fate of every man and woman who will ever live is this: death, and then either heaven for blessing, or hell for suffering. Those alone are the options. Your eternal destiny is sealed upon your death.

Jesus and the Law (Part 67)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:55:00 -0700

Jesus teaches that our success and the law cannot save us. The religious hypocrites keep straining over details and arguing with the sinless Jesus, while ignoring major sin issues—like divorce and adultery. With the number of Christians divorcing today, the truth is that many do not have biblical grounds for divorce. Some do. Pastor Mark answers common questions about divorce and remarriage.

The Parable of the Dishonest Manager (Part 66)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:35:00 -0700

In this difficult parable, Jesus teaches about money from the negative example of a dishonest manager. Jesus gives us a kingly, priestly, and prophetic view of money: Christians—rich and poor—need to be shrewd stewards who use their money to love people because wealth will fail (if not in this life, then at the end of this life). Money is a wonderful tool and a horrible god.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Part 65)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:07:00 -0800

In one of the most famous stories ever told, Jesus describes an amazing father with his rebellious son and religious son. Are you rebellious or religious? Thankfully, those are not our only options. The redeeming son, Jesus Christ, died so we could put to death our rebellion and our religion, and rose from death to give us his righteousness. Run to the Father; he welcomes you home with open arms.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep and Coin (Part 64)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:34:00 -0800

God’s heart is filled with joy when lost people are found. When we repent, God rejoices. Jesus says we’re sheep. We tend to wander and stray. Jesus is the good shepherd who looks for his lost sheep. Every lost sheep needs a good shepherd and a good flock. We are also like the lost coin that God is devoted to finding. God never gives up his search for his people. He searches until he finds them.

The Cost of Discipleship (Part 63)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:48:00 -0800

Salvation costs you nothing; discipleship will cost you everything. Salvation occurs in a moment; discipleship takes a lifetime. Jesus asks whether you truly want to live a life of discipleship. If you are a disciple, do not quit. Everything that matters is hard. Do not quit. Don’t waste your life. Make your death count. Don’t raise your hand unless you’re ready to see it through to the end.

The Parable of the Great Banquet (Part 62)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:18:00 -0800

Jesus says heaven is like a banquet—the party to end all parties—with a generous menu and generous guest list. God’s people will wear white, eat rich food, and Jesus will sing over them. There’s an open invitation to the party; all who want to attend can through Jesus. But his kingdom party will have a lot of no-shows. Not everyone, even some who think they are Christians, will be there. Will you?

The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Part 61)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:18:00 -0800

Jesus says pride is evil, but the world says it is one of the greatest virtues (called “self-esteem”). If we don’t live out of humility, we will experience humiliation. Humility means to know your place and gladly accept where you ought to be. Proud people push themselves to where they want to be. The answer to pride is Jesus. Humility is a byproduct of getting to know Jesus.

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath (Part 60)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:27:00 -0800

Jesus heals on the Sabbath again, and religious people criticize his compassion. We see over and over again that religion wants a fight, but Jesus wants a friend. Religion misses Jesus in its search for righteousness. Not only does he take all our sin, but he gives us all of his righteousness. It’s ultimately not about religion; it’s about his redemption. There is hope in Jesus for the religious.

Jesus the Narrow Door (Part 59)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:05:00 -0800

Salvation is one narrow door: Jesus. It is exclusive: there’s one door. It is inclusive: all are welcome. The narrow door divides heaven and hell and it is closing—there is no second chance for salvation after death. When you die, the door slams shut; you will stand before Jesus and he will judge you. Now he is weeping, inviting you to run by faith through the open door. The decision is yours.

Jesus Heals a Demonized Woman (Part 58)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:01:00 -0800

Jesus heals a demonized, suffering woman and she glorifies God. But, rather than rejoicing, the pastor criticizes Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus is tender with the woman and tough with the man. He rebukes the pastor publicly for treating livestock better than this woman. How do you avoid religiosity? Remember the King and his kingdom, which starts small and grows big.

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (Part 57)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:20:00 -0800

Jesus is the perfect storyteller. A parable is a small story that teaches a big idea in order to get our heart and expose our sin. The parable of the barren fig tree teaches that God cares about fruitfulness. Even when we’ve been fruitless, God’s heart is not to cut us down and throw us in the fire. God’s heart is to give us more time for him to work on us. By the grace of God, we can be fruitful.

Jesus and Repentance (Part 56)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:41:00 -0800

Regular practice of the spiritual disciplines (community, Scripture, prayer, worship, giving, serving, obedience, evangelism) kindles Spirit-fired passion. Be more concerned about your eternity than about the weather. Jesus tells us to repent or perish. We all will stand before God to give an account for our life. Get ready and do not delay. True repentance is confession, contrition, and change.

Waiting Ready: Between the Times (Part 55)

Dr. Ed Stetzer — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 20:13:00 -0800

Jesus says that he is coming back at a time we will not expect. Will we wait well? We must wait with readiness and faithfulness. Don’t postpone faithfulness. We are called to steward our lives, our time, talent, and treasure in light of Jesus’ imminent return. Would you live and give the same way if you thought Jesus was coming back tomorrow?

Jesus And Anxiety (Part 54)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:49:00 -0800

“Fear not” is the most frequent command in the Bible. Fear in the mind leads to anxiety in the body, reducing the quality and duration of life. Our God is able to sympathize with us because he’s been here. He is a good Dad who knows we have needs. He’ll take care of us. If you believe that he is a generous king, give. The joy of giving reorients our hearts away from ourselves, to God and others.

The Parable Of The Rich Fool (Part 53)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 19:34:00 -0800

When it comes to wealth, Jesus looks at the heart. In this parable, the rich fool’s sin was not that he became wealthy, but that he worshiped his wealth instead of worshiping God with his wealth. If you aren’t content, you’ll covet, which is idol worship. Will you be foolish or faithful with what God gives you? Will you be rich toward God and others, or only think of yourself?

Jesus And Fear (Part 52)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 21:02:00 -0700

The Pharisees use fear of man to bully the multitudes and keep them from Jesus, and they try to bully Jesus too. Is Jesus or someone else sitting on the throne over your life? Fear of man is when someone other than Jesus sits on that throne. You want to please them, which ultimately is worship and results in anxiety. Jesus teaches us how to overcome fear of man.

Jesus And Religion (Part 51)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:56:00 -0700

Jesus plus anything, even religion, ruins everything. Jesus is harsh with the religious people because they close their eyes to the light, make rules for God, want praise for themselves, and defend their idols. Religious rules are all about the external and raise preferences to the level of God’s laws. Religious people try to be holier than Jesus, but we’re saved by Jesus’ works, not our own.

Jesus vs. Satan (Part 49)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:39:00 -0700

A cosmic battle rages between God and Satan. In this great battle there are two kings, two kingdoms, two armies, two battlefields, and two choices. Luke introduces us to a mute man who is a casualty in this battle. Jesus comes as his and our liberator. He releases us from bondage and sets us free, but some of us don’t want to run. We want to look back and go back. Will you choose Jesus or Satan?

Asking For The Holy Spirit (Part 48)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 20:12:00 -0700

Jesus teaches some parables and principles for prayer. First, our God is good, loving, gracious, and kind, so we should come to him, day or night, 24/7, and ask, seek, and knock. Second, God is a good Father and if we ask him for a good thing, we won’t get a bad thing. A good Father gives good gifts and the greatest gift is the Holy Spirit. Ask, continually, for the Holy Spirit and his help.

The Lord's Prayer (Part 47)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:52:00 -0700

Prayer is simply communicating with God. Jesus is the perfect prayer, so he teaches his followers how to pray. Jesus teaches that God is our Father. If you want to grow in prayer, get to know the Father. We also learn that our Father is holy, our Father is a king, our Father is generous, our Father forgives sins, and our Father leads well. Our Father hears and answers every prayer.

Mary And Martha (Part 46)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:16:00 -0700

Are you Mary or Martha? Mary’s about being; Martha’s about doing. We live in a Martha world; we’re troubled, anxious, and distracted. But the rhythm of our day is supposed to be Mary, then Martha. Spend time with Jesus, then get stuff done. Worship like Mary, then work like Martha. Worship God before you work so that you can worship God in your work. We want Mary’s heart and Martha’s hands.

Jesus Rejoices In The Holy Spirit (Part 44)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:49:00 -0700

The bad news is we have an enemy who’s at war against us. The good news is Jesus is in authority over him and he delegates his authority to us. Even better than that, if we are Christians, our names are written in heaven. So, Jesus tells us to rejoice because he wins, rejoice because we know God, and rejoice because the kingdom is coming. Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, not his circumstances.

The Harvest Is Plentiful (Part 43)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:02:00 -0700

God is both a sent God and a sending God; Jesus was sent as a missionary, and he sends his followers out on the same mission, to bring the good news of his person and work to as many as possible. Jesus says that the harvest is plentiful. Do you believe that today? Pray for more laborers who are willing to follow God’s specific call for them, like the seventy-two did in Luke 10.

Jesus Before All (Part 42)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:37:00 -0700

Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem, literally marching toward his cross. Along the way, he teaches that followers of Jesus must put him before tribe, before comfort, before security, and before the past. You can either reject Jesus or repent. It is impossible to plow a straight row if you look backwards; Jesus kept his hand to the plow, pressing forward straight to the cross, not looking back.

Redeeming Greatness (Part 41)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0700

Jesus’ disciples saw Jesus’ greatness and it inspired in them a longing for greatness. Jesus did not rebuke them, but told them how they could be great. Rather than receiving worldly greatness or rejecting greatness altogether, Jesus shows them how to redeem greatness and rejoice in others’ greatness wherever the kingdom of God is advancing.

Jesus Heals A Demonized Boy (Part 40)

Pastor Mark Driscoll — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:00:00 -0700

God is good, and Satan is evil. It’s a simple but important distinction. Satan causes suffering, but Jesus, the Son of Man, suffered to defeat Satan, forgive sin, and end suffering. Jesus is annoyed with his disciples because they don’t pray to or listen to or trust him, and people are suffering. Satan is still at work today, deceiving and preaching to people, even through entertainment.