I was recently turned on by a friend to a set of articles and blogs in Pulpit Magazine about Mark Driscoll and his use of "cutting language" and "crass humor". While the articles raise some thought-provoking concerns, I must ask the question: Does it really matter and is it worth debating?
For reference, here are the articles:
Grunge Christianity?
The Rape of Solomon's Song
Tim Challies has even gotten into the fray.
I pose to you the question that really matters: Is Mark Driscoll (or any other preacher who may have a radical style) preaching Christ and Him crucified?
Isn't that the question the really matters? If the answer to that question is a resounding "Yes!" then should not every preacher of the Word whose desire is to see His sheep called praise God for using simple men to glorify His Son? If the answer is "No!" then the men who are raising these questions are sounding the wrong alarm.
I have personally listened to a number of Mark Driscoll's messages and have yet to hear Christ exalted and man abased as the overarching theme of his messages and ministry. He praises men like Joel Osteen and Rick Warren - both of which are men who mislead the masses to a man-centered salvation by choice. It's not his style that bothers me but rather his substance. I hope that I'm totally wrong about Pastor Driscoll.
Christian, many of you are probably thinking the same thing I am when I see these debates that are not centered on the Gospel: "Does this debate really matter? It's just confusing me." When you are tossed to and fro with these debates and articles, don't waste your time trying to find what side you are on but rather redeem the time for Christ. Challenge yourself to ask the question, from where do I hear the Savior's voice? If you do that, you will mature in Christ and will find comfort amongst the troubled waters that these fruitless debates raise.
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. - Eph4:14-16
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
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1 comment:
I say this as respectfully as possible: you need to get your facts straight. In particular, your characterization of Driscoll's sermons, especially "have yet to hear Christ exalted," "coddling of consciences,", and "praises men like Joel Osteen", are all off-base.
In fact, he has been very critical of Osteen and there's a well-known clip on Youtube which will remove all doubt. Do a search. As for the coddling of consciences, Driscoll's messages have been anything but. I point you to his recent sermon aimed at men (do a search on the Mars Hill website), and once again, it will remove all doubt.
I'm all for pointing out areas in which you disagree with MD or Dr MacArthur. I have my disagreements with certain statements and positions from both of them. But saying things that are patently false, as you have done here, doesn't do anyone any good.
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