Mark Driscoll Quotes

Faith only grows through suffering. ~ Mark Driscoll

Corporate worship is to be unselfish. ~ Mark Driscoll

No one can remain neutral regarding Jesus' resurrection.
The claim is too staggering,
the event too earthshaking,
the implications too significant
and the matter too serious.
We must either receive it or reject it as truth for us.
To remain indifferent or undecided is to reject it. ~ Mark Driscoll

Corporate worship is to be God-centered. ~ Mark Driscoll

I am not ashamed of the Gospel. ~ Mark Driscoll

The problem with our churches today is that the lead pastor is some sissy boy who wears cardigan sweaters, has The Carpenters dialed in on his iPod, gets his hair cut at a salon instead of a barber shop, hasn't been to an Ultimate Fighting match, works out on an elliptical machine instead of going to isolated regions of Russia like in Rocky IV in order to harvest lumber with his teeth, and generally swishes around like Jack from Three's Company whenever Mr. Roper was around. ~ Mark Driscoll

Fear is not always a sin but it always is an opportunity. ~ Mark Driscoll

Back in high school, once she suspected that I was probably not a Christian, she did not break up with me as she should have. ~ Mark Driscoll

Our identity is not in our joy, and our identity is not in our suffering. Our identity is in Christ, whether we have joy or are suffering. ~ Mark Driscoll

Avoid participating in any religious community where the clear truth-claims of Scripture are ignored while contemplative and mystical practices are favored simply for their spiritual experience. Be careful of any church or ministry wherein acts of mercy and environmental stewardship are devoid of a theology of the cross and wind up being little more than the worship of created people and things. And be careful not to worship a good thing as a god thing for that is a bad thing. ~ Mark Driscoll

If you can't take a nap, if you can't take a day off, heaven's going to drive you nuts. ~ Mark Driscoll

The world has enough politicians; it needs more prophets. ~ Mark Driscoll

To conquer your biology, stop seeing people sexually and start seeing them as family. In our day, we have really a perverted notion where it's like strangers and potential sexual objects. ~ Mark Driscoll

God wants his glory to shine through men. God wants his Kingdom to be made visible through them. ~ Mark Driscoll

While it only takes one spouse to be friendly, it takes both spouses to be friends. When both spouses are unfriendly, the marriage is marked by conflict and coldness. When one spouse is friendly and the other is unfriendly, the marriage is marked by selfishness and sadness. But when both spouses each make a deep, heartfelt covenant with God to continually seek to become a better friend, increasing love and laughter mark the marriage. ~ Mark Driscoll

Ladies, use a loving voice, use a respectful voice, use a godly voice, but don't lose your voice. ~ Mark Driscoll

You don't need to beat yourself up in order to make God love you. Jesus already took your beating. ~ Mark Driscoll

You're either selfish, or you're a servant ... but fundamentally selfish people are terrible friends, terrible lovers, terrible spouses, terrible Christians, terrible parents. They leave a terrible legacy. Will you be selfish? Will you be a servant? ... A good marriage is a servant and a servant. ~ Mark Driscoll

The goal of Christian dating is not to have a boyfriend or girlfriend but to find a spouse. Have that in mind as you get to know one an- other, and if you're not ready to commit to a relationship with the end goal of marriage, it's better not to date but simply to remain friends. ~ Mark Driscoll

Once we determine in our souls that God's glory is our goal, we then stop taking the path of least resistance and start taking the path of most glory to God ~ Mark Driscoll

Did think you were here to kill time listening to Christian music until you go to heaven? We've got work to do. ~ Mark Driscoll

I have noticed that people tend to stop maturing when they start self-medicating. Everyone has very tough seasons of life, but by persevering through them we have an opportunity to mature and grow as people. Those who self-medicate ... often thwart maturity as they escape the tough seasons of life rather than face them. ~ Mark Driscoll

So I decided to start a church, for three reasons. First, I hated going to church and wanted one I liked, so I thought I would just start my own. Second, God had spoken to me in one of those weird charismatic moments and told me to start a church. Third, I am scared of God and try to do what he says. ~ Mark Driscoll

Being single is not easy. But neither is being married. They are just difficult in different ways as God uses everything in our life to make us more like Jesus, who happened to live a perfect life while single. ~ Mark Driscoll

Everyone has something to teach you if you are humble enough to learn. ~ Mark Driscoll

I'm frankly sick of all the books and movies trying to predict when Jesus will return and we'll get to start our eternal vacation at his all-inclusive resort called heaven. I'm also sick of the nerd parade of books and conferences that approach the Bible like scholars whose mission is to get their Masters rather than soldiers who are on mission with their Master. We've got work to do. There are lost people to reach, churches to plant, and nations to evangelize. Hell is hot, forever is a long time, and it's our turn to stop making a dent and start making a difference. ~ Mark Driscoll

For the husband, the male prostate can only be accessed through the anus. It is called the "male G-spot" as it is reportedly a source of great pleasure when stroked by such things as a wife's finger. ~ Mark Driscoll

Moralizing is reading the Bible not to learn about Jesus but only to learn principles for how to live life as a good person by following the good examples of some people and avoiding the bad examples of others. That kind of approach to the Scriptures is not Christian, because it treats the Bible like any other book with moral lessons that are utterly disconnected from faith in and salvation from Jesus. ~ Mark Driscoll

A pacifist has a lot of difficulty reconciling pacifism with scripture. ~ Mark Driscoll

Much of spirituality today is an effort to change God to suit us. But he's not going to become more like us, we need to become more like him. ~ Mark Driscoll

Adultery doesn't come until the seventh commandment, and you won't even get to the seventh commandment if you don't violate the first two commandments. Sex is god, and I worship by having sexual sin. ~ Mark Driscoll

What happens if you walk into a church and try to find out what a man looks like? ~ Mark Driscoll

Since you act as though God is dead, I wanted to join you in the mourning.
The reply of Martin Luther's wife, in full funeral regalia, in trying to illustrate the folly of his depressed state. ~ Mark Driscoll

An animal will conquer others. A Spirit-filled man conquers himself – self-discipline, self-control. ~ Mark Driscoll

Sometimes we're so focused on our desired blessings that we fail to stop and thank God by remembering the blessings we already have in Christ. ~ Mark Driscoll

Corporate worship is to be seeker sensible. ~ Mark Driscoll

older generation accounts for only 19 percent of the national church, they give 46 percent of the donations. ~ Mark Driscoll

The problem with criticism today is that is instant, constant, global and permanent. ~ Mark Driscoll

In marriage we have a duty to God, our spuses, the world, and future generations. But we are sinners. A husband and wife need to acknowledge that when the Bible speaks of fools, it is not just speaking about other people, but about them as well. Even the wisest among us has moments of folly. So God gives us spouses to serve as wise friends by praying with and for us, attending church with us, speaking truth, and providing Scripture along with good books and online classes, lectures, and sermons to nourish fruitfulness in our lives. ~ Mark Driscoll

The church was custom built by Jesus, and we are all works in progress. We do not expect people to get their sin in order before attending church any more than a hospital expects people to get healed before they show up. ~ Mark Driscoll

I'd go home to a wife whom I was not sexually enjoying. ~ Mark Driscoll

Ultimately I think the difference between reading the Bible and studying it is making the connections between who Jesus is and what he's done. ~ Mark Driscoll

Jesus, could you please rapture the charismaniac lady who brings her tambourine to church? ~ Mark Driscoll

If we truly believe that God appreciates our service, we can stop boasting and start encouraging. When we boast, we use people for appreciation. When our appreciation comes from God, we can start loving people, sharing the ways both God and we appreciate them. Paul demonstrated this by encouraging others, • ~ Mark Driscoll

Work like an Arminian, sleep like a Calvinist. ~ Mark Driscoll

A single woman should only marry a man she can follow: Ladies if you are single, be very, very careful who you date and marry. Don't just date a man who you can put up with, marry a man you can trust, you'll follow his leadership, you'll respect him, he's saved, he's godly. The last thing you want is some guy you don't trust, he's not wise, he doesn't do his homework, he's harsh, he's inconsiderate, he's immature, he's a boy, you're more his mother than you are his mate, Real danger ... real danger ... ~ Mark Driscoll

Fear in the mind causes stress in the body. ~ Mark Driscoll

A reporter asked Barth what was the single most important theological discovery he'd made. After stopping to consider his answer carefully, Barth said, "Jesus loves me. This I know, for the Bible tells me so." Indeed, we can never outgrow that one great, majestic, and simple transforming truth. ~ Mark Driscoll

Repentance keeps sin from condemning us because Jesus died and scorned the shame. ~ Mark Driscoll

Tragically, we live in a day when offense to God doesn't matter nearly as much as offense to others. ~ Mark Driscoll

When sins become civil rights, there is a temptation for Christians to keep our mouths shut and turn what is supposed to be a public faith into a private faith, but we are commanded to not be ashamed of the gospel. ~ Mark Driscoll

You can't meet Jesus and not change. If you haven't changed, you haven't met the real Jesus. ~ Mark Driscoll

One of the most astonishing things about Jesus is that as God he actually chose to come into our fallen, sick, twisted, unjust, evil, cruel, painful world and be with us to suffer like us and for us. Meanwhile, we spend most of our time trying to figure out how to avoid the pain and evil of this world while reading dumb books about the rapture just hoping to get out. ~ Mark Driscoll

It's amazing how quickly evangelicals turn into evangellyfish with no spiritual vertebrae when they start to lose money, job security, cultural clout, or public support. ~ Mark Driscoll

The words of Romans 12:18 are important to remember. They instruct us to be at peace with everybody if we are given the chance. People who know how much they have been forgiven are to be willing to forgive everybody who earnestly repents of anything they have done.126 ~ Mark Driscoll

You have to laugh at yourself. Otherwise you'll waste all that great material. ~ Mark Driscoll

Every great cause was initiated by someone whose heart was broken. ~ Mark Driscoll

If you really want to be a rebel get a job, cut your grass, read your bible, and shut up. Because no one is doing that. ~ Mark Driscoll

All of the modern counseling vernacular is really not dealing with the root issue of idolatry. Someone or something's preeminent rather than God. ~ Mark Driscoll

To make matters worse, seemingly every book I read by Christians on sex and marriage sounded unfair. Nearly every one said the husband had to work very hard to understand his wife, to relate to her. ~ Mark Driscoll

Women will be saved by going back to that role that God has chosen for them. Ladies, if the hair on the back of your neck stands up it is because you are fighting your role in the scripture. ~ Mark Driscoll

Some will tell you that there are multiple worldviews. The Bible says we have only 2: the Truth and the Lie. ~ Mark Driscoll

Everyone is sinning, so it's no longer rebellious to sin. You're just a conformist if you're drunk; and naked; driving around in a loud motorcycle; smoking cigarrettes; breaking commandments; getting pregnant out of wedlock. Everyone's done that. That's so tired! ~ Mark Driscoll

Everything in the service needs to preach - architecture, lighting, songs, prayers, fellowship, the smell - it all preaches. All five senses must be engaged to experience God. ~ Mark Driscoll

Are you letting culture, not scripture, determine your sexuality, how you date, how you present yourself, how you engage in certain relationships with members of the opposite sex? We need to be very clear that the way we do life is different than the rest of the world. ~ Mark Driscoll

Because we worship our way into sin, ultimately we need to worship our way out. When Christians commit sin, they do not cease worshiping. Rather, their worship is directed away from the Creator and toward created things. Repentance is the act of turning from sin and returning to God by trusting in Jesus Christ who is the perfect worshiper. ~ Mark Driscoll

There is a pile of dead bodies behind the Mars Hill bus, and by God's grace, it'll be a mountain by the time we're done, ~ Mark Driscoll

Who you think you are is what compels you to do what you do! ~ Mark Driscoll

Anxiety is not to be managed it is a sin that needs to be repented of ~ Mark Driscoll

We receive suffering when it comes as an opportunity for God to do something good in us and through us. We rejoice not in the pain but rather in what it can accomplish for the gospel so that something as costly as suffering is not wasted but used for God's glory, our joy, and others' good. ~ Mark Driscoll

We need to pay attention to the questions non-Christians are asking, and the conversations that Christians are having. ~ Mark Driscoll

Now more than ever God's people must be committed to being gospel centered. Jesus can no longer be out there somewhere on the horizon as we look to culture, religion, politics, spirituality, or morality for our true north. ~ Mark Driscoll

Not all parachurch ministries are bad; in fact, the best ones foster collaboration across churches for important ministry and unity. ~ Mark Driscoll

Has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake. ~ Mark Driscoll

Any religious person who says he does not really need human friends because God is his Friend is calling God a liar because He's the One Who says we also need human friends. ~ Mark Driscoll

When you are lying in bed angry with your backs turned towards each other, imagine Satan sleeping in the space between you. ~ Mark Driscoll

I'll preach anywhere. If it's a round trip ticket to preach in hell, I'll take it-as long as it's round trip. ~ Mark Driscoll

Faith is not just what we believe internally. It's how we behave externally. ~ Mark Driscoll

We believe that the local church is a community of regenerated believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, and that the universal church is all of God's people in all times and places. ~ Mark Driscoll

This world needs more than good works. It needs good news. Good works come out of the good news. ~ Mark Driscoll

Jesus and Paul were serious dudes. They had teeth missing. Jesus was a carpenter, Paul was in prison. These guys didn't eat tofu dogs and bean sprouts. They didn't play tennis. If there were trucks back in their times, they would have been doing driveway lube jobs on a Saturday afternoon. Same thing with King David. Yeah, he might have played a lyre, but he slaughtered thousands of guys. ~ Mark Driscoll

Part of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Once you get married, however, a good defense is frequency and freedom. ~ Mark Driscoll

Everyone is in a tribe, and the sooner we realize we are not each unique, like a snowflake - a special, one-of-a-kind person, just like Mama said - the sooner we will make sense of ourselves and the spiritual cul-de-sac we call home. You are likely not unique, particularly special, ~ Mark Driscoll

You wanna be counter-culture? You wanna be a total rebel? Get a job! You wanna be counter-culture, totally alternative, radical? Be a virgin until you get married ... to a person of the opposite gender. And then stay married and pump out some kids and pay your taxes and read the Bible, you freak. You'll be just totally a rebel. ~ Mark Driscoll

We don't name God; God reveals His name to us. We don't have the right to exercise authority over God. God copyrights, He trademarks, He patents His name. ~ Mark Driscoll

Idols tend to be good things that you have turned into god things, which therefore become bad things ~ Mark Driscoll

So let me tell you this, when it comes to ... trying to introduce other people to Jesus. Don't get mad at them: it's not because they're stupid. It's because they're blind. Yelling louder, arguing harder, pushing firmer won't make someone who is blind see. Pray for them, speak to them, care for them. ~ Mark Driscoll

Sin is not just action. It's life direction. ~ Mark Driscoll

Apart from Christ you are farther from God than you feared. In Christ you are nearer to God than you hoped. Through faith in the truth about who God is and who he's made you to be, you're reconciled to God in Christ. ~ Mark Driscoll

You aren't what's been done to you but what Jesus has done for you. You aren't what you do but what Jesus has done. What you do doesn't determine who you are. Rather, who you are in Christ determines what you do. ~ Mark Driscoll

Stop looking for the path of least resistance and start running down the path of greatest glory to God and good to others, because that's what Jesus, the Real Man, did. ~ Mark Driscoll

I want to live with autonomy. That's the essence of sin. ~ Mark Driscoll

In what ways has God changed you to become more holy because of Jesus' blessing? How is God inviting you to make further changes in your life to live at greater levels of obedience and holiness to reflect Christ more? ~ Mark Driscoll

Forgiveness is both a decision and a process. ~ Mark Driscoll

There are some women who are a good time and there are some women who are a good legacy. ~ Mark Driscoll

Fear is vision without hope. ~ Mark Driscoll

The key to understnading masculinity is Jesus Christ. Jesus was tough with religious blockheads, false teachers, the proud, and bullies. Jesus was tender with women, children, and those who were suffering or humble. Additionally, Jesus took responsability for Himself. He worked a jon for the first thirty years of His life, swinging a hammer as a carpenter. He also took responsability for us on the cross, where He substituted Himself and died in our place for our sins. My sins are my fault, not Jesus'fault, but Jesus has made them His responsability. This is the essence of the gospel, the "good news". If you understand this, it will change how you view masculinity. ~ Mark Driscoll

We need to avoid the ditch on the left, where we don't call sin a sin, as well as the ditch on the right, where we are angry culture warriors battling unbelievers instead of evangelizing them. ~ Mark Driscoll

God picked a junior high girl [to be Jesus' mother]. Jesus was raised by a woman who today, we wouldn't even let her lead a bible study at a high school. But she could raise God. ~ Mark Driscoll

Shame exists where there is sin, and so feeling ashamed, particularly when we sin, is natural and healthy. Therefore, shame is not bad, but unless the underlying sin that causes the shame is properly dealt with through the gospel, then the shame will remain, with devastating implications. ~ Mark Driscoll