On Sunday I preached the tenth and final sermon in Part 1 of our multi-year series in the book of Acts (note, that sermon will play at our video locations on August 4).
During August, I’ll be taking some vacation time with Grace and the Fab Five. But because Mars Hill people are the best, I called up some of my best friends and asked them to come visit our church and preach their best sermon while I am out of the pulpit.
Here’s who we’ll have with us this summer.
Dr. Paul Tripp
Sermon: “The Difference between Amazement and Faith” (Mark 6:45–52)
Bellevue and Downtown Seattle: August 4
All other locations: August 11
Professor, church planter, author, parent, and counselor extraordinaire. In many ways, Dr. Tripp is the godfather of our Redemption Groups ministry. He has visited Mars Hill Church a number of times to teach various seminars and classes. “I’m excited to preach and spend the weekend at Mars Hill Church,” says Dr. Tripp. “I have great respect for the vibrancy, clarity, and courage of the gospel ministry of Mars Hill.”
Dr. Bruce Ware
Sermon: “‘There Is No One Like Me’: Biblical Foundations for the Incomparable Glory of God Alone” (Isa. 40–45)
Bellevue and Downtown Seattle: August 11
All other locations: August 18
Dr. Ware is a professor of Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has also taught at our own Resurgence Training Center (ReTrain) for a number of years. Dr. Ware says, “Having grown up in Washington State and having lived in Seattle during my master’s program at UW, I am deeply grateful to the Lord for what he has raised up at Mars Hill Church. It’s a privilege to join you for a Sunday this summer.”
Dr. Wayne Grudem
Sermon: “Guard Your Heart” (Prov. 4:23)
Bellevue and Downtown Seattle: August 18
All other locations: August 25
The finest systematic theology in the history of the world is Systematic Theology. Much of what we believe as a church is informed, shaped, and articulated in that book by Dr. Grudem. He also holds degrees from Harvard, Cambridge, and Westminster Seminary, and has served as general editor for the ESV Study Bible (another book that’s very important to us). “I look forward to being with the people of Mars Hill Church,” says Dr. Grudem.
Dr. Larry Osborne
Sermon: “Thriving in Babylon” (Dan. 1)
Bellevue and Downtown Seattle: August 25
All other locations: September 1
Mars Hill is one church in many locations. It wouldn’t be if Larry Osborne hadn’t pioneered the multi-site church movement. Pastor Larry has counseled the leaders of Mars Hill Church for many years—he currently serves as a volunteer on our senior Board of Advisors and Accountability. “Mars Hill Church has long been one of my favorite churches,” says Pastor Larry. “It takes a lot to get this San Diego boy out of the sunshine, but opening God’s Word with the folks of Mars Hill is definitely one of those things.”
Dr. Eric Mason
Sermon: “Breaking Free from Strongholds” (Judg. 6:11–30)
Bellevue and Downtown Seattle: September 1
All other locations: September 8
I’ve known Pastor Eric since his days as a new church planter with Acts 29 in urban Philly (the people of Mars Hill Church supported Epiphany Fellowship for many years). Today Dr. Mason embodies a rare combination of passionate missionary and sound theologian. His work as a husband, father, and pastor is exemplary, and I appreciate his friendship very much. “I’m excited about ministering at Mars Hill,” says Pastor Eric. “I know that the Word has been preached here well. Pastor Mark and Grace have been mentors and great friends to my wife and me in great and dark times. I hope that our time together will serve and encourage you in the Savior.”
Every single one of these men has been a huge influence and gift to Mars Hill over the years. They love our church, they care about our people, and I’m very grateful to have them join us this summer. I love teaching the Bible, but I’m really excited for our people to hear God’s word from some other voices, men I deeply respect, appreciate, and trust will serve us well.
Join us for the Best Sermon Ever series, starting in August at Mars Hill Church.
Typically, each pastor will preach live at the 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. services at the Bellevue church, as well as the 11 a.m. service at the Downtown Seattle church. That schedule is subject to change, though, so be sure to stay tuned to the series page as well as Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
