Mars Hill is a nondenominational franchised church with its flagship church in Seattle Washington. There are 15 churches most of which are on the West coast. The church's basic principles are:
- Teaching about Jesus through studying the Bible
- Making Disciples who love God and love others
- Plant churches so that more disciples can be made
Christianity is the Life of God lived through Us - Mark Driscoll
I attended the 5pm service this Sunday at the Mars Hill Church in Albuquerque. Like many churches, they require their members to commit to a moral covenant. They are a hip and happening congregation without a doubt. Young people are prevalent in the congregation and the music is lively, modern Christian rock.
Each church has a lead male Pastor who runs the services but the weekend sermons are video broadcasts from the founder, Pastor Mark Driscoll. The sermons are very meaty and Biblically rich. This week's sermon was one in a continuing series from the book of James:
Temptation ≠ Sin
Jesus was tempted, but was without sin. Pastor Driscoll spoke of why we are tempted. It is not God's doing, yet it serves as an opportunity for God to teach us different lessons in life.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone ~ James 1:13
He preached that having temptations is not sin and does not mean you have lost the war. You can still win - do not be discouraged, hold steadfast because God's grace always allows a path for success.
Be Honest, Humble and Aware - Pastor Driscoll
Knowing your temptations will help you know which "Bait" to avoid because, when there is Bait there is always a Hook. He assured us that God would not send us more temptation than we could handle and overcome.
God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
After the sermon, children joined their parents in the service. I really liked their communion. People are asked to pray and contemplate the sermon and as they are ready, go up to receive communion.
THANK YOU Mars Hill of Albuquerque for showing me how you love and worship Jesus.
Note: Mars Hill in The Bible is the site of one of Paul's most famous sermons in Athens, Greece.
The Charismatic movement -- which includes the traditions of Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Third Wave -- is now an established part of the world's faith. The Charismatic Movement was birthed from the Pentecostal faith and came about with the hope of integrating, "Spirit baptism and gifts into the practices of mainline Protestant denominations" and even spread to some Catholic Churches. Many churches have branched out from underneath the Pentecostal denomination and are called independent Charismatic churches, Oasis Family Church is an independent church. Charismatic churches tend to be more progressive and inclusive than Pentecostals. 
