The Rev. Dr. Jeremy Berg is the founding and lead pastor of MainStreet Covenant Church in Minnetonka Beach, MN, where he has served since 2010. He is an adjunct professor of Biblical and Theological Studies who has taught classes at Bethel University, University of Northwestern—St. Paul, North Central University, Crown College, and Solid Rock Discipleship School. Jeremy earned a doctorate in New Testament Context under Scot McKnight at Northern Seminary (Chicago). He and his wife, Kjerstin, have three kids, Peter, Isaak and Abigail.
Friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of … More Soft Clay is Always Becoming
“Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that — whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent — I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the … More PHILIPPIANS 12: Resident Aliens (1:27-28)
The previous post sought to show how the biblical narrative paints an ideal picture of human flourishing which echoes the same longings the Neo-Tribalist philosophy emphasize. The point: So far, Christians can find much common ground with the aims of neo-tribalism. Today, however, I want to highlight where the biblical story diverges from the neo-tribalist … More Neo-Tribalism & the Tower of Babel – Part 3
Jesus Creed Blog has generously published another piece of my writing today. Go check it out HERE. McKnight’s award-winning Jesus Creed has been rated by Technorati.com as the #1 site for Emerging Church and is found at Beliefnet.com, read by millions. =) Thanks for welcoming your readers, Scot.
What is the gospel? I mean: What is the full, Kingdom of God-announcing, cross-centered, New Creation focused, sin-bearing, substitutionary atoning, wrath-absorbing, life-transforming, social justice-bringing gospel really about? Scot McKnight is doing perhaps the best job I’ve ever seen in concisely and biblically recapturing the fullness of the Kingdom Gospel of Jesus that has been … More Scot McKnight: Loosening the Helmet of Salvation
In part 1, I introduced the socio-economic philosophy of Neo-Tribalism. Wikapedia further adds that Data has pointed to a general breakdown in the social structure of modern civilization due to more frequent moves for economic reasons, longer commutes and a lack of emphasis in the media narrative on the desirability of strong friendships and community … More Neo-Tribalism & the Tower of Babel – Part 2
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as … More PHILIPPIANS 11: To Die is Gain (1:19-26)
This is an oldie but goodie out of the Daily Illumination treasure chest from a couple years ago. Why an old post? Because Jesus says that “Every teacher who has been well trained in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as … More Neo-Tribalism & the Tower of Babel – Part 1
Here’s a glimpse into Fusion–the senior high youth group I have the privilege of leading and serving. I love you guys!
Lindsay Swiggum, an 18-year old senior at Apple Valley High, is part of the youth group I pastor. She recently took 1st place honors in the state speech competition in the category of “Original Oratory.” The following is her original work that won her state. I am very impressed with Lindsay’s writing talent — and … More “To Quit or Not To Quit?” (Lindsay Swiggum)
Scot McKnight at Jesus Creed is in the middle of a provocative discussion on the fuller message of the “Kingdom Gospel” found by reading the Bible as Story over and against the more popular, privatized gospel boiled down to a few abstract propositional truths pertaining to individual salvation. McKnight pushes us to a larger, more … More ESSAY: The Church as God’s New Language
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am … More PHILIPPIANS 10: The Message & the Medium (Phil 1:15-18)
Are you a Facebook addict? Read Elizabeth Cohen’s Five Clues That You Are Addicted to Facebook to find out. Here is a short excerpt and 4 question test to find out your level of Facebook dependency. Take a moment and WATCH NEWS STORY. You know you’re a Facebook addict when … 1. You lose … More Are You Addicted to Facebook?
The following thoughts come from a former youth pastor, Steve Nelson, who is now a senior pastor. He is currently reading Mark O’s Youth Ministry 3.0 book and posted the following note on Facebook answering the following question. “Why are you reading THAT? I thought you were through with the youth ministry phase of your … More Senior Pastors & Youth Ministry
Thomas Nelson Publishers is about to release the New American Patriot’s Bible. Here’s how they’re marketing it: THE ONE BIBLE THAT SHOWS HOW ‘A LIGHT FROM ABOVE’ SHAPED OUR NATION. Never has a version of the Bible targeted the spiritual needs of those who love our country more than The American Patriot’s Bible. This extremely … More Greg Boyd & the Patriot’s Bible
If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chr. 7: 14). The classic Bible passage for the National Day of Prayer is 2 … More National Day of Prayer Reflections
Depending on the season of life or current circumstances you’re facing, the world is a war zone, soap opera or circus. We all need a place of “sanctuary” or escape. Everyone should have their own, unique “Happy Place” to retreat to daily. I have two main Happy Places. The first is the driver’s seat … More Where’s Your Happy Place?
Life doesn’t have to be so serious. We all need to stop, put down our briefcase once in a while and join in a happy song and dance! What if we had one of these sweet moments every day?
“Worldwide cases of swine flu climbed to 236 on Thursday, a day after global health authorities warned that swine flu was threatening to bloom into a pandemic and notched up their alert system to the second highest level” (MSNBC.com). The outbreak is the top story on every news channel, in every newspaper, the topic around … More Swine Flu & Unreached Peoples in Perspective
Q: Who is this King of glory? A: He’s everything to me!
I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else too, found out that I’m in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they’ve learned … More PHILIPPIANS 9: Obstacle or Opportunity? (Phil 1:12-14
“For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns. May you produce the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God” (Phil 1:10-11). Farming went out of style a while ago — at least in my neck … More PHILIPPIANS 8: Soul Farming (Phil 1:10-11)
And I pray that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight so that you can decide what is best… (Phi 1:9-10) We all know the famous Beatles refrain: “Love, love, love, all you need is love.” There is a lot of truth to this statement, but it has … More PHILIPPIANS 7: Praying With Paul II (Phil 1:9-10)
Pull up a slab of rock, light a candle and grab a quill, ink and a scrap of papyrus to take notes. We’re journeying together back to the year AD 58 to a Roman prison cell to listen in as Paul pens his letter to the Philippians. What can his letter speak to us some … More PHILIPPIANS 6: Praying with Paul I (Phil 1:9a)
Is there anything better than sleeping in on a lazy Saturday and then enjoying some enormous, fruit covered waffles prepared with love by your amazing spouse? Thanks, Keri! They were delicious! Martha Stewart has nothing on you!
Kingdom Harbor 