QUOTABLES: Martin Luther
March 7, 2017
“The Bible is alive. It speaks to me. It has feet, it runs after me. It has hands, it lays hold of me.” Martin Luther
Author: Jeremy Berg
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.
28-Day Spiritual Fitness Challenge
March 2, 2017
Instead of giving up something for Lent this year, how about taking up a 28-Day Spiritual fitness challenge? Two amazing MainStreet friends — Jaimie Hanly and Melissa Noreen — created a wonderful tool for growing in one’s prayer life and relationship with God. It’s a great idea for this Lenten season. In invite you to check this out, and join … More 28-Day Spiritual Fitness Challenge
Cabin 21: Sweat it Out
February 13, 2017
Jesus led me out of the Fishing Room, down a corridor, deeper into the mysterious Fish House. The walls and ceiling were all of warm, sweet smelling cedar planking. Lanterns lined the walls giving the place a cozy cabin feel. Under my feet, the ice was replaced by granite tile covered by a long, Persian … More Cabin 21: Sweat it Out
ESSAY: A Theology of Suffering (2001)
February 8, 2017
This essay was my first attempt in college at grappling with the issues related to Theodicy, that is, the problem of reconciling the existence of an all-powerful, all-good God with the presence of evil and suffering in the world. Like many, my first exposure to this issue led me to the more traditional view influenced … More ESSAY: A Theology of Suffering (2001)
Hope for Moody Pastors (Mark 3:3-6)
February 7, 2017
One reason I resisted being a “pastor” for so long was all the stereotypes I had in my head for what pastors are supposed to be like. My image always looked something like Mr. Rogers in a sweater and khakis. Warm, personable, emotionally steady, gentle and never, EVER moody. I don’t know where I picked … More Hope for Moody Pastors (Mark 3:3-6)
Cabin 20: Ice Fishing
February 5, 2017
Then immediately behind me I heard the creaking hinges of a door swinging open, and turning around I saw Jesus standing in the doorway of a little wooden ice fishing shack. “Are you up for some more fishing?” he asked. As I walked over toward the shack I noticed I was still dressed in sopping … More Cabin 20: Ice Fishing
Cabin 19: Footprints in the Snow
February 1, 2017
The wind was steady and the snow was blinding. I could barely see my own outstretched hand as I shuffled through the deepening snow. My bare legs were now numb from the cold as I plowed through drifts nearly up to my waist. Jesus’ footprints were barely visible and disappearing quickly. I had to keep … More Cabin 19: Footprints in the Snow
Cabin 18: Frozen Waters
January 31, 2017
A couple summers ago, I wrote about an imaginative trip to The Father’s Cabin to spend the weekend with Jesus. I wrote out of desperation, from a spiritually dry place, in hopes that the creative writing process would force me into a real conversation with Jesus. It worked! My soul was nourished as I spent time chatting … More Cabin 18: Frozen Waters
Nic @ Night 6: A Summary
January 10, 2017
Reposted from 2012. We have spent only a few weeks in our sermon series on Nicodemus and Jesus in John 3. We could spend months exploring all of the rich treasures and profound theological realities found therein. But we must move on . . . move out onto the open road with Jesus in John … More Nic @ Night 6: A Summary
Nic @ Night 5: Nicodemus at the Car Shop
January 8, 2017
Reposted from 2012. I brought in the car for a $25 oil change this week, and came home with a laundry list of significant repairs estimating over $3,550. The car has 200,000 miles on it — so we knew this day was coming. Nicodemus probably came to Jesus hoping for a simple religious tune-up — … More Nic @ Night 5: Nicodemus at the Car Shop
Nic @ Night 4: Talking about “New Birth”
January 6, 2017
This Sunday I have the honor of preaching a message on one of the most significant truths and experiences in all the universe: God’s supernatural work of New Birth in the human heart. “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again/from above” (John 3:3). How do you talk about something … More Nic @ Night 4: Talking about “New Birth”
Nic @ Night 3: Religion vs. Gospel
January 4, 2017
Nicodemus was very religious. And this was a major obstacle preventing him from receiving the teaching and understanding the message of Jesus. Here’s a wonderful contrast between RELIGION and THE GOSPEL by Tim Keller: RELIGION: I obey, therefore I’m accepted. THE GOSPEL: I’m accepted, therefore I obey. RELIGION: Motivation is based on fear and insecurity. THE GOSPEL: Motivation is … More Nic @ Night 3: Religion vs. Gospel
Mourning Story
January 3, 2017
I want to share an incredibly powerful and innovative new ministry vision. Meet my friend and former colleague, Mike Lotzer, and his thoughtful new ministry venture Mourning Story. I encourage especially pastors who are ministering to people nearing the end of life to consider this powerful way to share the gospel at your next funeral. Can you … More Mourning Story
Nic @ Night 2: Religion Isn’t Enough
January 3, 2017
Reposted from 2012. To kick off the new year, we’re exploring one of my favorite “Christ Encounters” in the Gospels — Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Here’s how the clandestine story begins: There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” … More Nic @ Night 2: Religion Isn’t Enough
Nic @ Night 1: Restless New Years Eve
January 2, 2017
A repost from 2012. Let’s begin this New Year by getting back to one of the most basic and foundational spiritual truths: New Birth! Let’s spend sometime in the shoes of Nicodemus, a devout, religious man who was still lacking something. Let’s imagine, just for fun, that Nicodemus went to Jesus late on New Year’s … More Nic @ Night 1: Restless New Years Eve
Merry Parachoresis! A Christmas Reflection
December 23, 2016
Originally posted on Kingdom Harbor:
This is a repost from a couple years ago. -JB The Christmas story is all too familiar for most Christians today. We’ve seen two dozen pageants, have basically memorized Matthew and Luke’s accounts of wise men, shepherds, overbooked inns and barnyard manger scenes. The problem with familiarity, as Dallas Willard…
Relax Pastor, God Saves!
December 21, 2016
Christmas Eve is a great opportunity for churches to share the good news of the gospel with many unbelievers — sometimes hearing it for the first time. Pastors should give a clear invitation to respond in faith to the message of the gospel. I plan to do this. I can’t wait to do this! But there … More Relax Pastor, God Saves!
Podcast: “Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? Hanukkah?”
December 21, 2016
Podcast: “Christmas Shepherd at Super America”
December 20, 2016
Podcast: “Wisdom is Merciful”
December 19, 2016
Mt. Rushmore of Gospel Virtues
December 18, 2016
This Advent at MainStreet Covenant Church we’re unpacking the “7 wisdom gifts” from above found in James 3:17. Following Daniel Henderson’s argument in his book The Prayer God Loves to Answer, we’re exploring a higher wisdom that enables us to find success and health in our relationships. This is contrasted with a worldly wisdom that may get … More Mt. Rushmore of Gospel Virtues
Star Tribune Column on E.A. Skogsbergh
December 17, 2016
Curt Brown has a nice tribute to one of my spiritual heroes in his Star Tribune column this Sunday. He kindly reached out to me during his research and mentioned my website on the life and legacy of Erik August Skogsbergh. Curt Brown’s tales about Minnesota’s history appear each Sunday. Enjoy! Swedish pastor Erik August Skogsbergh blended … More Star Tribune Column on E.A. Skogsbergh
Podcast: “Wisdom is Gentle & Persuadable”
December 16, 2016
Too Cold & Snowy for Worship?
December 16, 2016
I received an email from our local pastors association wondering if anyone is canceling Sunday worship due to forecasted snow and below zero temperatures. Here are some of my thoughts on the matter, which I assure you were not shared by all. :) I believe these are teachable moments. When people are considering staying home because … More Too Cold & Snowy for Worship?
Podcast: “Wisdom is Peaceable”
December 15, 2016
Kingdom Harbor 