Jessica’s Story
January 28, 2013
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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.
QUOTABLES: A.W. Tozer on Leadership
January 23, 2013
“What must our Lord think of us if His work and His witness depend upon the convenience of His people? The truth is that every advance that we make for God and for His cause must be made at our inconvenience. If it does not inconvenience us at all, there is no cross in it! … More QUOTABLES: A.W. Tozer on Leadership
MOVIE REVIEW: “Stranger Than Fiction” (2006)
January 11, 2013
Repost from 2009. -JB I just watched “Stranger Than Fiction” again starring Will Ferrell. I thought the movie and story was alright – nothing too special. But I absolutely LOVE the idea that drives this movie. If you haven’t seen the movie, here is the summary from the back of the case: Will Ferrell stars … More MOVIE REVIEW: “Stranger Than Fiction” (2006)
A Faith Worth Living & Dying For?
January 10, 2013
I’m preparing a message on the stoning of Stephen this Sunday. Here’s something to ponder from William Willimon in his commentary on Acts: Stanley Hauerwas has written about the mass suicide at “Jonestown” when hundreds of followers of Jim Jones and his “People’s Temple” took their lives and the lives of their children (p. 106). … More A Faith Worth Living & Dying For?
PSALM 7 – When Not to Pray Like David
January 8, 2013
Let the Lord judge the peoples.Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts. My shield is God MostHigh, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge…. (Psalm 7) This is one prayer of David … More PSALM 7 – When Not to Pray Like David
Obese in Body, Mind and Spirit (by David Brown)
January 4, 2013
The annual call for exercise has been issued. The new year sales flyers feature equipment of all kinds that will reduce our middle and tone our muscles. The “Y”, Snap Fitness and other workout businesses are offering their “first month free” deals. News shows are featuring the latest home workout gadgets and dietitians galore are … More Obese in Body, Mind and Spirit (by David Brown)
Wonder and Amazement in Acts
January 3, 2013
What adjectives do many associate with the word ‘church’ or ‘faith’? Solemn, holy, boring, stained glass, choir, pew, robe, potluck, etc. Reading (and trying to preach) through the Book of Acts paints a far more exciting scene. Just skimming through the first 4 chapters we read the following adjectives and phrases that paint anything but … More Wonder and Amazement in Acts
Planted by the Stream (Psalm 1)
January 2, 2013
Blessed is the one….whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law morning and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1) Happy New Year. I’m a wreck! Never have I began a new … More Planted by the Stream (Psalm 1)
MOVIE REVIEW: Jesus Went “The Green Mile”
January 2, 2013
A repost from a few years back in remembrance of Michael Clark Duncan’s passing this year. -JB It’s already been 10 years since the release of The Green Mile (1999). The Stephen King film stars Tom Hanks as a Death row guard and the massively large and mysteriously gifted prisoner named John Coffey played by Michael … More MOVIE REVIEW: Jesus Went “The Green Mile”
‘Facing’ the Christmas Story
December 27, 2012
The gentleman who drew this is Joe Castillo. He went to Asbury Theological Seminary.He did this during a chapel service. It was fascinating – he told the Gospel story – each part of Jesus’ life – and he was drawing the story as he told it.The longer you look at this picture, the more you … More ‘Facing’ the Christmas Story
When is Jesus’ Birthday?
December 26, 2012
From Michael Patton at Parchment and Pen: “The traditional date for the birth of Christ from as early as Hippolytus (ca. A.D. 165-235) has been December 25th. In the Eastern Church January 6th was the date for not only Christ’s birth, but also the arrival of the Magi on Christ’s second birthday, His baptism in … More When is Jesus’ Birthday?
QUOTABLES: G.K. Chesterton on “Exulting in Monotony”
December 24, 2012
“Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough … More QUOTABLES: G.K. Chesterton on “Exulting in Monotony”
Advent 2012 – Come to Me (by David Brown)
December 21, 2012
“Come to me all you who labor and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” -JESUS Each of the last four days there have been news accounts of a few more funerals held for the killed children from Newtown, CT. It is hard to watch those stories as the short lives of 6 year … More Advent 2012 – Come to Me (by David Brown)
A Christmas Prayer (by Max Lucado)
December 20, 2012
Dear Jesus, It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately. These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated. The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons … More A Christmas Prayer (by Max Lucado)
Living Nativity (Skit Guys)
December 18, 2012
When Holiness Came Down
December 17, 2012
Here’s a Christmas poem I wrote back in 2003. -JB WHEN HOLINESS CAME DOWN Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright But was it really? There must have been some serious noise in the Heavenlies as demons shrieked and Satan yelled seeing imminent his utter defeat. Holy perhaps was the night before … More When Holiness Came Down
Echoes from the Pit 3 – Unwanted Visitors
December 15, 2012
One last peek into my soul as a young adult, as I wrestled with depression and poured out my heart to God. The beauty of the Bible is that we see the raw, honest prayers of others in the Psalms and so on. We all struggle in this life, but the beauty of these painful … More Echoes from the Pit 3 – Unwanted Visitors
Advent 2012 – Peace in the Pain (by David Brown)
December 14, 2012
Peace that passes all understanding to you, today. Another shooting in an elementary school in Connecticut this morning. While it wasn’t their school, I shudder at the thought of my daughter-in-law and 5 year old grandson having to deal with the aftermath of something that horrific. One of my best friend’s 17 year old step … More Advent 2012 – Peace in the Pain (by David Brown)
Echoes from the Pit 2 – This Old Boat
December 14, 2012
Another journal entry from my college days. I’m no poet – and boy do I know it! But these give a glimpse into my heart when I was trying to find my way in this world as a newer disciple of Christ. I felt very lonely and misunderstood at this time, and was struggling to … More Echoes from the Pit 2 – This Old Boat
Advent 2012 – Weariness (by David Brown)
December 13, 2012
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, … More Advent 2012 – Weariness (by David Brown)
Echoes from the Pit 1 – Immanuel Prayer
December 12, 2012
Pulled out an old journal from my college days….found some very personal, desperate prayers and poems during a trying time in my life. I think I might share a few this Christmas. Here’s a childlike cry for God’s comforting presence to draw near — a prayer to Immanuel, “God with us.” IMMANUEL PRAYER – October … More Echoes from the Pit 1 – Immanuel Prayer
Advent 2012 – Genealogy (by David Brown)
December 11, 2012
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Matthew 1:1 This is a lengthy post but I do hope you will take time to read it. And before you do, go back and read yesterday’s post. I received the following story from a long-time friend who serves … More Advent 2012 – Genealogy (by David Brown)
Advent 2012 – Contentment (by David Brown)
December 10, 2012
“I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can … More Advent 2012 – Contentment (by David Brown)
1 Corinthians 13: Christmas Version
December 8, 2012
This is great! From Rob Merola If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at … More 1 Corinthians 13: Christmas Version
Advent 2012 – Personal Touch (by David Brown)
December 8, 2012
John 5:1-15 “Jesus went…to a pool (in Jerusalem) where a great number of disabled people used to lie-the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked … More Advent 2012 – Personal Touch (by David Brown)
Kingdom Harbor 