The Great Recovery
July 9, 2011
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.
Rob Bell’s Editor Comments on ‘Love Wins’
July 7, 2011
So…have you read it yet? How did you react? Rob Bell’s editor Mickey Maudlin speaks out about Love Wins: Nothing makes me more proud than to see a book I edited reach a wide audience. By that measure, I should be beaming over Rob Bell’s Love Wins. And I am. Not only has it spent fifteen weeks … More Rob Bell’s Editor Comments on ‘Love Wins’
Church Planting in Post-Christian America (D. Fitch)
July 6, 2011
A must read by David Fitch on the future of church planting in a post-Christian America: This is an idea whose time has come. It is easy, simple, saves money, and I think it seeds the mission of God in N America for generations to come: STOP FUNDING TRADITIONAL CHURCH PLANTS and instead fund missionaries … More Church Planting in Post-Christian America (D. Fitch)
Still America’s Best Rock ‘n Roll Band
July 4, 2011
Downs Family Reunion – ‘Old Tyme’ Music
July 3, 2011
Spending this weekend at the Downs family reunion (Keri’s side). This is quite a family filled with many peculiar qualities and amazing talents. Yesterday was filled with disc golf tournament, bowling competition, golf outing, badminton tourney, ice cream, Famous Dave’s, canoeing, fireworks and, well, some old time music around a fire. Enjoy Keri’s cousin Jesse … More Downs Family Reunion – ‘Old Tyme’ Music
STUDENT DRIVER 3: Can You Read the Signs?
July 3, 2011
“They’re not just for decoration.” That’s what I tell my beginning drivers as they nervously drive down the road with complete tunnel vision, neglecting to read the signs lining the roadside out of fear of taking their eyes off the car ahead. All of the signs lining the roads of America are classified according to … More STUDENT DRIVER 3: Can You Read the Signs?
QUOTABLES: William Nicholson, “Shadowlands”
July 2, 2011
“We are like blocks of stone, out of which the sculptor carves the forms of men. The blows of his chisel, which hurt us so much, are what make us perfect….What I am trying to say is that the pain one endures from losing their beloved, is part of the happiness they shared while together.” … More QUOTABLES: William Nicholson, “Shadowlands”
A Revolutionary Prayer
July 1, 2011
Jesus taught his disciples to pray: Let your Name be Holy, May your Kingdom come, May your will be done. John Stott offers the following commentary for us to consider: “The first three petitions in the Lord’s Prayer express our concern for God’s glory in relation to his name, rule and will….It is comparatively easy … More A Revolutionary Prayer
Focused (by Mike Fox)
July 1, 2011
2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You … More Focused (by Mike Fox)
STUDENT DRIVER 2: Fatal Distractions
June 30, 2011
The number one cause of all automobile accidents is driver distraction and inattentiveness. A study released in April 2006 by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that distractions, including drowsy driving, are a contributing factor in 8 out of every 10 police-reported traffic crashes, or an estimated 4 million crashes per year. … More STUDENT DRIVER 2: Fatal Distractions
Politics and the Pulpit (Jesus Creed)
June 30, 2011
What do you think of Dr. Scot McKnight’s perspective on the place of politics in the pulpit from Jesus Creed? It is commonly asserted that we should keep politics out of the pulpit, but what most people mean by that is that we shouldn’t endorse a specific candidate — and who’s kidding whom on that … More Politics and the Pulpit (Jesus Creed)
On Baptism (Craig Blomberg)
June 29, 2011
Baptism’s No Big Deal, Is It? Jun 07, 2011 by Craig Blomberg at Denver Seminary Blog “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Rom. 6:4 NIV) “I know … More On Baptism (Craig Blomberg)
Non-Retaliation & Radical Love (Matt 5:38-48)
June 27, 2011
Here is one of the highest points of Jesus’ radical teaching on Christian character and lifestyle. I led a Bible study on this last night, and wanted to share some notes and quotes largely taken from Barclay’s Daily Bible Study Series. Enjoy. Eye for Eye 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for … More Non-Retaliation & Radical Love (Matt 5:38-48)
STUDENT DRIVER 1: This is Not a Game
June 25, 2011
I’m reposting this DI classic series of posts from a few years ago. Enjoy! As a youth pastor I face a room full of teenagers every Wednesday and try my best to teach them how to travel faithfully the road of Christian discipleship. For the past month, each Tuesday and Thursday evenings have afforded me the … More STUDENT DRIVER 1: This is Not a Game
Difficult People (by Mike Fox)
June 24, 2011
There is a lady at work who has a way with words. She has the unique talent of making everything she says seem like an accusation or a put-down. She is aggressive and often is involved in other people’s business. Most of my interactions with her are unpleasant. The big question for me is, “what … More Difficult People (by Mike Fox)
Church Planting Update (June 2011)
June 22, 2011
This video to our Launch Team gives a little update on the transition we’re about to make from gathering a core team to preparing to “go more public” with Sunday services in the fall. Enjoy!
SONG: “Happy Birthday, Keri” (2007 Version)
June 21, 2011
Happy 28th my love!
June 21, 2011
She walked into my life. And its been nothing but fun, giggles and adventure ever since! Here’s an old photo from one of our first birthdays together. And another tribute to Keri written in her special love language — cereal. :)
Oh, Deer! It’s Father’s Day!
June 20, 2011
After spending the first half of the weekend with my father, I woke up Sunday morning to waffle breakfast prepared by Keri for me on my first Father’s Day. Then we headed north to Mora to see Keri’s dad on Father’s day. So, just to come clean, as we were heading north on 169 we … More Oh, Deer! It’s Father’s Day!
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
June 20, 2011
“My dad can do anything.” That’s how all little boys should view their daddies. Eventually, you grow up and realize quickly just how human dad really is. Well, as I approach my 32nd birthday and prepare to become a dad myself in a few weeks, I felt like a toddler again this weekend standing in … More Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
VIDEO: Everything is Great but Nobody is Happy
June 18, 2011
I posted this a couple years ago — I love this clip. Plus, just heard it used as a sermon illustration by Greg Boyd talking about how different Paul’s “attitude of gratitude” was despited being locked in a prison and facing many other hardships. A good reminder for us all. We have much to be … More VIDEO: Everything is Great but Nobody is Happy
Theological Brain Buzz – Q & A Resources
June 16, 2011
This is a link to one of my all-time favorite resources: Hours of Q & A with Pastor Greg Boyd and Professor Paul Eddy of Woodland Hills Church on all things theological and biblical. Q & A themes include New Age Spirituality, Imaginative Prayer, Letters from a Skeptic Book, The DaVinci Code debate, and recently … More Theological Brain Buzz – Q & A Resources
VIDEO: What about Adam & Eve?
June 15, 2011
Q&A – What’s the Big deal about Sex?
June 14, 2011
Q: Why is the Bible so strict on prohibiting pre-marital sex? What’s the big deal? Pastor Greg Boyd sheds some light on the Bible’s perspective on this sacredness of sex and marriage: Today in western culture people tend to have a rather “recreational” view of sex. It’s just a pleasurable physical activity we engage in. … More Q&A – What’s the Big deal about Sex?
Church Membership in a Consumer Culture
June 13, 2011
By Amy Frykholm, at Christian Century (found at Jesus Creed): One thing is clear: a church shouldn’t measure the effectiveness of its ministries solely by counting members. “Let’s say that JoAnn has joined a committee. Great. I can measure that,” said Mueller. “But let’s say that Mark is living his baptism in committed ways in his daily … More Church Membership in a Consumer Culture
Kingdom Harbor 