QUOTABLES: Oswald Chambers on Self-Pity
January 2, 2010
“No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity because it obliterates God and puts self-interest upon the throne.” -Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest
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.
Celebrate New Year with Bono’s ’82 Mullet
January 1, 2010
My favorite New Year’s Day song featuring Edge with hair, Bono with an enormous mullet and 80s hipsters dancing in the background. From United Kingdom TV show called The Tube. Happy New Year! What’s your favorite New Year’s Day song?
Top 10 Evangelical Stories of 2009 (CT)
January 1, 2010
Colin Hansen at Christianity Today counts down the events, debates, and books that shaped evangelical theology over the past year. He introduces his top 10 saying, Theology is not a discipline perfectly suited for annual evaluation. New insights and challenges may bounce around theological journals and conferences for decades before breaking into popular discourse. But … More Top 10 Evangelical Stories of 2009 (CT)
Daily Illumination 2009: Year In Review
December 31, 2009
What a ride it’s been — for me at least. One year ago I started the new Daily Illumination blog. Why? I have been reading obsessively for the past decade, intaking large quantities of biblical facts and knowledge, listening to lectures and podcasts, completing two degrees in Biblical and Theological Studies. Last January I felt … More Daily Illumination 2009: Year In Review
Shimmer & Shine ’09
December 30, 2009
Once and awhile I like to post a video giving my readers a glimpse into the wonderful high school ministry I get to lead. Here’s a peak at our annual Christmas dance we call “Shimmer & Shine.” This year we went back to the 1940s to the Hollywood Canteen for some swing dancing. Enjoy!
For the Record: “I Believe…”
December 30, 2009
So many theological, social and political debates rage on all around us and it’s so easy to get sucked into unnecessary arguments. The Church, tragically, is notorious for drawing unnecessary lines in the sand, splitting hairs and dividing over nonessential doctrines, political viewpoints, cultural debates and so on. Once in a while it’s refreshing to … More For the Record: “I Believe…”
MOVIE REVIEW: The Blind Side (2009)
December 28, 2009
The most inspiring, heart-warming cinematic experience of the year for me has been without question The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock. While this movie based on a true story is sure to win over everybody’s heart, there is a special significance for Christians viewers. Coming out just in time for the Christmas season I found … More MOVIE REVIEW: The Blind Side (2009)
VIDEO: “Love Is An Orientation” (Andrew Marin)
December 27, 2009
YouthWorker Journal editor Steve Rabey talks with Andrew Marin about ways youth workers can reach out to gay and lesbian youth, and how in the past churches have failed to minister to those struggling with same-sex attraction in a Christ-like manner. Andrew is the director of The Marin Foundation, and the author of “Love Is an … More VIDEO: “Love Is An Orientation” (Andrew Marin)
Advent Devotional: Christmas Eve/Day (by Mark Roberts)
December 24, 2009
We have been observing the season of Advent with the help of Mark D. Robert’s Devotional centered around the ceremony of the Advent Wreath. Finally our wait is over as we welcome our Savior to the world with the lighting of the 5th candle. Merry Christmas! JB The Lighting of the Christ Candle: The Waiting … More Advent Devotional: Christmas Eve/Day (by Mark Roberts)
VIDEO: The Star of Bethlehem
December 22, 2009
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem … More VIDEO: The Star of Bethlehem
VIDEO: Spontaneous Worship on the Street
December 21, 2009
I found this video at The Resurgence. Apparently some Christian guys were shooting a music video for a Sunday service and a homeless man came into the frame and started singing to Jesus out of the blue—wow. A beautiful moment caught on video to be shared by all. This video is from @loswhit and the guys … More VIDEO: Spontaneous Worship on the Street
Tiger Woods: Falling Into Grace?
December 20, 2009
It’s easy to join the chorus of critics in the media and laugh at all the late night talk show jokes about Tiger Woods. We can easily sneer and mutter to ourselves, “Just another celebrity with personal issues.” I was disturbed to realize how calloused my own attitude has been toward Tiger Woods and his … More Tiger Woods: Falling Into Grace?
Advent Devotional: 4th Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
December 20, 2009
We are following the Advent Devotional written by Mark D. Roberts on our journey to the stable. This fourth Sunday we light another candle on the Advent Wreath as we expectantly wait for the coming of the Son! Grace and peace, JB The Lighting of the Fourth Candle: Waiting for the Son The Fourth Sunday … More Advent Devotional: 4th Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
My Top 3: Christmas Movies
December 19, 2009
What are your favorite Christmas movies? This is hard because I have two different categories for different moods. First, there are my favorite “meaningful” movies that are usually nostalgic and classic. Second, there are those fun, family favorites that you have to see each year. Here are my top 3 with some honorable mention runner-ups. … More My Top 3: Christmas Movies
Welcome to Guyland – What’s up with Guys?
December 18, 2009
One of my favorite resources for finding timely research on youth culture and understanding teenagers is the Fuller Youth Institute. A recent article explores the “secret underworld” of what Michael Kimmel calls “Guyland.” I highly recommend reading the FULL ARTICLE HERE. So, what’s going on in the hearts and minds of today’s teenage boys? What … More Welcome to Guyland – What’s up with Guys?
N.T. Wright: Defending the Resurrection
December 14, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW: The Eschatology of “2012”
December 14, 2009
I recently saw the latest apocalyptic global disaster movie out of Hollywood — “2012”. Special effects were better than ever. Disturbing yet awesome scenes of global upheaval and catastrophe kept coming for the entire 2 hours and 40 minutes of gloom and doom. First earthquakes whose “cracks” (if you can call them cracks) chased John … More MOVIE REVIEW: The Eschatology of “2012”
Advent Devotional: 3rd Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
December 13, 2009
We are joining Mark D. Robert’s journey through Advent with the help of his devotional. Today we light the 3rd Advent Candle while we wait for the joy brought by the coming King. Grace and peace, JB The Lighting of the Third Candle: Waiting with Joy The Third Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts) [Re-light the … More Advent Devotional: 3rd Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
Teens & Sexting – Why?
December 12, 2009
Associated Press featured an article this week entitled, ‘Sexting’ Is More Common Than You Think. The article begins: WASHINGTON (AP) — Think your kid is not ”sexting”? Think again. Sexting — sharing sexually explicit photos, videos and chat by cell phone or online — is fairly commonplace among young people, despite sometimes grim consequences for … More Teens & Sexting – Why?
Blogging From 30,000 Feet
December 10, 2009
Someday I might go skydiving. But today it’s enough to say I’ve gone sky-blogging. Yes, in this crazy world of technological conveniences one can surf the web, send emails, watch NetFlix, video chat with people across the world on Skype and blog from 30,000 feet in an airplane. Welcome to the 21st Century. Keri … More Blogging From 30,000 Feet
Rewriting Romans 1:18-32
December 10, 2009
I have spent the past 3 months leading our senior high youth group through the first three chapters of Romans. It has been a dismal time sitting in the dark, godless, idolatrous world of sin painted in Romans 1:18-32 in particular. I knew very well that the good news would arrive in chapter 3 but … More Rewriting Romans 1:18-32
My Top 3: Muppets
December 9, 2009
Now, for something completely different. Are the Muppets making a comeback? I hope so and it appears so. (Did they ever completely leave the scene?) Last week my friend and I stopped reading our current blogs and news websites to check out the Muppets perform Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (see below). Tonight I watched a new … More My Top 3: Muppets
Q&A – Do all religions lead to God?
December 7, 2009
Question: Don’t all religions offer different paths to the same ultimate reality or destination? Aren’t all religions equally valid sources of spiritual truth and salvation? Answer: The Bible is very clear that Jesus is the pathway to coming into a saving relationship with the Creator God.“I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one … More Q&A – Do all religions lead to God?
Who’s at Your Table? (Luke 14:12-14)
December 7, 2009
Here’s an oldie but goodie from the earliest DI archives written to the Revolutionary teenagers in Mound a few years back. Always a good reminder of how radically loving and inclusive our Lord and Savior is. Peace, JB “When you host a dinner or a banquet, don’t invite your friends or your brothers or your … More Who’s at Your Table? (Luke 14:12-14)
Advent Devotional: 2nd Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
December 6, 2009
Join us for Rev. Mark D. Robert’s Advent devotional guide centered around the Advent Wreath. This week we celebrate the lighting of the second candle focused on waiting for forgiveness. Grace and peace, JB The Lighting of the Second Candle: Waiting for Forgiveness The Second Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts) [Re-light the first purple candle] … More Advent Devotional: 2nd Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
Kingdom Harbor 