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.
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
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?
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”
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)
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?
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
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
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
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?
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)
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)
Our youth group grappled with the tough question last night: “Can someone lose their salvation?” We discussed both sides of the issue while presenting some of the Biblical evidence on each side. The Reformed tradition is quite firm on their doctrines of God’s “Unconditional Election” of certain individuals for salvation and the “Perseverance of the … More Q&A – Can Someone Lose their Salvation?
Testimonial Sermon originally given at Bethel Methodist Church in my hometown of Mound, Minnesota, on April 30, 2006. This is my story and I’m stickin’ to it. Thanks be to God! Introduction As I was preparing to preach this first sermon in my hometown, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ preaching debut in his … More My Faith Story: A Collision of Stories
Do you have theological questions and doubts about the Bible and Christian faith? You’re not alone! I want to share a valuable resource for finding well-thought out and balanced answers to many of the toughest doubts and questions faced by both Christians and skeptics. Please check out the Woodland Hills Church Q & A channel … More Q&A – Solid Answers to Faith Questions
December is here again. The season of Advent is upon us. We often complain about the busyness of this season full of holiday parties, shopping sprees, and endless traveling to be with our crazy families for the holidays. Yet, we all have those special memories and traditions that we try to recreate each year and … More Winter Dreams: Books & Hot Cocoa by a Cozy Fireplace
When it comes to studying the youth culture and the direction we’re going as a whole, my go-to expert is Walt Mueller. (That’s why he’s listed under my favorite blogs.) Here’s his latest observation and warning: Youth culture is a map and a mirror. It is both directive and reflective. We watch it to see … More Wisdom Gap: “Do what just feels right…?”
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow” (1 Cor 3:6). Kevin DeYoung has written a response HERE to a letter to unbelievers, written by Shaine Claiborne and published in Esquire. DeYoung believes there is a “New Gospel” being propagated out there that is watered down, misleading and leaving out the more offensive truths of … More DeYoung vs. Claiborne: A New Gospel or Pre-evangelism?
I am posting Advent devotionals this December prepared by Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts. Enjoy! Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us to prepare for the coming, or “advent” of the Christ child at Christmas. (The word “advent” comes … More Advent Devotional: 1st Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
MSNBC’s Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough featured an interview with Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and Newsweek’s John Meacham (who had just published an article entitled The End of Christian America). A good conversation. Enjoy.
Is “being missional” more than the latest church conference buzzword? Is this a passing fad or a necessary rediscover of an essential characteristic of the very definition of church? Dan Kimball offers some help in capturing what it means to become more missional: – Being missional means that the church sees itself as beingmissionaries, rather than … More VIDEO: What is the Missional Church?
What happens when 3 generations of Evangelical Christian leaders get together to discuss church and politics in the 21st century? These videos capture a lively and thoughtful conversation between Chuck Colson, Gregory Boyd and Shane Claiborne moderated by Krista Tippett of “Speaking of Faith” radio program. Check out some video clips below. The full program … More Evangelical Dialogue on Christianity & Politics
Mark Roberts posted A Brief History of Thanksgiving at his blog and I especially found George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789 inspiring: Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor–and … More George Washington’s “Thanksgiving Proclamation” (1789)
Yesterday I shared an alternative model of evangelism shaped by the interactions and approach of Jesus in the Gospels. I thought it might be helpful to offer a concrete example of this approach in action. As I was planting the Revolution ministry in Mound I was helped along by my daily interactions with teens … More Jesus-Shaped Evangelism in Practice
FROM THE DI ARCHIVES: Prior to my current ministry role I spent a few years living “missionally” in a smaller town community where God called me to use new and innovative means of reaching unchurched and ‘de-churched’ teens for Christ. Check out The Revolution. I wrote the following reflections while in the trenches trying to … More Jesus-Shaped Evangelism for the 21st Century
Kingdom Harbor 