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.
Ok, first of all I’m not a TV guy. So, this post will not begin a new trend of television gossip and coverage. I basically watch two things: (1) NBC’s Thursday night comedy lineup featuring “Community”, “Parks & Recreation” and, drum roll and sound the trumpets please, “The Office,” the best show on the air, … More Save Conan, Leno Retire
Scot McKnight’s thought on Haiti: Last night I read this from Randy Harris, God Work – Confessions of a Standup Theologian: One of the things we do as Christians is to try to pay attention to what God might be able to do in the world, especially with the broken places in our lives. These … More Prayers for Haiti
At Jesus Creed, RJS has a great discussion of Tim Keller’s essay “Creation, Evolution and Christian Lay People” exploring the topic of the historical Adam and Eve, evolutionary theory, the trustworthiness of Scripture and the complex relationship between science and the Bible. Keller first addresses whether one needs to take Genesis 1 literally, and second whether … More Tim Keller on Adam & Eve
“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, … More PARABLES: Sower, Seed and Soil 1
We recently had a free-for-all Q & A night with our students. In order have a fruitful yet friendly “debate” over hot-button, controversial beliefs such as “Can someone lose their salvation” or “Does God elect certain individuals salvation and not others?” we talked about distinguishing essential beliefs from non-essential beliefs. I used 3 broad categories … More Essentials & Nonessentials in Christian Beliefs
The following post is from one of my favorite blogging friends Michael Spencer, known to most as the Internet Monk. Michael was recently diagnosed with cancer and is beginning that battle now. He wrote this piece only weeks before the diagnosis. Please lift up the iMonk in your prayers and check out his writing ministry … More “There’s Always A Day Before” (by Michael Spencer)
This is an older post that fits this time of year when people are contemplating their plans for the new year. Grace and peace. -JB “Where do you plan to be three to five years from now?” I have been asked this question two or three times in the past couple weeks. For some reason … More My Crystal Ball: Facing the Future in Faith
After braving the 15 below zero weather, fighting people for seats (almost literally), finding clean 3D glasses and smuggling in pop and snacks, we were ready to experience James Cameron’s visually stunning world of Pandora filled with 8 feet tall blue people — or, as someone else put it, “warrior Smurfs.” It’s always nice when … More MOVIE REVIEW: The Religious World of “Avatar” (2009)
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him” (Romans 12:1). It’s a New Year, and I’m tired of … More “True Worship” for the New Year
Few teachers have been more influential in my spiritual journey through college and seminary (and beyond) than Greg Boyd and Paul Eddy. One of the lessons I’m trying to learn from them is not to take myself too seriously. Here’s yet another teaching moment. I’m taking notes. =) Remember Jesus’ words: “A student is not … More My Spiritual Mentors
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry” (Matthew 11:28-30). … More “Yoked” for the New Year (Matt 11:28)
“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
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?
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)
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
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!
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…”
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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?
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)
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
Kingdom Harbor 