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.
Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights amidst a crooked and perverse generation. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in … More PHILIPPIANS 20: Shine Like Stars (2:14-16)
Two significant voices offer well-needed clarity on the ongoing battle within the Episcopalian and Anglican churches over the question of homosexual clergy. Check it out: Ben Witherington III: “The Wright Stuff Hits the Fan” Tom Wright article in Times Online
If you like fun, action packed thrillers or light-hearted, heart-warming romantic comedies, then Revolutionary Road (2008) is definitely NOT for you. However, if you like well-acted, deeply moving stories that tackle the deeper issues of life such as the search for personal happiness and purpose, finding meaning and contentment in one’s current lot in life, … More MOVIE REVIEW: “Revolutionary Road”
“Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to Him, for the marriage of he Lamb is come and his wife has made herself ready” (Revelation 7:7). Perhaps you have already seen this video. If not, please check it out. I absolutely loved this wedding party’s joyful and celebratory dancing entrance to celebrate this young … More Weddings Are For Dancing
Dr. James Howell has posted some very helpful 10 minute video overviews of the OT prophets on YouTube. If you are intimidated by the prophetic books and enjoy seeing the “bigger picture” then check them out. I have posted Isaiah below or you can view them ALL HERE.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil 2:12-13). I recently went whitewater rafting down the … More PHILIPPIANS 19: Row, Row, Row Your Boat (2:12-13)
Those who read my series of posts on the debate between John Piper and N.T. Wright must read the following interview with N.T. Wright by Trevin Wax. This is one of the clearest, most concise summaries of what exactly is at stake and which issues are on the table in the debate. Let me quote at … More N.T. Wright Responding to Piper on Justification (Trevin Wax)
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God … More PHILIPPIANS 18: Christ Hymn 2 (Phil 2:5-11)
SEEKING CLARITY AND NUANCE So, where does this leave us on the tired old debate over so-called “man-centered” theology vs. “God-centered” theology? We must set the record straight on the main and plain things. And on the deeper complexities we must seek greater clarity and nuance in our rhetoric. I have attempted to expose the … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 5: Summary & Conclusion
How is God glorified by human beings? Our chief end is to glorify God with our lives. Our chief temptation, from Genesis 3 onward, is to “exchange the glory of the immortal God” for lesser glory — especially glorification of man (cf. Rom. 1:23). I agree with this whole-heartedly. But how exactly is God most … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 4: How is God Glorified?
We had been dating exactly one year. I had to come up with the perfect gift for our special date that night. I was determined to write her a love song, but had only a lyric-less tune bouncing around in my head as I drove off to work that day. I was sub teaching at … More Happy Anniversary, Love!
During the summer months our high school ministry drops regular weekly programming and moves to an event-driven schedule. We have a calendar jam packed with exciting events we don’t want anyone to miss out on. Yet, recently, I have beenpulling out my hair and trying every possible mode of communication to get the word out … More Hearing God: A Modern Parable (for Frustrated Youth Pastors)
I am unpacking some thoughts on both the validity of the man-centered vs. God-centered debate and offering some healthy push back on the fuzzy, over-extension of this line of reasoning. I see a distortion of both the character of God and what it means for human beings to glorify God. Michael Spencer began his post … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 3: Is God an Idolater?
I am unpacking some thoughts on both the validity of the man-centered vs. God-centered debate and offering some healthy push back on the fuzzy, over-extension of this line of reasoning. Michael Spencer began his post on this topic with a wise disclaimer I would like to echo: These posts are, without a doubt, an experiment … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 2: Reasons Behind the Debate
Why do so many Christians, notably conservative Evangelicals and Reformed brothers and sisters, often put the glorification of God at odds with human attempts at excellence? Does striving for greatness always lead to human pride and undercut the magnification of God? Does a strong focus on the needs and concerns of human beings always result … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 1: Introducing the Debate
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax featured in the June 2008 edition of Christianity Today. Today we finish up with the final comparison from Wax’s chart dealing with the question of the present and future realities of justification. What … More Piper v. Wright (7): Future Justification
Every scholar-teacher has their favorite topic — those aspects of their field of study they are most passionate about. When a student raises a question related to one of your favorite topics, you get instantly energized, your voice gains added force and you launch into lecture mode. In my Bible Studies and discussions with people … More My Top 3: Theological “Hobbyhorses”
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God … More PHILIPPIANS 17: Christ Hymn 1 (Phil 2:5-11)
On my 30th birthday some years back I shared some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. When Keri walked into my life Cupid’s arrow struck me with an abundance of emotion and fresh inspiration. I began journaling like crazy and … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Love 2
On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. You are about to read one of my most cherished journal entries of all time. I am so glad I took the … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Love
On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. I made a critical decision between my sophomore and junior year of college to switch my major from Education to Biblical & … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Calling
Bethel Campus On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. I had my share of days where anxiety over the future and insecurities over the person I was becoming brought … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Anxieties & New Peace
On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. In our teens we are the center of the universe, and everything revolves around us. In our 20s many of us begin … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Song
On this week of my 30th birthday I am sharing some personal journal entries that provide a window into the trials and triumphs I faced during the decade of my tumultuous 20s. I experienced a radical faith transformation during my first 2 years of college. Almost overnight I went from being a sports jock … More 30th Birthday Reflections: New Faith & Focus
Kingdom Harbor 