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.
Bake me a cake, light some candles and break out the noisemakers and party hats. I am turning the big 30 on July 3. I am leaving behind the tumultuous twenties with much hesitancy but even more gratitude. I am not going to let this birthday pass by without reflecting back on the past decade … More 30th Birthday Reflections
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 follow up the significance of the saving work of the gospel of Jesus Christ by asking the question: “How does this happen?” … More Piper vs. Wright (6): How Exactly Does Jesus Save?
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 focus on the central message of the gospel. What is the gospel? PIPER: The heart of the gospel … More Piper vs. Wright (5): The Gospel
From the DI archives. A while back I was researching the ways our brain processes messages in preparation for a series of messages I gave at a weekend youth retreat based on “The Matrix” movies. Here’s some of my reflections on our image-based culture. -JB “What we’ve introduced at MTV is nonnarrative form…We rely on … More A Picture Is Worth a 1,000 Words (& Millions of Dollars)
You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless. You’ve captured my heart, dear friend. You looked at me, and I fell in love. One look my way and I was hopelessly in love! Song of Solomon 4 (The Message)
Please join us for a series of studies in some of the most well-known encounters with Christ in the Gospels. Each study will provide (1) initial Observations & Questions from the text, (2) followed by some Exegesis & Interpretation, (3) concluding with some personal Application questions and considerations. SCRIPTURE: Mark 10:35-45
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 in the June 2009 edition of Christianity Today. Today we focus on the question: How do Piper and Wright differ on their understanding of first-century Judaism as the background of Paul’s … More Piper vs. Wright (4): First-Century Judaism
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…” or “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” (Phil. 2:5) Have you ever tried putting together a puzzle without having the box cover to show you what the finished product is supposed to look like? Without the cover picture we … More PHILIPPIANS 16: Puzzle Pieces & Box Covers (Phil 2:5)
Let me preface the following post by stating how important I feel it is for Christians to be open-minded and unafraid to generously engage and learn from people of differing viewpoints. I am a better person and a stronger, more committed follower and teacher of Biblical Christianity precisely because I allow my convictions to be … More A Plea for a Fuller Gospel Vision
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 edition of Christianity Today. Today we look at “the righteousness of God.” What does Paul mean by the righteousness of God? PIPER: The essence of God’s righteousness is … More Piper vs. Wright (3): God’s Righteousness
Many of you know I spent several years during seminary teaching Driver Education and substitute teaching in the public schools. I had many neat encounters with teens, but one of my all time favorite stories involves Greg. And it all began in the front seat of the student driver car. Greg was a skinny, geeky … More “Behind-the-Wheel” Evangelism
Please join us for a summer series of studies in some of the most well-known encounters with Christ in the Gospels. Each study will provide (1) initial Observations & Questions from the text, (2) followed by some Exegesis & Interpretation, (3) concluding with some personal Application questions and considerations. SCRIPTURE: Matt 19:16-24; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-30
You may be thinking that the camera is out of focus in this recent photo of Keri kissing me at a wedding in Chicago. Well, you are mistaken. Love is electric. Keri’s kisses have been known to short-circuit microwaves, blow fuses, shatter glass, pop balloons, startle old ladies, and, of course, send shock waves through … More Electric Kisses
This is a brief follow up post to my recent “Is Evangelism Child Abuse” where I voiced my concern over the trend towards more over-the-top, anti-religious rhetoric in the marketplace of ideas. The broader more significant issue I see at stake in this discussion has to do with monitoring the spirit of the dialogue between … More “Full of Grace, Seasoned with Salt”: On Rhetoric & Respect
I have updated my original post (see italics) and added a direct quote from iMonk. Michael Spencer, the Internet Monk, has a post this week entitled “Is Evangelism Child Abuse?” He is responding to the newest attack on religious people and leaders — the view that attempts to evangelize and convert people (especially young teenagers) is … More Is Evangelism Child Abuse?
Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or cheap boasting, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.”(Phil 2:3-4) As a basketball coach I know full … More PHILIPPIANS 15: Getting Along in a Get-Ahead World (Phil 2:3-4)
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 edition of Christianity Today. Today we look at their respective views of the Law and Covenant. What is the purpose of the Law and Covenant? WRIGHT: God … More Piper vs. Wright (2): The Law & Covenant
This summer I am leading a Bible Study series with our high school students called Christ Encounters. Please join us for this series of studies in some of the most well-known encounters with Christ in the Gospels. Each study will provide (1) initial Observations/Questions from the text, (2) followed by some exegetical Interpretation, (3) concluding with … More Christ Encounter #1: Nicodemus
I have been following the lively, helpful discussion at Jesus Creed on Wright vs. Piper on Justification and the New Perspective, and recommend you check that out for yourself for more nuanced, detailed treatment. Today, I was very pleased to find this debate featured in this June edition of Christianity Today with an enormously … More Piper vs. Wright (1) – The Sin Problem
Another graphic courtesy of Jesus Creed. This graphically illustrated some of my previous posts on the dangers of social media technology. What do you think of this graphic? Which concerns you most?
“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose” (Phil 2:1-2). My teenage years were spent concert-hopping, and participating in that … More PHILIPPIANS 14: Dancing in a Mosh-Pit World (Phil 2:1-2)
Remember 1980s social media? Remember when TV and Radio had a monopoly on social media? Remember when video was killing the radio star? How many of these new social media modes are you familiar with? How many of these do you actively use? Why are people more lonely than ever despite all … More Brave New Worlds: Social Media 2009
Reposted from 2009 when I was a youth pastor. -JB If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my … More Sand Castles: A Summer Challenge to Teens
“For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him, since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing.” (Phil 1:29-30) In today’s passage Paul says something that I have stressed a lot lately — namely, … More PHILIPPIANS 13: Suffering for Christ (Phil 1:29-30)
1. My number one favorite blog that is a part of my daily diet of reading is Jesus Creed with Scot McKnight. It’s hard to top the variety of topics and the depth of discussion found there. I have been honored to have some of my writings featured there. I admire Scot as a reputable … More My Top 3: Blogs
Kingdom Harbor 