PSALM 23 REWRITTEN (FINANCIAL DEBT) Financial stress is my shepherd, there’s never enough to pay the bills. It keeps me awake at night. It leaves me paralyzed with fear. I’m worn out just thinking about it. It drives me to do things that don’t honor God. We’re so far in the hole, we’ll never dig … More Who’s Your Shepherd? (2)
“But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, … More EPHESIANS 15: In On Everything (2:11-13)
During Advent in 2013 we examined Psalm 23 in a sermon series entitled Who’s Your Shepherd? It remains one of my favorite series we’ve done to date. I contended that when we let God be the guide, or shepherd, directing our lives and influencing our decisions, He leads us to green pastures of the “abundant … More Who’s Your Shepherd? (1)
One reason I resisted being a “pastor” for so long was all the stereotypes I had in my head for what pastors are supposed to be like. My image always looked something like Mr. Rogers in a sweater and khakis. Warm, personable, emotionally steady, gentle and never, EVER moody. I don’t know where I picked … More Hope for Moody Pastors (Mark 3:3-6)
Reposted from 2012. We have spent only a few weeks in our sermon series on Nicodemus and Jesus in John 3. We could spend months exploring all of the rich treasures and profound theological realities found therein. But we must move on . . . move out onto the open road with Jesus in John … More Nic @ Night 6: A Summary
Reposted from 2012. I brought in the car for a $25 oil change this week, and came home with a laundry list of significant repairs estimating over $3,550. The car has 200,000 miles on it — so we knew this day was coming. Nicodemus probably came to Jesus hoping for a simple religious tune-up — … More Nic @ Night 5: Nicodemus at the Car Shop
This Sunday I have the honor of preaching a message on one of the most significant truths and experiences in all the universe: God’s supernatural work of New Birth in the human heart. “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again/from above” (John 3:3). How do you talk about something … More Nic @ Night 4: Talking about “New Birth”
Nicodemus was very religious. And this was a major obstacle preventing him from receiving the teaching and understanding the message of Jesus. Here’s a wonderful contrast between RELIGION and THE GOSPEL by Tim Keller: RELIGION: I obey, therefore I’m accepted. THE GOSPEL: I’m accepted, therefore I obey. RELIGION: Motivation is based on fear and insecurity. THE GOSPEL: Motivation is … More Nic @ Night 3: Religion vs. Gospel
Reposted from 2012. To kick off the new year, we’re exploring one of my favorite “Christ Encounters” in the Gospels — Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Here’s how the clandestine story begins: There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” … More Nic @ Night 2: Religion Isn’t Enough
A repost from 2012. Let’s begin this New Year by getting back to one of the most basic and foundational spiritual truths: New Birth! Let’s spend sometime in the shoes of Nicodemus, a devout, religious man who was still lacking something. Let’s imagine, just for fun, that Nicodemus went to Jesus late on New Year’s … More Nic @ Night 1: Restless New Years Eve
This Advent at MainStreet Covenant Church we’re unpacking the “7 wisdom gifts” from above found in James 3:17. Following Daniel Henderson’s argument in his book The Prayer God Loves to Answer, we’re exploring a higher wisdom that enables us to find success and health in our relationships. This is contrasted with a worldly wisdom that may get … More Mt. Rushmore of Gospel Virtues
“Every good and perfect gift is from above,” James the brother of Jesus writes. This Advent we’re exploring the divine gift of wisdom that God desires to place under our trees, or into our hearts. In James 3:14-16, we see what the counterfeit wisdom of the world looks like and produces. It is characterized by selfish-ambition, jealousy … More Wisdom is Pure (Jas. 3:17)
In the OT we find “Wisdom” personified as a Lady calling out on the street corners, trying to get a hearing in order to lead people onto paths of righteousness. We can heed her warnings and find “the good life”; or we can ignore her and find ourselves on the path to ruin and folly. … … More Jesus: Wisdom From God
Are you seeking that good and perfect gift this Christmas? While the crowds chase after bargain deals at the malls on fitness watches, iPads, and other treasures, we’re inviting our congregation to ask for the gifts that don’t come in boxes under a tree this Christmas. James says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above” … More 7 Good & Perfect Gifts
As the rain let up and the sun returned, Jesus led me around the cabin where we entered a gated path with a sign over it that read: “LET ME SING FOR MY BELOVED MY LOVE SONG CONCERNING HIS VINEYARD.” -Isaiah 5:1 The path weaved to and fro through what must be the Father’s gardens. We passed by rows … More Cabin 15: The Father’s Vineyard
There are two major building projects undertaken in the story of Scripture — they both continue today. In our study of 1 Peter we discover that each believer is called to be a part of God’s “spiritual temple” He is building. In the OT era, God’s healing, forgiving presence dwelled in the physical temple in Jerusalem. People … More A Tale of Two Buildings (1 Peter 2:4-11)
We were cruising across the country in my 1995 Chevy Monte Carlo (see photo above), from California to Minnesota, when my “Low Coolant” warning light came on the dash as we neared the Colorado Rockies. The temperature gauge was also running hot. I don’t know much about car engines but I do know you are wise … More Check Your Engine (1 Peter 2:2-3)
“Man, I look good!” I said to myself as I tried on a new shirt and sport coat at Target this week. I rarely buy new clothes — maybe a couple new shirts each year and some new jeans when the old ones get too “holy” even for our church! As we continue our study of 1 … More Clothes Shopping with Apostle Peter (1 Peter 2:1)
This is a timely repost from about 2011 when MainStreet was just getting launched. It was during another local election season where people were passionately campaigning for and against a school referendum. You can sense my urgency and deep burden for our local community. Regardless how we vote on November 8, may we vote Jesus leader of our lives … More Political Fervor & Christian Apathy
Tonight will be the third and final presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. It promises to be another 2 hours of childish mudslinging and below-the-belt personal attacks. This election cycle has become such a circus (or train wreck) that people are watching in record numbers. Young people are throwing viewing parties much like … More “I Approve this Message!”(1 Peter 1:22-2:3)
Here’s a timely repost from 2010. -JB It’s that time of year again. The leaves are turning colors and the trees are raining down acorns like rogue astroids in our backyard. They’re more plentiful this year than ever before at our home. I literally need to shovel off the deck every morning to avoid a … More Squirrel Spirituality
Jeremy Berg 