Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly: defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Yet, in this moment, white Christians should also heed Jesus’ brother’s advice: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak … More Conversation #2: Being Black in America
The lesson that God would judge a city for its economic practices is a sobering thought. The fact that much of the condemnation appears to stem from its self-indulgence should hit with particular force at modern consumer culture … More Revelation Reveals a Tale of Two Cities
It’s time for the Body of Christ to grow up. Like a refrigerated teething ring given to an infant cutting her teeth, I have offered Paul’s ‘Body Metaphor’ for the church to chew on as we seek to become One Unified Body of Many Ethnic Parts. … More It’s Time to Grow Up
The “Love Poem” in 1 Corinthians 13 is often pulled out of context and read at weddings. When applied to racial division and ethnic differences in the local church, its doubly explosive! … More Seek the Greater Gift of Racial Sensibility
This is the task of the church today: for Christians of all ethnic and racial backgrounds to receive those of different backgrounds as a gift to broaden our perspective and deepen our love as we learn to not only understand each other’s experiences, but enter into each other’s pain and, God willing, to learn how to suffer in solidarity with them. … More Giving Greater Honor to Minorities
Paul emphasizes our mutual interdependence in the Body which, when applied to race/ethnicity, offers some of the following revolutionary and far-reaching principles for racial healing and cooperation in the church. … More An Intoxicatingly Beautiful Unity-in-Diversity
Let us revisit Paul’s ‘One Body, Many Parts’ metaphor and draw out key insights for more nurturing more harmonious multiethnic relations. … More One Body, Many Ethnic Parts
In the age of Trump, Christian leaders and committed followers of Jesus know deep in their bones that a kind of “melting” needs to take place if the message and mission of the gospel is to bear fresh fruit in a culture where so much is rotten. … More Beyond the Melting Pot
Join us for an uplifting worship service today as we look at the importance of “lament” in the Christian life. … More Sunday Service – May 17, 2020
Here’s Scot McKnight again, who is reviewing David Mathewson’s (A Companion to the Book of Revelation) on his blog Jesus Creed: Knowing who is the problem reshapes our reading of Revelation. Sometimes our history of reading a book blocks our ability to read it better. If one reads Revelation as a chronologically ordering of “this happens … More Revelation Reveals the Problem
This is part 3 of “Apocalypse Now”, a sermon series on the Book of Revelation. Jeremy draws out key themes of Rev. 5 & 6 – the centering vision of the entire book – while drawing inspiration from local sites of his hometown. … More Apocalypse Now 3: Lion & Lamb
Many pastors avoid teaching the Book of Revelation either because they themselves are still befuddled, but more often because it’s an exhausting chore confronting all the BS interpretations that have persisted for so long. … More Revelation Parodies Worldly Power
This is a teaser from a sermon on the Book of Revelation. This message explores Jesus’ messages to the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 & 3, and the messages Christ might have for churches today. Watch full message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwsc9…
This is part 2 of our series on the Book of Revelation. This message explores how Jesus spoke specific messages of hope and challenge to his churches back then, and he still does today. Join Jeremy as he wanders his hometown community making connections to the past.
Christianity’s Biggest Challenge Comes from Realists. Christianity believes the kingdom has been inaugurated; realists don’t. … More Revelation Confronts Realism
Today we kick off a new sermon series in the Book of Revelation as Jeremy takes his message “on the road” around town. … More Sunday Service – April 26
Join us for a new sermon series in the Book of Revelation. New video messages released on Sunday.
If your reading of Revelation doesn’t reveal the same Jesus you know from the four Gospels, then start again. You’re misreading it. … More Revelation Reveals Jesus
In his cry of desperation tinged with fear, pain and even some anger, Jesus gave us all permission to express our deepest feelings before God. … More Last Words 4: Honest to God
How can we creatively and compassionately carry one another in times of need? … More Daily Spark: “Carry Each Other” (Jeremy)
As the COVID-19 virus is spreads across our land and people practice social distancing, I’m reading about how the news of Jesus’ healing power spread so rapidly across Galilee, forcing Jesus to seek some social distance from the crushing crowds! … More Quarantine Letters: Get A Grip!
Jesus wants to breathe peace into our hearts and homes, so we can exhale worry and fear. … More Daily Spark: “Breathe Peace” (Jeremy)
This spreading virus will reveal a lot about our national infrastructure, the strength of our healthcare system, the resilience of our economy, and the character and strength of our government leaders. Yet, for Christians, it will reveal just the “stuff” of which our faith is made. … More Quarantine Letters: Peter’s Challenge
Standing there by the shore, the ancient breeze tickling the back of my neck, I pointed to the other side. Seven words got them into the boat and seven miles got them across the sea to the heart of Jesus’ mission to save a life hanging in the balance. … More When Pigs Fly: 7 Words & 7 Miles
“Every wise teacher trained in the kingdom is like the homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new and old things” (Matt 13:52). Jesus warned against trying to pour new wine into old wineskins—a constant warning to Christians and church leaders down through the ages not to get too attached to our ministry models … More The Feast is Ready! Come and Get it!
Jeremy Berg 