cross – Kingdom Harbor

An Appeal for a Clear Conscience

February 16, 2024

This exposition of 1 Peter 3:18-22 emphasizes a spiritual battle between good and evil forces, urging Christians to be aware of this cosmic struggle. It highlights the role of Jesus in overcoming evil and calls for believers to resist being manipulated by worldly powers. The text also stresses the importance of having a clear conscience before God, rather than pursuing selfish desires or political victories. … More An Appeal for a Clear Conscience

A Holy Huddle and a Game Winning Play

December 17, 2021

I don’t know about you, but it sends a shiver down my spine to think that there was a strange moment on a mysterious mountain long ago and far far away where three heroes of history huddled up to discuss my deliverance! … More A Holy Huddle and a Game Winning Play

The Chosen 7: Face to Face with Jesus

November 9, 2021

I wonder if we share Nicodemus’s wonder and curiosity about Jesus and the kingdom he’s bringing. Are we consumed with questions about what God is up to in Jesus? Given a private meeting with Jesus, what questions would we ask him? … More The Chosen 7: Face to Face with Jesus

Last Words 6: Finishing Well

April 11, 2020

Here’s the good news for weak and well-intentioned “quitters” like you and me: God will never quit on us! … More Last Words 6: Finishing Well

Last Words 4: Honest to God

April 10, 2020

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

Good Friday Vigil: Seven Last Words (Download)

April 9, 2020

Good Friday Vigil Meditations “The Seven Last Words of Jesus” By Jeremy Berg | April 2020 Read all seven meditations below, or print PDF here. SET UP: Part of the power of our Good Friday vigil experience is the sacred space we create in the church with stations to move through. This year we are … More Good Friday Vigil: Seven Last Words (Download)

Last Words 3: Are Your Affairs in Order?

April 9, 2020

In the midst of his suffering and gasping for breath, he took the time to make sure his mother would be looked after when he was gone. … More Last Words 3: Are Your Affairs in Order?

Last Words 1: Forgive Others

April 8, 2020

Jesus died in the same way he lived: extending grace toward others. He invites us to follow his example. … More Last Words 1: Forgive Others

Daily Spark: “Last Words: Forgive”

April 6, 2020

Jesus died how he lived: extending grace to others. What if we followed in his steps? … More Daily Spark: “Last Words: Forgive”

He Suffered For Us (by John Stott)

April 19, 2019

“I could never myself believe in God, if it were not for the cross. The only God I believe in is the one Nietzsche ridiculed as “God on the Cross.” In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it? I have entered many Buddhist temples and stood … More He Suffered For Us (by John Stott)

Key Themes in My Thinking

March 13, 2019

In my current CrossRoad series, I am trying to take a step back and be more “explicit” about the core biblical concepts that undergird my teaching. For the sake of clarity, five key themes that have been increasingly louder and more recurring in my sermons over the past couple years are the following: The gospel … More Key Themes in My Thinking

CrossRoad 4: Temptations

March 12, 2019

This Lent we’re exploring how the Cross was not just the way Jesus died, but also the new pattern for how Jesus’ followers are supposed to live. We’re called to not only embrace the CrossEvent, but also learn to walk the CrossRoad. The season of Lent begins with Jesus being tempted by Satan to bring His … More CrossRoad 4: Temptations

QUOTABLES: Politics of Jesus

March 25, 2018

“Jesus was not just a moralist whose teachings had some political implications; he was not primarily a teacher of spirituality whose public ministry unfortunately was seen in a political light; he was not just a sacrificial lamb preparing for his immolation, or a God-Man whose divine status calls us to disregard his humanity. Jesus was, … More QUOTABLES: Politics of Jesus

American Disciples at the Cross – Part 2

March 8, 2018

“My husband was laid off work over a year ago and has not been able to find a job. I guess unemployment and its financial impact is our current cross to bear.” “Our marriage has been rocky for many years, and I don’t see signs of improvement at the moment. I guess this is our … More American Disciples at the Cross – Part 2

QUOTABLES: The Cross in Our Culture

March 7, 2018

“Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession…Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.” -DIETRICH BONHOEFFER The creed of contemporary Christianity offers “A God without wrath [who] … More QUOTABLES: The Cross in Our Culture

American Disciples at the Cross – Part 1

March 6, 2018

My sermon this past Sunday made a case that the church, by and large, has embraced one cross and avoided the other. The message of the cross must be two-fold: 1) Bowing in humble repentance at the foot of Jesus’ cross where Christ won the victory and where we receive forgiveness of our sins, and … More American Disciples at the Cross – Part 1

Cross, Atonement & Paul Peter Waldenstrom

November 17, 2017

“Oh! How dear and precious to your heart you will find God to be when you thus behold him in Christ. Because in Christ you have the true manifestation of him.” P. P. Waldenstrom (1838-1917), Swedish Covenant Pastor & Theologian I’ve been exploring the meaning of Jesus’ death and atonement theology recently. We just watched … More Cross, Atonement & Paul Peter Waldenstrom

EPHESIANS 16: Biker Gangs at the Cross (2:14-18)

May 19, 2015

What if Jesus pulled up on a Harley the day of the biker gang massacre in Texas? Jeremy offers one theory. … More EPHESIANS 16: Biker Gangs at the Cross (2:14-18)

QUOTABLES: A.W. Tozer on Leadership

January 23, 2013

“What must our Lord think of us if His work and His witness depend upon the convenience of His people? The truth is that every advance that we make for God and for His cause must be made at our inconvenience. If it does not inconvenience us at all, there is no cross in it! … More QUOTABLES: A.W. Tozer on Leadership

Cross-Shaped Discipleship in a Comfort-Shaped Culture

February 15, 2012

This is from back in 2012 a few weeks after officially launching weekly worship at MainStreet. Note the sense of urgency in my tone. Have we lost that desperation? -JB 2017 How many of us really take Jesus’ words seriously? I don’t mean picking and choosing the teachings we can tolerate. I mean ALL of … More Cross-Shaped Discipleship in a Comfort-Shaped Culture