What if we could bring back impetuous Peter from the dead to be the keynote speaker at a New Year’s Church Leadership conference at MainStreet? Would our attendance spike if the famous water-walking apostle was filling the pulpit the next 8 weeks? Would we show up with eager ears and ready to take notes? … More New Year’s Letter: St. Peter’s Last Words
Amanda answered the phone to hear the voice of her great uncle on the other end. She is exhausted and at the end of her rope at work and the end of her patience at home.Uncle Eli and Aunt Sophia offer her a retreat at their cozy cabin on Mt. Mystic during the weeks leading up to Christmas. … More Christmas on Mount Mystic 1: Invitation
“Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on? Walk up the street to a life with meaning.” Jesus was a wise sage, steeped in the ancient wisdom of the Jewish Scriptures, who formed a community of learners who welcomed his message. His message offered a new Way to be human, an alternative Way to … More Walk Up the Street to a New Life
Christmas Eve is a great opportunity for churches to share the good news of the gospel with many unbelievers — sometimes hearing it for the first time. Pastors should give a clear invitation to respond in faith to the message of the gospel. I plan to do this. I can’t wait to do this! But there … More Relax Pastor, God Saves!
My heart nearly lept out of my chest with excitement. And yet the lump in my throat was hard to swallow. I was paralyzed with delightful dread at the thought of a personal invitation from Jesus. “What kind of an invitation?” I asked. Again, still wondering who the prankster was on the other end of the … More Cabin 02: The Invitation
Ever been rejected? It hurts. Ever put yourself out there so far, and having been rejected so bad, you vow never to risk it again? Perhaps we can take some consolation in the fact that even God experiences rejection. I believe God doesn’t force his will on anyone, but rather desires for us to freely … More PARABLES: Let’s Party 2 (Matt. 22:1-14)
Jeremy L. Berg 