A Sermon preached February 17, 2019 Texts: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Cor. 15:12-20 One of the great privileges of parenting is introducing kids to things for the first time—classic movies, timeless stories, and, my favorite, music legends. Recently, seven year old Peter and I shared a holy moment on the drive home from IKEA … More The Third Tree
Just read a great article by Ellen Davis called “Surprised by Wisdom.” Here’s a taste: Anyone attuned to both the [biblical] text and contemporary culture might pause as early as the second line of the book [of Proverbs], where the purpose of “the proverbs of Solomon” is stated thus: “For knowing wisdom and discipline {musar)…” … More Wisdom’s Allure
They found him…sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions…And Jesus grew in wisdom.” (Luke 2:46, 52) Jesus was a middle schooler once. Can you imagine that? Popping pimples. Voice cracking. Surging hormones. Changing body. Our stained glass images of a stoic Jesus the Son of God and second person of the … More Sermon: Growing in Wisdom
If Jesus is the perfect embodiment of Torah, what happens if we insert “Jesus” or “Jesus’ Way” every place we find “Torah” in the Mishnah’s ‘Sayings of the Sages’? I think you’ll find it quite fascinating. … More Jesus Crashes the Mishnah
My daily posts are my attempt to parade Lady Wisdom’s attractive figure across the busy intersections of Facebook with its whistling pedestrians casually scrolling about, passing the time, spying on old friends, watching silly cat videos, reading nasty meme’s and tripping over all the political trash littering the streets and ditches of the social media landscape. I only hope that occasionally someone will hear Lady Wisdom’s cry and stop to listen. … More Blogging Aloud in the Streets
I’m digging into the writings of the early church fathers, and was reading Athanasius last night. I came across a little gem in my “digging” that perfectly aligns with one of my favorite writing projects. In The Father’s Song, I try to tell the Big Story of the Bible using the metaphor of a divine melody … More Making Music with Athanasius
Compiled by Brian Dodd Andy Stanley’s latest book, Deep & Wide, is the definitive leadership book of this generation. Now onto the quotes: Blessed is the man who gets the opportunity to devote his life to something bigger than himself and who finds himself surrounded by friends who share his passion. As leaders, we are … More Leadership Quotes from Andy Stanley
Here’s a small portion of my first doctoral research essay exploring Jesus and Rabbi-pupil dynamics in the ancient world. Warning: Academic essay. ——————————— There’s no denying the fact that at the center of Jesus’ earthly ministry was a group of pupils called disciples (Gk. mathetes; Heb. talmudhim), and that Jesus was called a ‘rabbi’ on … More ESSAY: Rabbi Jesus & the Embodiment of Torah
We just snapped that classic milestone photo of our 6-year old, Peter, climbing up those enormous school bus steps, turning around for that split second with a proud smile, and the look of excitement with tinge of apprehension in his eyes. Snap photo. And just like that the driver pulled the lever and the doors … More The Upward Climb: First Day of School Reflection
Here are some foundational leadership principles passed on to me related to ongoing congregational health and mission. How have these manifested themselves in your personal ministry? In your lay leaders? In your congregation? Leadership definition: “Leadership is the process by which a man or a woman, guided by the Holy Spirit, influences a group of … More Leadership Axioms for Healthy Congregations
I found this invitation to pursue WISDOM in our relationships as very timely in light of our current national situation. I hope to do a sermon series on Biblical Wisdom very soon! Henderson’s new book on this is called The Prayer the God Loves to Answer: Accessing Christ’s Wisdom to Address Your Greatest Needs. Enjoy! -JB We’ve … More Wisdom That Revolutionizes Relationships (Daniel Henderson)
If you want a powerful image of what it looks like to living in tune with The Father’s Song and in perfect step with the Spirit, watch an episode of Dancing With the Stars. The dancers must be in perfect step with one another; but even more importantly they must be intimately familiar with the … More FATHER’S SONG (10): Elevator Music (Solomon)
I’m reposting an oldie but goodie from several years back. -JB These days, teachers in the news facing charges of “corrupting the youth” are usually repeat sex offenders. But did you know that the great philosopher, Socrates (469-399 B. C.), was also charged, convicted and ultimately executed for “corrupting the youth”? Socrates’ mode of “corruption” … More Socrates & I: Corrupting the Youth
A friend who is planting a new church emailed the other day and asked me about some of the best things I did as Life Covenant Church was starting. I started to write down the first few things that came to mind, and what came out are some small practices that looking back have had … More Church Planting Wisdom (by Tim Morey)
Jeremy L. Berg 