The Anchor

A word for when life has knocked you down and laid you out flat. Lessons from a dying man in Acts 7. More at www.KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

We conclude our Beatitudes of Bethlehem series with Jeremy's Christmas eve sermon from 2020 during lock-down. Come hear about a restless pastor swearing in a Holiday Gas Station parking lot, a stunned and confused prison guard, and a jailbird radiating a deep peace in middle of miserable circumstances. May we all discover the secret to deep and abiding peace amidst life's storms. Merry Christmas! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

What does it mean to be "pure in heart"? This episode looks at the hearts of the magi that led them to seek and find Christ through the most unlikely route. More at KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this episode we look at "Blessed are the Merciful" and Zechariah's speechlessness before God's scandalous mercy. More at www.KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this episode we discuss being "hangry" for God's justice to reign, looking at "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice" and Simeon who embodied such a hunger. Let us be thankful and more compassionate toward those among us who seem always "fed up" with all the evil and oppression taking place in our world. Their "hanger" reveals the heart of God and the heart of the prayer, "Thy Kingdom come!" More at www.KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

While our culture blesses the winners and overachievers, Jesus' Kingdom celebrates and elevates the humble losers and perpetually passed-over. This episode unpacks "Blessed are the Meek" and explores God's choice of Mary through whom to bring his Kingdom into the world. More at www.KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Jeremy explains his tendency to rain on people's desire for a happy and sentimental Christmas eve service, for example when he preached on the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem one Christmas eve that probably took many visitors by surprise (and never to return!). Why does Jeremy do this? Answer: It has something to do with the second beatitude. More at KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

We look at the first beatitude - "Blessed are the poor" - and ponder the shepherds and other outcasts who stand at the heart of Jesus' upside-down Kingdom revolution. More at www.KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this episode, Jeremy invites us to join Jesus on the Mount of Beatitudes this Advent, becoming his "climbing companions," and pondering who is truly blessed among us. More at www.KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

This is part 1 of a series of reflections on how the nature of Jesus' upside-down Kingdom was anticipated in the unlikely cast of characters in the Nativity Story. Enjoy! More at www.jeremyberg.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Join us this Advent Season for our series called, "Christmas on Mount Mystic" where we're explore the Incarnation in the light of the Transfiguration. Jeremy is creating a fictional backstory to this sermon series featuring a weary woman named Amanda who is in need of a vacation before she has a meltdown at a family holiday gathering. She gets an invitation from her great uncle Eli to spend an extended retreat at their cabin on Mount Mystic. But this will be no ordinary escape, and Mount Mystic will live up to its name. Today's episode gives a little teaser. Join us Sundays at 5PM at MainStreet Covenant Church @ St Martin's By the Lake beginning Nov. 28. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Some thoughts on the season one finale of The Chosen including Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, Nicodemus's conflicted soul, and the healing of Simon Peter's mother-in-law. Jeremy shares some thoughts from his Israel trip on standing, supposedly, next to the remains of that first century house where Jesus did wonders. May our ordinary homes today become monuments to Jesus' presence and healing power as we welcome him into our homes. Thanks for joining us for this series. More at www.KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In episode 7 of season one of The Chosen Nicodemus finally gets his meeting with Jesus. This famous conversation found in John 3 reveals a heart that is open and curious about Jesus and his Kingdom. How about us? Do we share Nicodemus's awe and wonder at Jesus and what he's up to in the world? What questions would you ask if given a private meeting with Jesus? Let this episode lead us each to our own prayerful conversation with him this week. And let us ask Jesus, by the Spirit, to open our eyes and let his life-giving spirit blow through our lives. More at www.KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Jeremy wades into some rough waters by exploring the defensive posture of many today who bristle at the thought of taking responsibility for and confessing the sins of our nation's forefathers. Such "rugged individualism" is out of step with a biblical worldview. Jeremy blows the whistle on the hypocrisy of those who want to claim the victories and blessings of people who lived long before us, but who don't want to own any of the sin and evil committed by our ancestors. If we want to claim Christ's accomplishment on our behalf 2,000 years ago, we need to also take responsibility for Adam's sin passed down to us. Christians, of all people in the world, should be the quickest to confess and own our sin, because we believe in a loving and gracious God who forgives. Or don't we? More at www.KingdomHarbor.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Jeremy offers some thoughts on the significance and meaning of All Saints Day, and how many Protestants have neglected this topic and/or have a diminished view of the Communion of the Saints. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Jeremy shares his journey toward a grace AND truth Christianity, drawing on some interesting recollections that include an awkward attic encounter, a music festival gone bad, and an eager coffin salesmen and street evangelist. Enjoy! More at www.KingdomHarbor.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Today we look at episode 6 of The Chosen on Jesus' "Indescribable Compassion." Pastor Mike explores how fear and the rigid boxes we adopt ensure that we remain ignorant or asleep to the new thing God may be doing and other ways of viewing reality. Jeremy wraps up with a challenge to beware of the rigid political boxes many Christians today are stuck inside of and keeping them from seeing and representing Jesus' Kingdom faithfully. More at www.KingdomHarbor.com.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Many Christians like myself have been taught to look suspiciously upon all talk of "True Self vs. False Self", the inner life, soul formation, etc. as unhelpful navel gazing at best or some form of New Age Spirituality at worst. I have resisted spiritual teachers who urge me to look for God within as dangerously misled, and have believed and taught that the true path to Christian maturity is found by looking to God 'out there.' This is a false either-or. In recent years, I have begun to understand and enter into the deep wisdom of the contemplative tradition and the journey toward inner-communion with the God who has chosen to make myself his Temple. Here's a brief introduction to the concept of the True Self vs. False Self in spiritual psychology as I wander down the path on a breathtakingly beautiful fall day.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

We continue our series of reflections on The Chosen TV series looking today at S1 E5 called "The Wedding Gift." Jeremy addresses his son's seemingly simple question raised while watching this episode: "Did Jesus ever get married?" Let's examine Jewish weddings and betrothal periods,  and the bride and the groom's main task while they await their wedding day. Yes, Jesus is right now preparing for his future wedding feast, but will his bride be found ready when the Day arrives? More at www.KingdomHarbor.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Around my 40th birthday I hit a kind of dead end in my spiritual journey. I realized that Bible knowledge and learning alone can only take you so far. How could I know so much biblical truth, but have such an anxious and uneasy soul? While many Christians talk endlessly about the importance of a "personal relationship with Christ," many of us actually settle for a relationship with the Bible, Christian truth, spiritual knowledge. I think Nicodemus was facing a similar midlife crisis when he came to Jesus by night and found himself invited into a deeper kind of spirituality. Here's some of my thoughts on me and my kindred spirit Nic.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Today we explore episode 4 of The Chosen TV series looking at Simon Peter's attempts to fix his own problems, and how this only gets him deeper into a hole. His wife Eden and his brother Andrew are pointing him in the right direction, but it will take another person to fully get his attention! More at KingdomHarbor.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

We pick up where we left off last week examining another "LifeVerse" that has been helpful for navigating the past few years of political division that has infected even the church of Jesus Christ. Today we look at "speaking the truth in love" and our corporate calling to put Christ on display in  our interactions. "We must learn to speak the truth in a loving way," says Jeremy, "And learn to speak love in a truthful way." More at KingdomHarbor.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Today we look at episode 3 of The Chosen, which is all about Jesus and the children. Jesus hasn't gone public with his ministry yet, but is quietly camping in the backwoods of the village, where he befriends and teaches the local children. What do we learn from observing Jesus in this episode? What do we learn by observing the children in this episode? Today's episode features both Pastor Jeremy and Pastor Bill Johnson. Enjoy! Learn more at www.KingdomHarbor.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

We jump back into Jeremy's LifeVerse series as Jeremy shares scriptures that have rocked his world and guided his path. Today we jump ahead to a Scripture that has helped Jeremy navigate the tumultuous and divisive political waters of the Trump era. We look at Ephesians 4:11-15 the next couple episodes.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Today's reflection on episode 2 of The Chosen TV series comes from Pastor Mike Fox. Join us for this visual and dramatic journey into the heart of Christ by joining us Sundays at 5PM to watch episodes together and discuss. Or watch at home on your own and let these podcast reflections accompany your journey. Check out our viewing schedule here and stream episodes online for free here. Find more resources at KingdomHarbor.com and learn more about MainStreet Covenant Church here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In The Lord of the Rings, Sam asks Frodo, "I wonder what kind of a story we have fallen into?" We are all living within a particular story, consciously or unconsciously, to make sense of reality and our life's experiences. Many of us have accepted a popular "cultural narrative" for our lives, and Christ is summoning all to get swept up into a bigger Story that leads to a more fulfilling and God-honoring life. Today, come ponder what story you are living in? More at www.kingdomharbor.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

We kick off a new series today providing reflections on each episode of The Chosen tv-series we are viewing on Sunday nights at our church. Whether you join us in-person or from afar, we hope you will watch this series with us and find yourself encountering Jesus again in a fresh way. Today Jeremy explores the power of identity and name in battling our inner demons. For more information and viewing schedule, go here. More at kingdomharbor.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this episode Jeremy shares some perspective on teaching the Exodus story, and reads a provocative piece by Brian Zahnd on how we American Christians read this slave narrative from the vantage point of citizens of a superpower rather than an oppressed people. Find more at kingdomharbor.com. Find Brian Zahnd's piece here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this episode Jeremy introduces and recommends The Chosen TV series that is making headlines and getting great reviews. What sets this series apart from other films on the life of Jesus? Why is it worth your time? Join us this Fall as we watch the first season together and discuss on the podcast. Series begins Sunday, September 19 at 5PM at MainStreet, and podcast episodes will be released the following Tuesday each week. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

The Book of Jonah is a Sunday school favorite, yet hidden beneath its cartoonish drama lies a scathing socio-religious warning—a warning aimed at the people who would claim to be on “God's side.” This episode brings our "Spirit on the Water" series to a close (for now at least), and examines Jonah's difficulty in loving the Despised Other and his need to repentant. This is timely for our present moment. Enjoy! More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Today's episode jumps forward in my journey to a Scripture that spoke to me in a pivotal moment when I was stepping out in faith to plant a church in my hometown. I heard my name called in this Scripture that Paul also saw himself fulfilling in his day in a much grander way. But God's call is on all our lives, and that involves being light to those who are far off. Enjoy! More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this episode, Jeremy shares part-2 of his sermon given at his son Peter's baptism this summer. We explore Peter's water-walking faith and fragility, and the hand that will always be there to pull us back up. Enjoy and share with a friend! More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this special Back to School episode, Jeremy narrates a classic commencement speech by David Foster Wallace given to Kenyon College graduates in 2005, on one of the gifts of a higher education. Enjoy! More at Kingdom Harbor at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this special 2-part message, Jeremy shares the sermon he gave at his son Peter's baptism this summer. We continue our "Spirit on the Water" series looking at Peter's water-walking incident and exploring the Waters of Courageous Faith. Enjoy! More at www.jeremyberg.org.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Today we continue exploring a lesser known Jordan River water-crossing and what Elijah and Elisha can teach us about the power of mentorship in growing into spiritual maturity. More at www.jeremyberg.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

The next two episodes explore a lesser known Jordan River water-crossing. What can Elijah and Elisha teach us about the power of mentorship in growing into spiritual maturity? More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Many of us get stranded in our faith between the Red Sea and the Jordan River in our faith journey. We've been delivered from our sins (symbolized by the Red Sea) but we've only glimpsed the promise land from a distance. God wants to bring us across the Waters of Inheritance into a new identity where we throw off our old identity as slaves to sin and live into our new identity as the Children of God. More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Today's episode explores the Exodus and the God of the oppressed in our series "Spirit on the Water." Is the Bible too "woke" for many Christians today? Let's drop anchor and explore the biblical vision for "social justice." More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Today's episode introduces the rebranded Anchor Podcast, a ministry of the newly minted Kingdom Harbor website, the online ministry platform for Pastor Jeremy and friends. This episode introduces the new name and why we chose this nautical theme. You can get in touch and give us feedback via a voice message using the following link: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this episode Jeremy shares a Bible verse that has shaped his philosophy of ministry and was the foundational verse for the Revolution youth ministry he launched years ago. More at www.jeremyberg.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this episode Jeremy shares another verse that rocked his world and forever changed his outlook on life. Could it really be true? More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this episode, Jeremy talks about one of the greatest personal struggles he's had to overcome, involving diarrhea, with the help of his namesake, Jeremiah the Weeping Prophet! More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this series Jeremy is sharing some of the scriptures that have most impacted his life. This episode looks at the wild and untamed nature of Scripture as the means by which God encounters His people and speaks afresh through them. More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this series, Jeremy shares personally about the Scriptures that have most impacted and guided his life. This episode takes us to the dining center at Bethel University to the moment that both wrecked and set the stage for his life. More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

In this very personal series Jeremy shares some of the Scriptures that have most impacted and guided his life. We begin with the Bible verse Jeremy quoted in his senior year book. What is the first Scripture that caught your attention and personally spoke to you? More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

We explore God's change of heart and the meaning off the rainbow in this second part on the story of the flood in our "Spirit on the Water" summer series. Buckle up! This very dark and disturbing story ends not with gloom but grace! More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

We continue our "Spirit on the Water" summer series looking at the story of the Flood from Genesis 6 and the uncomfortable notion of the "wrath of God." Don't skip this one.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

While the pandemic was bringing many churches to a screeching halt, the church I pastor was on the move -- to the lake! A little update on MainStreet Covenant ministry over the past months of Covid including a word about my doctoral dissertation project that became a kind of Covid relief ministry. :) More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

Do you feel guilty taking a day off while the rest of the world works? I often do. But why? Let's do some soul gardening and learn to obey Jesus' command to stop and ponder the flowers. “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will reap a crop of my love; plow the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord" (Hosea 10:12). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

I'm spending some time with the monks at St. John's Abbey, and doing some personal reflection. Here's a window into my life these days. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message

We're living in drought conditions and experiencing a hot summer in Minnesota, and trying to grow a garden far from the water spigot. Psalm 1 invites us to plant our lives by the riverbanks of Living Water so we won't wither in the heat of life's challenges. More at www.jeremyberg.org.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jeremyberg/message