The bottom line truth is that life is not supposed to work without God at the center. Those who try to do so--even Christians--can maintain only an artificial facade of hope and satisfaction. The grim reality is that the emptiness of life without God at the center pushes itself to the consciousness once again when the music stops, the drugs wear off, the eroticism fails, the fashions grow old, the relationships disappoint, the accomplishments fade, and the thrills subside. They are left to themselves, and the emptiness for most people is too much.
God has made it clear, however, that mediocre Christianity is not supposed to work.
Jim Berg, on causes of despair
Posted by apelles at August 7, 2003 10:05 AMFantastic! No less than I would expect from the John Piper of Fundamentalism. Sounds like he's been reading Jeremiah 2. What a challenge!
Posted by: Will at August 7, 2003 11:07 AMA true evaluation of God's great purposes. The clarity and simplicity of Dr. Berg's writing is so refreshing, and the testimony of life that lives these truths is most convincing. To God be the glory. Grace and peace.
Posted by: Bails at August 7, 2003 12:38 PM...the john piper of fundamentalism... Ü
these from jonathan edwards:
The things of religion are so great, that there can be no suitableness in the exercises of our hearts, to their nature and importance, unless they be lively and powerful. In nothing is vigor in the actings of our inclinations so requisite, as in religion; and in nothing is lukewarmness so odious.
If a minister has light without heat, and entertains his [hearers] with learned discourses, without a savour of the power of godliness, or any appearance of fervency of spirit, and zeal for God and the good of souls, he may gratify itching ears, and fill the heads of his people with empty notions; but it will not be very likely to reach their souls. And if, on the other hand, he be driven on with a fierce and intemperate zeal, and vehement heat, without light, he will be likely to kindle the like unhallowed flame in his people, and to fire their corrupt passions and affections; but will make them never the better, nor lead them a step towards heaven, but drive them apace the other way.
Posted by: joydriven at August 7, 2003 12:47 PM