A Purpose Deep
E.A. Johnston passionately calls believers to reject superficial Christianity and embrace a deep, sacrificial purpose that glorifies God and fervently spreads the gospel.
In 'A Purpose Deep,' E.A. Johnston challenges believers to move beyond superficial Christianity and embrace a profound, sacrificial calling that honors God and advances the gospel. He passionately denounces worldly church trends and calls for a renewed commitment to holiness, prayer, and evangelism. Through heartfelt prayer and biblical conviction, Johnston inspires listeners to live with a purpose that is willing to suffer and even die for Christ, trusting in God's sovereign plan.
Full Transcript
I reject the superficial modern church in our day with its funny boy preachers and sin-loving congregations. I reject the worldly entertainment in our churches that insults the holiness of God and grieves his spirit. I reject the prayerlessness of congregations who are too self-absorbed to care about a soul going on to hell.
And I reject the modern gospel of accommodation that has candy-coated the cross of Jesus Christ and turned him into an impotent savior. I reject the deadening atmosphere found in a good many of our sanctuaries from dead formalism and mere ritual, which is so dead it drains the life out of all it comes in contact with. And I reject the self-centered church building programs that say on the one hand they need to expand to reach the unchurched when all they really are concerned about is growing their own empire to look good within their denomination.
And I reject the apostate denominations that clothe themselves with the garb of religion but lack vital Christianity. Oh great God, keep me from being embalmed by the dead atmosphere that passes for church on Sunday morning. And keep me, oh Lord, from legalistic Pharisees who point their fingers and find fault with others without making an inward examination of themselves.
Give me, great God, a purpose deep that brings you glory and spreads your gospel. Give me, Lord Jesus, a purpose deep where I'm willing to throw my life away for Christ and the lost. Give me, oh Lord, a purpose deep where I'm willing to go to prison for thee if necessary.
Give me, great God, a purpose deep to where I'm willing to lay my life down as a testimony in Christ Jesus and martyrdom done for you. And give me, Lord Jesus, a purpose deep to witness to the lost with a renewed passion and energy. Give me, great God, a purpose deep to weep over this perverse and God-hating society and to cry out in prayer for a mighty revival which will grip the heart of this nation with a God-consciousness from coast to coast.
Give me, great God, a purpose deep to preach a bloody cross and a crucified Christ and warn this generation of inferheld church members about a future judgment that awaits all mankind. Give me, Lord, a purpose deep to reach this generation of young people with the gospel who have ruined themselves with drugs and booze and sex. Take me deeper with you in a purpose deep for you, our God of purpose, for we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
May your purpose be fleshed out in me. Amen.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Reject superficial and worldly church practices
- Condemn prayerlessness and accommodation of the gospel
- Oppose dead formalism and self-centered church growth
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II
- Pray for a deep purpose that glorifies God
- Commit to sacrificial living and potential martyrdom
- Renew passion for witnessing to the lost
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III
- Weep and pray for revival in a perverse society
- Preach the cross boldly and warn of future judgment
- Reach young people trapped in sin with the gospel
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IV
- Seek deeper fellowship with God’s purpose
- Trust that all things work for good to those who love God
- Allow God’s purpose to be fully realized in one’s life
Key Quotes
“I reject the superficial modern church in our day with its funny boy preachers and sin-loving congregations.” — E.A. Johnston
“Give me, great God, a purpose deep where I'm willing to throw my life away for Christ and the lost.” — E.A. Johnston
“Take me deeper with you in a purpose deep for you, our God of purpose, for we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Reject superficial and worldly influences in your church life and pursue genuine holiness.
- Commit yourself to a deep, sacrificial purpose that prioritizes God's glory and the salvation of souls.
- Pray fervently for revival and be bold in proclaiming the gospel to a lost and broken world.