A Purpose Deep — E.A. Johnston

Rejecting Superficial Christianity

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.

Rejecting Prayerlessness and a Compromised Gospel

I reject the prayerlessness of congregations who are too self-absorbed to care about a soul going on to hell. I reject the modern gospel of accommodation that has candy-coated the cross of Jesus Christ and turned him into an impotent savior.

Dead Formalism and Church Empire-Building

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. 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.

Apostasy, Legalism, and the Need for a Deep Purpose

I reject the apostate denominations that clothe themselves with the garb of religion but lack vital Christianity. O great God, keep me from being embalmed by the dead atmosphere that passes for church on Sunday morning.

And keep me, O 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.

A Purpose Willing to Sacrifice for Christ

Give me, Lord Jesus, a purpose deep where I'm willing to throw my life away for Christ and the lost. Give me, O 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.

Passionate Evangelism and Prayer for Revival

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.

Preaching the Cross and Warning of Judgment

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.

Living According to God's Purpose

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.