Ultimate Intention - Introduction

This is the Introduction from the book Ultimate Intention by Devern Fromke

THROUGHOUT THE WORLD today there is the echo and reecho of revolution. Surely this is evidence of the crisis hour in which we live. A new day is on the horizon. We are now in the night a time of political, social, religious, and philosophical shaking. Everything that can be shaken is being shaken. We can expect this shaking to increase in tempo and momentum until only that which is unshakable remains. But we need not be alarmed, for God has determined to build anew on His SURE FOUNDATION--a foundation which cannot be shaken. 

For this reason I believe it is time for a revolutionary note to be sounded in the Church. You will recognize in this book such a note. Here is a challenge to reconsider some of the basic concepts which presently hold sway in evangelical circles. 

Careful observation will disclose that the philosophical appeal of our current evangelistic endeavor is essentially selfish. The Church extends an offer that consists primarily of a hope of gain and a fear of loss for the individual this suggests a “get” way of life! The fundamental of our invitation is for man to come to our church and get something for himself. Even our deeper life conferences are usually promoted on a man-centered level, which suggests participants may obtain Christian victory and more profound blessings for their own heart satisfaction. It has become difficult for our generation to understand the real meaning of sacrifice, and the poured-out life is considered visionary. The rugged Pauline altar to which the great Apostle called men to come, suffer, and die has been replaced by the invitation to come to the altar and relieve your suffering. Our twentieth century altars are plush and comfortable. One approaches them to get and not to give. 

Are we past the point of revival; have we gone beyond the possibility of repair through reformation? Christianity must experience a vital revolution! The only solution to the problem of the Church today is a destruction of the philosophy that is ruining it, and the introduction of another theme, a true goal, the real touchstone, one that is ultimate and final in every sense. Let me ask, is there a new frontier of truth in the Bible that must be discovered to furnish the supreme challenge to the lives of old and young alike? Is there a hitherto unpenetrated spiritual barrier waiting for a breakthrough in our generation? Is there an unveiling of truth with power to bring lives to a dedication to God so as to fulfill His purpose in a measure and to a depth that no existing philosophy, either religious or political, at present is able to do? Let the reader of these pages decide for himself. 

This book will unfold God’s Word in a brand new light. There are keys herein that can unlock the truth and bring divine transformation and power to the inner life. I say “can,” but I do not guarantee such experience. The great spiritual work in any life is God’s to do. It is His sovereign prerogative. 

To the readers, I recommend slow and careful study of the entire text. Evaluate and properly apply the meaning of words newly used in connection with divine relationships. Revolution is neither cheap nor simple. You are in for the “inner battle of your life.” May God give His people grace to apprehend this great truth. 

When Galileo’s discovery finally and authentically gave the earth a new center, it caused the greatest scientific revolution that had ever been known. The writings of centuries had to be adjusted in order for this truth to become the basis for mathematical and astronomical fact. Thus, it may be with much in our religious libraries when the facts of this book have gripped human lives 

FOR MANY MONTHS, we used The Ultimate Intention as a text in our midweek services at Lovers Lane Church. Among our dear people are those who are emerging into a purpose and philosophy of life that is wholly God-centered. Further, we have initiated what (to my knowledge) is almost an unprecedented thing: our church ministering to other pastors. God has given us the ministry of sharing this truth by sending the book to the clergy of our denomination. After months of receiving their grateful response, we are even more confirmed in our conviction that this is the message for our day. It simply must be shared with all who are honestly “sick” of the status quo, and are reaching out to God for Himself. 

Surely in keeping with the message of the book, it is the significant fact that SURE FOUNDATION is dedicated to making these books available in quantities to all, that the truth might reach the entire Body of Christ. It is my prayer that each reader will not only be divinely taught, but be so utterly caught in the reading of these pages and the embracing of its truth that it will precipitate a chain reaction reaching around the world, and continuing until He comes!

--H. J. Stanley