RE-DIGGING THE WELLS OF REVIVAL THROUGH CHURCH CONVENTIONS

Texts: Genesis 26:15-22; Acts 2:1-4

1.0. INTRODUCTION: WE HAVE SOME WELLS TO STILL CONTEND FOR

Throughout history, God has orchestrated seasons of powerful spiritual awakening, moments when His presence has broken through the mundane and ignited a fervent passion for His kingdom. These revivals, often sparked and sustained through collective gatherings, have reshaped nations, transformed lives, and propelled the Gospel to the furthest corners of the earth.

Today, we explore how church conventions can serve as vital instruments in re-digging the wells of revival, drawing heavily upon the life of Isaac and how he handled the challenge posed by Abimelech and his people. We shall also reflect upon how our fathers used conventions to set the fire of Pentecost ablaze in our nation. By the end of this presentation, we shall through intensive prayers, employ the life-giving waters of the Holy Spirit to quench our spiritual thirst and revitalize our commitment to Christ.

1.1. Isaac Contends with Abimelech

The import of this message comes from how Isaac contended with Abimelech and his people in order to take over his inheritance. In Genesis 26, we learn that Isaac went to Gerar during a time of famine. Abimelech and his men made it difficult for Isaac to settle and prosper in their land. But Isaac did not give up; he kept on digging wells. The first well that he dug was called Esek (meaning contention) because the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with him over it.

The second well was called Sitnah (meaning accusation) because they also accused him of trying to take their water. Finally, he dug a third well, and this time they did not contest it. He named it Rehoboth (meaning spaciousness) because he said, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land” (Genesis 26:22).

From this story, we can learn that the wells represent the blessings that God has given to us. The wells of Revival represent the spiritual life that God has given to us. Isaac had to face opposition to get to the water in the wells, but he did not give up. He was determined to receive the blessings that God had promised to his father Abraham. He was willing to contend for his family inheritance, and he was willing to re-dig the wells of his father.

As believers, we are heirs of Abraham’s promise. Galatians 3:29 tells us that if we belong to Christ, then we are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise. Like Isaac, we must contend for our family inheritance. We must revive the spiritual blessings that God has given to us. We must re-dig the wells of our fathers and mothers.

Our Pentecostal fathers did a good work to bequeath such a wonderful church to us. It is our responsibility to keep it and rebuild every broken walls through the good practices they moulded for us, of which holding conventions play prominent roles.

1.2. The Depleted Wells

Many of our churches today find themselves facing spiritual drought. The fervor of early leaders has waned, being replaced by complacency, routine, and a preoccupation with the temporal rather than the eternal. The wells of revival, once overflowing with the living water of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38), have become depleted, leaving congregations parched and lacking spiritual vitality. This isn't necessarily due to a lack of faith, but a lack of focused, concerted effort to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and ignite a shared passion for His work. 

Like Abimelech and his people, the tempestuous wind of postmodernism is vociferously eating into the gains made by the church. Satan is using every weapon at his disposal to attack the church at all fronts. He’s very determined to destroy all the wells dug by our fathers for the church to thrive, grow and bear fruit. In such a situation, leaders of churches should sit up, pray and plan effectively in order to keep on saving souls from hell fire.

The prophet Isaiah lamented the spiritual state of his people, saying, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Isaiah 1:10). This lack of knowledge often manifests as a disconnect from the transformative power of the Gospel, a failure to grasp the urgency of the Great Commission, and a weakened understanding of spiritual warfare. Church conventions, when properly structured and driven by God’s Spirit, can directly address some of these shortcomings which are gradually entering the church.

2.0. RE-DIGGING THE WELLS: THE ROLE OF CONVENTIONS

The book of Acts is filled with examples of powerful revivals, many of which were initiated or amplified through gatherings of believers. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) was a watershed moment, transforming the early church and launching a period of explosive Gospel growth. Similarly, the revivals in Ephesus (Acts 19) and throughout the Mediterranean world demonstrate the transformative potential of God's Spirit moving through collective gatherings. These examples serve as blueprints for our own efforts to re-ignite the flame of revival through carefully planned and spiritually-focused conventions.

Church conventions, when approached with prayerful intention, can become powerful catalysts for revival. Our Pentecostal fathers won most of their converts through effective campaigns, rallies crusades and conventions. Conventions provide a unique opportunity for:

a. Corporate Prayer and Worship:  

Conventions offer a setting for unified, fervent prayer, a crucial element in breaking through spiritual barriers and unlocking God's power (2 Chronicles 7:14). Collective worship, with its uplifting music and inspiring messages, can ignite a shared passion for God and create an atmosphere conducive to spiritual awakening. The unified voice of many believers crying out to God is incredibly powerful and can release His spirit in a way individual prayer often cannot.

b. Biblical Teaching and Exhortation: 

Effective conventions prioritize in-depth biblical teaching, equipping believers with a stronger understanding of God's Word and His will. Compelling sermons, insightful workshops, and engaging Bible studies can dismantle misconceptions, reinforce spiritual truths, and inspire a renewed commitment to Christ-like living. This deepens knowledge, directly combating the problem highlighted by Isaiah.

c. Fellowship and Encouragement:

Conventions provide a context for meaningful fellowship, strengthening bonds within the church and fostering a sense of belonging. Sharing testimonies, encouraging one another, and supporting each other in times of need are essential elements of a thriving spiritual community. The feeling of solidarity and shared purpose created at a convention can invigorate individuals and inspire them to greater service.

d. Strategic Planning and Mission: 

Conventions offer a platform for strategic planning and the mobilization of resources for church growth and outreach. By setting clear goals, sharing best practices, and committing to collective action, churches can enhance their effectiveness in spreading the Gospel and making a positive impact on the world.

e. Encountering the Holy Spirit: 

Ultimately, the most significant impact of a well-organized convention is the potential for encountering the Holy Spirit in a powerful way. God's presence can manifest in various forms, including emotional conviction, spiritual renewal, and a profound sense of His love and grace. Such encounters can profoundly transform lives and reignite a burning passion for Jesus Christ.

May church leaders and ministers make good use of this Christmas season to win more souls and ground peoples faith as we go out to hold Christmas Conventions.

God bless you. 

To be continued

©2024 Pastor William Boachie-Ansah

+223244137880

boachieansah@gmail.com

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