The theme ‘Re-digging the Wells of Revival in Europe’ has a background in the oath of Abraham and Abimelech, the king of the Philistines in Gerar at Beer Sheba (‘well of the oath’) or the seven ewes in that oath (‘well of the seven’), as highlighted in Genesis 21:31 and the oath of Isaac and Abimelech in Genesis 26:33.
The previous verse tells us the Philistines were envious of Isaac’s enormous and growing wealth. Despite a famine which would have left most people struggling (Genesis 26:1), Isaac has managed a hundredfold return on his crops (Genesis 26:12–13). This explosive growth made Isaac and his family a dominant force in their region. This has already generated envy among the Philistines and will soon result in fear (Genesis 26:16).
Taking a cue from Abraham and Isaac’s Biblical example, below are seven components from previous Awakenings and Revivals in the United Kingdom and wells to re-dig for God:
1. The Call to Holiness (2 Chronicles 7:14-16) John Wesley, 1703 – 1791
2. Cross-centered Gospel (John 12:23–24) Charles Spurgeon, 1834 – 1892
3. Deep Intercession and Spiritual Warfare for Territories (Rev. 8:4-5) John Knox, 1514 – 1572
4. Evangelism (Romans 1:16) George Whitfield, 1714 – 1770
5. World Missions (Mark 16:15) William Carey, 1761 – June 1834
6. The Baptism/Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) Evan Roberts, 1878 – 1951
7. Divine Healing (Matthew 4:23-24) Smith Wigglesworth, 1859 – 1947
Here are seven benefits of the impending Awakenings and Revivals in the United Kingdom:
1. Divine judgement of demonic activities – 1 Kings 18:20-40; Acts. 19:17-18
2. Honour/Hunger for the Word of God – Malachi 1:6; Luke 5:1
3. Boldness to share the Gospel – Acts. 4:31
2. Net-breaking harvest of souls – Luke 5:4-7
6. Focus on the Holy Spirit and his manifestations – Mark 16:20; Acts 2:43; Acts. 19:11-20
4. Flood of God’s glory and power – Gen. 7:11-12; Isaiah 32:15;
5. Love, Maturity and Unity of Faith in the Body of Christ – John 17:21; Ephesians 4:13
Ayokunmi Ojebode
Mansfield, Nottinghamshire