Ancient Wells of Living Water
Text: Genesis 26:12-19
Introduction:
In Genesis 26 verse 12 we read where Isaac had sowed in the land and had received a hundredfold blessing from God the same year. Verse 13 explains to us that Isaac became great, he went forward, and he grew until he became very great. Verse 14 tells us that Isaac had possession of herds, flocks, and a great store of servants. Verse 14 also declares to us that the Philistines envied Isaac. Verse 15 declares, "For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth." In the East digging wells was proof of title to surrounding unoccupied lands. Once someone dug a well on a piece of land it was there way of "staking their claim" to that piece of property. A well on a piece of land also signaled to all would be intruders and friends and enemies a like that the land belonged to someone else. Isaac inherited the lands where Abraham had dug wells so that made the land his. For the Philistines to fill the wells with earth was an act of hostility and a declaration of war. In the church today the devil has declared war on the church and has filled in many of the ancient wells. Where Isaac struggled with the Philistines filling in his wells and stealing his land we fight a much more different enemy. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." The enemy that we fight against is spiritual and not carnal. Verse 18 tells us, "And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them." We must do what Isaac done in verse 18. We must redig the ancient wells that the enemy has stopped up. When we redig these ancient wells we will find what Isaac’s servants found in verse 19 which says, "And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water." That word springing in the Hebrew means living. If we will dig again these ancient wells we will find living water flowing out of these wells. Let us now examine the many wells that we must redig so that we can once again have living water flowing out of our lives.
I. We must redig the well of repentance!
A. Matthew 3:7-8 declares, "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance."
1. [Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance] Proof was required in genuine repentance to discourage mere profession and outward show.
B. Luke 3:8 states, "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham."
1. [Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance] Make restitution and show proof of the repentance you profess.
C. Luke 13:3 declares, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
1. [repent] Greek: metanoeo (GSN-3340), to change one’s mind for the better. Not merely to forsake sin, but to change one’s attitude toward it and his love for it. Hence, it is demanded by God as a condition of forgiveness and grace.
D. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 states, "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
1. [Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance] I do not rejoice because you were made sorry, but I am glad that you sorrowed to repentance. You were made sorry after a godly manner so that no harm has been done, for godly sorrow always works to the salvation of those who exercise it.
2. [That ye might receive damage by us in nothing] Your repentance prevented me from using my power for destruction so that you received no damage in anything.
II. We must redig the well of salvation!
A. Isaiah 17:10 declares, "Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips."
B. John 3:3-8 says, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
1. born again] It literally means there must be a transformation
from God and a renewal in righteousness and true holiness to be saved.
C. Acts 4:12 explains, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
III. We must redig the well of holiness!
A. Romans 6:18-23 declares, "[18] Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. [19] I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. [20] For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. [21] What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. [22] But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. [23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
1. [infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness] Because of the weakness of your flesh. As you have yielded your physical members to sin and uncleanness, you must now do likewise to righteousness and holiness.
2. [For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness] Again Paul emphasizes the fact that a man cannot be a saint and a sinner; holy and sinful; and cannot serve God and Satan, or be a servant of sin and righteousness at the same time.
B. Ephesians 5:1-11 says, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; [2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. [3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; [4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. [5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. [7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them. [8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: [9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth ;) [10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
C. Romans 12:1-2 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
1. [present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God] People are now to bring themselves to God instead of sacrifices to the altar as of old. They are now to be wholly the Lord’s as were the former sacrifices.
D. 1 Peter 1:14-16 exclaims, "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: [15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
1. [so be ye holy in all manner of conversation] Paganism scarcely produced a god whose example was not the most abominable. Their greatest gods were paragons of impurity, of sexual excess and perversion. Here Christianity has an infinite advantage over heathenism. God is holy and He demands all His followers to be like Him.
E. Psalm 93:5 says, "Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever."
F. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 says, "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."
G. Hebrews 12:14 declares, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
H. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 declares, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
1. [For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?] The answer to these questions is clear. Righteousness cannot mix with lawlessness; light can have no communion with darkness; Christ and Belial cannot be of one accord; a believer cannot have part with an infidel; and there can be no agreement of the temple of God with idols.
I. Ephesians 5:27 states, "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
J. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
IV. We must redig the well of forgiveness!
A. Matthew 6:14-15 declares, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
B. Matthew 18:21-35 says, "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. [23] Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. [24] And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. [25] But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [27] Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. [28] But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. [29] And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. [31] So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. [32] Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: [33] Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? [34] And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. [35] So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
1. [Until seventy times seven] Until 490 times, or indefinitely.
C. Mark 11:25-26 states, "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. [26] But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
1. [But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses] Forgiveness of man is the condition here of forgiveness by God.
D. Luke 17:3-4 states, "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. [4] And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."
V. We must redig the well of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost!
A. John 20:22 says, "And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost."
B. Acts 1:2-8 declares, "Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: [3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: [4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. [5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. [6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? [7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
C. Luke 24:49 states, "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with powe from on high.”
VI.We must redig the well of divine healing!
A. Psalm 30:2 declares, "O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me."
B. Psalm 107:19-20 declares, "Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. [20] He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
C. Isaiah 53:4-5 says, "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
D. 1 Peter 2:24 declares, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
1. [by whose stripes ye were healed] Physical healing is part of the redemptive work of Christ. By His stripes we are healed.
E. Matthew 8:16-17 says, "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: [17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."
1. [took] Both Greek: words-lambano, to take in order to carry away; to remove; and bastazo, to bear or lift with the idea of removal--plainly mean the same as the Hebrew nasa, to bear, to take the debt of sin and sickness upon one’s self, and carry it as his own. What was it He bore away by taking upon Himself? The case before us is not sins but our griefs (sicknesses) and sorrows (pains). He did not bear them merely to enter into the fellowship of our sufferings, but to deliver us from them. It would be useless for Him to bear them in our stead if He still left us to bear them. Naturally sins were borne, but so were all sicknesses and diseases and all evil which sin brought into the world. Such were not mere types of spiritual diseases as some teach, but actual diseases borne by Christ along with sin. The ultimate redemption by atonement is not only to remove all sins, but also all sicknesses with complete redemption of body as well as soul. If God deals with sin now, He also deals with disease as clearly revealed in the whole truth. "With His stripes we are healed."
2. [infirmities] Feebleness of mind and body, malady, frailty, disease, sickness, weakness. All this Christ bore on the cross, fulfilling Isaiah 53.
3. [sicknesses] Used only 4 times throughout scripture and always of physical disease. The word "sickness" is used 20 times and "sick" 88 times and not once of spiritual sickness so often referred to by modern teachers.
F. James 5:14-16 says, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. [16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
1. [the prayer of faith shall save the sick] This is what heals the sick in such cases. When the prayer of faith is prayed and the name of Jesus Christ invoked, the Lord shall raise up the sick and forgive him if he has sinned. This power to heal is promised to every believer, not only the elders of the church.
a. Mark 16:15-18 exclaims, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. [17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; [18] They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
2. [the Lord shall raise him up] This is true divine healing.
3. [if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him] Healing and forgiveness go hand in hand.
VII. We must redig the well of tithing.
A. Malachi 3:8-12 declares, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. [9] Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. [10] Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. [11] And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. [12] And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.”
1. [In tithes and offerings.] The tithes and offerings belong to God by virtue of covenant agreements with man; to use them for personal gain is robbery of what rightly belongs to Him.
2. Bring the whole tithes—not a part only, keeping back more or less, and, as he had said, defrauding God, offering, like Ananias, apart, as if it had been the whole; into the treasury, where they were collected in the time of Hezekiah o and again, at this time, by the direction of Nehemiah, “so that there shall be food,” o not superfluity, in My house o “for those who minister in the house of My sanctuary.”
3. Bring the whole tithes—o “Thou knowest that all things which come to thee are God’s, and dost not thou give of His own to the Creator of all? The Lord God needeth not: He asketh not a reward, but reverence: He asketh not anything of thine, to restore to Him. He asketh of thee “first- fruits and tithes.” Niggard, what wouldest thou do, if He took nine parts to Himself, and left thee the tenth? What if He said to thee; ‘Man, thou art Mine, Who made thee; Mine is the land which thou tillest; Mine are the seeds, which thou sowest; Mine are the animals, which thou weariest; Mine are the showers, Mine the winds, Mine the sun’s heat; and since Mine are all the elements, whereby thou livest, thou who givest only the labor of thine hands, deservest only the tithes.’ But since Almighty God lovingly feeds us, He gives most ample reward to us who labor little: claiming to Himself the tithes only, He has condoned us all the rest.”
4. And prove Me now herewith, in or by this thing—God pledges Himself to His creatures, in a way in which they themselves can verify. “If you will obey, I will supply all your needs; if not, I will continue your dearth.” By whatever laws God orders the material creation, He gave them a test, of the completion of which they themselves could judge, of which they themselves must have judged. They had been afflicted with years of want. God promises them years of plenty, on a condition which He names. What would men think now, if anyone had, in God’s name, promised that such or such a disease, which injured our crops or our cattle, should come at once to an end, if any one of God’s laws should be kept? We should have been held as finatics, and rightly, for we had no commission of God. God authenticates those by whom He speaks; He promises, who alone can perform.
5. If I will not open the windows of heaven—o In the time of the flood, they were, as it were, opened, to man’s destruction: now, God would rain abundantly for you, for their sakes. “And pour you out, literally empty out to you,” give to them fully, holding back nothing. So in the Gospel it is said, that the love of God is “shed abroad o poured out and forth in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us.” “That there is not room enough to receive it; literally until there is no sufficiency.” literally, “until there be no moon,” has a literal meaning, that the peace should last until the end of our creation, without saying anything of what lies beyond.) The text does not express what should not suffice, whether it be on God’s part or on man’s. Yet it were too great irony, if understood of God. His superabundance, “above all which we can ask or think,” is a first principle in the conception of God, as the Infinite Source of all being. But to say of God. that He would pour out His blessing, until man could not contain it, is one bliss of eternity, that God’s gifts will overflow the capacity of His creatures to receive them. The pot of oil poured forth the oil, until, on the prophets saying 2 Kings 4:6, “Bring me yet a vessel,” the widows son said, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.” God’s gifts are limited only by our capacity to receive them.
VIII. We must redig the well of trust and faith in God!
A. Job 13:15 declares, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him."
1. [Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him] Job was determined to trust in God and maintain his own ways before Him, regardless of the outcome.
B. Psalm 18:2 states, "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
C. Psalm 18:30 states, "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."
1. [tried] God’s Word is tried in the fire. It has stood all tests. It has never failed those who have pleaded its promises and met its terms before its author.
D. Isaiah 12:2-3 says, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. [3] Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."
E. Mark 11:22 exclaims, "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God."
1. [Have faith in God] Literally, "Have the faith of God." Such is possible or it would not be a command. Man was created with God’s faith but doubt entered in at the fall. Faith is restored in the new birth and if normally exercised and maintained it will grow to fullness and power.
F. Luke 12:28-32 declares to us, "If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? [29] And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. [30] For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. [31] But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. [32] Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
G. Romans 1:17 declares, "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
1. [For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith] God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel on the ground of faith as the absolute condition of salvation, and is only effective in those who believe.
2. [The just shall live by faith] Quoted from Habakkuk 2:4. It means that the just must live by continued faith, and go from faith to faith as light is received.
H. Galatians 3:11 says, "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith."
I. Hebrews 10:38-39 says, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. [39] But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."
1. [but of them that believe to the saving of the soul] This is proof that those who draw back unto perdition lose their souls.
J. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
1. [without faith it is impossible to please him] Here we see the absolute necessity of faith and the secret of pleasing God.
IX. We must redig the well of a rapture of the church!
A. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 says, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
B. 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 says, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
C. John 14:1-3 declares, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
X. We must redig the well of a place for the redeemed called heaven!
A. 2 Peter 3:13 exclaims, "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
B. Revelation 21:1-7 declares, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. [2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. [5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. [6] And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. [7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
C. Revelation 21:9-27 states, "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. [10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, [11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; [12] And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: [13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. [14] And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. [15] And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. [16] And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. [17] And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. [18] And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. [19] And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; [20] The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. [21] And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. [22] And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. [23] And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. [24] And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. [25] And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. [26] And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. [27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life."
D. Rev. 22:1-14 declares to us, "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. [2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: [4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. [5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. [6] And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. [7] Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. [8] And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. [9] Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. [10] And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. [11] He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. [12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. [13] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. [14] Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
XI. We must redig the well of a place where the sinner shall spend eternity called the lake of fire!
A. Isaiah 66:22-24 states, "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. [23] And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. [24] And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh."
B. Mark 9:43-49 declares, "And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [44] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [45] And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [46] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [47] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: [48]Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [49] For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt."
C. Matthew 13:40-50 says to us, "As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. [41] The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; [42] And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [43] Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [44] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. [45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [47] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: [48] Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. [49] So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, [50] And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
D. Matthew 25:41-46 states, "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [42] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: [43] I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. [44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? [45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. [46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."
E. Revelation 20:10-15 states, "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. [11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
F. Revelation 21:8 says, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
Conclusion:
It is an absolute necessity that all of these ancient wells be "digged again" in our midst. The scripture tells us in Proverbs 22:28, "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." Jeremiah 6:16 declares to us, "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…" These wells may be old fashioned; but they are not out of order, they are simply out of style. However God’s Word tells us in Malachi 3:6, "For I am the Lord, I change not…" Hebrews 13:8 tells us, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." God has not changed with time only man has. If these ancient wells were good enough for the patriarchs of faith of old to drink from; then they are still good enough for you and me. If we will dig again these ancient wells we will find that they contain "living water." This water is eternal it doesn’t change either. Will you dig again the ancient wells of our spiritual fathers? Or will you leave the wells stopped up with lies from the enemy? If you will dig these wells again you can drink of water that brings spiritual life. Jesus tells us in John 4:14, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
