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Vance Havner
Vance Havner (1901 - 1986). American Southern Baptist evangelist and author born in Jugtown, North Carolina. Converted at 10 in a brush arbor revival, he preached his first sermon at 12 and was licensed at 15, never pursuing formal theological training. From the 1920s to 1970s, he traveled across the U.S., preaching at churches, camp meetings, and conferences, delivering over 13,000 sermons with wit and biblical clarity. Havner authored 38 books, including Pepper ‘n’ Salt (1949) and Why Not Just Be Christians?, selling thousands and influencing figures like Billy Graham. Known for pithy one-liners, he critiqued lukewarm faith while emphasizing revival and simplicity. Married to Sara Allred in 1936 until her death in 1972, they had no children. His folksy style, rooted in rural roots, resonated widely, with radio broadcasts reaching millions. Havner’s words, “The church is so worldly that it’s no longer a threat to the world,” challenged complacency. His writings, still in print, remain a staple in evangelical circles, urging personal holiness and faithfulness.
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Sermon Summary
Vance Havner emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility in re-opening the spiritual wells that have been filled by the Philistines, rather than waiting for divine intervention. He illustrates that while prayer is powerful, it should not replace our active efforts to address spiritual stagnation, as seen in the examples of Moses and Joshua. Havner encourages believers to engage in repentance, confession, and restitution, acknowledging that these actions may be uncomfortable but are essential for spiritual renewal. He concludes that once we take the initiative to dig, the refreshing water of God's presence will flow once again.
Isaac Dug Again Wells
Isaac dug again the wells of his father. The Philistines had filled them up and they had to be re-opened. You will observe that Isaac did not have a prayer meeting and ask God to send down an angel with a shovel. Re-opening clogged spiritual wells is our responsibility. Prayer will accomplish many things but not everything. Moses at the Red Sea was praying when he should have been proceeding, and God put an end to that (Exodus 14:15). Joshua on his face after the defeat at Ai was bidden to get up. It was time to find out who was at the bottom of all the trouble. God will raise Lazarus but will not roll the stone away from the sepulcher. We must break up our fallow ground and stir up the gift of God within us. We waste time in prayer meetings trying to persuade God to assume our responsibilities. No use asking God to make us humble when we are told to humble ourselves. Well-digging is not a pleasant pastime, and repentance, confession and restitution are not enjoyable, but they get to the heart of the trouble. And when the well is dug, the water will flow.
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Vance Havner (1901 - 1986). American Southern Baptist evangelist and author born in Jugtown, North Carolina. Converted at 10 in a brush arbor revival, he preached his first sermon at 12 and was licensed at 15, never pursuing formal theological training. From the 1920s to 1970s, he traveled across the U.S., preaching at churches, camp meetings, and conferences, delivering over 13,000 sermons with wit and biblical clarity. Havner authored 38 books, including Pepper ‘n’ Salt (1949) and Why Not Just Be Christians?, selling thousands and influencing figures like Billy Graham. Known for pithy one-liners, he critiqued lukewarm faith while emphasizing revival and simplicity. Married to Sara Allred in 1936 until her death in 1972, they had no children. His folksy style, rooted in rural roots, resonated widely, with radio broadcasts reaching millions. Havner’s words, “The church is so worldly that it’s no longer a threat to the world,” challenged complacency. His writings, still in print, remain a staple in evangelical circles, urging personal holiness and faithfulness.