I Prayed have prayed
God, we thank You for the divine timing of this movie's release and the revival at Asbury. Prepare hearts across America for fresh outpourings, Father, and bring about another revolution!
Reading Time: 6 minutes

As I write this, we are in a season of revival and the signs all reveal this is heaven’s time!

Let the IFA community know how to pray for you.

 

We are living on the pages of divine orchestration. As college campuses across the country spontaneously erupt in 24/7 worship meetings not seen since the 70s, a beautiful new film is released that is all about — The powerful revival in the 70s.

As the premier date for Jesus Revolution drew near, my excitement and expectancy for this movie could not have been higher. I felt the presence of The Lord as I walked into the theatre and was teared up before the opening credits appeared.

The Jesus Revolution story is my story.

By the time I was exposed to the Jesus Movement in the 70s, the revival tide was receding but tasty waves were still breaking over the levees. To this day, I have not been in such a dynamic church community that loved Jesus more authentically, more boldly, and more publicly. They were affectionately called; Jesus Freaks.

The movie is set in southern California as the hippie movement of the Haight-Ashbury 60s migrated south from San Francisco to the shores of Newport Beach. We are poignantly reminded of how dark and divided America was in those days. The result was a rebellious upswell of a generation who rebuffed their parent’s values and yearned for true love, satisfying purpose, and unchangeable truth to help make sense of a crumbling culture.

The parallels with today’s culture wars are quite sobering.

We are also starkly reminded how hellishly destructive the drug-induced free love movement truly was.

They are searching for all the right things in all the wrong places.

~ Lonnie Frisbee

Lonnie Frisbee, played by Jonathan Roumie, is a complicated, central catalyst of the Jesus Movement. After being rescued from the depths of the hippie movement, Lonnie became one of the primary preachers who led untold thousands to Christ. Lonnie was not a perfect vessel and his methods were far from traditional, yet he teamed up with the most unlikely of partners — The very traditional pastor, Chuck Smith.

Kelsey Grammar is perfectly cast in the role of Pastor Chuck. As he opened his heart and welcomed the Jesus Freaks into his church, Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa became the epicenter of a movement that would quickly spread across the entire country.

In lieu of reviewing or summarizing the movie, I will simply urge and invite everyone to quickly go see this soul-shaping film in a theatre near you. Instead, let’s pull the lens back and behold how timely the retelling of this story is.

A Tale of Two Times

Two never-forgotten covers of Time Magazine help set the stage. In April 1966, as the hippie movement was at a rolling boil, Time published their infamous Is God Dead? issue. This was a callback to Friedrich Nietzsche’s quote, God is Dead. And we have killed him.

This quote has been notoriously misunderstood for over 100 years. Nietzsche was neither making a celebratory declaration that God didn’t exist nor was he gleefully decreeing that atheism was correct. Instead, having carefully studied how The Enlightenment dismantled and discarded Judeo-Christian value formularies, he essentially prophesied that a sudden and dangerous moral decline was unavoidably imminent.

The death of God unfurled a crimson carpet that welcomed the catastrophic havoc of nihilism to not only stroll in and abscond the throne room of culture — It seeks to destroy the throne room of human hearts.

Nietzsche believed that unless there was a new mechanism for creating virtue and morals, the West would certainly descend into a meaningless existence where people would become foundationless, chronically cynical, and deeply despairing.

Sure sounds like the same maniacal schemings secular leftism is trying to impose on our great nation today.

The second unforgettable Time Magazine cover to burst off the presses was June 1971: The Jesus Revolution. As the unstoppable revival was spreading like wildfire, the media had no choice but investigate.

The movie depicts a young reporter who reluctantly embeds himself with the Jesus Freaks hoping to report to the nation the movement was a sham. But as he beheld the powerful presence of God and witnessed countless miracles, he was genuinely convinced the movement was very real.

Our merciful Lord always parts the sea, calms the storm, and sends revival just in the nick of time. But stop to consider the tragic context that often births the need for revival in the first place: Something has to become so broken, it dies.

There is no need to revive that which is vibrant, holy, and alive. So when God needs to revive something, it means something has gone horribly wrong.  See Genesis chapter three for more on this.

And while we should wholly magnify and laud any signs of revival, we have to keep in mind it is a far better thing to not let the fire go out in the first place.

Revival is Nothing New

Historically, each significant revival has been marked by a primary distinguishing element. The Great Awakenings were marked by strong pulpit preachers like Whitfield, Edwards, Moody, and Finney. Upon hearing a sermon, entire crowds would drop to their knees in repentance and become believers on the spot.

The Azusa Street Revival was highlighted by the Baptism in the Holy Spirit accompanied by signs and wonders. The ensuing Tent Revivals that popped up across the country primarily manifested in miraculous physical healings. And the Jesus Movement was uniquely marked by how easy it was to evangelize people to faith.

A simple, “Would you like to know Jesus?”, and the person would immediately say yes, be set free from their sin and addictions, and never be the same again.

This brings us to today.

In light of this robust history of revivals here in the homeland, I have heard prophetic leaders for the past forty years say,

this next revival that will hit America will be marked with three things. First, it will start with the younger generation. Second, it will come from outside the church walls. And third, this next revival will be centered on worship.

Those of us who have been hungering and praying for revival immediately understood what was happening at Asbury University in Kentucky. My wife and I were in tears watching students worship and pray around the clock. And now as it is spreading to a growing number of college campuses across the country, reports are rushing in of massive outbreaks of revival in other parts of the world.

Just in the nick of time.

As if the past three years weren’t sinister and demoralizing enough, 2023 started with a hellish bang: Satan worship at the Grammy’s. If Nietzsche’s God is Dead rightly predicted the collapse of a virtuous society, Sam Smith’s unholy Satan is Alive pushed all of Hell’s chips into the center of our living rooms declaring evil has won the day.

Before the show, the CBS Network unconscionably tweeted specific to Sam’s upcoming performance:

We are ready to worship!

Little did they know a handful of students at Asbury were about to declare the same thing.

Like Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal, February is our Mount Carmel. The Grammy’s opened the battle of two kingdoms by showcasing Sam Smith’s hellish specter that amounted to embarrassment, retractions, and lasted about three minutes.

In contrast, Adonai sent down the fire of His Spirit to consume the hungry hearts at Asbury where uncountable students are being set free from sin, delivered from addiction, and filled with the love of Our Father. And, it has lasted almost three weeks and shows no sign of retraction.

Messy or Neat?

Adonai will use the most unlikely and often unbecoming characters to accomplish His will. Think about this: If we removed every book of the Bible written by someone who committed murder, we would lose the five books of the Torah, the Psalms, and all of Paul’s epistles.

And while The Lord never winks at our sin, He does sometimes accomplish great things through flawed people. Lonnie Frisbee was no exception.

The movie hints at Lonnie’s flaws but mercifully omits his most egregious ones. Nonetheless, I am deeply inspired by both his gifting and his effectiveness.

In one of my favorite scenes, Chuck and Lonnie butt heads in the middle of a service. At this point in his ministry, Lonnie had begun receiving words of knowledge and was performing healing. Chuck wanted Lonnie to learn when and when not to use those gifts.

As Chuck was about to teach, Lonnie exclaimed there was someone in the room with deafness in one ear and God wanted to heal them.

Chuck sternly says, “Lonnie, not now.”

Most evangelicals would agree with Chuck on this point. Teaching is superior to healing, so it’s probably best to tamp down the theatrics so the preacher can get to work.

Unless that is; I was the deaf person in the room that God wanted to heal.

So much of modern church life has been marked with, “Not now.” As this fresh revival is bringing the next high tide of the Kingdom to the shores of our hearts, I am very willing for things to get messy for a while.

To watch uncountable students kneel and weep in these 24/7 worship gatherings evokes a feeling deep in my soul I haven’t sensed since 1978. If we could only gain heaven’s vantage to see that the Great Awakenings, Azusa Street, the Tent Revivals, and the Jesus Movement are found within the same kingdom jet stream that is lowering upon Asbury right now.

And as I continue to lead worship in different prayer rooms, I can confidently say this: Since Asbury broke out, everything feels different. Worship comes easier, His Spirit comes quicker, and the prayer runs deeper.

May we all lift our eyes, catch the flow of heaven’s jet stream, and embrace a Jesus Revolution!

How are you praying for revival? Share your prayers and scriptures below.

(Used with permission. By Keith Guinta from The Wine Patch. Photo Credit: Jesus Revolution)

Comments (21) Print

Comments

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Florence Allen
March 8, 2023

Is this not what we’ve waited for, kept all eyes open to see? At every tide turning , first in the spirit then up close and personal, revival! That has been the cry and Bless God , it’s here!! Again!
May we each be blanketed in God’s glory, anointing so thick and exact, move swiftly overflowing us each! Praise God, Now!!! Glory to God, Amen!!! Now! Let’s head for the waters that God is troubling, His hand, His love, thank You Jesus!!!

3
Patricia
March 3, 2023

I saw the movie Jesus Revolution it was awesome awesome!!!

2
Patty DeGroot
March 1, 2023

VERY EXCITING ARTICLE! THANKS FOR SHARING IT!

6
NanJohnson
February 28, 2023

For me the divine outpourings at Asbury University were in perfect timing and SO encouraging. It was clearGod was moving . Oh Father I cannot thank you enough!!! And now the movement is spreading!!! Glory hallelujah!!! May we be bold in our prayers and in sharing Jesus with much love and concern. All the chaos of the last little more than two years now is submitting to you oh God !!! People are super hungry for stability and peace. The receptivity is amazing when you ask someone what they think about God. Incredible joy as we serve You and blessings so sweet. May this revival spread all over the USA and the world. May this be the prophesied Great Revival of the End Times. Amen 🙏 Gory in the highest to You oh Lord !!!

16
Ronny
February 28, 2023

Our LORD will not be mocked. HIS love for us is beyond our comprehension. Thank you LORD FOR NOT GIVING UP ON US. For us , our desire is to see HIM move across our nation and into the hearts of those in leadership.

19
Jayne Hayden
February 28, 2023

Lord, I ask that we just not be entertained, but see eternity through your eyes, repent, and leave the movie with a new heart.

16
Rich Swingle
February 28, 2023

Keith, wonderful article and great condensation of it on today’s Headline Prayer Live!

I’ve seen Jesus Revolution four times now (www.RichDrama.com/JesusRevolution), and every time I’m saddened when Chuck Smith says, “Not now.”

Now, Lord! Now! Bring your healing! Keep the outpouring flowing!

20
    Keith Guinta
    February 28, 2023

    Thank you Rich! That was the most moving scene for me. I have endlessly reflected on it since. Yes, they properly showed Lonnie’s flaws by that point. But in the grand scale weighing my church life, “Not now” has been the overriding default. I tasted the spontaneity of gathering during The Jesus Movement and I am ready to let the scale swing back toward the messy again.

    And your coverage, articles, and on the scene interviews were invaluable!! Thank you!!

    14
Bridget Bonczyk
February 28, 2023

Am so humbled to have been given a free ticket to attend Jesus Revolution. Shared with friends & family, “it’s a go to movie.” Yes, an out-pouring of Holy Spirit is being released. Now is the time of salvation. God loves His children. Jesus came to forgive, heal and deliver. It’s precious, it’s good and it’s glorifying to Father God. Thanking God for everyone who was involved in making “Jesus Revolution.” May their lives be blessed and changed forever. Many seeds have and will be sown on behalf of those who labored for seven years on writing, creating and filming this movie. Their gifts and talents to the Body of Christ are unimaginable. Thank You, God, for this movie and the people who worked behind the scenes. All Glory and Honor to YOU! Be blessed. Am believing many will be ministered in seeing this moving and encourage others to get a ticket and go! Love you, Sweet Jesus. Amen and amen.

18
Wendy Dorn
February 28, 2023

Truly a work of the Holy Spirit!
Praying for continued revival across the world🤗🙏🏻🙌🏼

19
Joseph
February 28, 2023

Saw the movie yesterday & it produced tears of joy. You ( Mr. Guinta ) did an excellent job in writing this story. Clarity & perspective were crystal clear.
Let you gift contine rising, it is refreshing.

15
    Keith Guinta
    February 28, 2023

    Joseph, thank you so much! These are exciting days indeed!

    5
Jill Carrero
February 28, 2023

We thank You Lord for Who You are! and Your timing is always perfect! we are thrilled that sincere praise and worship are spontaneously breaking out in our youth Lord God we have een praying for USA , Israel and the world that You would bring a sea change blow out the old and stagnant encroachi g darkness and awaken America in an undeniable way that it is The Holy Spirit Opening eyes, Minds and Hearts accross our natian> from our youth , young adults, families restored, our city, state and Federal Government leaders and House, Senate and Congress minds will be renewed people will be transformed from the homeless to the greatest in every home, block, community, town, city, state and coast to coast in America! Lord do what You are famous for make a way when there seems to be no way! You get all the glory inJesus. Name dispatch angels to bring people to see this movie and God will work in their heart to hunger and thirst for Righteousness! we pray in Jesus Name Amen

25
Robert valkanet
February 28, 2023

We need revival in the church and a great awakening to our nation and to the world.

27
SherriS.
February 28, 2023

I stopped watching award shows years ago but I heard about that performance and verified it was so disturbing. Of course, it was disturbing…but God! I love how He responded. Thank you Jesus for waking up the younger generation and saving them from the darkness! The timing of this movie is not an accident but another gigantic weapon to open up the eyes of the lost. Praise God!! He is mighty to save!

29
Allena Jordan
February 28, 2023

Father, I repent of my “agendas.” I lay them down at the altar. Lord, it’s good to have an outline of the worship service, but would You work in the hearts of everyone involved in every worship service in my city, in my state, in the U.S. and around the world? Help us to welcome Your very presence through Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit, we need Thee. Come sweet Spirit I pray. Come in Your strength and Your power. Come in Your own special way. Amen.

47
    Keith Guinta
    February 28, 2023

    I shout a hearty AMEN to your prayer, Allena!!

    2
Diane
February 28, 2023

I admit I wasn’t sure about this revival film. I believe that the Asbury revival was God’s work, but because Lonnie was not having “personal fruit, I was unsure…until I saw this.
https://youtu.be/3DRE5kgbYjU
This will change your whole perspective on how God works.

18
    Keith Guinta
    February 28, 2023

    Thank you for this. I carefully watched the entire lesson and appreciate Tim being thoughtful on these scripture. I would encourage the allowance for other theologians and teachers to continue the expansion on this passage and topic. The theology and Holy Spirit practices of the teacher is a very important element to consider when absorbing interpretation and application on a topic like this. Again, thank you.

    3
      Kathy Peard
      February 28, 2023

      I totally agree with what you said and I pray that the Holy Spirit is being sent out to those who need it!

      5

Partner with Us

Intercessors for America is the trusted resource for millions of people across the United States committed to praying for our nation. If you have benefited from IFA's resources and community, please consider joining us as a monthly support partner. As a 501(c)3 organization, it's through your support that all this possible.

Dave Kubal
IFA President
Become a Monthly Partner

Share

Click below to share this with others

Log in to Join the Conversation

Log in to your IFA account to start a discussion, comment, pray, and interact with our community.