The Jesus Revolution of 2023: A Year of Revival Sweeping Across America
The Jesus Revolution of 2023: A Year of Revival Sweeping Across America
By Troy Anderson, Founder of Prophecy Investigators
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Greetings to all our readers at Prophecy Investigators! As we step into the dawn of 2024, we extend heartfelt wishes for a year filled with God's grace, abundant blessings, and the continuation of His wondrous work in our lives, including numerous reports of a global “Great Awakening” beginning across America and around the world.
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In the midst of uncertainty and change, we find solace and hope in the profound revival that has swept across our nation in the past year, as reported extensively by CBN News. This movement of the Holy Spirit has been a beacon of light in a world that often feels shrouded in darkness.
The revival, from Asbury University to Gen Z, has been a testament to the power of God to bring joy, peace, and hope even in the face of uncertainty and turmoil in the world.
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2023's Jesus Revolution: Exploring a Year of Spiritual Renewal from Asbury to Gen Z
In the heart of 2023, a spiritual wildfire has engulfed the United States, marking a profound year of revival that transcends boundaries, denominations, and generations.
From the hallowed halls of Asbury University to the sandy shores of Newport Beach, California, this movement, fueled by the Holy Spirit, has left an indelible mark on college campuses, churches, and even prisons.
As we delve into the various epicenters of this revival, it becomes evident that the echoes of the Jesus Revolution of the late 1960s are resounding once again, ushering in a new era of spiritual awakening.
The Return: National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance
I believe we can trace what’s happening across America and around the world, in part, to a pivotal event that took place on September 26, 2020, The Return: National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance.
In my interview with world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham in 2013, he compared America to ancient Nineveh, saying God sent the Prophet Jonah to Nineveh 2,800 years ago to warn the king and the people of God’s impending judgement. The king and the people heeded Jonah’s warning, repented of their sins, and God did not judge the nation for its wickedness. Graham told me he believed the same thing could happen in America today.
Inspired by Graham, and later discovering that he had asked every president from Dwight D. Eisenhower to George W. Bush to call for a national day of repentance but none did, Paul McGuire and I decided to call for such an event in our #1 FaithWords/Hachette Book Group bestseller Trumpocalypse: The End-Times President, a Battle Against the Globalist Elite, and the Countdown to Armageddon.
The book was released in January 2018, featuring an interview with Rev. Kevin Jessip, co-founder of The Return. Afterward, Jessip networked with a who’s who of major faith, political and business leaders, and by a major miracle of the Holy Spirit, The Return went forward on September 26, 2020 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. About 250,000 people attended the event and about 42 million watched it online from around the world. On that day, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation for “A National Day of Prayer and Return.”
It was the first national day of repentance in America since the time of Abraham Lincoln. Most presidents from George Washington to Lincoln would routinely call for such days of national repentance, often calling them a “National Day of Prayer, Fasting and Humiliation.” In fact, Washington credited such an event with the Continental Army defeating the British Empire in the Revolutionary War and Lincoln credited a similar event with the North defeating the South in the Civil War, leading to the end of the scourge of slavery of African Americans.
I later became the executive editor of The Return International, which Jessip co-founded with New York Times bestselling author Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, and a second event was held in January 2022, The Renewal: Restoring America’s Founding Covenant at a 10,000-seat amphitheater in Plant City, Florida. It was a faith-focused day of heritage, history, praise, worship, and prayer dedicated to the American renewal of the covenant the Pilgrims made with God four centuries ago in the Mayflower Compact, dedicating America to the advancement of Christianity throughout the world.
It was the second event in the multi-step process the ancient Israelites would often undertake at times of national crisis. Now, The Return is planning The Return Israel. “Now in ‘Preparing The Way Of The Lord’ restoration is not only for Israel but for the nations as times of restitution, refreshing and revival all come together in this great restoration as the Lord arises for the sake of His own name, the spirit of Elijah will arise in His remnant bride and align with Him and His purposes as we activate our faith in this Kairos moment of time,” Jessip says.
Redeem California
The Return was followed by the release of the book Redeem California: With God All Things are Possible on Valentine’s Day 2022. I told my wife Irene it was “God’s love letter to America and the world.” As the founder of the Inspire Literary Group, I edited the book. Upon its release, it became a #7 “Hot New Release” in “Christian Spiritual Warfare” on Amazon.
The book shines a spotlight on the rich, godly heritage of California, the spiritual revivals of the Holy Ghost that were birthed in the last century-the Azusa Street Revival that ignited in Los Angeles in 1906 followed by the Jesus People Movement in the late 1960s and 1970s that collectively brought hundreds of millions of people to faith in Christ worldwide. The book argued that California and America are poised for revival.
The Asbury Awakening, Jesus Revolution, Revelation 911 and Your Mission in God’s Army
Serendipitously, the week the book was released in February 2023, a spark of revival began at a modest worship service at Asbury University in Kentucky. What began as a small group of devoted students responding to the Holy Spirit's prompting evolved into a nationwide phenomenon. As thousands flocked to Asbury, seeking God's presence, the campus became a sacred ground for repentance, healing, and salvation. .
Then, on February 24, 2023, the hit movie Jesus Revolution was released in theaters nationwide. Based on an autobiographical book of the same name co-written by Harvest Christian Fellowshiop Pastor Greg Laurie, the movie follows Laurie (played by Joel Courtney), Christian hippie Lonnie Frisbee (played by Jonathan Roumie), and Calvary Chapel Costa Mega Pastor Chuck Smith (played by Kelsey Grammer) as they take part in the Jesus Movement in California during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Scholars describe it as America’s “Fourth Great Awakening,” saying it led to tens of millions and perhaps hundreds of millions of people becoming believers over the decades. In fact, I became a Christian at the tail end of the Jesus Movement. About a dozen “Jesus People” from Southern California moved to my hometown in Oregon in their VW vans the late 1970s, including a minister who had trained under Hal Lindsey at the UCLA Light and Power House Seminary. He gave me a copy of Lindsey’s blockbuster book, The Late Great Planet Earth, and led me to the Lord when I was 11 years old, igniting my love for Bible prophecy.
Today, via many miracles of the Holy Spirit, that has led to my career as an award-winning journalist (Los Angeles Daily News, Charisma magazine, etc.) for three decades, the creation of Prophecy Investigators, Battle Ready Ministries, and the Inspire Literary Group, and the publication of five #1 bestselling books that I’ve coauthored - The Babylon Code, Trumpocalypse, The Military Guide to Armageddon, The Military Guide to Disarming Deception and Revelation 911 (Salem Books, April 2, 2024), with another book, Your Mission in God’s Army, coming out in April 16 from Chosen Books.
It’s been an amazing, miracle-and-trials filled journey, with this unexpected revival now beginning to sweep across America and the world. Could this be the beginning of the great end-times revival that millions have been praying for?
I believe God has put the ball in our court and if we will repent of our sins and dedicate our lives completely to the Lord that He will send what my coauthor of Revelation 911, Pastor Paul Begley, calls the “Great Harvest Revival” before the Second Coming of Christ.
That’s why Pastor Begley and I wrote Revelation 911 and Col. David Giammona and I wrote Your Mission in God’s Army. Pastor Begley says the books are a “one-two punch” to help awaken and prepare the world for the return of Christ, inspiring believers to discover and complete their faith-filled assignment in Adonai’s Army and help bring in the “Great Harvest Revival.”
Lee University
Awakening the Deep Wells of Revival: The fervor at Asbury University didn't confine itself within Kentucky's borders. Lee University in Tennessee, located 250 miles away, felt the reverberations and joined the ranks of the revived. Lee University's Campus Pastor, Rob Fultz, attested to the unstoppable nature of this movement, declaring that the deep wells of revival were awakening on campuses nationwide. From Alabama to Texas, the ripple effect of transformation was palpable as students gathered in prayer, worship, and repentance.
Cedarville University and Texas A&M Corpus Christi
The flame continued to spread, reaching Cedarville University, where President Thomas White shared glimpses of the revival through captivating video clips. Texas A&M Corpus Christi saw unconventional expressions of faith, with outdoor prayer gatherings and spontaneous baptisms, reflecting the diverse ways in which God's presence manifested on college campuses.
Auburn University's Impromptu Baptism
Auburn University in Alabama witnessed an impromptu baptism that grew from one student's desire to be baptized into a gathering of 200 souls dedicating their lives to Christ. The campus ministry's "Night of Worship" drew over 5,000 attendees, demonstrating an unprecedented hunger for God in the midst of the world's challenges.
HBCUs and Black Voices Movement
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) became epicenters of God's movement, with the Black Voices Movement touring campuses and witnessing numerous salvations. This highlighted the significance of diverse voices in spreading the Good News.
Healings and Transformations on Campuses
Reports of healings emerged from Texas A&M in College Station, where a student walked unaided after prayers. The campus ministry at New Life Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, witnessed students boldly proclaiming the Gospel, resulting in rapid and radical transformations.
Revival Beyond Campuses
The revival wasn't confined to college campuses; it permeated small communities and towns. In southeastern Kentucky, Pastor Scott Phipps shared the powerful impact of God's spirit, bringing deliverance, healing, and freedom from addiction to hundreds of people. In Hammond, Louisiana, an eight-month-long revival at Old Zion Baptist Church saw thousands putting their faith in Jesus, transcending state and national borders.
Historic Beach Baptisms in California
Pirates Cove in Newport Beach here in Orange County, California, the epicenter of the Jesus Movement, witnessed historic beach baptisms. Inspired by the Jesus Revolution film, thousands gathered, and Harvest Christian Fellowship Pastor Greg Laurie hosted a massive baptism event, where 32,500 people gathered and 6,794 made decisions to dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ.
God Behind Bars
Even behind prison walls, God's revival was evident. God Behind Bars, a national prison ministry, reported 599 baptisms and 126,000 salvations, bringing hope and transformation to inmates across the nation. Worship leaders and speakers joined inmates in a glimpse of heavenly unity, showcasing the power of the Gospel to transcend circumstances.
Spontaneous Baptisms at Churches
Churches across the country experienced record-breaking water baptisms, signifying not just numerical growth but lives transformed by faith. Life.Church celebrated over 2,000 baptisms across its campuses, while Champion Forest in Houston, Texas, saw 755 publicly declaring their faith in Jesus Christ. The Biltmore Church in North Carolina and Long Hollow Church in Tennessee witnessed spontaneous baptisms, emphasizing the victory won through Christ.
Gen Z Leading the Way: In the midst of this revival, Generation Z emerged as torchbearers, dispelling the notion of a decline in religious fervor. A Pew Research study may suggest a decline, but the reality reflects a spiritual awakening among the youth. Dr. Corne Bekker of Regent University School of Divinity sees this as a pivotal moment for Gen Z, signaling the beginning of a global Great Awakening.
Conclusion: The Jesus Revolution of 2023, spanning from Asbury to Gen Z, has left an indelible mark on the fabric of American spirituality. As we witness the diverse manifestations of revival, from college campuses to small towns, prisons to beaches, it becomes clear that God's transformative power knows no bounds. This is not merely a momentary phenomenon but a sustained movement with the potential to usher in a new era of spiritual enlightenment and prepare hearts for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
As we embark on this new year, let us continue to pray fervently for the continuation of God's enlightening work. May the revival not only touch hearts but radiate outwards, bringing a profound transformation to the world. Let us find encouragement in
Philippians 4:6-7:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In the changing landscape of 2024, let the revival be a source of unwavering hope, and may God's light shine brightly in our lives and communities. As we navigate the uncertainties ahead, let us anchor ourselves in the timeless promises found in the Word of God.
Blessings and joy for the year ahead!
Troy Anderson
Founder and Editor in Chief
Prophecy Investigators' Publication
Editor’s note: This article is inspired by CBN News: The Jesus Revolution of 2023: From Asbury to Gen Z, Revisiting a Year of Revival
A Prayer for The Jesus Revolution of 2023: A Year of Revival Sweeping Across America
Dear Heavenly Father,
We're grateful for the transformative power of your Holy Spirit, sweeping across America and kindling hearts with hope, joy, and a renewed faith.
Lord, we lift up the article "The Jesus Revolution of 2023: A Year of Revival Sweeping Across America" and seek your blessing on its message. May it inspire others to seek your presence, experience repentance, and find healing and salvation.
May the words shared reflect the truth of your love and the testimonies of lives changed by your grace. As readers engage, may their hearts be stirred, drawing them closer to you.
We pray for ongoing revival in our nation, that the momentum of spiritual awakening in 2023 may persist and grow. May your light shine brightly, dispelling darkness and bringing hope to those in need.
In Jesus' mighty name, we pray.
Amen.
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