Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed an Unlikely Generation and How He Can Do It Again Today

The Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 1970s was the largest public movement of the Holy Spirit in the United States since the celebrated revivals of the nineteenth century. Today, there’s a growing sense that history has run one of its cycles, and we’re back in the 60’s mode. Like the hippies, millennials say they are hungry for authenticity, a sense of community, and real care for people who are needy and marginalized.

In Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed an Unlikely Generation and How He Can Do It Again TodayGreg Laurie and New York Times bestselling author Ellen Vaughn tell the remarkable, true story of the Jesus Movement–an extraordinary time of mass revival, renewal, and reconciliation. While a “Jesus Movement” wouldn’t look the same as it did fifty years ago, God can certainly bring powerful revival to his church and an awakening among people who don’t yet know him.

Craig Groeschel, pastor of Life.Church shares his reflection on Jesus Revolution.

“In the 1960s and ’70s, God moved in a unique way, sweeping across America and transforming the lives of countless people. In their new book, Jesus Revolution, Pastor Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn take a closer look at this incredible time of evangelism and revival. This fast-paced, grace-filled, Bible-centered book will show you how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.”

This book is about the ongoing revolution over the long run, how the wheel of faith turns in all our lives, and the surprising ways in which God can make it new and fresh. Readers are encouraged to come not just for the history, but to stay for the more important story of the personal revolution that God can do in them today.

Joni Eareckson Tadaof Joni and Friends International Disability Center shares her personal experience with the Jesus Movement and how Jesus Revolutioncan impact others.

“Back in the ’60s, when I first came to Christ, you could sense a stirring out on the West Coast. God was on the move, and I was about to be swept up in the powerful flooding of the Holy Spirit that was spilling and splashing into the hearts of a million young people across America. I heard stories of how God was rescuing wayward wanderers through the Jesus Movement, sparking a revival that rocked our country and beyond. It’s why Greg and Ellen’s new book, Jesus Revolution, is so important, so needed–it documents the testimonies and events that made that period in time so unique. You, too, will be inspired and refreshed as you read the historic account of one of the most remarkable seasons of revival in the history of Christianity!”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:7-8

Risen Reflections

Don’t put others down. It can be easy to put different generations or cultures down. They don’t look the same as us. They act differently or they make decisions differently. As believers, God wants us to love others as He loves them. Remember that no one is perfect and everyone needs to hear about the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many people put Millenials down for not dressing a certain way or going from one job to the next. But God still wants Millenials to come to know Him just like He wants Boomers and everyone in between to come to know Him.

Slow down. We often don’t recognize the work of the Holy Spirit because we are doing too much. The enemy can often use our busyness to cloud our vision. Even seemingly good things like Bible study, ministry and missions work can distract us from missing what God might want us to do. Take time this week to take a step back and reflect. Set aside time to pray and ask God what He wants you to be doing. It might mean saying “No,” or “Not right now,” to some things.  Ask the Holy Spirit to work in your life, in your work, in your ministry, and in your family. Pray and ask God to give you eyes to see when the Holy Spirit is at work.

Share Christ. Be a part of the revolution. God wants us to share Christ with those around us. It could be our friends, family, coworkers, classmates or neighbors. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you who He wants you to witness to. It might mean sharing your personal testimony or how you came to Christ with someone, inviting someone to church or a ministry event, or just grabbing coffee or inviting someone for a meal and asking them what they believe. If you feel nervous, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the words to share and ears to hear. Many churches offer classes on how to share your faith. This can be a great resource whether you are just sharing your faith for the first time or hundredth time.