The novel by Charles Dickens, A tale of two citiesIt begins with the words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” I think that describes the era we live in. We live in a time of widespread instability.

Just think of the events of the last 30 days. An assassination attempt on a former US president (and current presidential candidate). An incumbent president withdrawing from his bid for re-election. The Christian faith mocked the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Financial uncertainty looms.

But if you look closely, you’ll also see some encouraging events. Last month, we had our 35th annual Harvest Crusade at Angel Stadium in Southern California – a large-scale evangelistic event where we host Christian artists and I share the gospel message.

What was the result? Over 50,000 people attended in person. The stadium was so full that the fire marshal had to close the doors, and another 200,000 participated online. By the end of the night, over 5,000 prayed and publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ.

The following week we held our 2nd Annual Jesus Revolution Baptism at Pirate’s Cove in Corona Del Mar where we baptized 2,000 people. We had 65 pastors, deacons and elders help us. Last year we baptized 4,500 people at the same location; I didn’t think 2,000 more would come this time. In just 12 months we have baptized 6,500 people. That’s incredible.

A hunger for God

What is happening here? I believe that more problems will develop as our culture moves further away from God and as America drifts further away from its Judeo-Christian founding principles. But at the same time, as a pastor and evangelist, I believe that we will see a desire for God on a scale we have never seen before.

It’s remarkable that all of the above has happened in Southern California. It’s a state that many people are quick to write off – they can’t get out of here fast enough. But God is working here just as He has in previous generations.

In California, we experienced the last great spiritual awakening, known as the Jesus Revolution, in the 1960s and 1970s. In fact, Pirate’s Cove Beach was the exact location of the mass baptisms that took place during this movement over 50 years ago, and it was also where the baptism scenes for the 2023 film were shot. Jesus Revolutionwere actually shot.

There is no doubt that many people were inspired by the scenes from this film and wanted to be baptized in the same place. Last year, an 85-year-old man saw the film and prayed to receive Christ. He was determined to go and be baptized in the same place where the film was shot. And he did.

A mother wrote to us this year to share how her family was changed by the Harvest Crusade and that her two teenage sons asked to be baptized at Pirate’s Cove.

We are seeing God transcend generational and population boundaries—from the elderly to millennials to Generation Z. They are seeking answers and finding them in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The secret weapons of the church

That is why I believe that the Church’s task in these unprecedented times is neither political nor social, but rather to use the secret weapons ordained by God, which we neglect to use to our detriment.

I’m talking about evangelism and prayer.

First, we must evangelize. I am convinced that most Americans have never heard an accurate, understandable presentation of the gospel. They have heard the word “gospel,” or perhaps they have heard variations of the gospel preached, but have they actually heard the gospel message in a way that they can understand and respond to?

Most of my time as a pastor is spent teaching the Bible, but when I attend Harvest Crusade events, it’s like I put on a different hat. My evangelist hat. My job in that moment is to preach and make a decision. I’m going to tell people who Jesus is, what He promised, how they can have a relationship with Him, and give them that opportunity with a prayer.

Years ago, I was having dinner at the home of evangelist Billy Graham, and I turned to him and asked him, “If an older Billy could talk to a younger Billy, what advice would you give yourself?”

Billy said, “I would preach more about the cross of Christ and the blood because that is where the power lies.”

Let us not underestimate the power of the simple message of the gospel.

Second, we must pray. It is no coincidence that at the end of each Harvest Crusade I invite everyone to come out into the field and pray the Sinner’s Prayer. It is not a magical prayer. But it is a simple, biblical prayer of faith for someone to accept Christ as Lord and Savior:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe that You died for my sins. Now I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.

Over 700,000 people have prayed this prayer at our Harvest Crusade events. It is a prayer you can pray in faith, even now, wherever you are. And just as it has changed hundreds of thousands of lives, it can change yours today.

Do it again, Lord!

Rather than lamenting the culture around us, I prefer to view this moment in our world as an unprecedented opportunity for the gospel message.

There is still a lot of uncertainty in the air. We don’t know exactly what the future holds. But we do know one thing: the gospel is like fresh water in a thirsty land. It is a bright light in a very dark place.

All of these signs seem to point to an impending move of God that will sweep over our country just as He did 50 years ago. I pray for that, and I hope you will join me in praying, “Do it again, Lord!”

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