WHY CAN'T IT BE JUST LIKE 1970 AGAIN?

     I know I have been accused by many including my children that "all I do is think about the past." That is somewhat true. I believe we can learn a lot from the past, but I also believe we need to let go of the past and anything that may have occurred in our lives that could be a major stumbling block. I have learned to move on knowing that God has better things in store for me. The past is the past and you can't change anything that has happened. We certainly can't jump in a DeLorean Time Machine and travel back 30 years ago with Doc Brown or Marty McFly. Correct?

     I recently watched a documentary on one of those steaming channels on "Jesus Music." If you know me you know that I absolutely love Christian Rock. I started listening around 1979/1980 or so. The majority of music on my iPod is Christian Rock or worship music. What interested me more about the documentary was the events that took place in order for "Jesus Music" to be created. It was affectionately known as the Jesus Movement. It began in Southern California in the late 1960's and spread through our country a few years later around 1970. In 1970 I was only 6 years old so I don't remember the movement at all. I was more interested in riding my bike and hanging out with other kids in my neighborhood. I was probably swimming in "The Park Pool" and watching cartoons as well. That fall I entered the first grade. I was raised in the Catholic Church and we went to mass every Sunday. 1970 was the beginning of a new decade but unbeknownst to me there was a huge revival spreading across America. The Jesus Movement! Young people were turning away from drugs, alcohol and sex and instead were turning to Jesus Christ. Churches were being planted by young "hippies" and God was moving in amazing ways. Many older "church folks" had a very hard time accepting these young people who were not only very excited, but they introduced a new music style that did not go over well with the veteran church members. It was called "Jesus Music." The Spirit of God was truly on the move! Many new ministries were being birthed as well. Teens and young adults were accepting Jesus as their savior and Lord. Churches were being planted clear across the country. Many of them still remain to this day. One such church was Calvary Chapel located in Costa Mesa, California. Chuck Smith was the Pastor of that church. He was instrumental in opening his church to that "Hippie Crowd" while others rejected them. 

     After watching this documentary one thought came to my mind. Why can't the same thing happen today? Why can't we have an amazing "Jesus Movement in 2022?" I am not saying God is not moving in our young people but I need to be honest. One thing bothers me. Too many churches today try so hard to entertain our youth and young adults. Churches today look like movie theaters and not churches. There are flashing lights, disco balls and smoke billowing behind a huge set. Walls are painted black. Pastor's wearing a 3 piece suit? What's that? They dress casual. In my opinion too casual. I am not slinging my "spiritual mud" at these pastors. I know many of them and I respect them. They are all anointed preachers and lead their churches well. What I am saying is we try so hard to entertain our church folks instead of allowing God's Holy Spirit to work in our church. The thought of a Café in a church in 1982 would have been laughed at. "We have a Fellowship Hall for that!" many would say. I would love to see a fresh new movement take place in America where young people come to know Jesus! The world we live in is a mess! Young people today don't even know if they are male or female. Many are getting sex changes. Depression and suicide are on the rise! Drug addiction is getting worse. Legalizing marijuana was a mistake. You drive on the LIE and you smell it (even at 5:30 a.m.). Why can't it be like 1970? Maybe in the year 2055 someone will write a blog "Why can't it be like 2023?" That would be so cool and amazing! Maybe we will have a Jesus Movement in 2023!! Let's start praying now!!