Megamorphosis Magazine Issue 11 - Sample Size by Megamorphosis Magazine

A REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN & A NEW JESUS MOVEMENT IS ON THE RISE. IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP, CHURCH.

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OCT 2020

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Then & Now: The Jesus Movement POWER + LOVE

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 11 POWER + LOVE

CREATED, DESIGNED & EDITED BY A TEAM OF 4 JENENE STAFFORD + FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR + WRITER NISSI GUIAO + EDITOR + WRITER + KEEPS JENENE SANE KEVIN CASTLE + WRITER + THE CALM IN THE STORM AARON GUZMAN + ALL THINGS INDESIGN + TRAINER Cover Photo by Paul Tellefsen | @technopaul A special thank you to our advertisersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;thank you for making it possible to display our coffee table book quality magazine in kingdom businesses, boutique stores, Christian hubs, churches and on personal coffee tables.

16 THE ASHLEY LAUREN STORY

Overcoming Sexual Abuse - By Ashley-Lauren Elrod

22 THE REVIVAL OF THE PROMISE KEEPER MEN By Kevin Castle

39 MY HEART ABOUT LONNIE FRISBEE By Jenene Stafford

40 2020 REVOLUTION

Then & Now (The Jesus Movement Section) - By Jenene Stafford

56 THE JESUS PEOPLE Then & Now Section - By Jenene Stafford

62 LONNIE FRISBEE STORY (PART 1) The Hippie Preacher By Jenene Stafford

82 PERSPECTIVES - THINK ABOUT IT

SECTION - By Dr. John Jackson 86 POWER + LOVE Think About It Section - By Jenene Stafford

96 FINAL WORD By Dr. Michael Brodeur (pastorscoach.com)

Thank you Saturate OC for sending us gorgeous photos from your events. Thank you photographers for beautiful and quality work and for allowing us to feature your work in our coffee table quality magazine: Christian Reed, Melissa Poloncarz, Kara Beth Nixon and Gage Forster and Paul Tellefsen. You are all such pros!

MY HEART ABOUT LONNIE - BY JENENE

THE JESUS PEOPLE

FOUNDER'S LETTER

LONNIE FRISBEE: PART 1

By Jenene Stafford

HIGHLIGHTS - SEE THE SHIFT PG 15

LOVING DIFFERENTLY

POWERFUL MEN AND REVIVAL Man Camp Column by Pastor Zack Curry

ISSUE 11 + POWER AND LOVE

THE POWER OF SUFFERING

THE TALLIT OF JESUS Roots Section - By Lori Hill

TO STAND IN THE STORM Think About It Section - By Kevin Castle

Heather Murdock's Unleashed Column

LEADERS NEED HEALING TOO Think About It Section - By Larry Hill

The Truth About Following Jesus Pastor Craig Sweeney Column

Nissi Guiao - His Nissi Column

BEWARE

BULLRIDE: SOUNDS AROUND THE THRONE Roots Section - By Malvina Laudicina

Pastor Dean Deguara Column

Fav's: New Music + Books + Film

LET US NOT GO BACK

4 THINGS YOU CAN ALL LEARN FROM MARKY My Brother with Down Syndrome - By Angela Manzanares

2020

Find Your True North SIGN UP FOR A SPIRITUAL GYM The Dokimos Project is an intense spiritual workout for marketplace influencers that will help you discover your unique identity in Christ, journey of hope and divine assignment. You will be commissioned to advance God's kingdom in your sphere of influence. This 12 week course is targeted for those called to the marketplace but open to all who want to grow their confidence and spiritual gifts. Join a growing number of marketplace ministers who are equipped and commissioned in their unique identity in Christ, gifting, journey of inner healing and calling to bring hope to all spheres of influence. Learn more at a guest event happening in the Sacramento Area. Come and check us out and you'll hear stories from other graduates of the impact of Dokimos Project Spiritual Gyms! Contact us at info@dokimosproject.com for details.

www.DokimosProject.com

+ FOUNDER'S LETTER

season and in every issue. We honor and thank you for coming alongside us in our journey and for sharing it with others in your churches, cities and nations.

POWER AND LOVE IS HERE

ello Beautiful Friends, thank you for supporting us the last few years. It’s been quite a journey to display the beauty and uniqueness of the Church, issue after issue, to arrive at issue 11: Power + Love. We’ll remain faithful to display the creative, and perhaps even unorthodox or seemingly abnormal, ways of sharing God’s heart through this “coffee-table book” style publication as long as the Lord sees fit. We know that we “break all the rules” for publishing and that our style is not always “journalistic,” but it is by God’s design that we break through these imposed barriers to discover His heartbeat and creativity in ways people haven’t seen before. It’s our desire to not only share true stories, but to share the process and background of how we come to the themes, conclusions and narratives for each issue. We are undeniably undone and push relentlessly to uncover the gold that is in every

ISSUE 11 + POWER

REGARDING THIS ISSUE It’s been decades since, as a society, we have lived through a time that is so divided, chaotic, polarized and unsettling. Some feel as though there’s a puppet master at work, the Illuminati or a New World Order. Others see that God is unraveling a social-injustice mess in order to create a masterpiece of reconciliation. In the midst of a social war-zone, “Jesus People” like Sean Feucht are rising again, committed to "turning riots into revival," worshipping on the beaches and in the public square, and churches are shifting and rising to God's occasion. His hand is moving; and I pray we'll be willing to see that it's His hand that will continue to move in revolutionary ways to disrupt status quo Christianity and wake up a slumbering, sleepy, useless church. People are asking, “What is God saying?” It’s easy to scramble around trying to find solid ground. You’ll see a different reality depending on whether you’re looking toward the light or looking toward the darkness, looking to the world for answers or looking to the Bible for answers. That’s why we have an article called "Perspectives" (written by Dr. John Jackson on pg. 82) in this issue. We’re digging deep to find the perspective that matters most in the midst of these unprecedented and sobering times with biblical encouragement and wisdom to help us through this tumultuous and spiritually-trying journey. Believe it or not, there’s New Wine (pg 32) for us if we’ll continue to persevere and follow the voice of the Father rather than the voices of the media or masses. The Father has had us in a season where He is saying,"Come closer and

see My righteousness," and this will continue until we face up to how far off we've been. He's calling men to rise in their intended position of a dignified strength, rather than a weakened state of oppression, where their eyes are not looking at a pornographic screen, but drawn back to their God. The Promise Keepers Movement (pg 22) is once again standing tall and leading men through a beautiful journey back to leadership, healing and strength. There is mega transformation and a modern reformation of Christianity that we’re going to gracefully stumble our way through to understand. There are many distinctions of a 2020 Revolution (pg 40) that are assuredly unfolding globally and it’s going to be messy, controversial and will come with more persecution, even amongst other believers. But the good news is, this new revolution will produce a powerful byproduct of evangelism, healing and, in time, unity. The acts of the apostles will live again in modern day through Christ’s Church and simultaneously, a minor, Job-type sifting is also here because the Father is looking for His True Believers. His refining fire is making us worthy to be His disciples. Many Christians are still trying to put God into a box that suits their personality, upbringing, denomination or political preference—while God wants us to learn how to unify centered around the One thing, the Cornerstone of

2020

our faith, Jesus Christ. What if...as the hippie “Jesus People” said in the 70s, there was just "One Way?" We're writing about them here (pg 56). There will always be people who have eyes to see and ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying and those who do not. Still, it is our conviction at MM to bring deep and rich, biblical truths to this generation of believers as we contend for the Faith in a new, unfolding era of Christianity and culture. We want to reach the spiritually dull and hungry, hurting masses with a voice that is approachable, non-pretentious and real. It’s our prayer to take you higher than you hoped and deeper in your faith and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word in beautiful, thought-provoking and creative ways. But we have a prowling enemy and he knows the secret to a solid, unfading revival of the Church that pours over into culture—unity. We need a Great Awakening, that far surpasses those of the past, where we see with the Father's eyes. And, we all have to remember Satan and his spiritual forces are the great counterfeit. The deceiver of the nations will use every religious, denominational, political, cultural and media scheme to divide people and the Church and bring fear to humanity. He has a master plan to attack the trustworthiness of our Faith and present a new and better world. He’s out to distract us, to keep us deaf, blind and busy so that we remain useless in the cause of Christ. He’s out to steal, kill and destroy our souls, cities and nations. The if in "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land," is extremely sobering in this controversial and political hour. Oh...but Jesus, He offers everlasting riches and glory. He is our Good News—a simple Truth. Follow the One and only Jesus Christ, the “Chief Cornerstone” of our faith. He alone ensures the foundation for salvation. Isaiah 28:16, “Therefore says the Lord God: ‘Behold I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious stone, a sure foundation.’” The theme and message of issue 11 is POWER…and love. There are many powers at work in the world and in the Church and there are more to come, but none that measure up to the power of Jesus Christ and His Gospel message of hope and salvation. My beautiful brothers and sisters, surely Jesus is drawing a line in the sand (and has lit the fuse of the dynamite) and we will never sugarcoat this truth with unicorns and rainbows—the time of grace is running short. He’s asking, “Will you take up your cross and follow after Me? Will you trust Me until the end? Will you be My witnesses?” These are the True Believers' mandates.

To sum up the topics of this 11th issue, The Jesus Movement (Then & Now) is the main section we're highlighting (starts pg 40). We're setting the record straight with the first in a 3-part series on the mind-blowing story of the "Hippie Preacher," Lonnie Frisbee (pg 62), based on his own life story co-written with Roger Sachs on Lonnie's death bed over 30 years ago. Three timely books in a series released in the last year called "Not by Might, Nor by Power." This issue's article features article one in a 3-part series. We're taking you down the documented history of revival to the 70s to Asbury, Kentucky's Repentance Revival that swept the nation's colleges and universites and to "The Jesus Revolution" stated by Time Magazine in 1971 that began on the West Coast of California. A Jesus Revival (a Bible and repentance revival) is on the horizon again (50 years later), repentance is stirring in our hearts, the Christian patriots are fighting back and His Spirit is about to pour down on all flesh again in our desperation. Regardless of what the perspective of the world or the nation is, a greater awakening and a revolution of love and of truth is going to flood California and the nation in the center of a war zone. In the midst of the next season, there will be alternating scenes of distress, shaking, refinement and glory, as was the case 50 years ago during the first Jesus Movement of the 60s and 70s. Ultimately, the Church and our hearts will be wrecked by the ligntning of God's hand as He breaks the foundations of everything that keeps His Church small, hidden, quiet and insignificant in culture. Why? Because the world is dying for True Believers to show up and manifest the power and love of Jesus. And, thankfully, He is rooting for His Church and He's interceding for you and for me while waiting for us to realize that recess is over and it's time to line up—to fear God above all else (including COVID and the political landscape). The harvest is great but the workers are few and He's calling you to join His army. You have been commissioned and the inauguration of the Kingdom of God is coming. Jesus, our Bridegroom, wants you dressed in the finest linen, but first we must wear the sackcloth of humility and repentance. It's time to trust God to do a work in us that requires complete sober-mindednessas the future will require bravery, wisdom and obedience. I hear him saying, “Will you let Me lead the way? Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit we will win this war," says the Lord. Also, please vote.

Jls.

JENENE STAFFORD Founder & Creator

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7 Elements of the Culture of the Megamorphosis Magazine Tribe We believe that the culture of Megamorphosis Magazine represents the Kingdom of God that Jesus came to establish.

When we gather, this is what it’s about—growing more into the likeness of Jesus and becoming true ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. We’re raising up an army—super soldiers for Jesus and the cause of LOVE.

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We see our tribe as family, not as a guest in our home. We have a love that heals and inspires.

We honor God, our callings in life and each other, and we seek out the gold in every person.

HONOR

We’re going after unity in the Spirit and we’re praying for more revelation.

We forgive just like Jesus forgives us every day. We strive to give no opportunity to the enemy.

UNITY

Jesus is the Way, the Truth & the Life and He’s our solid foundation.

We are the Church:

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B. Bold & Brilliant R. Rulers and Rolemodels A. Anointed & Accountable

We sacrifice for the needs of the family of God and we strive to put others’ needs above our own.

E. Enlightened & Engaged

ISSUE 11 + POWER

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We love Jesus Culture because they continue to be on board with what the Father is doing and they’re adjusting with this season. They rise to the occasion and meet the needs of their church whether they meet in person or not. And, their merch is always so cool.

BRAVERY

SACRIFICE

FORGIVENESS

TRUTH

JESUS CULTURE

store.jesusculture.com

LOVE

V. Valiant & Victorious

“CHURCH” BLUE TEE

2020

SECTIONS OF MM RISK-TAKERS People willing to risk it all for Jesus Creative risk-takers defying status quo Christianity

UP & COMERS Musicians & Songwriters People, maybe unkown, but God is making known in the marketplace

MOVERS & SHAKERS Movements and leaders on the rise Movements that are shaking things up for the sake of the Father’s heart

THEN & NOW

Our Mission Is to Go, to Send & to Love “At the heart of all that we do is to take Jesus’ words seriously—to GO—and it doesn’t matter how we’re called to do it, but we’re making it happen.”

ROOTS

HOLY FASHIONISTA Fa s h i o n e d i n t h e image of Christ Models, designers and fashion bloggers impacting the world of fashion

OUR VISION: To remember the new commandment Jesus gave—“To love one another” (John 15:5).

OUR TRIBE: We’re creative risk-takers changing lives, shaking things up & defying status quo Christianity.

WHAT WE STRIVE FOR:

Megamorphosis Magazine is a spirit-led magazine. We’re passionate about highlighting what’s on God’s heart and who He is using to go into the marketplace. We’re not out searching for people to spotlight—we’re simply listening for the Holy Spirit to disrupt our lives and our agenda so every day—every hour even—we’re available to hear who God wants put on these anointed pages.

The Jesus Movement Unique people passionately bringing love and the power of the Kingdom

Our Jewish roots Learning to understand the Jewish festivals and the mysteries of the Bible

OUR MISSION: To go. To send. To love.

“THE SHIFT”

1) To be on God’s agenda, not our own. 2) To be exactly who God has mandated us to be—nothing more and nothing less. 3) To fulfill Jesus’ request to “display the beauty and uniqueness of His bride” per the words of Jesus himself. 4) To be authentic and real (not religious) and to share radical love.

LET’S MAKE THIS FILM A HIT LIKE THE CHOSEN.

A NEW EPIC FILM WE CAN INVEST IN

“From the beautiful production value to the importance of this story, I was blown away.” - DALLAS JENKINS, DIRECTOR, THE CHOSEN TV SERIES

VOICES & ART S p e a ke r s & a r t i s t s bringing brilliance Voices and artists that God is using to share His heart with the world

HOLYWOOD Actors and f ilm industry professionals called to bring Jesus to the big screen A new Hollywood will rise in a new place and we’re going to document it

BRAVE Wo m e n r i s i n g u p and transforming their stories

INVEST IN “THE SHIFT” FILM AND HELP US GET ITS MESSAGE OUT THERE, JUST LIKE WE DID WITH “THE CHOSEN” SERIES . . . AND LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENED— NOW MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE WATCHING!

Get the scoop on my conversation with the director, Brock Heasley on page 15.

https://studios.vidangel.com/theshift-2

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CHECK OUT THINGS HAPPENING THAT WE KNOW WILL INSPIRE AND CHALLENGE YOU OCTOBER 26,2020

FAV’S

1. PROMISE KEEPERS A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.

Check out the things happening that we love, starting above. (Click the images to go to the website, app, music or social media.)

2. FAV’S

THE CHOSEN TV SERIES The Chosen is the first-ever multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus. Created outside of the Hollywood system, The Chosen allows us to see Him through the eyes of those who knew him. No matter where you are at in your journey with Jesus Christ, this TV show is for you.

http://www.thechosen.tv/

Books we love

Our country is being torn apart by division. People are feeling more disconnected than ever before. And as Americans have stayed home, social media has provided controversies to feed this spirit of division. On October 26th, Promise Keepers is calling individuals, churches, and ministry leaders to join us for Promise 6 Sunday. This event is an opportunity to take a pivotal step towards UNITY. To love and serve our neighbors, we first have to know who they are. From October 9th to October 24th, we are inviting churches to review and share a roundtable discussion on unity produced by Promise Keepers. The roundtable features leaders from across racial and denominational lines—Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, Pastor AR Bernard, Sen. James Lankford, Pastor Donald Burgs, Chad Hennings, and moderated by Ken Harrison. Register Now!

CLICK TO BUY OR GO TO AMAZON BOOKS.COM

FAV’S

PromiseKeepersevent.com

ISSUE 11 + POWER

2020

EXODUS CRY

MUSIC WE LOVE.

Sean Feucht

The sex industry is a global system of violence, exploitation, and gender inequality that encompasses prostitution, pornography, and stripping. This predatory industry preys upon our societies’ most vulnerable. It’s driven by the demand of men and necessitates a constant supply of women and children who are sold for the profit of pimps, traffickers, and other predatory stakeholders. Some are trafficked through means of force, fraud, or coercion, while others are seduced by the deceptive “empowerment” narrative in our culture, and still others are compelled to join the sex industry in order to survive. Learn more about how Exodus Cry fights for justice.

Jesusculture.com

ExodusCry.com

OneRace Leads the Charge in Atlanta for Displaying Unity UNITY IS ALSO ON GOD ’S HEART - Regardless of what the world is doing, the Kingdom of God is rising we love and support Promise Keepers and OneRace for being a great example of working to unify the body of Christ.

Find Me, Karina Kudina Spotify

4. ONERACE MOVEMENT www.oneracemovement.com

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ONERACE MOVEMENT OneRacemovement.com

Abolitionists WE LOVE

A call to end racial violence. Through prayer and fasting, relationship and collaboration, OneRace exists to displace the spirit of racism and release a movement of racial reconciliation across Atlanta, the Southeast, and the nation. God desires a young adult movement that will counter the tide of racial division in our city and nation. “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth…” – Acts 17:26. | Photo of Josh Clemons, Co-Executive Director Photo taken by Maria Oswalt

ISSUE 11 + POWER

2020

Check out the things happening that we love and support. (Click the images or links to go to the website, app, or music to purchase merchandise or courses if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re viewing online.) FAVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

ONERACE COURSES Teaching a city to love regardless of color, class or culture.

OneRaceMovement.com

MERCH WE LOVE. OneRaceSwag.com $40 OneRaceMovement.com Description: Starts October 6, 2020 Reconciliation 201: Race, Racism, & The Gospel What does the gospel say about race and racism? What is my role in this conversation? During this course, we will seek to understand the construct of race, and evil of racism. We will explore the meanings of these concepts, their effects in society, seeking to understand our role as believers.

RECONCILE HOODIE

$25

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OneRaceMovement.com Description: Starts Nov 3, 2020 Reconciliation 301: Unearthing Your Cultural Identity Everyone has a culture, but few realize it. During this course, we will explore majority and minority cultural identity. We will seek to understand majority culture and its effects on minority culture. Additionally, we will offer tools and insights on how to navigate forward as both a member of majority culture and minority culture.

UNITED CREWNECK SHIRT

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Up & Comers Update: (Singers & Songwriters)

music we love.

UPDATES ON OUR UP & COMER MUSICIANS Follow them on Instagram.

Wild Heart by Kim Walker-Smith

1. Heather Evans @heatherevansmusic

2. James Love @jamesalove

Check out her latest song on racial reconciliation and unity called All Together.

James has released his first album Almost Home this year and we love it!

Worth The Fight by Kim Walker

3. Justin Gambino @justingambinomusic 4. Karina Kudina @kari_kudi Justin is still touring the US even with the challenges of COVID and cancellations.

Karina just released a new single, See Your Pain available on Spotify. (Story Pg 88) Quiet Hope by Heather Evans

UP & COMER MUSIC Music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Itunes, Soundcloud and Amazon Music

All Together single by Heather Evans and Don Drapery

ISSUE 11 + POWER

Almost Home album by James Love

Anchored by Justin Gambino

See Your Pain single by Karina Kudina + PJ Pate (Story pg 88)

2020

EXODUS CRY ExodusCry.com

Abolitionists WE LOVE

Exodus Cry is committed to abolishing sex trafficking and breaking the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation while assisting and empowering its victims. They work to shift culture with powerful messaging through films, videos, podcasts and articles. They advthanocate for laws that uproot commercial sexual exploitation and defend those who are sexually exploited for profit. They engage with those who are currently bound in sexual exploitation and lovingly offer them a way out.

OUR EYES ARE ON YOU GOD CONTINUES TO POSITION HIS UP & COMERS + SINGERS, SONGWRITERS, ACTORS, DIRECTORS AND ARTISTS Follow them on Instagram.

+ Ricky Borba

+ Jonathan Roumie

+ Brock Heasley

Ricky has two new films, My Brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossing (out now) and Hope for the Holidays.

Jonathan Roumie plays the role of Jesus Christ in The Chosen TV Series.

The director of the film The Shift and author of several books, including a memoir.

@borbafett

@jonathanroumieofficial

@brockheasley

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KEN HARRISON, A CEO WHO KEEPS HIS PROMISE AND LEADS MEN TO BE MEN.

PROMISE KEEPERS PromiseKeepers.org

Today, we’re on the move again. Under the new leadership of Ken Harrison, we’re praying for massive revival and transformation in our nation by 2025. You’re invited to join with us. More than ever, America needs a revival of godly men. Our nation faces problems that can only be overcome when men of integrity — promisekeeping men — fulfill their destinies as godly husbands, fathers, and leaders.

A Movement Reignited to Reach the Next Generation. See the article about the “REVIVAL of the Promise Keeper Men” in this current issue on page 16.

Promise Keepers is here today to reunite, rebuild, re-imagine, and inspire the hearts of men.

Photo by Monty Nuss

ISSUE 11 + POWER

2020

THE SHIFT FILM

LET’S MAKE THIS FILM A HIT LIKE THE CHOSEN.

“It is a modern, sci-fi retelling of the story of Job. I have been blessed with an inside peek into what is coming. It is stunning. It is epic. It is an emotional roller-coaster. It is soul wrenching.” - Cara Cotham “I think there is a movement of creativity that is happening in the faith-based world. I think The Chosen is included in that, and people like Dallas Jenkins . . .and Brock, I think you are among this new school of directors and filmmakers.” - Matt Nelson, Co-composer

GOD IS MOVING ON THE BIG SCREEN WITH A NEW WAVE OF QUALITY FILMMAKERS THAT ARE CROSSING ALL KINDS OF BOUNDARIES AND HE WANTS THE CHURCH TO GET INVOLVED, BECOME A FAN . . . AND INVEST e’ve watched The Chosen soar because believers got behind it and we’re confident we’ll see THE SHIFT soar as well because it is also an epic type of project. This film is needed, it’s timely. It’s going to wake people up in a unique, powerful and challenging way. The short film leaves you with your jaw on the floor! I can only imagine what a full feature film will be like. We know it won’t leave you wanting. I got a chance to speak with Brock personally a couple of days ago and I can tell you he has a sincere goal to “reach people who would NEVER go see a faith-based film.” This film was something he said he needed to make. “I wanted to see this film, but it didn’t exist,” he shared. So he created it himself. It’s a film that’s for people in the middle of their faith journey, asking real tough questions like ‘why do we live in such a dark world?’ It’s for people struggling to find the light when life throws real hard things at you. But, it’s also for people who are trying to keep the faith and not lose it all together. It is a soul wrenching emotional roller-coaster ride, but in a faith-building, unusual and captivating way. That’s how I felt when I watched it.

THE SHIFT is unabashedly a science fiction film. It is also unabashedly a faith-based film. It is a modern day, sci-fi re-telling of the story of Job. Job’s story is that he was a person who already had faith and was then seemingly abandoned by God and severely tested. Job’s test was to endure, to make the choice, every day, to still believe despite all that came against him. It’s about a man who is approached by Satan himself and offered fame and wealth in exchange for doing the devil’s bidding. This will be a film about choice. This is what Dan Haseltine had to say about the project: “You know that I am a calloused, embittered, curmudgeon when it comes to faith-based films. The reason for this, beyond a legacy of bad lighting, terrible cinematography, awful sound editing, regrettable acting performances, and over-propagandized dialogue, is that it has taken a long

About Brock

time for faith-based film makers to let their characters tell the truth about the human experience. The Shift is exciting to me because it is an intelligent concept that elbows new territory in a genre that has spent too much time retreading over the same plot structures and sports team conversions. This film tells a much better story.” “The Shift, in as much as I have seen, and know, is creative truthtelling,” Dan stated. THE SHIFT has so much promise that Dallas Jenkins (Director of The Chosen) has joined the incredible team of award-winning producers (Orlando Gomez) and composers (Dan Haseltine, Matthew S. Nelson) as Executive Producer. Reserve your space to invest in their second round at VIDANGEL STUDIOS. Follow their progress on Instagram and Join the Fan Club. Go watch the short film and share it with your friends.

I: @theshiftfilm F: @theshiftyfilm

Writer and director Brock Heasley is an award-winning filmmaker with a passion for telling stories of hope on the screen and on the page. Brock has written several books, including a memoir The Other Side of Fear: A True Story of Murder, Forgiveness, and the Peace Only Faith Can Bring. He is the creator of the comic The SuperFogeys, which was recently collected as a graphic novel.

https://studios.vidangel.com/theshift-2

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+ THEN & NOW

2020

“A Ground-breaking year. A no-nonsense year.” -Jenene Stafford (We prophesied it here in Issue 9)

Thank you to the incredible photographers that provided us their gorgeous photography: Melissa Poloncarz, Christian Reed, Saturate OC, Gage Forster amd Kara Beth Nixon, & Paul Tellefsen.

ISSUE 11 + POWER

2020

A R E V O L U T I O N, A N E W J E S U S M O V E M E N T, A G R E AT E R AWA K E N I N G , A R E V I VA L A N D A N E W R E F O R M AT I O N A R E A L L S T I R R I N G .

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The following photos are taken by Christian Reed at the Let Us Worship

+ THEN & NOW

NOW

event at the California State Capitol on September 6, 2020

R E V O L U T I O N—T H E WA R OV E R K I N G D O M S

1 revolution, a new Jesus Movement, an awakening, a revival and a new reformation are simultaneously rising across America (and in the nations) and it’s only just begun. Some of us don’t yet realize God’s power is at work in 2020 and that’s because it looks different than what we expect and we’ve been looking in the wrong places for

ISSUE 11 + POWER

too long. Many of us think God should quickly put an end to all this mess and make everything go back to the way it was in our comfortable lives. But if He did as some of us wished, we wouldn’t be primed and ready for what’s coming. Friends, it’s time to line up and get ready because God is looking for true believers, true warriors. He wants to know, are you with Him or not? Will

you trust Him or not? Will you follow Him knowing the cost? On the ground and in the trenches, it’s hard not to focus solely on the nonsense, noise and injustices happening in our world. These days, it’s almost impossible to avoid the news pumping out messages of COVID-19, BLM, racism, Antifa, riots, politics, defunding the police and the fight over patriotism. That’s because we are in a war over kingdoms and

2020

A Revolution WHAT'S FORMING?

A Jesus Revolution has begun and it's not what many expect. God's lightning rod will continue to crack unholy and dry foundations while His Glory rains down on the misfit and rebel remnant like a flood. The True Believers and the New and the 70s Jesus People will rise together in the war over kingdoms and souls. God will remind us all how we will overcome the mountain before us—"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the LORD of hosts.

BY JENENE STAFFORD

over souls, and we’re fighting the kingdom of darkness who loves polarity, division and deception. God’s using all of it to bring us back to the Chief Cornerstone of our faith in America as we collectively rise up to fight for our country. He’s also going to continue to crack church foundations globally to draw the religious to a true, repentant heart and a deep, intimate love for Jesus, the One Christ. It feels as if the Church just woke up five minutes ago, but it’s only because of His goodness and grace. A greater awakening is coming, however, and the impact of His rod will come down more abruptly if we don’t allow Him to reform us and if the Church doesn’t come clean and repent. Remember, His throne alone is one of righteousness and justice. As we prophesied in the beginning of the year in Issue 9, this is God’s NO-NONSENSE year and we will continue to see this unfold all the way through 2021. There’s NEW WINESKIN in 2020 for the Church, but some complacent Christians really prefer the way it was before COVID changed the game unapologetically. Just as Pastor Dean Deguara states in his article this issue (in “Let Us Not Go Back”), “there

has never been an opportunity like the one we’re in now since the 16th century. To see a true reformation come to the Church, which many have dreamed about, preached about, and written about, will only be realized if we yield to the Holy Spirit’s reforming power in this God-given window of change.” It is true that the Church in America is living in one of the most challenging times in our history. What we see today mirrors the reality in the late 60s and early 70s. Almost to a tee, everything we’re witnessing has happened before. Back then, people were extremely concerned with the Vietnam War, gun control, civil rights and the economy. The Jesus Revolution of the past arose amidst extreme tensions— during major, social uprising and as the 1972 presidential debates went on…sound familiar? In Time magazine’s “The Jesus Revolution” issue (from June 21, 1971 in “The New Rebel Cry: Jesus Is Coming!”), I’m so encouraged as I read about the miracle transformation of people radically coming to Christ. “The same people who were tripping out. . .with sex, drugs and violence” came to “[em-

brace] the most pertinent symbol of purity, selflessness and brotherly love in the history of Western man.” These Jesus people roared with purpose and were “afire with a Pentecostal passion for sharing their new vision with others.” Just as the Spirit came upon them in their day and changed them, I pray the Lord gives us the courage to roar the same, powerful cry “Jesus is coming!” As we reflect back and honor history all throughout this "POWER" issue and remember those kingdom people who have gone before us, we will see how God continues to use these unprecedented, fearful and chaotic seasons of life to draw people to their knees, to wake up our spiritual ears, to set things right and to ultimately change our course to align with His. He’s that good. Revival, repentance, awakening and reformation are all already on their way. What God will do will be revolutionary. Truly He's just getting started. Watch and see.

This feature is only a glimpse into what is coming to the Church and culture very soon. -Jenene Stafford

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The following photos taken by Christian Reed are at the Let Us Worship event at the California State Capitol on September 6, 2020

YAY G O D ! T H E C H U R C H H A S L E F T T H E B U I L D I N G

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2020

A New Jesus Movement WHAT'S RISING?

THE NEW JESUS MOVEMENT is rising with the young generation and 60s and 70s "Jesus People" coming together in unity. This brilliant and colorful 2020 move of the Father is just one beautiful (but messy) stroke of His paint brush. I believe it's God's ultimate plan to create a truth revolution—one that will rise up True Believers that are so devoted to Jesus Christ they will take up their cross and follow after Jesus until the end. Not only are the young ones rising up their voices on the beaches of Central and Southern California, people like Sean Feucht, a missionary, worshipper and activist are “Turning riots into revival” touring all across the nation’s rioted cities and getting recognized on news stations for his stand to #holdtheline and "Let Us Worship." He's fighting back for what he believes is right. Like Lonnie Frisbee, "The Hippie Preacher" of the 70s, Sean is controversial, he wears a remake of the One Way t-shirt that was a dominant symbol of the first Jesus Movement. He also looks a bit like a hippie too. I heard the Lord say "Sean is the poster child for the New Jesus Movement," but I don't think it's because he's a potential politican taking a stand. I believe it's simply because he's a son that said yes to God and he's willing to say what others are unwilling to say and go where others are unwilling to go, even if he doesn't do it all perfectly, he's still a trailblazer. But this issue of Megamorphosis Mag-

azine isn't only about Sean Feucht, it's about "POWER" and love. Sean is just one brave Jesus follower in a growing army of kingdom misfits that in time will shake the world's systems, as well as the status quo and lukewarm church. He's controversial because he seems to be a rule breaker and he ruffles some people's feathers. Isn't that what Jesus did? Perhaps he's called to fight for justice, for family and for worship and maybe, just maybe—he's fighting for the rights of our kingdom which belongs to Christ. Perhaps like others we're highlighting, it's to ignite fires of justice (in the world and in heaven) and a great return of the prodigals, as well as a homecoming to those that are lost? Certainly this was a shared passion of Lonnie Frisbee as well, although he was a "flaming liberal" in his youthful days, unlike Sean, who has been called a political activist and is clearly a republican. Inside this issue on "POWER" and love you'll see there are many polarized perspectives socially and in the Church. That's because a REVOLUTION is upon us and powers, principalites and authorities are battling. Humans are stuck right in the middle of a warzone and as Jessi Green with Saturate OC says, " We are in a war that has already been won." If that's not enough, the Church is called to go and make disciples and to love one another even when we disagree. One side of the Church believes we should follow the requests of our government officials, wear masks

and don’t gather unless it's mandated by law. While the polar opposite believe—we have to stand for our constitutional rights or America will become a socialist country. These diverse perspectives coming from the Church, make us a unique and colorful bride. However we're a little messy and that can be a turn off to those who may be seeking God out. That said, we need to have a lot of grace for each other in this season because people are still trying to find their footing and their lane in what God is doing (while it may seem the government is calling all manner of ungodly shots). The fact is, it's noisy around the globe and too many people are following the sheep rather than the voice of the Father. But, the New Jesus People are rising up and they will become UNSTOPPABLE. They will count the cost and suffer persecution, even when it comes from within the family of Christ. These Jesus people are seen by many as misfits, radicals, artists and non-conformists by the "religious" and that is a repeat of the former Jesus Movement. But they are sons and daughters and thankfully they're not a fit for this world and that's why they're misfits. They're brave and they've made Jesus their First Love. They know He's the One Way to love, to life, to freedom, to healing and to truth and these street evangelists can't wait to tell everyone about Jesus. Evangelism and witnessing are simply a natural byproduct of being in love.

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SATURATE OC

Photo by @karabethnixon

Thank you Saturate OC for donating your beautiful photos to us of what God is doing on the beaches of Southern California. We honor your inspiring courage to come to Santa Cruz, San Francisco and Sacramento later in 2020. We appreciate you for warring to bring the power and love of Jesus Christ without fear. We bless you and pray for a discerning ear that you would continue to go where God calls you and do it with a sober spirit and total humility before God. May all that you do have the Lord's golden seal of approval. In Jesus' name, Amen - Jenene Stafford (Founder of Megamorphosis Magazine)

Photo by @karabethnixon

INFORMATION ABOUT SATURATE OC While we continue to steward revival in Orange County, we believe that God is calling us to help awaken and partner with The Church in different regions in California. After weeks of prayer, we are heading to Santa Cruz and San Francisco on a mission trip October 27th November 6th. If you would like to attend either of these Saturate events - please register online.

Photo by @gage_forster

In Santa Cruz: our desire is to bring the Gospel through street evangelism, public baptisms, creative evangelism outreaches, intercession and a HOLY SPIRIT event on Halloween. In San Francisco: we plan to prayer walk with teams through the streets and in Sacramento during the election. We will conclude the week with a worship, prayer and awakening night with the local church.

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2020

igniters and rebels

Baptizing, worshiping, praying, evangelizing and spreading the Gospel in the streets & on the beaches

Photo by Paul Tellefsen | @technopaul

THEIR PROFOUND VISION We came to California on a vacation and as we prayed we saw a picture of thousands of people being baptized along Huntington Beach Pier; the harvest was so massive, people were quickly turning around to baptize the person behind them. There was a ripple effect to this move of God. I believe that there is a massive harvest for THE CHURCH in Orange County to participate in and we need to prepare the nets of discipleship.

To learn more about dates and times for their events and how to get involved go to Saturateoc.com.

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Photo by Christian Reed

A R E S U R G E N C E O F C H R I S T I A N I T Y I N C U LT U R E

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2020

A Greater Awakening HERE'S WHAT'S COMING

HISTORICALLY THE FIRST GREAT Awakening was a Christian revival that impacted America during the 1730s and 1740s. The backdrop of secularism took root and the age of Enlightentment (which consisted of philosophical, scientific and logic reasoning) made it's way to the American colonies from Europe. At the time, the culture was becoming more formal and church attendance was dropping. During the Great Awakening, preachers traveled from town to town preaching about the Gospel, salvation and promoting a passionate experience of Christianity where prior it had been seen as religious and stale. The result of these spontaneous revival stops sparked a fresh devotion and a cultural awakening toward religion. Many historians believe the Great Awakening impacted the history of American culture. Not everyone embraced the ideas or the style of preaching of the Great Awakening; some preffered a traditional approach. In fact, "by about 1742, debate over the Great Awakening had split the New England clergy and many colonists into two groups. Preachers and followers that were for the new ideas and style became known as 'new lights.' Those who embraced traditional church practices were called 'old lights.'" Jesus lived in a similar cultural climate, in the Middle East in His day, to

the period of the First Great Awakening. People were being pulled and torn between the spirit of religion and the "politics" of the day. (Sound familiar? We're living in a repeat moment.) I'm sure Jesus was a breath of fresh air for so many people looking for The Way out of the enslavement to the religious and political spirits in constant battle in culture. CURRENT CULTURE

The current cultural backdrop of America and Europe is filled with spirituality. Even the occult, the wiccan and the New Age are actually easier to reach than the hard-core hearts of the religious looking to disapprove our Christian Faith. Our global culture has shifted dramatically in the last two decades in the area of spirituality. And it's fertile ground to plant seeds of truth through, media, art, poetry and thought, as well as spiritually-provoking philosophy. We can see the culture absorbing spirituality all over tv, media ads and even in the Church with "Christian" yoga. Spiritual meditation, healing oils, crystals and now, even psychedelics are once again being studied and utilized for many different types of healing of the mind, body and spirit. The modern Jesus People, the "new lights" won't shy away from new age types of people and they won't shy away from witches either. Many Christians have

been enlightened, but by the Holy Spirit rather than logic. So enlightened in fact, that there's no turning back without dire eternal consequences. One thing is for sure, it isn't a "religious" experience the people need in modern day culture. They simply need to get their hearts wrecked and enlightened spiritually by Jesus. This is the Greater Awakening coming. The Christian life has to be seen and felt in an undeniable way. Jesus came for those hungry souls looking to be filled, looking to be healed, looking for what's deeply spiritualâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not religious. We need a greater awakening than the ones of the 18th Century. We need a profound, cultural wake-up call to truth. We'll overcome this cultural mountain only by His Spirit. That's the future of the Church. This remnant of Spirit-filled Christians will reach into the minds and lives of humanity even though the culture is dead set on the belief that all roads lead to Rome (or heaven). We will see America and Europe once again impacted by a fresh and greater awakening and perspective of the Christian faith. In fact, it is beginning to happen in 2020, as mainstream media stations are once again writing about Jesus and Christianity. This resurgance has only just begun. The witnesses will rise with a new found boldnessâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;true bravery.

Sources

Founder's Notes

The Great Awakening, UShistory.org.

We will continue to write about the history of America and

The First Great Awakening, National Humanities Center.

Colonial America and how it was influenced by the Great

The Great Awakening Timeline, Christianity.com.

Awakenings of the past and how Christianity will awaken

The Great Awakening, Khan Academy.

and reach the hearts and minds of the current culture.

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T H E R E V I VA L W I L L S P R E A D A G A I N L I K E W I L D F I R E

Photo by Christian Reed ISSUE 11 + POWER

2020

Written based on the Asbury College Revival Documentary

A Revival Gone Wild AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT'S STIRRING?

The year 2020 has been a year of shaking, waking and breaking. What America and the Church needs most right now is a Revival of Repentance. When revival comes, it will sweep our nation once again just like it did in the midst of the social unrest of 1970 in Kentucky. HE DID IT BEFORE, HE'LL DO IT AGAIN

On February 3rd, 1970, it seemed like just another ordinary day at Asbury College. Protests were happening and people were burning down buildings and rioting in the streets, but the students of Asbury were compelled to go to their knees. No one was expecting Jesus to walk through the door of the chapel and rain down peace. Well, almost no one. On February second one of those faithful students testified hearing from God. He said, “While we were in our dorm during a prayer meeting that tomorrow it was going to happen, and it did, [God] just opened it up and let it fly. It was the greatest outpouring of God’s love and Holy Spirit and I can’t express it, I’m just amazed, I’m glorifying His name, I’m praising His name.” Everyone else expected it to be a regular 50-minute chapel service. What happened instead was a spontaneous move of the Holy Spirit. Toward the end of the chapel students started coming to the altar in droves after a philosophy professor gave an invitation. It all started with a student giving their testimony. One person said she wasn’t leaving the chapel until she found peace in her heart. A teacher came forward and confessed

he had backslidden and he repented and asked his students to forgive him. What happened was a repentance revival that left people with a peace they said they’d "never felt before." Steve Seamonds, a senior at the time said “The power of God was so real that it felt as though [he] was in a suspended state of reality, that time itself began to collapse and students could sit in Hughes Auditorium for hours and hours and it seemed like it was only minutes.” People experienced God in ways they never had expected. Linda Hager, a Junior at the time said, “As it unfolded what I began to learn was I could not dictate to God how He would come. I can’t control God, I can only stand in awe of what He chooses to do.” People were confessing things that could have gotten them kicked out of seminary. They were bringing their petitions to God and confessing to each other the things that they were challenged with in their lives.” People were humbled by the Holy Spirit and were awestruck with the Spirit of love and peace as they confessed their sins. The Revival began to spread and by Friday, Azusa Pacific College was said to have “gone wild.” News stations picked up the story and people everywhere were hearing about it. The students went out and evangelized that Jesus showed up; they couldn't help but share how real He was. Revival went from campuses to neighborhoods to homes. Letters began to go out to other campuses sharing the witness of what was happening. Students began to go and minister to the soldiers in bootcamp a few days before heading to

Vietnam. Within three days, it spread like wildfire to more than 40 campuses all across the country. A mighty wind of God’s Spirit was moving and it was undeniable. With every move of God there are skeptics, so there were some who were invited to go and experience it for themselves. They too began to experience a “divine magnetism” that caused them to turn to the Lord and fall to their knees. On a Sunday five days later, Pastor David Seamands of William Methodist Church said, “It’s Sunday morning, we must have a sermon,” but he realized that the Holy Spirit didn’t want any sermons. God did what God wanted to do and the revival spread like wildfire. What came out of it was true repentance, intercession, a call to holiness, an indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a new found peace and an experience of the presence of God unlike anything they’d ever experienced before. The thing that characterized this move of God’s Spirit from the beginning was described as “the freedom to seek God.” That revival spread all across the country to more than 40 colleges and universities in one week because of the power of the witness. The media spread their witness, the students spread their witness, the teachers spread their witness. One witness lead to the next and to the next and so on. This spontaneous move of God lasted one week, but God only knows how far reaching the impact really was.

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5 Photo by Kara Nixon | @karabethnixon

A NEW REFORMATION OF CHRISTIANITY IS STIRRING that will engage peo-

ple and culture with the love and grace of God—finally, a new, Jesus-inspired Second Reformation. This one will not result in a new denomination (or thousands of denominations). It will neither emerge because of theological differences or because there are religious leaders imposing ungodly, unbiblical things upon their church members. This Reformation will simply emerge as a result of a revival of repentance, a greater awakening and a

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remnant Jesus People that will become unstoppable in the streets, in the marketplace and in the city squares. All of these glorious moves and manifestations are ignited by the Holy Spirit's power. It's as if a cake is being baked and these are the ingredients to a New Reformation. As Dr. John Jackson said in a recent speech standing in front of the California State Capitol steps, "I’m here to share with you that the last several years I’ve sensed a stirring in my heart, as have many others, that we

are on the edge of a second Reformation. The second Reformation is not about grace received, it’s about grace distributed." I concur with that statement. "Twenty-twenty is a year of such shifting, of such magnitude that the Church of Jesus Christ will never be the same. That’s our calling. That’s our assignment and this is that time," said John. He went on to declare, "Part of what God has been doing here in our midst today is stirring us up, to repent to the fact we’ve not been engaged in culture. We’ve allowed culture to do

2020

A New Reformation WHAT'S REALLY STIRRING

its thing as long as we can be satisfied for a protected hour on Sunday morning and do our worship and then go home. And culture has drifted all that time. That stops now!" Hallelujah, the Church has left the building. Only God's hand has forced us outside the walls, has woke us up, has brought us to our knees, deeper into the Word of God and back to our First Love, Jesus. When the Church wakes up, the culture wakes up. It's really that simple. In our current culture, people only consume things that have a good rating or positive social proof. Our lack of engaging culture as witnesses filled with the Holy Spirit is why God is stirring hearts and breaking ground in this moment, in this new era. We've tried every way of packaging Christianity and "church" so people will come to us. If we follow Jesus's example and His mandate, we'll find it was never intended to be that way. He engaged the culture which taught the apostles to engage the culture at all cost. What they witnessed Jesus do and how He personally illuminated their lives and changed them was evidence of His love, His goodness and His grace. Because of their own experiences, they wanted everyone to know about Jesus, the Messiah, too. While the Church has been praying, fasting and waiting for real transformation to come to our culture and nation, we have missed the obvious for a long time. Look in the mirror because

there's the answer—the reformation has been here all along, and it lives inside you. Do not fear because the future reformation is not about adding something more to Scripture, but is more about going back to what Jesus said a long time ago. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8). If we want to know how Christianity can reach people, then we have to remember who we are—living, breathing, WITNESSES. We need to rewind and get back to that one place of commonality across all Christian denominations, to this place in Christianity where we can kiss the debilitating, limiting, Christian "religion" goodbye and go back to who Jesus said we would be, His witnesses. And we must always remember: not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit. THE FIRST WITNESSES AFTER JESUS

The true followers of Jesus (the first disciples), living out the principles of the Kingdom of God, were taught by the apostles. They were eye witnesses to the lifestyle and teachings of Jesus and were people who were once called "The people of the Way." It wasn't until Acts 11:26 that the disciples went from being known as "The people of the Way," or the Nazarenes, to be-

ing called Christians. Like the "Jesus Freaks" of the 60s, the term "Christian" was likely a derogatory "nickname" that was adopted nonetheless by this sect of Jesus followers. Perhaps it was because they were so persuasive, so fearless, in their approach to sharing their witness. Another mention of the term "Christian" follows in Acts 26, where Herod Agrippa II replied to Apostle Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28). It's interesting that Paul wasn't with Jesus during His ministry and yet was an apostle, an eyewitness account whom without question is one of the most influential apostles (if not the most influential). Jesus was gracious enough to show him how blind he really was as a murdering pharisee. He knew this guy would be a great witness. Can you imagine how extraordinary for Paul to sit at a table in heaven with other brothers and sisters in Christ that he ordered to be murdered? This is the greatness and mercy of our God. Is it no wonder that Jesus would tell me that Acts 26 is the ultimate model for what will happen in the future reformation when the Church actually transforms into the Church He intended. If you simply ask yourself what would happen if there was no building called a church, you'd find there would only be YOU, the body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit. You and I are totally set.

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Revisiting Acts 26 THE MODEL FOR REFORMATION AND WITNESSING IS SIMPLE

ACTS 26 IS WHAT'S COMING AGAIN

1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. 4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? 9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly

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enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. FIRST, PAUL RECOUNTS HIS CONVERSION IN HIS STORY

12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ THEN HE TELLS THE STORY OF HIS POST-CONVERSION LIFE

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus

and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— 23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” AGRIPPA PARRIES PAUL’S CHALLENGE AND THEY SPEAK FRANKLY

24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” 25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” 29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

2020

Prophetic Lenses MY JOURNEY OF SPIRITUAL REVELATION ON "THE WITNESSES"

PROPHETIC EXPLANATION

For two months the Holy Spirit has drawn me back to Zechariah 4 over and over again for revelation on why this book and Acts 26 will be Scriptures to turn to in this season of "POWER" and love. The Lord first gave me the word "witnesses" followed by the scripture "Not by might, nor by power..." Then it was months of study, prayer and research and waiting for more prophetic revelation and confirmation. Back to the scripture the Lord directed me to, Zechariah... Israel is being faced with a seemingly impossible situation—a huge mountain to conquer is before them. But the LORD spoke to Zerrubabel, the Leader at that time, and said, "It is not by might, nor by power but by My Spirit," saith the LORD of hosts. Allow me to explain. The Lord said in the same chapter of scripture, "Who are you O great Mountain? Before Zerrubabel you shall become a plain!" Israel was reminded that His hand and His Spirit was going to change the face of things. We're reminded of this once again. The end of Zechariah 4:7 says "and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, 'Grace, grace unto it.'" (Reminds me of what John Jackson said in his speech about grace and the Second Reformation.) In the first portion of Acts 1:8 before Jesus says that we'll be His witnesses, (with added emphasis) He says, "You shall receive POWER after the Holy Ghost comes upon you: AND [then] you shall be MY WITNESSES." Just in case the prophetic connection is not obvi-

ous to this point—the Lord is telling us we're going to have seemingly insurmountable mountains to conquer, in this coming season, like Zechariah did. But we will conquer with the New Reformation revealing itself in culture by Grace with a capital G. The Church and Christianity are simply going to spread and evolve because Jesus is coming back soon. This season coming may seem like we're treading water, but do not despise the small things and know that God's eyes, all seven of them, are also watching. And finally, you should know that the WITNESSES are also mentioned in Zechariah 4:14. They are called the "anointed ones" seen in Zechariah's visions shown by the angel as (1) two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left, and (2) two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves. In this scripture Zechariah is having a conversation with the angel and the angel keeps saying to Zechariah, "don't you know what this means?" So he interprets, "these are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." Most of you are probably thinking where is she going with this? Keep reading . . . The words “anointed ones” in Hebrew would be: “bane yitshar” meaning “sons of oil.” The further meaning would be that these are the two anointed “sons” that are being “pressed” to make oil or to bring forth light to the Menorah into which they are dripping. In Messianic understanding, the Menorah is represented in Yeshua who is the light of the earth,

and further signifies the seven ways in which the Spirit of YHVH rests upon Him as He is manifested in the flesh throughout the earth. (Read Isaiah 11:1-2 for understanding on the eyes of the Lord.) These two “sons of oil” WITNESS to Messiah's holy ministry and His righteous judgments. They represent authority on earth. Zechariah said that these two sons “stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” Here's where it gets interesting. Most scholars of the past considered these two "sons" as literally two men, perhaps Moses and Elijah. (A story for another day with in-depth explanation. This is only a foremention of it here.) But, this interpretation does not sit in my spirit correctly even though it seems one of several logical conclusions. I believe these witnesses, these anointed ones represent the body of Jews and Gentiles, two complete parts of the Church finally unifying and coming together under the LORD's name. Jesus said, YOU WILL BE my witnesses in all the earth in Acts 26 and then ends Zechariah 4 with "These are the two anointed ones (witnesses), that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." I encourage you to study and pray and ask the Holy Spirit to personally reveal for yourself if I am correct. If I am, then the implication is that all this symbolism makes a lot of sense. Not only is the Church being transformed, but also Christianity reformed with golden oil pouring out of us on all the earth, by witnessing of Jesus, our Lord and Messiah.

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DR. MICHAEL BRODEUR, Author of Revival Culture: Prepare for the Next Great Awakening.

FINAL WORD

Founder of PastorsCoach.com and DestinyFinder.com

BY DR. MICHAEL BRODEUR (D.DIV.HON.)

You and I live in one of the most extraordinary times in all of human history! There are so many wonderful things happening such as the growth of technology, advances in medicine, the reduction of world poverty and many other things too numerous to mention. There are also many challenging things such as political polarity, racism and anti-racism, protests and riots, not to mention a major, global pandemic. As we walk out the next few years, it’s important to remember that 50 years ago, the world was in a very similar condition. We had the war in Viet Nam that polarized the nation. We had the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. We had the racial riots in Los Angeles and Detroit and the riots at the Democratic Convention in 1968. We even had our own pandemic: The Hong Kong Flu!!! It was in this very moment in history that God sent a powerful revival among the Baby-Boom generation that became known as the Jesus People Movement in which millions were touched by the gospel of Jesus Christ. I gave my life to Jesus in 1975, just as the fires of the Jesus Movement were waning, but the coals were still very hot. Over the next couple of years, I began my discipleship journey on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and eventually heard about a group that did on-the-job ministry training, who happened to be planting a Church in San Francisco. I went to their training center and eventually moved back to the city in 1977. My wife, Diane, met the Lord a couple of years earlier in Southern California and was one of the thousands that were baptized in the ocean at Corona Del Mar. She soon joined with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) and attended a couple of schools (DTS and SOE) before coming to an outreach that I

ISSUE 11 + POWER

was co-leading in San Francisco. We married 40 years ago and have seven grown children and seven grandchildren. In 1984, after meeting John Wimber and Lonnie Frisbee, the Lord led us to start a Vineyard church that soon become one of the largest churches that the city had seen in over 40 years. We enjoyed three wonderful waves of revival with amazing signs, wonders and salvations, but after 33 years of ministry in the city, the Lord told us we were done. We moved to Redding, CA and worked with a ministry called Jesus Culture but when God directed them to plant a new church in Sacramento, the Lord told us we are not to go with them. Instead, it was time to build a coaching ministry to help pastors prepare their people for the coming harvest. PastorsCoach.com was born in 2015 and we are working with hundreds of pastors and leaders around the world. I have dedicated my life to laying the foundations for the next Great Awakening: The new Jesus Movement. During my decades in San Francisco, we held hundreds of prayer meetings, hosted hundreds of events. Two of the biggest were the “Real Summer of Love” outreaches in 1997 and 2007 to commemorate the starting of the original Jesus Movement revival. We also launched a number of experimental ministries to different subcultures including the neo-hippies, the Rave community and the Burning Man crowd. Along the way, I discovered five keys to the coming harvest based in Matthew 9:35-10:8. 1] The Gospel of the Kingdom: We must look beyond modern “churchianity” to see the bigger picture of God’s purposes. Jesus did not die just to get us to heaven but to also bring heaven to earth. We are each called to be world-changers for Jesus (Revela-

tion 1:6). 2] The Power of Compassion: Do we see the multitudes like Jesus saw the multitudes? Jesus was well aware of each person’s sins but chose to see them as oppressed and beaten down and his guts were moved with compassion. Let’s see the world through the eyes of Jesus. 3] The Power of Prayer: Jesus called his disciples to pray. Not so much to pray for the harvest because the harvest is always ripening. Rather, he called us to pray for laborers. We must also be willing to be the answer to our own prayer. Here am I, send me (Isaiah 6:8). 4] The Power of Discipleship: Jesus commissioned us to make disciples who make disciples but the Church in general does not train people well. We must follow the model of Jesus who didn’t merely lecture his disciples but did “life-on-life” with them as apprentices. After a season of training, he commissions them and sends them as apostles (sent ones). 5] The Power of God: Much of what we do as believers in the Church can be done without the help of God, but verses 7-8 (of chapter 9) change the rules. We must cultivate a deep dependence on the presence and power of God. If you think this only applies to the apostles, then take a look at Luke 10, where The Seventy are sent out with the same power of God. So as we prepare for the coming Jesus Movement that is even now beginning, let me urge you to keep your eyes on Jesus during this crazy, chaotic time of history. Don’t let fear have any place in your heart. Remember that 50 years ago, I was one of those protesters, raising my fist against the establishment. And keep this in mind: Many of the protesters of today will become the world-changing leaders of tomorrow.

2020

There's no more excuses.

GO.

Photo by Christian Reed

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