I Think the Devil's Mad

There is a spiritual tug-of-war that is occurring in our world today.  Yes, we know that the enemy has been challenging the authority of God for quite some time, and the Bible shows us what his end will be.  But, there is a contest for the hearts and minds of especially young adults, those who are referred to as "Generation Z."  And, we can be thankful that the gospel is winning: that people are being won to our Savior. In John 4 (ESV), we can find these words:
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.
35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.
36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps. ’

A true champion for the gospel, who was gracious in debating people with opposing views than his, who was dedicated to engaging young people in speaking out for convictions that are consistent with the teachings of Scripture, was taken out by a bullet in Utah just days ago. Many mourned, even some who were known to disagree with Charlie Kirk on various issues. Still others, callous to the value of human life, celebrated.

This comes against the backdrop of an amazing spiritual movement among our young people. Hearts and minds are receiving the gospel, and I believe that the murder of Charlie was a feeble attempt, driven by spiritual forces, to somehow thwart what God is doing.  And, it's important to note that people are calling for Charlie's legacy, which is quite impressive for a 31-year-old, would continue.

By now, you have heard what is occurring on college campuses - thousands coming together to worship Jesus and hear a gospel presentation, with an invitation being issued and young people giving their hearts to Him, even being baptized.  Just last week, students gathered en masse at Ohio State University for a large gathering for the second straight year, and the Unite movement held another large meeting at Oklahoma University.

Filmmakers have captured these type of moments in a new film called, The Revival Generation, and The Christian Post published an article recently about its content.   The article related that, "'The Revival Generation,' which was produced by the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN)'s Abigail Robertson, premiered...at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts amid the Trump administration's push to promote more faith-friendly content at the prestigious venue."  

The piece went on to say: "Detailing some of the large revivals on college campuses in recent years, the film portrays thousands of Gen Z students filling stadiums as they pursue healing and faith through Christ, which attendees at the red-carpet premiere said hurting young people are desperately seeking."

Abigail Robertson is quoted as saying, "For many years in the United States, religion has been a cultural thing," she said. "Even if you weren't that religious, you still would just go to church, because that's what people did." She added, "And I think many in this generation were raised in homes where they weren't just taken to church because that's what everyone did. In some cases, they really haven't had a ton of exposure to Christianity and to the Gospel message."  The article noted, "The unprecedented, technology-driven awareness that has caused some of Gen Z's problems is also potentially bringing many of them to faith, she said."

The film certainly hits close to home for Faith Radio listeners.  The article states: "Much of the documentary centers on Tonya Prewett, a mother who founded the UniteUS movement. Her own daughter's struggles with addiction and suicidal ideation led her to establish the nonprofit that organizes prayer and worship gatherings among college students."  The Christian Post article says, "As recounted in the film, she was involved with the revival at Auburn University in September 2023, when thousands gathered in the school's auditorium for worship, and hundreds were baptized impromptu in an on-campus pond, despite the freezing weather." Prewett, the wife of former Auburn assistant basketball coach Chad Prewett, who recently announced his resignation to follow God's call into ministry, is quoted as saying: "I hope it will ignite something inside of them: number one, to get saved; number two, to know that they have a purpose; and number three, to make a difference where they are," adding, "That is what this film is all about."  The article continued:

Prewett said she believes the misery that results from the "comparison, isolation, loneliness and addiction" common among Gen Z is driving many of them to Christ.

"He's the only hope that’s going to get them through it," she said.

What God is doing among young men was also part of the film's emphasis.  Coach Prewett said, "What we're seeing with this move of God is that they've been vulnerable with each other, vulnerable with themselves and Christ, and because of that, they're moved...Their emotions are moved. We're watching the toughest of tough guys show up and be moved by the power of God."

This film, which is consistent with what I try to incorporate into my radio show, is doing a great service to the body of Christ and to our culture by telling the story of what God is doing. And, we can not only stand in prayer, but churches can consider how God would use them to minister to this generation.

Ben Carson was at the premiere, and The Christian Post mentioned that "He was among the voices who offered insight in the film about the spiritual searching among Gen Z or 'Zoomers,' who were born roughly between 1997 and 2012 and suffer from unprecedented depression, identity issues and mental illness."  There is an assault that is occurring among this generation, which has so much potential, yet the enemy would want it to go unrealized.  

Through these amazing movements of God, his work is being curtailed.  But, I think is critical that we understand the nature of evil.  The enemy is unrelenting and he will certainly not go down without a fight.  That's why I believe that the high-profile murder of Charlie Kirk was such a monumental blow - but not a fatal one to a moral and spiritual advance among Generation Z.  If...people will take up the mantle and do what God is calling them to do.  And, in response, we can always ask what we can do, so that we can see lasting spiritual, cultural change.