Heart Renovation

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'Renovation of the Heart'

Calvary Chapel's Big Tent Revival brings back memories of the Jesus People days in the 70s when thousands of hippies found Christ. Now many more will find the that same Savior

by Brian Nixon

Hugs at the entrance to the Big Tent

COSTA MESA, CA (ANS) -- A big tent in a field near the corner of Fairview and Sunflower. Chuck Smith. Love Song. Mustard Seed Faith. Jesus People.

1972, right? Wrong, it is 2007- and things are as exciting now as they were over 35 years ago.

Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa is in the process of being remodeled- from inside and out- and Pastor Chuck Smith had the idea that Calvary could revisit the times and feelings of the Jesus People era, while the sanctuary is being renovated. But this is more than a time set apart for the "renovation" of a sanctuary. Pastor Chuck's true desire is that the six weeks, beginning March 12th and ending April 21st, would be a "renovation of the heart."

Returning to our First Love, meeting Jesus for the first time and worshiping the Lord "in Spirit and in truth," are at the center of what Big Tent Revival is all about.

Chuck Smith speaking on the first night

Pastor Chuck, on his nationally syndicated broadcast, Pastor's Perspective, has declared that the intention for the Big Tent Revival is for God's people to "set aside a time to worship the Lord, seek His face, pray, hear God's Word taught openly, and invite people to hear the Gospel proclaimed."

Six-Weeks of Worship, Prayer, and Teaching

Assisting Pastor Chuck over the course of the Big Tent's six weeks is an assortment of pastors, musicians, and friends. Many of these men are the fruit of the ministry the Lord accomplished back in the late 60's and early 70's: Mike MacIntosh, Greg Laurie, Jon Courson, Skip Heitzig, Tom Stipe, Raul Ries and Ricky Ryan, are among them.

Joining the original "Jesus People" are fellow Bible-teachers: Pancho Juarez, and Brian Brodersen, as well as evangelist, Franklin Graham.

The time of worship will be inspiring and Christ-centered with the help of some of the original music groups and singers' from the Jesus People Movement: Love Song, Mustard Seed Faith, Children of the Day, Bob Bennett, Lost Dogs [Daniel Amos], The Chuck Butler Band, and Dennis Agajanian. Along with these "seasoned" musicians will be a whole new generation of young artists such as Evan Wickham, Sarah MacIntosh and Scott Cunningham.

The first night: a Little Piece of Heaven (Monday, March 12, 2007)

"We may have to set up more chairs as the week progresses," states Terry Reynolds and John Jackson, directors of the event. "What's more, we may need to set up a large screen outside the tent to accommodate the people," they continue.

It is five minutes to seven as I walk into the tent on this Monday evening, the first night of the Revival. Already there are over 700 people seated, fellowshipping, and waiting for the worship to begin- thirty-five minutes early!

Cars are lined up outside, and the parking lot is becoming full- especially on this first night.

As I look around the tent and watch people enter, I cant' help but think- this is a little piece of heaven. There are people from all walks of life, representing a variety of cultures: black, white, Asian, Middle-eastern, Indian, Pacific Islanders, and such. Kids sporting Mohawks, men in suits, elderly people with walkers, surfers, ex-hippies- you name it- they were there.

The common cause for such a variety of people is one thing- the love of Christ! To a certain extent, this was a "love reunion," akin to family members gathering to hug, reminiscence of the love feasts of the early church.

Love was a word I heard frequently used this evening. Ringing from the speakers was a song,

"Maranatha, Maranatha, the Lord is coming back; we must be filled with love to truly greet Him."

By seven twenty-five, the tent with over 2,000 seats was almost full. The four large screens focused on the stage and young counselors with badges that read follow-up were stationed in the back. Excitement filled the air.

"We Stand in Awe for What You Have Done"

At seven-thirty on the dot, Pastor Chuck, in his classic turtleneck and sports coat, walks onto the stage. The crowd erupts in applause.

He moves to the podium and says, "Isn't this wonderful!" Again, the people cheer. Pastor Chuck then invites the congregation to pray with him. He prays, "Lord, we stand in awe of what You have done. Move by Your Spirit. We will watch as You continue to work in these last days." In one prayer Pastor Chuck moves through some of the history of Calvary Chapel, recognizing the work of God in the past, and looking towards the future for God to work by His Spirit.

With this, Pastor Chuck continued, "You know, back in the old tent, we were less inhibited. We used to put our arms around each other and sway as we sang. Let's do it again, swing with it."

The people cheer, and begin to put their arms around each other's shoulders- and begin to sway with the song Pastor Chuck was leading, "Love, love, love, love; Christians this is your call: Love your neighbor as yourself, for God loves all."

Children of The Day

Chuck Smith introduces Children of the Day

After the song, Pastor Chuck recalls some memories from the first tent meetings, recognizing the work of the Lord in the hearts of so many young people. With this, he invited up the 60's Christian group, Children of the Day.

Children of the Day state that they are no longer "children" in the traditional sense- many of them have grandchildren- but say that they are still Children of God.

They then sang their heart-moving classic song, "For Those Tears I Died," Young and old appreciated seeing this group gathered together again and singing to the Lord, and sharing stories and songs that the Lord had given them in the early tent days.

And Jesus said come to the water, stand by My side, I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied. I felt every tear drop when in darkness you cried. And I stove to remind you that for those tears I died.

From Lonely and Depressed to Jesus Freak

Kathy Gibson gives her testimony

At the conclusion of the time of worship, Pastor Chuck introduces Kathy Gibson, who shares her testimony of deliverance from drugs, depression, and a lost career. As a former Dean Martin Golddigger, she toured the United States singing in his popular review, only to find that she was empty. Ending up in New Mexico (after five marriages), she was lonely, hooked on drugs, and depressed. But, by God's grace, and with constant prayer from Christian friends, she gave her life to Christ at a Christian aerobics class.

Kathy sang two of her songs; the first was "He Loves Me That Much," and the second she called the Laundromat Song because she wrote it after being ejected from her home and found herself Laundromat with her kids. The chorus went,

"Jesus Freak, Bible Geek... Proud to say it's true."

Wing it, Man!

After Kathy's testimony, Pastor Chuck once again walks to the podium. But this time he has a confession, "I brought the wrong notes!" With this he added, "Let's wing it, man!" The sanctuary erupted in cheers.

Pastor Chuck moved on to share a powerful prophecy update, with the theme, "Jesus is Coming Back." For those present during the first tent meetings his message rings with a sound of familiarity- look to Christ, live in His love, abide in His presence, and expect His return.

For those younger in their faith, or new to Calvary Chapel, they got a sense of Pastor Chuck's heart and yearning to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and to expect His return.

At the conclusion of his message, Pastor Chuck confided to the congregation, "I can sense a strong movement of God's Spirit. I believe that God has a special work in store for us in these next six weeks."

Bombard Heaven

With this, Pastor Chuck encourages the people to "bombard heaven" with their prayers, inviting people to the event, and setting aside time to pray for the six weeks ahead.

Concluding the evening, Pastor Chuck extends a simple call to receive Jesus as Lord. No big lights or fancy music- just a direct invitation to raise your hand for what God would like to "accomplish in your life." With this invitation, dozens of hands went up. Pastor Chuck prayed, and then encouraged the people to find a follow-up counselor, and receive materials to get them started in their Christian walk.

Eternal Significance: Something Intense is Going On

To say that the evening was a great success is an understatement. For so many it was the beginning of a new life, a life of eternal significance. And if even just one received Christ, one could account this event as a great success.

Yet, the evening was much more than a success. It was a family reunion, a time of praise and worship, a time of hearing God's Word proclaimed, and a time for people to respond to the Gospel message. In this alone, it was a magnificent night- one I think blessed the Lord, and encouraged His people.

Concluding these thoughts concerning the evening, let us share with you about Calvary High School student Sabrina Kazarian. Her quiet and reserved male high school friend text-messaged her from the tent. He said, "Whoa, there is an intense spiritual presence in this place. I can feel really feel the Spirit moving. I want to come every night this week!"

That "intense" something is the work of God's Spirit moving in the hearts and lives of His people, causing them to awaken to His glory, His honor, and to know He will return. Towards this end, Pastor Chuck's prayer rings true, "Lord, we will watch as You continue Your work today."

It's All About You, Lord

Though God did a marvelous and awesome work over 35 years ago, it is not in the history books that Calvary Chapel wants to dwell. Rather, Pastor Chuck, the "Jesus People" of today, and all present, anticipate a new move of God's Spirit, pointing people to Jesus, and declaring God's love for the world.

All the people present that night, young and old, can join with the Jesus People of yesteryear in raising hands to heaven and pointing upward while loudly declaring, "It's all about You, Lord. It's all about You!"

Some things will never change.

To get more information go to http://www.bigtentrevival.info where you can also watch the service each night live.

* Brian Nixon is a pastor, writer, musician, and family man. He currently resides in Costa Mesa, California.

* Raul Gonzalez is a professional photographer from Downey, California, who, along with his wife Karen, runs RG Photography & Design (www.rgphotodesign.com).