Jesus Revolution Baptism: A Story of Biblical Proportions
By Alex Murashko
Jesus Revolution movie co-producer Jon Erwin was “a bit speechless” when asked to describe his feelings while in the midst of 4,500 people being baptized at Pirates Cove in Newport Beach on Saturday (July 8, 2023).
Jesus Revolution Baptism at Pirates Cove in Newport Beach, California, where 4,500 people were baptized. July 8, 2023. PHOTO CREDIT: John Fredricks for Think Eternity
That’s pretty much the way many people of the estimated 20,000 who attended the mass baptism felt as they witnessed this outpouring of God.
They saw His people rejoicing in their new or ongoing connection to Jesus Christ.
Like Pastor Greg Laurie said about the relationship of the movie to what is happening now: “It showed us the power of baptism and more significantly, what salvation looks like visually.”
Laurie shared this verse to show the biblical significance of baptism then and now.
‘Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.’ (Acts 2:41)”
Evangelist Greg Laurie (R) stated that the Jesus Revolution Baptism at Pirates Cove in Newport Beach, California, “may be the largest baptism in American history.” July 8, 2023. PHOTO CREDIT: Vitaly Manzuk / Harvest Christian Fellowship
Erwin said he was simply being obedient to God by using the gifts he was given in making Jesus Revolution.
“The film can’t do the work. The film leaves people wanting more to have their lives changed,” he told Laurie at Pirates Cove. “This (mass baptism) just shows how hungry people are spiritually right now.”
“Their first expression is one of love and joy and excitement,” said Harvest Christian Fellowship pastor Richard Garcia (not in photo) describing someone after being baptized. Newport Beach, Calif. Pirates Cove. July 8, 2023. PHOTO CREDIT: Vitaly Manzuk / Harvest Christian Fellowship
Harvest pastor Richard Garcia, who was one of the many pastors on hand to help baptize the thousands of willing people, said that with each one of the baptisms he gets “very emotional.”
“There’s something about it when they come out of the water and have that weight lifted off them,” Garcia said. “They are dying to their old man and raising up anew. They just want to turn and hug me. Their first expression is one of love and joy and excitement.”
Greg Laurie (L) prays for man during Jesus Revolution Baptism at Pirates Cove in Newport Beach, California, where 4,500 people were baptized. July 8, 2023. PHOTO CREDIT: John Fredricks for Think Eternity
When asked why she decided to get baptized, Shawn Raybourn, 61, from Tustin, California, simply said, “To be born again. It’s hard to describe. I’ve been wanting this for a long time.”
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Alex Murashko is lead writer for the Thinke writing team. He highlights Christ followers within the media industry at Media on Mission. Read more about the Jesus Revolution Baptism at the Washington Times.
Connect: @AlexMurashko