Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
As always, thanks for joining our study. Occasionally, I use an interview format to explore topics related to the Word of God. Today’s study was inspired by a June 21st invitation to attend the movie premiere of “Jesus Freaks” at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. The promo read: “A woman's story of love and redemption during the Christian youth revolution that swept across America in the 1970s.”
The film was written and directed by Nina May, owner of Renaissance Women Productions. Nina loves the Lord and is a prayer warrior who evangelizes His Word through her many communication platforms. The movie was adapted from her autobiographical book, also named Jesus Freaks.
Today’s Bible study is titled “Jesus Freaks Film Stars the Holy Spirit” because I was drawn to the movie after learning it was about the Holy Spirit, which I believe is the least understood part of the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
But there was something more profound. Nina’s book and movie focus on the “movement of the Holy Spirit” in the early 1970s during the “Jesus Freak” era, while she was a college student in Florida. Interestingly, “Jesus Revolution,” the popular 2023 movie starring Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in “The Chosen,” was also based on a true faith story about the Holy Spirit working through “hippies” in California, also during the early 1970s. Opposite coasts at the same time!
Now, let's “talk” with Nina May about the movie, her Holy Spirit experience, how it impacted her life, and future warnings for Christian believers.
Myra Kahn Adams: Congratulations on your “Jesus Freak” movie. Since its premiere, have you heard if the Holy Spirit “has worked” on anyone who has watched the film?
Nina May: After seeing the movie, many viewers have expressed that my experience reflects their own and wish that it had been produced 20 years ago. Some of the film’s young actors have shared the movie with friends who are non-believers and are bringing them to the Lord. Others feel compelled to discuss the film with family members about their experience with the Holy Spirit that they had not previously disclosed. I feel blessed that for many people, the movie is touching a nerve that has been lying dormant for years.
MKA: Can you explain what you felt or saw when the Holy Spirit came upon you?
NM: The scene in the movie, where Matt asks Joanie if they can lay hands on her, she had never heard of that and asked, “Does it hurt?” It was quite the opposite. Where they all laid their hands on me, I could feel darkness, pain, conflict, despair, being drawn out of me as though all these emotions had defined and bound me into a state of two-dimensional emptiness.
Then, where Matt touched my head, I could feel a supernatural infilling of God’s presence and pure love. It was as though I literally was “born again” into a spiritual being that I never knew existed within me. I was floating above the students and could see everyone laying hands on me. The lightness of being transcended every other feeling that weighed me down, and before that moment had defined me. That scene is depicted in the movie.
MKA: Why should Townhall Bible study readers watch “Jesus Freaks,” and where can they find the movie?
NM: The movie and the book are available on our website “JesusFreaksMovie.com."
The film has already been life-changing for many who have watched and given their lives to the Lord, or have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, after understanding what that means and how it happens. Jesus left His Holy Spirit with us as a comforter, teacher, counselor, and advocate. He guides, convicts, and instructs. He can be grieved by sin. Accepting Christ is only the beginning of a relationship with Jesus. It is the next step of faith that we encourage people to take, and they can see how that plays out in the movie.
MKA: What are your favorite verses about the Holy Spirit?
NM: The verse that resonates throughout the movie and is illustrated in one of the final scenes: “I’ve been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Furthermore, I try to live by the nine attributes of the Holy Spirit, which correspond to the Fruit of the Spirit as described by St. Paul in Galatians: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). These are not separate gifts, but rather qualities that develop in a person as the Holy Spirit leads them.
MKA: Do you think the Holy Spirit affects young adults differently since the “Jesus Freak” era, considering that our culture, society, and communication have undergone radical changes? How does the Holy Spirit manifest itself today?
NM: There are far more distractions today than 50 years ago, when people took more time to talk and interact with each other. In general, there used to be more sharing, learning, growing, and creating. Sadly, I think non-believers and even believers are missing the essence of what God intended mankind to be on earth and made a way for us to have a personal relationship with Him.
There is a whole new, amazing, miraculous, spiritually animated world that people are missing. The Holy Spirit is alive and thriving. Often, people of all ages can feel a tug on their hearts, but they are overwhelmed by feelings of emptiness, isolation, and hopelessness. They cannot see a reason for being, but Christ is the answer if only they would ask the question!
MKA: I don’t want to give away the ending, but I will say it was apocalyptic. Were you “called” to write that as a warning to Christians?
NM: Yes, in fact, I feel an urgency to get the film and book to as many people as possible, as the battle is escalating around us. It is a spiritual battle that has been waging since before the foundation of the earth, and it is God vs. Satan (evil personified), who has tried to destroy God’s beloved from the beginning of time. There is considerable discussion about the Rapture. Many verses in the Bible describe exactly what will happen; yet many believers ignore these verses, thinking they are allegorical and not meant to be taken literally. I would encourage all believers to delve deeper into The Word.
MKA: Nina, on behalf of Townhall readers, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and faith. I pray that you and your Jesus Freaks evangelization projects continue to have success in His Name. Amen!
Programming note: Next week, back by popular demand, is Part 3 of “Moses in the New Testament.” Here are Part 1 and Part 2, in case you missed them.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, dedicated to building a future permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit. News! Announcing the location for a long-term national Shroud exhibit. You can join our effort! Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com
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