The Untold Story of America’s First Great Awakening | A Conversation with Jonathan Blair & Joshua Enck

MAR 31, 202648 MIN
The Greg Laurie Show

The Untold Story of America’s First Great Awakening | A Conversation with Jonathan Blair & Joshua Enck

MAR 31, 202648 MIN

Description

Before America had a revolution, it had a revival—and at the center of it was a “rock star” preacher named George Whitefield. On this episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Greg sits down with Joshua Enck and Jonathan Blair—creators and star of the new film “A Great Awakening”—to uncover the forgotten story of the First Great Awakening and its lasting impact on our nation. Joshua Enck (director, Sight & Sound) and Jonathan Blair (who portrays Whitefield) bring history to life, sharing how Whitefield’s radical preaching and partnership with Benjamin Franklin helped ignite a revival that transformed colonial America. Through powerful anecdotes, biblical insight, and a genuine passion for storytelling, the conversation explores not just Whitefield’s supernatural voice and courage, but also the authentic warmth and compassion that drove him to reach every corner of society. Listen for two unforgettable moments: Jonathan describes the challenge—and surrender—in embodying Whitefield’s larger-than-life spirit, revealing how “getting out of the way” allowed something greater to shine through 06:09. And don’t miss the compelling analysis of Whitefield’s relationship with Franklin—a unique friendship that shaped both men and the birth of America 22:50. This episode invites listeners into the heart of revival: how ordinary, flawed people can spark extraordinary change. If you’re hungry for authentic stories of hope, faith, and renewal, tune in as Greg and guests reflect on what America needs now—another spiritual awakening. Subscribe for more inspiring conversations that illuminate faith, history, and the power of storytelling! Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:   https://harvest.org/. Find Pastor Greg on social media: https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/ https://x.com/greglaurie https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.   --------   CHAPTERS: CHAPTERS:00:00 Gen Z’s Search for Authentic Faith00:47 The Forgotten George: Spotlight on Whitfield02:12 Thirty Years That Sparked a Revolution03:27 Bringing Whitfield to Life On Screen05:00 God Uses Unlikely, Flawed People06:09 Whitfield’s Unstoppable Preaching Power07:19 Becoming an Evangelist: Preaching for a Decision10:27 Gospel Is Dunamis—The Power of Dynamite11:37 Whitfield’s Compassion for All People12:28 Franklin and Whitfield: Revolutionary Collaboration16:01 Self-Governance Born from Revival17:42 Franklin, the Reluctant Preacher’s Son22:08 Why This Film Matters for America Today23:12 Philly Rebuilt: Filming Market Street’s Awakening25:40 Hollywood’s Alternate Universe and Film’s Influence28:09 Every Christian Is a Candle—Personal Impact30:06 Truth, Conviction, and Flawed Heroes32:24 God Uses Crooked Sticks: Flaws in Scripture36:13 America’s Revival Roots & Need for Awakening37:20 Living Through Revival: The Jesus Movement38:32 Can This Film Ignite Another Awakening?39:29 Films That Changed Our Lives44:05 The Power of Storytelling in Gospel Film46:01 A Call to Unashamed, Bold Christian Art47:52 God Ideas, Not Good Ideas48:27 Closing Blessing: Fame of Revival Spreads the Flame Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.