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Not By Might Nor By Power: Set Free
LONNIE FRISBEE IN HIS OWN WORDS
"Lonnie was a forerunner and trailblazer..." -Dr. James Goll
"...an extraordinary treasure.... truth is revealed..." -Kenn Gulliksen
"This isn't history. It's an impartation of the anointing Lonnie carried." -Robby Dawkins
"...a modern mystic..." -Stan Frisbee
Not by Might, Nor by Power is the only authorized autobiographical series of Lonnie Frisbee, an evangelist, missionary, and the original “hippy preacher” of the early 1970s Jesus People Revival.
In Book Three, Set Free , Lonnie continues his story after the dramatic events in The Great Commission , transparently describing the breakthroughs and setbacks of the last ten years of his life and ultimately his journey from brokenness to restoration. Over twenty-five years after his death, Lonnie has left us with a powerful legacy that continues to impact the world, and this closing volume is a testament to the mercy and grace of God that marked his life and is available to everyone.
As Lonnie put it, “My story has really become a roadmap to healing, not only for me, but for all who would open their hearts and souls to a mighty, loving touch of God.”
"Lonnie was a forerunner and trailblazer..." -Dr. James Goll
"...an extraordinary treasure.... truth is revealed..." -Kenn Gulliksen
"This isn't history. It's an impartation of the anointing Lonnie carried." -Robby Dawkins
"...a modern mystic..." -Stan Frisbee
Not by Might, Nor by Power is the only authorized autobiographical series of Lonnie Frisbee, an evangelist, missionary, and the original “hippy preacher” of the early 1970s Jesus People Revival.
In Book Three, Set Free , Lonnie continues his story after the dramatic events in The Great Commission , transparently describing the breakthroughs and setbacks of the last ten years of his life and ultimately his journey from brokenness to restoration. Over twenty-five years after his death, Lonnie has left us with a powerful legacy that continues to impact the world, and this closing volume is a testament to the mercy and grace of God that marked his life and is available to everyone.
As Lonnie put it, “My story has really become a roadmap to healing, not only for me, but for all who would open their hearts and souls to a mighty, loving touch of God.”
- GenresChristianNonfiction
305 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2019
42 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 27, 2022
Get the Whole Picture
I found it difficult to get through much of this book. I don't struggle with sins that most people fall prey to, but being judgmental is my big problem.
My life was indirectly affected by the ministry of Lonnie Frisbee though I didn't know who he was. Had I known about him in the late eighties and early nineties while I was a missionary inspired by Keith Green, I would certainly have written him off as a fake...or fakir, a mystical strange person who had insinuated himself into the body of Christ.
How wrong I would have been!
This book doesn't need me to repeat or underline its message of renewal and redemption as well as the revelation that we all have feet of clay, in need of the grace of God. It's challenging to read this testimony of how God used this very imperfect man to accomplish great things when he yielded to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Would that we would all know that power and hear God's voice as clearly as Lonnie did. Reading this book inspires me to press in and become even more radically changed so that those around me will know: God heals and empowers His servants.
I found it difficult to get through much of this book. I don't struggle with sins that most people fall prey to, but being judgmental is my big problem.
My life was indirectly affected by the ministry of Lonnie Frisbee though I didn't know who he was. Had I known about him in the late eighties and early nineties while I was a missionary inspired by Keith Green, I would certainly have written him off as a fake...or fakir, a mystical strange person who had insinuated himself into the body of Christ.
How wrong I would have been!
This book doesn't need me to repeat or underline its message of renewal and redemption as well as the revelation that we all have feet of clay, in need of the grace of God. It's challenging to read this testimony of how God used this very imperfect man to accomplish great things when he yielded to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Would that we would all know that power and hear God's voice as clearly as Lonnie did. Reading this book inspires me to press in and become even more radically changed so that those around me will know: God heals and empowers His servants.
July 5, 2023
This is the final book of lonnie frisbees 3 part autobiography. This final book was the most raw as he goes into detail of the final 10 years of his life including his backsliding days. It is a sad story but one in which in the end he returns back to God. This was another captivating read but I feel the book did not accomplish its goal which was to show a blueprint for how Christian’s can get emotional/psychological/spiritual healing. To be honest from reading the book, I am not sure if Lonnie frisbee got healing from his past traumas and unforgivness towards others but you can see he definitely was walking down the path of trying to resolve his issues which he certainly did in part. But there is no blueprint or clear path from this book that a Christian can follow to find healing for themselves. But still a great read!
July 11, 2025
Part three of his autobiography, you will not be disappointed. A bit sad at different points but still good.
April 11, 2023
Lonnie Frisbee is one of the most fascinating and interesting people I have ever read about. He becomes a Christian after a crazy encounter in the woods with God (where I think he was naked!), he becomes the lynchpin in the Jesus movement which sparked 1000's of Calvary Chapel churches, plus who knows how many thousands of Christians and ministries, then he travels the literal world preaching and seeing God's presence, signs and wonders everywhere he went, then literally backslides (his words) to the point of getting addicted to cocaine, yet comes back around to continue to lead people to Jesus and Holy Spirit encounters and eventually dies of AIDS at age 43.
His story is so fantastical, it almost doesn't sound true. His ministry was so popular, he would be on return visits to countries and people would literally be shouting, "Lonnie! Lonnie! Lonnie!" He was wild in one way, willing to do anything. Several times, he would feel the Holy Spirit wanted him to whistle (!) in a service. When he did 100's of people would be unable to stand due to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the room. He would pray for people and throw his leather cape over them or dump bottles anointing oil on them.
The 3 books are full of personal testimonies of other people who knew, traveled and worked with Lonnie. And I think it's so you could take someone else's word for all the things that happened through and near him. He was friends with, worked with and helped begin ministries with so many "famous" Christians--obviously Chuck Smith and John Wimber but also (my personal hero) Debbie Kerner, Billy Graham and more. I literally started highlighting all the people's names in the book so I could look up their ministries.
However, equal to Lonnie's amazingness and yielded heart to the Holy Spirit is a deep and horrific brokenness. He was physically and sexually abused as a child and throughout his life, even as an adult. He carried huge bitterness against every father figure in his life--Chuck Smith, John Wimber, his own father, his stepfather and of course, his abusers.
This brokenness obviously led to other brokenness--he backslid to cocaine addiction like I said before, apparently was sexually promiscuous at this same time (some of which, was homosexuality) and this led to him contracting HIV/AIDS. This was about a 5 year period and when he came back to God, he spent his last years going through inner healing, walking through forgiveness and solid Biblical counseling.
It's like a roller coaster. And it really affected me. What was God doing? How does he use a broken man like Lonnie in such powerful ways? Why doesn't he use a less-broken person, like say, me? What is revival? What does it mean to be yielded to Holy Spirit? Why isn't brokenness always healed immediately upon salvation? Where does law and grace start and stop in this era of a New Covenant? Do I really believe we will do greater things than Jesus? How did a whole generation of Christians miss how to counsel and protect and deliver hurt and abused people without shaming and hurting them further? It's a lot.
If you read this book b/c you want a dish on a fallen Christian--you'll be reading it wrongly. This book is the story of God using a yielded person. It's the story of a broken person who believed God does what He says He will do. It's the story of a man set free from bondage.
side note: I've seen lots of articles, etc. talking about Lonnie being gay. You'll need to take your 2023 and identity-is-everything glasses off to hear what he says. He goes into detail about "gay lifestyle" and what he thinks of it. Really insightful coming from someone who lived through the Summer of Love *and* the early 90's...but not the 2000's.
His story is so fantastical, it almost doesn't sound true. His ministry was so popular, he would be on return visits to countries and people would literally be shouting, "Lonnie! Lonnie! Lonnie!" He was wild in one way, willing to do anything. Several times, he would feel the Holy Spirit wanted him to whistle (!) in a service. When he did 100's of people would be unable to stand due to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the room. He would pray for people and throw his leather cape over them or dump bottles anointing oil on them.
The 3 books are full of personal testimonies of other people who knew, traveled and worked with Lonnie. And I think it's so you could take someone else's word for all the things that happened through and near him. He was friends with, worked with and helped begin ministries with so many "famous" Christians--obviously Chuck Smith and John Wimber but also (my personal hero) Debbie Kerner, Billy Graham and more. I literally started highlighting all the people's names in the book so I could look up their ministries.
However, equal to Lonnie's amazingness and yielded heart to the Holy Spirit is a deep and horrific brokenness. He was physically and sexually abused as a child and throughout his life, even as an adult. He carried huge bitterness against every father figure in his life--Chuck Smith, John Wimber, his own father, his stepfather and of course, his abusers.
This brokenness obviously led to other brokenness--he backslid to cocaine addiction like I said before, apparently was sexually promiscuous at this same time (some of which, was homosexuality) and this led to him contracting HIV/AIDS. This was about a 5 year period and when he came back to God, he spent his last years going through inner healing, walking through forgiveness and solid Biblical counseling.
It's like a roller coaster. And it really affected me. What was God doing? How does he use a broken man like Lonnie in such powerful ways? Why doesn't he use a less-broken person, like say, me? What is revival? What does it mean to be yielded to Holy Spirit? Why isn't brokenness always healed immediately upon salvation? Where does law and grace start and stop in this era of a New Covenant? Do I really believe we will do greater things than Jesus? How did a whole generation of Christians miss how to counsel and protect and deliver hurt and abused people without shaming and hurting them further? It's a lot.
If you read this book b/c you want a dish on a fallen Christian--you'll be reading it wrongly. This book is the story of God using a yielded person. It's the story of a broken person who believed God does what He says He will do. It's the story of a man set free from bondage.
side note: I've seen lots of articles, etc. talking about Lonnie being gay. You'll need to take your 2023 and identity-is-everything glasses off to hear what he says. He goes into detail about "gay lifestyle" and what he thinks of it. Really insightful coming from someone who lived through the Summer of Love *and* the early 90's...but not the 2000's.
April 4, 2023
This book series was a super interesting version of Lonnie's life story, and I'm glad Lonnie/Roger decided to release it. It should be supplemented with other testimonies such as the 2007 documentary (http://lonniefrisbee.com/about.php) which is also available on Amazon Prime Video to rent for $2, or his former wife Connie's response (https://www.godreports.com/2023/02/co...) to the 2007 documentary, or others' testimonies such as this Ruttkay video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMpFN...). May the Lord be gracious to anyone involved when the Holy Spirit begins moving mightily again in the USA! (I'll post an identical review to the other books in this series.)
May 5, 2023
WOW!
I just finished the last in the series of books on Lonnie. I was saved in 67 in the Bay Area but didn’t know about Lonnie at the time. I do remember the hippie vans on ever street corner with a long haired hippie and a Bible. I thoroughly enjoyed Lonnies story. It’s totally incredible. Sorry the church rejected him and didn’t know how to help him but there is forgiveness for all. One of the things I enjoyed with his books was hearing about others such as Dick Keyes whom I did know about. I highly recommend these books (in order written) for anyone wanting to know about the Jesus Revolution and what God’s wanting to do again in an even greater way. Thankful that Lonnie is no longer suffering.
I just finished the last in the series of books on Lonnie. I was saved in 67 in the Bay Area but didn’t know about Lonnie at the time. I do remember the hippie vans on ever street corner with a long haired hippie and a Bible. I thoroughly enjoyed Lonnies story. It’s totally incredible. Sorry the church rejected him and didn’t know how to help him but there is forgiveness for all. One of the things I enjoyed with his books was hearing about others such as Dick Keyes whom I did know about. I highly recommend these books (in order written) for anyone wanting to know about the Jesus Revolution and what God’s wanting to do again in an even greater way. Thankful that Lonnie is no longer suffering.
September 4, 2025
This is part three of a series and the only part I read. Lonnie’s way with words and story telling is so engaging and, even posthumously, so anointed with the good news of the gospel and significance of the Holy Spirit.
His life had international impact with thousands coming to Jesus and entering discipleship yet he is transparent about his significant failings, unresolved trauma, and challenges with key authority/father figures.
Lonnie allows many others to speak directly into his story in full honesty and disclosure. The transparency is humbling, brings credibility to his story, and sets such a stage for highlighting God’s mercy, the staying power of God’s irrevocable gifts and callings, and His willingness to utilize the most broken of us vessels.
His life had international impact with thousands coming to Jesus and entering discipleship yet he is transparent about his significant failings, unresolved trauma, and challenges with key authority/father figures.
Lonnie allows many others to speak directly into his story in full honesty and disclosure. The transparency is humbling, brings credibility to his story, and sets such a stage for highlighting God’s mercy, the staying power of God’s irrevocable gifts and callings, and His willingness to utilize the most broken of us vessels.
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April 23, 2023I have mized feelings about this series. On the one hand they gave me more information about
Lonnie Frisbee and som of the other major players in the early Jesus People Revolution. I came acooss Wimber in the 80s and was very impressed with him. I had heard of Lonnie long ago, but didn't know much about him, these books were a help in that regard. They were not judgemental, which I appreciated. My complain is that a lof of important information and history was left out. What happened to Connie Frisbee? Why no mention of Carol Ann Frisbee, Lonnie's second wife? What else was left out? Andy why?
Lonnie Frisbee and som of the other major players in the early Jesus People Revolution. I came acooss Wimber in the 80s and was very impressed with him. I had heard of Lonnie long ago, but didn't know much about him, these books were a help in that regard. They were not judgemental, which I appreciated. My complain is that a lof of important information and history was left out. What happened to Connie Frisbee? Why no mention of Carol Ann Frisbee, Lonnie's second wife? What else was left out? Andy why?
May 23, 2023
Inspirational!
It was refreshing to read the in redacted story of Lonnie Frisbee’s life. I became a Christian during the Jesus movement in Arkansas in 1971. I never heard of Lonnie until recently. In reading the story of his life, I could identify with so many parts, and share friendships with some of the people he mentioned. I finished the book both reflective and inspired. Now, at 72 years of age and retired from being a pastor, I look ahead to what God has for me next with expectation and excitement. May this book inspire others to continue following Jesus with all their heart.
It was refreshing to read the in redacted story of Lonnie Frisbee’s life. I became a Christian during the Jesus movement in Arkansas in 1971. I never heard of Lonnie until recently. In reading the story of his life, I could identify with so many parts, and share friendships with some of the people he mentioned. I finished the book both reflective and inspired. Now, at 72 years of age and retired from being a pastor, I look ahead to what God has for me next with expectation and excitement. May this book inspire others to continue following Jesus with all their heart.
June 13, 2023
third book in a series, an interesting read
After seeing The Jesus Revolution movie I became interested in Lonnie’s story, especially after hearing complaints that he had been written out of the plot. This series really helped me understand his complex story—and now I see that he was actually written into the movie, a turn from the rejection that he had actually experienced during his life. Yes, it was changed and muted, but at least he was there. I wish that I’d been able to experience his ministry but our paths never crossed. I struggle with the charismatic experience, and this was an interesting peek into it.
After seeing The Jesus Revolution movie I became interested in Lonnie’s story, especially after hearing complaints that he had been written out of the plot. This series really helped me understand his complex story—and now I see that he was actually written into the movie, a turn from the rejection that he had actually experienced during his life. Yes, it was changed and muted, but at least he was there. I wish that I’d been able to experience his ministry but our paths never crossed. I struggle with the charismatic experience, and this was an interesting peek into it.
April 26, 2023
Awesome
Loved the book. Jesus used a broken vessel to pour out His spirit and show the church that God uses those who are available not those who have it all together, its impressive on how many circles Lonnie affected even if he wasn't acknowledged. It also shows how gossip can taint someone's character. May God forgive us if we have listened to lies about someone. God uses us because of the grace that comes though Jesus Christ. We are all broken vessels but the Potter makes us new vessels in Him.
Loved the book. Jesus used a broken vessel to pour out His spirit and show the church that God uses those who are available not those who have it all together, its impressive on how many circles Lonnie affected even if he wasn't acknowledged. It also shows how gossip can taint someone's character. May God forgive us if we have listened to lies about someone. God uses us because of the grace that comes though Jesus Christ. We are all broken vessels but the Potter makes us new vessels in Him.
January 27, 2025
AMAZING GRACE
AMAZING GRACE could be the title of Lonnie’s story. How many of the Books in the Bible relate to Lonnie’s life experiences. Servant of God. From ashes to a mighty oak to ashes and Glory. An inspiration for all Believers. The description of the little children drenching in the waters of the Holy Spirit brings into focus that the Lord knew us in the womb. Might the unborn children be drenching in the waters of God’s Holy Spirit? The stories and testimony brought me to tears. Thank you Jesus for sending Lonnie to us.
AMAZING GRACE could be the title of Lonnie’s story. How many of the Books in the Bible relate to Lonnie’s life experiences. Servant of God. From ashes to a mighty oak to ashes and Glory. An inspiration for all Believers. The description of the little children drenching in the waters of the Holy Spirit brings into focus that the Lord knew us in the womb. Might the unborn children be drenching in the waters of God’s Holy Spirit? The stories and testimony brought me to tears. Thank you Jesus for sending Lonnie to us.
March 5, 2023
The best is saved for last
This final book of the series is excellent. the is book.answered my questions about the later part of Lonnie's life.
Lonnie had been written out of church history but these books bring him back as it should be. Lonnie the hippy preacher, prophet and Lonnie the friend. He grabbed a hold of Jesus and grabbed a friend's hand. Thousands of friends. All to the glory of God.
This final book of the series is excellent. the is book.answered my questions about the later part of Lonnie's life.
Lonnie had been written out of church history but these books bring him back as it should be. Lonnie the hippy preacher, prophet and Lonnie the friend. He grabbed a hold of Jesus and grabbed a friend's hand. Thousands of friends. All to the glory of God.
December 26, 2023
This book was full of God. Lonnie Frisbee had a powerful anointing on his life. He would always listen to the and do what He wanted. Yes, Lonnie was broken, but God used him in a powerful way. I recommend this book and series to anyone who wants to be touched by Lonnie's story and life. God moved powerfully when Lonnie was around, from The Jesus People movement, to the Vineyard, and all of the missionary work Lonnie did around the world.
February 21, 2024
Bittersweet ending to an amazing life
For anyone who thinks they are too broken to be used by God, Lonnie Frisbee's life is proof that God will use even the most broken vessel to reveal his power and love to the world. I highly recommend this biographic trilogy of Lonnie Frisbee for anyone looking for the truth about the Jesus People movement, Calvary Chapel and the Vineyard.
For anyone who thinks they are too broken to be used by God, Lonnie Frisbee's life is proof that God will use even the most broken vessel to reveal his power and love to the world. I highly recommend this biographic trilogy of Lonnie Frisbee for anyone looking for the truth about the Jesus People movement, Calvary Chapel and the Vineyard.
February 16, 2022
A must read
I’m one of the many thousands of people who was impacted by Lonnie—not directly, I never met him, but by his impact on the lives of women and men who shaped my life. I’m thankful for having been part of a generation that saw the glory of God manifested through “the weak things of the world”. Thanks, Lonnie, for your heart for Jesus and the world.
I’m one of the many thousands of people who was impacted by Lonnie—not directly, I never met him, but by his impact on the lives of women and men who shaped my life. I’m thankful for having been part of a generation that saw the glory of God manifested through “the weak things of the world”. Thanks, Lonnie, for your heart for Jesus and the world.
April 10, 2023
An example of an apprentice of Jesus!
I am blessed that I read this book and got to know just a little of the life of a sold-out soldier of the Lord of hosts.
I pray that God would wake up the church of today 🙏 🙌
In his love
MGB
I am blessed that I read this book and got to know just a little of the life of a sold-out soldier of the Lord of hosts.
I pray that God would wake up the church of today 🙏 🙌
In his love
MGB
April 19, 2023
Great finishing to the life of Lonnie Frisbee
This was a great way to wrap up the series on Lonnie Frisbee. I enjoyed getting to read what really happened in the latter part of his life and how he received healing and wholeness in it.
This was a great way to wrap up the series on Lonnie Frisbee. I enjoyed getting to read what really happened in the latter part of his life and how he received healing and wholeness in it.
February 6, 2024
Powerful Testimony
To know that greatness can come from imperfection and God is so patient so that all may come to Him, I am thankful that it is never too late. I only wish I could have met Lonnie.
To know that greatness can come from imperfection and God is so patient so that all may come to Him, I am thankful that it is never too late. I only wish I could have met Lonnie.
March 10, 2023
The Cherry on Top
This third book in the autobiography of Lonnie Frisbee is for sure the cherry on top! Definitely a must read! I read each of the three books in single sittings! What a life lived under the direction of Our Amazing God!
This third book in the autobiography of Lonnie Frisbee is for sure the cherry on top! Definitely a must read! I read each of the three books in single sittings! What a life lived under the direction of Our Amazing God!
April 8, 2023
So much more to Lonnie’s life that people need to read, inspiring and touching in so many ways. Thankful for hearing more of the true story!
April 25, 2023
Annointed
"Judge not lest you be judged"
Above all else, Love God and Love your neighbor💖☝️✨️
Powerful annointed testimony! Come as you are! Jesus loves you💖
"Judge not lest you be judged"
Above all else, Love God and Love your neighbor💖☝️✨️
Powerful annointed testimony! Come as you are! Jesus loves you💖
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November 9, 2023An interesting insight into the "Jesus Movement" of the late sixties/early seventies. Understanding Frisbee is a must for anyone interested in that movement.
November 27, 2023
makes you think.
April 28, 2025
Mycket bra. Man behöver läsa hela triologin. Lär sig förstås mycket om Lonnie och det som hände kring honom, men tycker även man lär sig mycket om Gud.
March 20, 2023
honoring and inspiring
Must reading for any serious disciple of Jesus.
Be encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit and obey God.
Must reading for any serious disciple of Jesus.
Be encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit and obey God.
June 29, 2022
Very Moving
Must read! Sad but exhorting at the same time! God bless Lonnie Frisbee and thanks Lord for your grace and mercy!
Must read! Sad but exhorting at the same time! God bless Lonnie Frisbee and thanks Lord for your grace and mercy!
May 5, 2023
A important figure for the Jesus People "Revolution", Calvary Chapel, and the Vineyard Movement, and several other revivals. This book talks honestly about his flaws, his struggles to overcome, and the ways God continued to move in his life. Frisbee often steps aside to allow others to add their own perspectives. An excellent read, and important for understanding the recent history of Christianity.
September 5, 2023
The final book in a trilogy that records the life of a man God used to lead millions to Christ in the last century, but who was intentionally edited out of the history books. Powerful, raw, honest and challenging. Get it and read it!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews