We believe in the infallibility of the Word of God, the Bible. God’s written plan to mankind.

The Bible tells us of:

• God’s plans for individuals and for nations

• God’s son Jesus, the Christ

• The salvation message and how to approach God in repentance

• How the church should be run and guidance for living a godly life

• Where we came from and importantly, why we exist, and where we are going

• The history of God’s dealing with mankind

• The Bible is the Word of God

The book says of itself: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

In the Revival Centres Church we have a great respect for the Bible and know it to be true. It promises the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, this is the personal and real experience of every one of our members. While there are many other ‘proofs’ of the Bible, it is this personal experience of the working of God that first confirms the words contained in its pages to be true and reliable.

The Bible calls Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He called Himself Son of God, and Son of Man. He lived on earth 2000 years ago. Millions believe He lives still.

He lived, He died

His mission was to His own people but He was rejected by them. The religious leaders of His day plotted to have Him killed, and succeeded in their plans. He healed people and even raised some from the dead. He taught people about the Kingdom of God. He showed love, compassion and forgiveness, but also authority and zeal.

He rejected the religious hypocrisy of His day and made many enemies. At certain points of His ministry people left Him in droves. Eventually, they all fled, leaving Him to die alone on the cross at Calvary.

He rose again

Unlike any other prophet, He was raised from the dead to immortality. The angel told the two women at the empty tomb “He is risen”! This phrase reverberates down the centuries and sets Christianity apart from all the philosophies of men and claims of other religions. It vindicates the claims Jesus made about His own divinity – claims for which He was crucified. The claim of His resurrection has been debated for almost 20 centuries, yet is an absolute reality for millions of people today.

He has been paid homage by kings, argued over by theologians and worshipped by millions. His sinless life and atoning death paid the just consequence of our sins. He is the Saviour – the one who saves us.

He sends the Holy Spirit

The very last thing that Jesus told His disciples to do while He was on earth was to wait in Jerusalem for the “promise of the Father”. In the Bible we read of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Peter told the crowd that gathered that it was Jesus who had filled the disciples with the Holy Spirit, pouring out what they could now “see and hear”.

We believe in the Gospel of His death, resurrection, and directive to repent, be baptised, and receive the Holy Spirit.

He died for you

God had ordained Jesus as a perfect sacrifice, that would take away sin for all mankind for those that accepted it. He knew He was to die. He died on behalf of every human being, including you.

He rose from the dead

It didn’t end there. He didn’t just die for mankind but rose again. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). This same Spirit must also live in each one of us to ‘quicken our mortal bodies’.

What is the salvation message?

He told them to “…repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:38).

Repent

To repent is to reconsider; to change your mind, accept that Jesus died on your behalf and recognise His love for you. Determine that, no matter what others think, you will do what He requires. Many people never get to this point. They don’t take a moment to consider: what if there is a God? What if His Son really did die for me? What should I do about that?

Be baptised

Baptism means to be fully immersed in water. This is a step of faith. It is the result of your “good conscience” towards God (you wanting to do what is right).

Jesus was baptised. Christening is not baptism. All baptisms in the Bible were by full immersion in water. You can be baptised at a Revival Centres Church meeting.

Receive the Holy Spirit

The Bible (Acts 2) tells us that it is Jesus who sends the Holy Spirit. In the Bible, when people received the Holy Spirit they spoke in other tongues (languages they had not learned).

Receiving the Holy Spirit is something definite and unmistakable. Nothing has changed since the Holy Spirit was first poured out. As happened on the day of Pentecost, you too will speak in other tongues. This supernatural experience is God’s personal confirmation for you, that he is alive and working in your life.

Why do I have to be saved?

Salvation means ‘rescue’. In our unsaved state we are dying, but maybe don’t recognise it. We learn to accept that we will die one day, and many of us just hope for the best about what comes next. But God’s answer is clear: accept God’s rescue now – not just for a life after death, but for a blessed life now.

We believe we are baptised into the Body of Christ (the Church) through the Holy Spirit, with the Bible evidence of speaking in tongues.

Speaking in tongues is to speak in a new unlearned language miraculously. Jesus said believers would speak with new tongues (Mark 16:17). Sure enough, when the day of Pentecost came, that’s exactly what happened.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4)

The same experience

Receiving the Holy Spirit today is the same as it was then. It is a personal experience. And the same clear and unmistakeable ‘receipt’ is given to all who have received God’s Holy Spirit. In the Bible we read of those in the Church having been “sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). The Holy Spirit Himself is the seal we are given. Speaking in tongues is the outward manifestation of this inner reality.

Is this for today? Some say that speaking in tongues passed away during the time of the Bible. This is clearly wrong. The Holy Spirit is still being sent to people today, with the same outcome as in Bible days. They speak in tongues. You too can experience this for yourself.

We believe in the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church.

Miraculous is the right word. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not merely somebody being ‘good’ at something. They are supernatural Spiritual gifts given to believers to assist the Church in its mission.

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit distributes these gifts as He determines (1 Corinthians 12:11). As a need arises, any Spirit-filled person has the capacity to operate any one of these gifts. As we walk in the Spirit we expect the miraculous in our normal daily lives: a word of wisdom here, a prayer for healing there.

What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The Bible speaks of a range of gifts that operate within the church. For example, from 1 Corinthians 12: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues and interpretation of tongues. And from Romans 12: prophecy, faith, ministering, teaching, exhortation, ruling and mercy.

Specific use in a meeting

In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul the Apostle gave instructions on how three of these gifts – speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues and prophecy – are to operate in a church meeting. These miraculous utterances under the leading of the Holy Spirit have been set in the church both as a sign to the unbelievers (those not in the church) and for building up believers. Paul wanted to make sure these gifts were used properly so their benefits would flow. “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12).

Tongues, interpretation and prophecy

Tongues: “wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not…” (1 Corinthians 14:22). God has set this Spiritual manifestation in the church. It is a sign (a supernatural miracle) to those who are not yet in the church. Paul acknowledged that while everyone in the church could speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:23), this gift should be used only two or three times in a meeting, and each time to be interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:27). In a Revival Centres Church meeting, at a set time, you will hear this gift being operated, with the companion gift of interpretation.

Interpretation of Tongues: “But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church…” (1 Corinthians 14:28). In a church meeting, when the gift of tongues is used it must be accompanied by the gift of interpretation of tongues. In a Revival Centres Church meeting, following each use of tongues, the message in tongues will be interpreted into the local language. As there are two or three messages in tongues, so there will two or three interpretations of tongues. Interpretation, like prophecy, serves to build up the church.

Prophecy: “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted” (1 Corinthians 14:29-31). Prophecy simply means to speak under God’s inspiration, not necessarily to predict the future. Note that all could prophesy, but in the meeting only two or three should. Like interpretation of tongues, the gift of prophecy serves to edify and comfort. In a Revival Centres Church meeting, following tongues and interpretation of tongues, the gift of prophecy will be operated two or three times.

We believe in prayer for the sick and healing by the power of God.

We have experienced God’s ability to heal our body and mind. Even the most hopeless of cases: asthma, cancers, epilepsy, alcoholism, anxiety, incurable illnesses. We see today real examples of God’s answer to specific needs in our lives.

God revealed Himself as the healing God – “I am the LORD, the one who heals you” (Exodus 15:26). He calls Himself “Jehovah Rapha” in Hebrew – meaning the physician and healer. Jesus drew great crowds when He was on the earth, not only for the words He said but because He healed “all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23).

The Bible holds many promises regarding healing. In Mark 16 we read about the signs that would follow believers: “… they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:18).

James, writing to the church, said: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church… And the prayer of faith shall save the sick…” (James 5:14-15).

The Bible describes Jesus as “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). There are many personal stories of healing in our midst. God has not changed!

Do you need healing?

It can be hard to take the step from hearing about other people being healed to realising that this applies to you too. At our meetings you will not only hear ordinary people tell of their experiences of miraculous healings, but you can also be prayed for. There is a specific part of our meetings where people are invited to come forward for prayer. Take the opportunity and find out personally about our healing God.

We believe the Bible instructs the Spirit-filled believer on how to live an overcomer’s life.

Peter the Apostle wrote to the church and reminded them they had been given “…all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3).

The Spirit Filled overcomer

In Revelation in the Bible we read of many trials and troubles for those in the church. In each case, the promises are aimed at the overcomer. The one who takes God at His word and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, lives a new and righteous life.

The new life

The new life given to those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit is one where internal and external challenges are met with a desire to be right. Coupled with faith and the power required to make that a reality, leads to overcoming.

Paul the Apostle encouraged his many converts in the church assemblies to whom he wrote:

Think right: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8).

Act right: “… sound doctrine… temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith… reverent… not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good… self-controlled and pure… an example by doing what is good… not to steal… say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and… live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.” (Titus 2:1-12).

Be holy: “…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord…” (Hebrews 12:14).

But what if I sin again?

Rather than the expectation of failure in the Old Testament, believers now have an expectation of overcoming and victory.

But if weakness prevails on an occasion we are reminded of this comfort:

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1)

Lest we become complacent, however, we are reminded also of Esau who “… found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears” (Hebrews 12:17); and the warning that if we “… sin wilfully … there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26).

The Bible encouragement is to take this seriously, revelling in the power of the Holy Spirit, and the comfort that “the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Peter 2:9).

We believe the Bible describes God’s plan for this world and gives signs of the soon return of Jesus Christ

Prophecy

Looking around the world today we see selfless acts for others, beauty, the arts, amazing progress in science and technology, and countless people just getting on with their lives doing good where they can. But we also see misery, injustice, pollution, betrayal, theft, killing and war.

God’s plan

God does have a plan not just for individuals, but for the world as a whole. His salvation is open to anyone – regardless of gender, race or nationality (Galatians 3:28).

God is also interested in nations. In Old Testament times He dealt with Egypt, and He dealt with numerous other tribes and peoples that came into contact with Israel. He also dealt in detail with Israel itself, His “peculiar [special] treasure”, and made promises to that nation, some of which are still to be fulfilled. Israel figures prominently in the Bible. God made many promises to the patriarchs of this nation – promises that must be fulfilled, if God keeps His promises. In terms of space allocated in the Bible, the unfolding unfinished story of Israel is significant.

The Israel of the Bible was to become a large fraternity of nations and peoples: a “company of nations” and a “great” nation (Genesis 35:11, Genesis 48:19). We can trace the history of Israel, its scattering among other nations (Deuteronomy 4:27) and God’s promises that its people will be “gathered” again (Ezekiel 11:16-17). But looking to the modern nation of Israel, it is clear that not all prophecies concerning the Old Testament nation of Israel can be fulfilled there. So is there a broader fulfilment? Has God kept all His promises? The story is fascinating and intricate, covering many Bible prophecies and history over many centuries up until our modern time.

What does this mean? It means we have a God who keeps His promises – that the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Old Testament remain true. It means that the plan and promises outlined in the beginning stages of the Bible are still being worked through by God. It allows us to see the coming of Jesus in a broader context (Matthew 15:24, John 1:11); the opening up of salvation to all mankind in context (Romans 11); and the next item on the agenda, the return of Jesus Christ, as part of an unfolding plan for the ages.

Jesus Himself said in prophecy that He would return to earth and spoke of His return in detail. The “Second Coming” features in many areas of the Old Testament prophecy that also speak of His first coming.

The return of Jesus Christ

The angel that told Mary of Jesus’ birth also said that He would reign (as a King), and that He would have a kingdom (see Luke 1:32-33). The only crown Jesus received while on earth was the crown of thorns jammed onto His head prior to being crucified. But there is a kingdom to come. In the Lord’s prayer we read: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

Jesus spoke of the signs that would herald His return (Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21). In summary, these were: false religious ideas, warfare, famines, pestilence (rampant disease), earthquakes, persecution of His people, a lukewarm approach by many of His followers, an increase in lawlessness, fearful sights, Jerusalem surrounded by armies, signs in space, distress of nations with no way out, the powers of heaven (Greek: ouranos, from which we get the word “uranium”) will be shaken (agitated, incited), and that the gospel would be published in all nations. In addition, Old Testament prophets gave other signs: an increase in knowledge, an increase in travel, and descriptions of modern warfare.

Do we know when? Jesus said: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). Many have tried to predict the coming of Jesus. All have failed. The advice of Jesus is to watch.