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 endowments 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. Apart from the gifts that are called for directly in a meeting (tongues, interpretation of tongues and prophecy), Revival Centres members do not particularly nominate when the other gifts may have been in operation.
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
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers… (1 Corinthians 14:22)
Tongues
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.
But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church… (1 Corinthians 14:28)
Interpretation of Tongues
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.
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. (1 Corinthians 14:29-31)
Prophecy
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.