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We Believe...
...in the miraculous Miraculous 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 is the One who distributes these gifts as He determines (I Corinthians 12:11). Accordingly, as a need arises, any Spirit-filled person may be led of the Spirit to operate one of these gifts. As we are led by 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 more obvious in their operation (see next two columns) revival centres members do not particularly nominate when these gifts may have been in operation. This is something over which we see the Holy Spirit as in control, and not to be the subject of some kind of "spiritual oneupmanship". For example, some churches have turned the "word of knowledge" into a series of guessing games about what particular ailments may be present in a congregation. We, on the other other hand, see the operation of that gift as being something said in relation to knowledge of God. The Bible speaks of a range of gifts that operate within the church. Here are some: ministering Romans
12:6-8 In the next two columns we will look at those gifts about which Paul the apostle gave specific instruction to the church regarding their use in church meetings.
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The 'Voice' Gifts
In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul the apostle gives instructions on how three of the 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.
Speaking in Tongues Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe,
but to them that believe not... 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 the Apostle gave instruction on how this particular gift was to be used in a meeting ("when you are come together..." 1 Corinthians 14:26). While everyone in the church could speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:23), Paul said that, in a meeting, this gift should be used two or three times, and each time to be interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:27). In Revival Centre meetings, 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 the church (ie in a church meeting) when the gift of tongues is used it must be accompanied by the gift of interpretation of tongues. In Revival Centre meetings, 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 edify (build up) the Church.
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Prophecy Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 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 Revival Centre meetings, following tongues and interpretation of tongues, the gift of prophecy will be operated two or three times.
Related Links More about revival centre meetings
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