To show all people the unconditional love and grace of Jesus without any reservations because of their lifestyle or religious background, past or future. This love has no agenda behind it (I Cor. 13:5). This grace sets no timeline on personal change or standards for spiritual growth (Romans 4:4-5). The idea is to be a part of people’s lives because we truly care for them rather than to fulfill a religious duty; to walk with them through all their struggles as a part of their life, not as a religious outsider. The desire at the heart of Revolution is to see this idea spread to other communities and churches. We aspire to see people from other communities and churches taking to heart the true message of the grace and love of Christ, and in turn to see them spread this message to those in their community, building relationships and sharing in the life experiences of those around them (Gal. 6:2-3), and living out the grace, hope and love that God has blessed them with.

Doctrine?

One of the Frequently Asked Questions about Revolution Charlotte is that of doctrine and I'm always a little unsure of how to answer it. I (Stephanie) was raised in a traditional church, under the label of "southern Baptist" then later worked as a youth leader in an International Pentecostal Holiness church during college before starting Revolution with Jonathan. I would be lying if I said these experiences didn't shape my own personal beliefs. For example - the Baptist ideal of "soul liberty" is my own stance (the idea that when religion is concerned every person has the choice in what they believe is right and is accountable to no one but God for that decision). Perhaps that idea is one reason we've never formed an official doctrine. I believe personally that every person receives guidance in their relationship with God and though being in a leadership position in our little group, I am not in a position to make up someone else's mind about the specifics of that relationship. Most of us at Revolution though, those that call themselves believers, can agree on a few things:
- We believe in the message Jesus taught, as Christ, of loving God wholeheartedly and loving one's fellow man.
- We believe the Bible to be an inspired work, both recognizing the Divine and human elements of its composition.
- We believe in the idea of grace, both in a religious mindset and our personal relationships, ever mindful of God's unconditional love without respect to our "worth" or actions. This grace is not our license to do whatever we wish, but our motivation to return that love.
I believe these ideas cover our basic relationship between ourselves and God as well as others and where we receive our guidance on these relationships. These are the things that we should be concerned with on the "church" level. The rest I believe are negotiable and up to one's own person to decide.

Jesus Is The Saviour Not Christianity

Are we defending Christ or Christianity? Will enforcing the ideals of a pre-packaged Christian lifestyle help people feel the love of Christ? Do we believe that our lifestyles hold more truths than Jesus? Are we trying to drive people to Christianity or lead them to Christ?

Religion Kills

Religion is a false perception of holiness that focuses on law and kills the true message of Christ. Jesus had much to say about the religious who put the law before his true message. How terrible it will be for you experts of religious law! For you crush people beneath impossible religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden. (Luke 11:46) How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the important things of the law- justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the most important things. Blind Guides! You strain your water so you won't accidentally swallow a gnat; then you swallow a camel. (Matthew 23:23-24) Jesus came and declared that the most important law was You must love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37.39) Religion ignores the reasons behind this being the most important commandment and only focuses on the exterior and works as a way to get close to God. It is religion that not only kills the true message of hope Christ taught but also has held back the lost from understanding the true meaning of Christianity.