Easter Sunday was filled with hope, renewal and transformation as hundreds gathered at the Cathedral of Miracles in Finsbury Park – as well as at all Universal Churches across the UK – for the much-anticipated Life Shift event. From the moment the doors opened, attendees of all ages and backgrounds streamed in with a shared sense of expectation.

Many arrived burdened by past traumas, broken relationships, or a deep desire for a fresh start. Bishop James Marques began the event by explaining that there were two possible outcomes for those attending: either nothing could happen, if they participated as if it were just another Sunday service, or that day could become the moment their lives changed if they truly believed.

“God said that everything is possible to those who believe,” the bishop explained. “He is not asking you to be perfect or to come from a Christian background. He’s not asking for anything impossible or difficult; He’s just asking you to believe in Him.”

The message resonated with many, addressing the feelings of stagnation, doubt and unworthiness many attendees were struggling with. “Maybe you don’t even know how to pray, but together we can connect to God through the power of faith,” concluded Bishop James before inviting those who needed a real life shift to the front of the altar for a special prayer.

Many individuals left their seats – some with tears in their eyes, others with quiet determination – and gathered at the front, laying down their burdens before the Most High. Bishop James and several pastors prayed for deliverance and victory over their problems. Many felt heavy and low, but after the prayer, they left feeling lighter and empowered.

The next prayer was dedicated to families. Bishop James highlighted the importance of spending quality time with family members and praying for loved ones, emphasising that God has the power to restore broken marriages and families through faith and intercession.

“The plan of God is not for families to be broken or divided. The only way families can be united is through the power of faith. God is the only One who can bring together what is separated, and that’s what He will do with your family this morning,” stated Bishop James.

The main message of the day focused on the concept of “two” Peters in the Bible. The first Peter denied knowing the Lord Jesus, even though moments before, he had stated he would both die and go to prison for Him (see Luke 22:31-34). The bishop explained that Peter wasn’t lying when he made that statement; at that time, he didn’t know himself. He genuinely thought he was strong, but when his faith was tested, he faltered.

Later, we see the “second Peter.” When the apostle was called by the Romans, severely threatened and ordered to stop speaking about the Lord Jesus and teaching in His name, he refused to follow that order, stating, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4 17:20)

“What was so different about this Peter? What had changed in him?” asked Bishop James, inviting those present to reflect. Many people sincerely make promises, such as “I will never drink again” or “I will never be violent again,” only to end up doing the opposite, much like the first Peter.

“The change that happened to Peter can also happen in your life too,” Bishop James added, explaining that the transformation happened because, now, the apostle had the presence of the Holy Spirit within him. “The greatest life shift occurs inside a person. When we say there were two Peters, it’s because he wasn’t the same Peter anymore. There was a shift within him because the Spirit of God had entered his life, and that’s what He wants to do with you.”

With this, Bishop James invited people to return to the front of the altar, this time not to pray for their problems, but to seek God’s presence.

The Life Shift event reminded everyone that no matter how lost or stuck they may feel, there is always a way forward. With faith, the right mindset and supportive spiritual guidance, a brighter, more meaningful life is possible. Many left with renewed purpose, uplifted spirits and the motivation to begin a new chapter in their lives.

The event concluded with an invitation to the “5 Steps to a Life Shift” chain of prayer – a series of five Sunday services that will focus on five significant events that took place from the moment of the Lord Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross to His resurrection, culminating in the Day of Pentecost. Each Sunday, we will explain what each of these events can represent in your life today. Don’t miss this powerful journey! Join us at your nearest Universal Church every Sunday at 10am (also at 7.30am).