Unified In the Major Things. Differing Opinions in the Minor Things
Jesus said that the world would know that we are His because we love one another and because we are one. John 13:34-35
The church has people with many different backgrounds, but we are unified in Jesus Christ to reach the lost. Christ’s church has been divided too long. We are more interested in glorifying God than arguing over non-salvation issues. “How can we agree rather than disagree?” is a very important question we seek to answer.
“How can we apply the truth of scripture in a way that shows love for our Father and love for one another so that Jesus is glorified in all we do?”
At Faith and Victory Church we seek to be unified in the “Major” things while offering room for disagreement about the “Minor” things. We feel that too many churches spend to much time arguing about doctrine that isn’t a salvation issue.
If you have any specific questions about what our church believes feel free to email Pastor Todd (todd@faithandvictory.com) or attend the membership class. For the broad overall “mission” of Faith and Victory Church make sure to watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “Where Are We Going And What We Are Doing”. Auburn WA Church Beliefs
THE SCRIPTURES
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the product of Holy Men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21).
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “How to Interpret the Bible” to understand why the Bible is God’s Holy Word and how you should study it.
THE GODHEAD
Our God is One, but manifested in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:6; Matthew 3:16-17). God the Father is the Source of the Word (Logos) and the Begetter (John 14:28; John 16:28; John 1:14). Jesus is the Son of God, One with the Father, the Word flesh- covered, the One Begotten, and has existed with the Father from the beginning (John 1:1; John 1:18; John 1:14; John 10:30). The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son and is eternal (John 15:26).
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “One in Three” as he breaks down the trinity and why it’s important to have God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION
Man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God, but through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. “As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one”. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God (Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23; Romans 3:9-10; 1 John 3:8; Galatians 3:13, 14). Salvation is the gift of God to man, separate from works and the law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ only, producing works acceptable to God (Ephesians 2:8).
Watch Pastor Mugi’s Sermon “Christmas Without The Cross” to understand God’s Plan for Man’s Redemption and why we need both Easter and Christmas!
ETERNAL LIFE AND NEW BIRTH
Man’s first step toward salvation is Godly sorrow that works repentance. The new Birth is necessary to all men, and when fulfilled produces eternal life (2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 5:12; John 3:3-5).
Watch Pastor Crystal’s Sermon “Don’t Miss This” to learn what it means to be born again and be a child of God!
SALVATION – Part of our beliefs is that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. There is no other way to heaven. John 14:6, Acts 4:12,1 John 2:23, Romans 5:21,1 John 5:11. John 3:16-18
Watch Pastor Crystal’s sermon “No Middle Ground” to learn why salvation has no middle ground and why salvation can only be found through Christ.
WATER BAPTISM
Baptism in water is by immersion and is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39). As we perform a baptism we say “On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Ghost, In Jesus Name, Amen.” We believe that baptism is a commandment by God (so we should do it) but not a requirement for salvation.
Pastor Matt’s Sermon “The Baptism of Jesus” breaks down why we do baptism and why you should be baptized as a Christian.
COMMUNION – THE LORD’S SUPPER
As part of our church beliefs we partake of the Lord’s Supper to show the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:23-31). The bread symbolizes the Lord’s broken body (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Corinthians 11:24). The cup represents the new covenant in His blood which provides us forgiveness and relationship with God (Hebrews 9; 1 Corinthians 11:25). We judge ourselves and realize that this is our salvation and receive it (1 Corinthians 11:28-30) for if we receive it unworthily – without giving it honor as our salvation – we are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:27).
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “The Blood Covenant” to learn about the Covenant God made with Abraham and also why we do communion today.
SANCTIFICATION
The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. Sanctification is a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Corinthians 1:30).
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “Don’t Be A Betrayer” that lays out why we should live a sanctified life of constant self examination.
DIVINE HEALING
Miraculous healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and by laying on of hands. While we do believe that God can heal people, the Bible does not specifically link physical healing with spiritual healing. Sometimes people are physically healed when they place their faith in Christ, but this is not always the case. Sometimes it is God’s will to heal, but sometimes it is not. Ultimately, our full physical healing awaits us in heaven. In heaven, there will be no more pain, sickness, disease, suffering, or death (Mark 16:18; James 5:14-20; 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4-5; Revelation 21).
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “This is Our God This is What He Does” to understand God’s supernatural powers and why we can be healed.
MANIFESTATIONS OF THE GIFTS FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT
The operation of the gifts of the Spirit as enumerated in I Corinthians 12-14, and as manifested in the Early Church. Some churches and denominations teach that these gifts have ceased. We believe that they should be manifested in the local church with a spirit of order, love with an awareness of non-believers present in the assembly. We are not a “holy roller” church we believe that our church services should be orderly.
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “Walk In The Spirit” to understand the Holy Spirit and the gifts that are given as we walk with the Holy Spirt.
STEWARDSHIP
We practice tithing to support the church, the body of Christ, as God’s Word commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the biblical standard of giving to the local church. We do not “give to get” but give because it is commanded and a means by which God is able to bless the church and the work of the ministry. Everything over 10% is an “offering of gratitude” for the great things God does for us everyday. A tithe of everything a person produces belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:7-12. The offering is a privilege to give and is in addition to the tithe. Jesus taught about tithing: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “This You Should Have Done” to learn about tithing and why you should tithe to God’s church.
SEXUAL STANDARDS
As Christians we are called to follow God’s standard not the world’s standard. God’s standard is one biological man marrying one biological woman and living out their life together until death do us part. All other forms of sexual activity are immoral. Not that you can not be forgiven of that sin (because you can) but that the sin itself (the sexual immorality) is wrong and calling it anything other than wrong is going against God’s word.
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “The Standard” to understand what the Bible defines as sexual immorality and why you should stay away from it.
CHRISTIAN IDENTITY – RACE/CLASS/SEXUALITY
We as the people of God must not let the world’s system infiltrate the Church; Romans 12:2. We understand that we get our knowledge and wisdom from the Bible and not from politicians, schools, or corporations. We understand that our identity is in Christ and not in our sexuality, our race, or our financial status; Colossians 2:10. We will continue to proclaim all Biblical sin as sin while also recognizing that we are all equally worthless before God without Jesus Christ, Romans 12:3.
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “No Partiality” where he explains why what the world and even some churches teach today is wrong.
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
We practice church membership because the Bible describes the “shepherding” of a group of people that’s called the body or God’s church; 1 Corinthians 12:4. Paul also describes how those who are “inside” and “outside” the church; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13. We have a membership class that teaches the tenants, leadership and direction of Faith and Victory Church. Once you have taken the Membership class and agree to be a part of this Body, we present you as a member to the congregation. If you are interested in membership please contact Pastor Todd (todd@faithandvictory.com).
Watch Pastor Matt’s Sermon “We Are The Body” to discover why church membership is important.
WOMEN LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY
We believe that the Bible makes a strong case for women leadership in ministry but NOT women as Senior Pastors or Elders. The Church’s ultimate authority (after God) should be Men, but that doesn’t mean that woman can’t lead, hear from God, or teach us anything. Deborah was a prophetess and a judge; Judges 4:4-5. Esther was a Jewish queen who approached the king to save her people; book of Esther. Phoebe was a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae. Christ revealed Himself to women first, they told the disciples that Jesus had rose from the dead; Matthew 28. While we believe and practice women in ministry, we understand that other churches don’t and don’t feel like it’s something in the greater scheme of things that needs to divide the greater church body.
Listen to Pastor Matt’s Sermon “Speak From the Peak” as he discusses women in ministry and women leading in ministry.
OTHER SERMONS OTHER TOPICS
If you would like to listen to more Godly, Bible inspired, Jesus focused sermons make sure to check out our SERMONS PAGE. It includes a search feature by book of the Bible, preacher, year, and topic.
If you need even MORE Biblical sermons make sure to check out other churches we fellowship with Christian Life Church over in Iowa and The Building in California!
