Church Beliefs

Our Church seeks to be unified in the “major” things and allow for 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)

Therefore some of our non-negotiable “Major” church beliefs are:

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).

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).

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).

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).

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

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.

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.” Matthew 23:23. We also recognize that we must be good stewards of our time, and our talents as the Lord has blessed us with these things as well.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES BELOW – Below are more detailed explanations via some sermons on our beliefs and also expanded views on Women in Ministry and Race Relations within the church.