Bible Study: The Ultimate Guide to the 16 Fundamental Truths: A Deep Dive Bible Study for Grace-Seekers

A Message from FA Memphis

The 16 Fundamental Truths are the essential biblical doctrines that guide our faith and practice. This 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study helps grace-seekers understand the non-negotiable tenets of the Assemblies of God, providing a clear, scriptural roadmap for walking with Jesus, experiencing His power, and sharing His love with the world.

## Bible Verses

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." , 2 Timothy 3:16-17

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." , Ephesians 2:8-9

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." , Acts 1:8

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." , 1 Thessalonians 4:16

## Understanding the Guardrails of Faith

When you first start exploring the Bible, it can feel like stepping into a vast, beautiful, but sometimes overwhelming ocean. You know there is life and depth there, but you want to make sure you’re swimming in the right direction. That’s where the 16 Fundamental Truths come in. Think of these truths not as restrictive walls, but as the markers that show us where the water is deep, safe, and life-giving. In our community, we believe that having a solid theological foundation allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace without getting lost in confusion. To put it simply, our Assemblies of God worldview IS the guardrails.

I want to take you on a journey through these truths. Whether you are searching for an Assemblies of God Memphis connection or you are a seeker from across the globe joining us here at Boundless, these doctrines are meant to point you to one person: Jesus Christ. Let's dive into this 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study together.

### 1. The Scriptures Inspired

Everything we believe starts here. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It’s not just a collection of nice stories or historical records; it is the authoritative rule for our faith and how we live our lives. When I open my Bible, I’m not just reading words; I’m listening to the heart of my Father.

### 2. The One True God

We believe in one God who has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent “I AM.” He is the Creator of everything and the Redeemer of mankind. He exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of the Trinity, distinct in person but one in essence.

### 3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus isn't just a "good teacher" or a "prophet." He is the eternal Son of God. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His substitutionary work on the cross, His bodily resurrection, and His current exaltation at the right hand of God. He is fully God and fully man, our Bridge to the Father.

### 4. The Fall of Man

We have to be honest about why we need grace. Man was created good and upright, but by voluntary transgression, he fell. This fall didn't just bring physical death but spiritual death, which is separation from God. This is the reason the world feels "broken", because it is.

### 5. The Salvation of Man

This is the first of our four "Cardinal Doctrines." Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a gift of grace that transforms us from the inside out.

### 6. The Ordinances of the Church

We practice two main ordinances: Water Baptism and Holy Communion. Baptism by immersion is a public declaration that we have died with Christ and been raised to walk in newness of life. Communion is a symbolic meal where we remember Christ’s suffering and death and look forward to His second coming.

### 7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

This is our second Cardinal Doctrine. We believe all believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. It brings an endowment of power for life and service.

### 8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

We believe that the baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance. This is an empowering gift that opens the door to the "fruit" and "gifts" of the Spirit.

### 9. Sanctification

Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. It’s not about being "perfect" overnight; it’s a lifelong process where the Holy Spirit helps us become more like Jesus in our character and our choices.

### 10. The Church and Its Mission

The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit. Our mission is three-fold: to be a corporate body in which man may worship God, to be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son, and to evangelize the world.

### 11. The Ministry

God calls men and women to lead, teach, and serve the Church. A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the fourfold purpose of leading the Church in: Evangelism, Worship, Building up believers, and Meeting human need with ministries of love and compassion.

### 12. Divine Healing

This is our third Cardinal Doctrine. Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers. We believe God still heals today because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

### 13. The Blessed Hope

Our fourth Cardinal Doctrine! We believe in the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord. This is the "Rapture," and it is our great hope.

### 14. The Millennial Reign of Christ

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years. This reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace.

### 15. The Final Judgment

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life will be consigned to the everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.

### 16. The New Heavens and the New Earth

“We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.” This is the final state of eternal joy and fellowship with God. No more tears, no more pain, just the beauty of His presence forever.

## Walking it Out Together

I know that’s a lot to take in! But remember, these truths aren't just for scholars; they are for you. They are for the person sitting at home wondering if God is real. They are for the family trying to navigate a digital world full of distractions. As you study these, I encourage you to keep your home a sanctuary. If you’re looking for family-safe media to supplement your study, I always recommend checking out clean versions of movies via VidAngel or “Enjoy Movies Your Way.” And to keep your family’s online experience safe while you grow in faith, tools like Bark and Covenant Eyes are incredible resources for accountability.

My heart for you is that you wouldn't just know *about* these truths, but that you would know the *God* of these truths. You are never forgotten, you are never alone, and you are deeply loved by God. These guardrails are here to make sure you stay in the center of that love.

## Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your Word and the truths that anchor our souls. I pray for the one reading this today, that they would feel Your presence and Your grace. Open our eyes to see the beauty of Your plan for salvation, healing, and Your soon return. Strengthen our faith and help us to walk within the guardrails of Your truth every single day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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