Bible Study : The Ultimate Guide to the 16 Fundamental Truths: Everything You Need to Build a Strong Faith

A Message from FA Memphis

The 16 Fundamental Truths give you a clear, biblical foundation for building strong faith—so you can understand who God is, why salvation is only through Jesus Christ, and how the Holy Spirit empowers daily life. If you’ve ever wondered what the “non-negotiables” of Christian doctrine are, this is a solid place to start.

Relevant Bible Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 6:1-2, Ephesians 2:20, and 1 Peter 3:15.

When you start your journey with God, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information in the Bible. Where do you start? What are the "non-negotiables"? I’ve found that having a clear framework helps quiet the noise. In our community, we believe that clarity leads to confidence. The Assemblies of God worldview IS the guardrails. These sixteen truths aren't just a list of rules; they are the anchors that keep our ship steady when the storms of life try to blow us off course.

As we dive into these truths today, keep in mind that this is Tuesday Truths. We aren't just looking at "religious ideas." We are looking at facts that align with historical records, archaeological findings, and the internal consistency of Scripture. We want your faith to be intellectually sound and spiritually vibrant.

1. The Scriptures Inspired We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It’s our ultimate guidebook for living. From a scientific and historical perspective, the Bible’s accuracy is unparalleled among ancient texts. Because we value what goes into our minds, I always recommend tools like Bark and Covenant Eyes to protect your digital environment. When you're watching media, stick to clean versions via VidAngel or Enjoy Movies Your Way to ensure your entertainment aligns with the Word.

2. The One True God God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent “I AM.” He is the Creator of everything we see in the cosmos. Modern physics points toward a fine-tuned universe that requires an intelligent Designer. We see Him in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ Jesus isn't just a "good teacher." He is God in the flesh. This truth covers His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His substitutionary work on the cross, His bodily resurrection, and His exaltation to the right hand of God. Our entire hope rests on the fact that He is exactly who He said He was.

4. The Fall of Man Man was created good and upright, but by voluntary transgression, he fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. This explains the "brokenness" we see in the world today: it's not how things were meant to be.

5. The Salvation of Man This is the heart of the Gospel. Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. You don't have to earn it; it's a gift of grace.

6. The Ordinances of the Church We practice two main ordinances: Water Baptism by immersion (an outward sign of an inward change) and Holy Communion (a symbolic meal where we remember Christ’s suffering and look forward to His return). These are physical acts that ground our spiritual reality.

7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit 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 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 a distinct experience that follows the new birth.

9. Sanctification Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. It’s a progressive work: a daily walk where we become more like Jesus. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being set apart for His purposes.

10. The Church and Its Mission The Church is the Body of Christ. Each believer is an integral part of that body. Our mission is simple but profound: to evangelize the world, to worship God, to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son, and to demonstrate His love and compassion to all.

11. The Ministry A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the fourfold purpose of leading the Church in evangelization, worship, building up believers, and meeting human needs with ministries of love and compassion.

12. Divine Healing 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 performs miracles today because His nature hasn't changed.

13. The Blessed Hope This refers to 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 our great encouragement: that death does not have the final word.

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 everlasting punishment. This truth reminds us of the urgency of the Gospel.

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 ultimate destination for every follower of Christ: a perfect eternity in the presence of God.

I know that’s a lot to process! But remember, you aren't meant to figure this out alone. These truths provide the framework, but the Holy Spirit provides the life. Whether you are a lifelong believer or just starting to ask questions, knowing what we believe and why we believe it changes the way you see the world. You are never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God.

A Prayer for Your Journey: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the truth of Your Word. I ask that You would settle these foundations deep in my heart. Give me a hunger for Your Scriptures and a passion to know You more. Help me to stand firm on these truths so that I can live a life that honors You and serves others. Lead me into all truth by Your Spirit. Amen.

Go to the Boundless website and join the Bible Study Club. Connect with Christians around the world to discuss these studies, pray together, and grow closer to God and each other.

For more information, visit us at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

— Dr. Layne McDonald

Go to the Boundless website and join the Bible Study Club. Connect with Christians around the world to discuss these studies, pray together, and grow closer to God and each other.

Ready to take a next step? Visit: www.famemphis.org Visit: www.boundlessonlinechurch.org