Bible Study : The Ultimate Guide to the 16 Fundamental Truths: Everything You Need to Grow Your Faith
- Boundless Team
- Jul 21
- 5 min read
A Message from FA Memphis
The 16 Fundamental Truths are the non-negotiable doctrinal standards of the Assemblies of God. They provide a clear, biblical framework for our faith, ensuring we stay anchored in God’s Word. Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, these truths serve as a roadmap for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Jesus.
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
"Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God." : Hebrews 6:1
Explanation
Welcome home to Tuesday Truths! Today, I want to take a deep dive into something that is very close to my heart and central to our community. If you’ve ever felt like your faith was missing a solid foundation, or if you’ve struggled to explain what you believe and why, this 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study is for you.
When we talk about doctrine, it can sometimes feel a bit "heavy" or academic. But at Boundless, we believe that knowing what you believe is the key to living a life of freedom. These truths aren't just a list of rules; they are the "guardrails" that keep us safe while we run the race God has set before us. I often say that an Assemblies of God worldview IS the guardrails. It keeps us from veering off into confusion and helps us stay centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
At Assemblies of God Memphis, we don't just memorize these; we live them. Let’s break down these sixteen pillars of faith.
The Core Four: Our Cardinal Doctrines
While all 16 truths are vital, four of them are considered "Cardinal Doctrines." These represent the core mission of the church and our primary message to the world.
Salvation: This is the big one. We believe that man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It’s not about being "good enough"; it’s about accepting the free gift of grace.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: This isn’t just a one-time event; it’s an empowerment for Christian witness and service. We believe this is a distinct experience that follows salvation.
Divine Healing: We believe that God still heals today! Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers.
The Blessed Hope (The Second Coming): Jesus is coming back. This truth gives us hope and urgency in our daily lives.
Staying Anchored in the Word
The very first truth is that the Scriptures are Inspired. We believe the Bible is the authoritative rule of faith and conduct. It is the final word on how we should live. When life gets chaotic, I find so much peace knowing I can return to the Word of God for clarity.
This leads us to the One True God. We believe in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It’s a beautiful mystery of relationship and association. We also hold fast to the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. He wasn't just a "good teacher"; He is the eternal Son of God, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died for our sins, and rose again.
Understanding Our Need and God's Solution
We have to talk about the Fall of Man. Truth #4 reminds us that man was created good and upright, but by voluntary transgression, fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death. This is why Salvation (Truth #5) is so beautiful. It’s the solution to our greatest problem.
Once we are saved, we follow the Ordinances of the Church (Truth #6): Baptism in water by immersion and Holy Communion. These are outward signs of an inward change.
Growing in Grace and Power
As we walk with God, we seek Sanctification (Truth #9). This is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. In our modern world, staying pure can be a challenge. I always recommend being intentional about what we consume. For family movie nights, I suggest using VidAngel or "Enjoy Movies Your Way" to filter content. For personal accountability and online safety, tools like Bark and Covenant Eyes are incredible resources to help keep your digital life aligned with your spiritual values.
The Mission and the Future
The Church and Its Mission (Truth #10) is why we are here at Boundless. We are God’s agency for evangelizing the world. We exist to worship Him and to build up a body of saints. This is supported by The Ministry (Truth #11): a divinely called and scripturally ordained leadership.
Looking ahead, we are reminded of the Millennial Reign of Christ (Truth #14), the Final Judgment (Truth #15), and the promise of a New Heavens and a New Earth (Truth #16). These truths remind us that this world is not our final home. We are just passing through, and our greatest adventures are yet to come!
Never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God: that is the reality these truths point us toward. Whether you are in a season of joy or a season of struggle, these 16 truths provide the stability you need to keep moving forward.
I want to encourage you: don't just read this list and move on. Dig into the Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the depth of these truths to your heart. When you understand the "guardrails," you can drive with confidence!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the clarity and strength found in Your Word. I pray for the person reading this right now. May Your 16 Fundamental Truths become more than just words on a page; let them be the foundation of their life. Strengthen their faith, give them a hunger for Your Word, and let them feel Your deep love today. Guide us in all truth through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, 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.
Layne McDonald
Review Pack for Leadership Approval Title: Bible Study : The Ultimate Guide to the 16 Fundamental Truths: Everything You Need to Grow Your Faith Content: Detailed exploration of the 16 Fundamental Truths with a focus on the 4 Cardinal Doctrines. Image CDN Link:https://cdn.marblism.com/bm1yGHmkiXa.webp AG Compliance Check: This post aligns 100% with the Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths. It explicitly references all 16 doctrines, emphasizes salvation through Christ alone, and reinforces the "guardrails" of the AG worldview. Scripture is used in context, and family-safe media recommendations are included. Guardrails verified checkbox: [x]
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