Bible Study: What Are the 16 Fundamental Truths for a Strong Foundation?

The 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God provide a biblical framework that secures our faith in an ever-changing world. By studying these core doctrines, you discover the essential pillars of Christian belief, from the authority of Scripture to the promise of Christ’s return, ensuring your spiritual house is built on the Rock.

Finding a firm foundation for your faith is one of the most important steps in your spiritual journey. Whether you are searching for a church in Memphis or connecting with our global community online, understanding what we believe helps you grow with confidence. These sixteen truths are not just theological statements; they are practical anchors for your soul.

1. The Scriptures Inspired We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is not just a collection of ancient stories but the authoritative rule for how we live and what we believe. As you dive into a 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study, you start here because everything else rests on the truth of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

2. The One True God Our God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM." He is the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19).

3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutionary work on the cross, bodily resurrection, and exaltation to the right hand of God are central to our faith. Without the deity of Christ, our salvation would have no power.

4. The Fall of Man Man was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).

5. The Salvation of Man 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. It is a gift of grace, not earned by our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5-7).

6. The Ordinances of the Church We observe two main ordinances: Water Baptism by immersion as a public declaration of our faith in Christ, and Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper) as a memorial of His suffering and death. These acts of obedience keep our hearts connected to the sacrifice of Jesus.

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 and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church (Acts 1:4, 8).

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 (Acts 2:4). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth.

9. Sanctification Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. It is a daily process where we become more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are called to live holy lives because He is holy (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

10. The Church and Its Mission The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her Great Commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23).

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 of the world, Worship of God, Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son, and Meeting human need 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 (Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:16, 17; James 5:14-16). At First Assembly Memphis and through Boundless Online Church, we regularly pray for the sick, believing in God's power to restore.

13. The Blessed Hope 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 is the imminent and blessed hope of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).

14. The Millennial Reign of Christ The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6).

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, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to the everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).

16. The New Heavens and the New Earth "We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21, 22). This is the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan: an eternity spent in His presence, free from sin, sorrow, and death.

By engaging in a 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study, you aren't just learning facts; you are meeting the Person these truths point toward: Jesus Christ. Whether you are looking for an Assemblies of God Memphis connection or you are joining us from across the globe, these truths unite us as one body, standing on the same firm foundation.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the firm foundation of Your Word. We ask that as we study these truths, You would open our hearts to understand Your character and Your plan for our lives. Strengthen our faith, settle our doubts, and fill us with the power of Your Holy Spirit so that we may live for Your glory. We pray for those searching for hope today, that they would find it in the truth of who You are. Lead us closer to Jesus every day. Amen.

If you are looking for a community where you can grow in these truths and find real connection, we invite you to join our Bible Study Club. Whether you are homebound, working odd hours, or simply searching for a spiritual home, you belong here. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join a group, submit a prayer request, or watch our live worship services. You are seen, you are loved, and you are never alone.