Bible Study: What Are the Core Beliefs of the Assemblies of God?

Understanding your faith doesn't have to be a mystery; it's a journey into the heart of God.

What are the core beliefs that shape an Assemblies of God believer's life?

The Assemblies of God adheres to 16 Fundamental Truths centered on the Bible's authority, salvation through Jesus Christ, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the return of Christ. These tenets provide a biblical framework for spiritual growth, community service, and global mission.

Whether you are stepping into a church for the first time in Memphis or joining a digital community from across the globe, understanding the "why" behind the "what" is the first step to mastering your faith. The Assemblies of God (AG) isn't just a denomination; it’s a movement rooted in the belief that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to every believer today.

The Foundation: The Word of God

Everything starts with the Bible. We believe the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God, a divine manual for living that is perfect and without error. It’s not just a history book; it is a living document that speaks to our lives in the 901 and everywhere else.

Topic	Verse	Core Message
Authority	2 Timothy 3:16	All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching.
Guidance	Psalm 119:105	The Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Truth	John 17:17	God's Word is the ultimate truth that sanctifies us.

Who is Jesus? The Center of Everything

At the heart of the Assemblies of God is the person of Jesus Christ. He is not just a good teacher or a historical figure; He is the eternal Son of God. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His death on the cross to pay for our sins, His physical resurrection, and His current position at the right hand of God.

Everything we do, from worship services in Cordova to online Bible studies, is designed to point people back to Jesus. He is the bridge between a holy God and a broken world.

The Path to Salvation

Salvation is the cornerstone of the Christian experience. We believe that humanity was created good but voluntarily fell into sin, which brought both physical and spiritual death. Our only hope for redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Salvation: The act of being delivered from the power and penalty of sin through faith in Jesus Christ, resulting in a restored relationship with God.

How do you receive salvation?

1. Repentance: A sincere turning away from sin and toward God.

2. Faith: Trusting in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.

3. Regeneration: The work of the Holy Spirit to give you new life (being "born again").

The Symbols of Faith: Baptism and Communion

We practice two main "ordinances", acts that Jesus specifically commanded His followers to do.

1. Water Baptism by Immersion: We believe in full immersion in water. This is a public declaration that your "old self" has died with Christ and you have been raised to live a new life. It’s a celebration of your internal change.

2. Holy Communion (The Lord's Supper): We participate in the bread and the cup as symbols of Jesus' body and blood. It is a time of remembrance, looking back at His sacrifice and looking forward to His return.

Empowerment: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

One of the distinctives of the Assemblies of God is our belief in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This is a special experience following salvation where a believer is empowered for service and witnessing. In the book of Acts, we see this happening to the early church, and we believe it is still available today.

The "initial physical evidence" of this baptism is speaking in tongues, as the Spirit gives utterance. This isn't just about a gift; it's about receiving "power from on high" to live out the Great Commission.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An experience distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth, providing the believer with power for life and service.

The Lifelong Journey of Sanctification

Mastering your faith isn't a one-time event; it’s a process. We call this Sanctification. It means being "set apart" for God.

Sanctification: The lifelong process of being made holy and becoming more like Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

This journey involves:

• Identification: Realizing that because of Jesus, you are no longer a slave to sin.

• Daily Walking: Choosing to live according to God's Word every single day.

• Transformation: Allowing the Holy Spirit to change your character, your desires, and your actions.

Living with Hope: Healing and the Second Coming

We believe that God is still in the business of performing miracles. Divine Healing is an integral part of the Gospel; it was provided for in the atonement of Jesus. We pray for the sick with the confidence that God hears and heals.

Finally, we live with a "Blessed Hope." We believe that Jesus is coming back soon. This isn't a source of fear, but a source of great joy. It motivates us to reach our neighbors in Bartlett and Arlington, and our friends across the globe, with the message of God's love.

Essential Vocabulary for Beginners

• Justification: Being declared "righteous" or "not guilty" by God because of your faith in Jesus.

• Repentance: A 180-degree turn in direction, walking away from sin and toward God.

• Pentecostal: A Christian movement that emphasizes the direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

• Discipleship: The process of following Jesus and helping others do the same.

5 Steps to Grow Your Faith This Week

1. Read the Gospel of John: Start here to get a clear picture of who Jesus is and why He came.

2. Commit to Daily Prayer: You don't need fancy words; just talk to God like a father.

3. Find a Community: Whether it's in person at First Assembly Memphis or online through Boundless, don't walk alone.

4. Ask Questions: Never be afraid to ask your pastors or mentors about things you don't understand.

5. Serve Someone: Faith is most alive when it's being shared through acts of love.

The journey of faith is the most rewarding path you will ever take. From the initial moment of salvation to the daily walk of sanctification, God is with you every step of the way.

We'd love to connect with you. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join our community from anywhere, or if you're in the Memphis area, find us at www.famemphis.org.

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)