Bible Study: What Does it Mean to Be a Spirit-Filled Believer in the 901?
- Boundless Team
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Being a Spirit-filled believer means living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit to reflect Jesus. In Memphis, this translates to walking in love, power, and a sound mind to serve our neighbors and impact the 901 with the Gospel's transformative hope.
If you have spent any time in Memphis, Cordova, Bartlett, or Arlington, you know that our city has a unique rhythm. We often call it the "Grit and Grind." It is a testament to the resilience, hard work, and deep-seated history of the Mid-South. But for those of us at FA Memphis, there is a deeper rhythm we are called to march to, one of "Grace and Growth."
When we talk about being "Spirit-filled," we aren't just using a churchy buzzword. We are talking about a biblical foundation that changes how we treat our families, how we work our jobs, and how we love our city. As part of the Assemblies of God, we believe that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church in the Book of Acts is still active today, right here in the 901.
Understanding the Foundation: Assemblies of God 101
To understand what it means to be Spirit-filled, we first look to the Scriptures. The Assemblies of God (AG) was founded on 16 Fundamental Truths. These aren't just rules; they are guardrails that keep our faith anchored in the person of Jesus Christ.
Whether you are attending Boundless Online Church from across the globe or walking through the doors in Memphis, these truths provide the "why" behind everything we do.
Salvation: The act of being saved from the power and penalty of sin through faith in Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross. It is a gift of grace, not something earned by works.
Repentance: A sincere turning away from sin and toward God. It involves a change of mind, heart, and direction, leading to a life that honors Christ.
The Power for the Journey: Baptism in the Holy Spirit
One of the most distinct parts of being an AG believer is our focus on the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. We believe this is an experience distinct from salvation. While the Holy Spirit enters a person's life the moment they believe in Jesus (salvation), the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an additional "clothing with power" for service and witnessing.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An experience following salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, as seen in the Book of Acts.
In the 901, being "clothed with power" isn't about personal status. It’s about having the spiritual strength to be a peacemaker in a divided world, the courage to speak the truth in love, and the stamina to serve the vulnerable in our communities.
Living it Out: Sanctification and Daily Growth
Being Spirit-filled isn't a one-time event; it’s a lifelong process. We call this sanctification. It’s the daily choice to allow the Holy Spirit to prune away the things that don't look like Jesus, bitterness, pride, or greed, and replace them with the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.).
Sanctification: The lifelong process of being set apart for God and becoming more like Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
This daily growth happens best in community. Whether you are part of our Life Groups in Memphis or engaging with our digital community, you aren't meant to walk this path alone.
Faith That Heals: Divine Healing Today
Another pillar of our faith is the belief in Divine Healing. We believe that God still heals the sick today. It’s not a magic trick; it is a provision of Christ’s atonement. We pray for the sick with the expectation that God hears and moves, while also trusting His wisdom and timing.
Divine Healing: The belief that physical and emotional healing is provided for in Christ’s redemptive work and is a privilege for believers today.
In a city like Memphis, known for its world-class medical facilities, we see faith and medicine working together. We pray for our doctors and nurses while simultaneously lifting up those in need of a miracle.
5 Practical Steps to Grow as a Spirit-Filled Believer
If you are looking to deepen your spiritual walk today, here are five practical steps you can take:
Prioritize Prayer: Start your day by asking the Holy Spirit to lead your conversations and decisions.
Stay in the Word: The Bible is our authoritative rule for faith. Set a goal to read even just one chapter a day.
Seek Community: Find a local church or join a digital group where you can be encouraged.
Practice Repentance: Be quick to apologize to others and quick to turn back to God when you drift.
Serve Others: Look for a need in your neighborhood or workplace and meet it with the love of Christ.
A Bridge for Everyone: Local and Global
As the Pastor for Boundless Online outreach (part of FA Memphis Church), I often see people who feel disconnected. Maybe you’re homebound, traveling, or you’ve had a bad experience with "religion" in the past.
Our mission is to ensure that geography is never a barrier to the Gospel. We believe the "901 spirit" of hospitality can extend through a screen just as easily as through a handshake. Through Boundless Online Church, we offer a place for those who are spiritually curious to explore these truths without pressure.
The Kingdom is Bigger Than a Brand
Ultimately, being a Spirit-filled believer isn't about promoting a denomination. It’s about promoting Jesus. Whether you find your home at First Assembly Memphis or another healthy local church near you, our prayer is that you would encounter the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.
The world doesn't need more "religious" people; it needs more people who are genuinely filled with the love and power of God, ready to serve and bring hope to their cities.
What is the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart today?
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person to experience our community: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our online church community for worship and discipleship: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.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.)
We are here for you.
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