Bible Study: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe? A Bible 101 Guide to Our Memphis Church
- Boundless Team
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
The Assemblies of God (AG) believes that the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God. We emphasize salvation through Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit for daily living, divine healing, and the imminent return of Christ to restore all things.
Whether you are walking through the doors of our Memphis campus or connecting with us from halfway around the world, you might find yourself asking: What exactly does this church stand for?
In a world filled with confusing opinions and shifting values, having a solid anchor is everything. At First Assembly Memphis and Boundless Online Church, we don’t just "do" church; we follow a blueprint. That blueprint is found in the Bible and expressed through the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God.
Why Doctrine Actually Matters for Your Life
Think of doctrine like the GPS for your car. If the GPS is wrong, you end up lost in a part of town you didn't intend to visit. When our "spiritual GPS" is calibrated to the truth of Scripture, it helps us navigate anxiety, family struggles, and the big questions about our future with confidence and peace.
According to recent surveys, nearly 70% of Americans say they are "spiritual," but many struggle to define what they actually believe. Having a clear foundation isn't about being "religious", it's about knowing who God is and who you are in Him.
The Four "Cardinal" Truths
While we have 16 core beliefs, four of them stand out as the pillars of everything we do. We call these the Cardinal Doctrines.
Topic | Scripture | The Message |
Salvation | John 3:16 | Every person can be restored to a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. |
Baptism in the Holy Spirit | Acts 1:8 | God provides a special empowering experience to help us live for Him and serve others. |
Divine Healing | James 5:14-16 | God still heals the sick today as a sign of His love and power. |
The Blessed Hope | 1 Thess. 4:16-17 | Jesus is coming back again to make all things right. |
Essential Definitions for Your Faith Journey
To understand these truths, we need to speak the same language. Here are a few "Bible 101" definitions to help you along:
Salvation: The act of being "saved" from the power and penalty of sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a free gift of grace.
Sanctification: A fancy word for a lifelong process. It means being "set apart" for God and growing more like Jesus every day.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An experience distinct from salvation where a believer is filled with the Spirit’s power for witness and service.
Repentance: A "U-turn" of the heart. It’s deciding to turn away from sin and toward God.
A Deeper Look: The 16 Fundamental Truths (The Simple Version)
If you’ve ever wondered about the "fine print" of our faith, here is a quick guide to what we believe at First Assembly Memphis:
The Bible is God’s Word: It is our ultimate guidebook for how to live and what to believe.
One True God: He exists as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (The Trinity).
Jesus is God’s Son: He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died for us, and rose again.
The Fall of Humanity: We were created good, but we chose to go our own way (sin), which separated us from God.
Salvation is for Everyone: Anyone who trusts in Jesus can be forgiven and have eternal life.
Baptism & Communion: We follow Jesus’ command to be water baptized and to share the Lord’s Supper together.
The Holy Spirit Experience: We believe the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit" is available for all believers today.
Initial Physical Evidence: We believe speaking in other tongues is the first physical sign of being filled with the Spirit.
Sanctification is a Process: We strive to live holy lives, not to "earn" God’s love, but because we love Him.
The Church Has a Mission: We exist to reach the lost, worship God, and build up other believers.
Leadership Matters: God calls specific people to lead and serve the church.
Divine Healing: We pray for the sick because we believe God still performs miracles.
The Blessed Hope: We believe in the "Rapture", that Jesus will return for His followers.
The Millennial Reign: Jesus will literally reign on earth for 1,000 years of peace.
The Final Judgment: Everyone will eventually stand before God.
New Heavens & New Earth: God will create a perfect, eternal home for those who follow Him.
What This Means for You in Memphis (The 901)
If you live in Cordova, Bartlett, Germantown, or anywhere in the Memphis area, you know our city is a place of deep heritage and big hearts. But you also know we face real challenges.
When we say we are an Assemblies of God church in Memphis, it means we are committed to:
Strengthening Families: Helping parents raise kids who have a moral compass and a sense of belonging.
Serving Our City: Being the hands and feet of Jesus in the 901.
Practical Teaching: Giving you Sunday messages that you can actually use on Monday morning.
We aren't just a building on a corner; we are a community of people who believe that Jesus can change any story.
For Our Global Boundless Family
Maybe you aren’t in the 901 area. Maybe you’re connecting from across the ocean or from a home where you can't easily get to a physical church. You are just as much a part of this family.
Through Boundless Online Church, we take these same 16 truths and bring them to your screen. We believe the Holy Spirit isn't limited by a ZIP code. Whether you join us for live worship or a digital small group, the goal is the same: transformation.
3 Practical Ways to Grow This Week
Faith isn't just something we talk about, it’s something we do. Here are three steps you can take right now to grow in these truths:
Read the Source: Pick one Gospel (like the Book of Mark) and read a chapter a day. See for yourself who Jesus is.
Connect with Community: Whether it’s an in-person event at FA Memphis or an online Bible Study club, don't do life alone.
Start a Conversation with God: Prayer isn't a performance. It's just talking to God like a friend. Ask Him to show you the truth of His Word.
Taking Your Next Step
Do you have more questions? That’s okay. In fact, that’s great! We love questions because they lead to answers. Whether you are a "Bible scholar" or you’ve never opened a Bible in your life, you have a place here.
We believe your life has a purpose, your pain has a purpose, and your future is bright because of the grace of Jesus Christ.
Are you ready to discover what God has for you next?
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person at FA Memphis: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global church community at Boundless Online Church: 🌐 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.)
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