Bible Study: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe? A Simple 101 Guide to Our Faith

The Assemblies of God (AG) believes that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the final authority for living. Our faith centers on four cardinal doctrines: salvation through Jesus Christ, baptism in the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the second coming of Christ. We are a global, Spirit-filled community committed to making disciples.

Ever wondered what makes a church "Pentecostal" or why we place such a strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit? If you’ve ever stepped into a service at First Assembly Memphis (FA Memphis) or joined us online at Boundless Online Church, you might have noticed a unique energy, a focus on prayer, worship, and the belief that God is still very much at work in our world today.

Whether you are a lifelong believer or just spiritually curious, understanding the "why" behind the "what" can bring so much clarity to your faith journey. This guide is designed to break down the core beliefs of the Assemblies of God in a way that is easy to understand, biblically anchored, and practically relevant to your life in the 901 or anywhere else in the world.

The Foundation: The 16 Fundamental Truths

While we have many beliefs, the Assemblies of God is built upon 16 Fundamental Truths. These aren't just rules; they are the skeletal structure of our faith. They ensure that everything we teach, from the pulpit in Memphis to the digital groups on Boundless, stays true to the Bible.

The Four Cardinal Doctrines

Among these 16 truths, four stand out as the "pillars" of our movement. Think of these as the heart of our mission:

1. Salvation: The belief that every person can be restored to a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An empowering experience, distinct from salvation, that provides believers with spiritual power for witnessing and daily Christian living.

3. Divine Healing: The conviction that God still heals the sick today as a testimony to His power and love.

4. The Second Coming: The "Blessed Hope" that Jesus Christ will return to earth to gather His followers and establish His eternal Kingdom.

Defining the Terms: A Faith Vocabulary

Sometimes, church language can feel like a foreign tongue. To help you navigate your growth, let’s define a few key concepts we hold dear:

Theological Term	What It Actually Means
Salvation	The act of being "saved" from the power and penalty of sin through faith in Jesus.
Repentance	A sincere "about-face", turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Sanctification	A lifelong process of being made holy and becoming more like Jesus in our character.
Justification	Being declared "righteous" or "right with God," as if we had never sinned, because of Jesus' sacrifice.
Spirit Baptism	An immersion in the Holy Spirit’s power, often evidenced by speaking in tongues, as seen in the Book of Acts.
Divine Healing	God’s supernatural restoration of physical, emotional, or spiritual health through prayer.

Why Does This Matter in Memphis?

You might be asking, "How do these old truths affect my life in Cordova, Bartlett, or downtown Memphis today?"

At FA Memphis, we believe these truths are the antidote to the anxiety, isolation, and searching that many of us feel. When we say we believe in Divine Healing, it means we aren't just "hoping for the best" when a neighbor is sick; we are actively praying and believing for God’s intervention. When we talk about Sanctification, we are acknowledging that none of us are perfect, but through God’s grace, we are all growing into better versions of ourselves, better parents, better friends, and better citizens of the 901.

Faith isn't just a Sunday morning activity; it’s a Monday through Saturday lifestyle. Our beliefs drive us to serve our city, strengthen our families, and welcome everyone who walks through our doors with open arms.

Global Faith through Boundless Online Church

We realize that not everyone can make it to our physical location in Memphis. Maybe you’re traveling for work, stationed overseas, or perhaps you’re homebound. This is why Boundless Online Church exists.

The same 16 Fundamental Truths that guide our local church also fuel our digital outreach. We believe the Holy Spirit isn't limited by geography or Wi-Fi signals. Whether you are engaging with a Bible study PDF or joining a live chat during a service, the mission remains the same: to equip you with the truth of God’s Word so you can live a life of purpose.

5 Practical Ways to Grow in Your Faith Today

If you’re looking to take a next step in your spiritual journey, here are five simple ways to start:

1. Read the Word: Start with the Gospel of John. It’s a beautiful introduction to who Jesus is and why He loves you.

2. Connect in Community: Whether it’s a small group in Memphis or a digital group on Boundless, don't walk alone. Faith grows in circles, not just rows.

3. Practice Daily Prayer: You don’t need fancy words. Just talk to God like a friend. Share your worries, your wins, and your questions.

4. Serve Others: Look for a need in your neighborhood or at church. When we serve, we reflect the heart of Jesus.

5. Ask Questions: Never be afraid to ask "Why?" Growth often starts with a question.

Life Takeaway: You Are Part of a Bigger Story

The most important thing to remember about what the Assemblies of God believes is that you are included in God's plan. Our doctrines aren't meant to exclude; they are invitations to experience the fullness of God's love. You are a priceless child of God, and there is a community here, both in Memphis and online, ready to walk with you.

What is one question you’ve always had about God or the Bible? We would love to help you find the answer.

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Want to go deeper?

If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person for worship and community: 🌐 www.famemphis.org

If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global online church community for discipleship and connection: 🌐 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.)