Bible Study: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe About the Holy Spirit? AG 101 for the 901
- Boundless Team
- May 29
- 4 min read
The Assemblies of God believes the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, empowering believers for life and service. We emphasize the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, a distinct experience after salvation, evidenced by speaking in tongues, which provides spiritual power for witnessing and holy living.
More Than a Force: Meeting a Person
Living in the 901, from the busy streets of Downtown Memphis to the quiet neighborhoods of Cordova and Arlington, life can feel fast, loud, and sometimes overwhelming. We all need a "power surge" to navigate our days with grace and grit. In the Assemblies of God (AG), we believe that power comes from a Person: the Holy Spirit.
Many people think of the Holy Spirit as a vague "force" or a "feeling." But the Bible teaches that He is much more. He is the third person of the Trinity, equal with God the Father and God the Son (Jesus). He has a mind, emotions, and a will. He isn't just a guest in our lives; He is our Comforter, Advocate, and Guide.
The "More" Experience: Baptism in the Holy Spirit
One of the most distinct beliefs of the Assemblies of God is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. While every believer receives the Holy Spirit the moment they say "yes" to Jesus (salvation), we believe there is a "more" experience available to every Christian.
Think of it like this: If salvation is like having a glass of water, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is like being plunged into a swimming pool. It’s an immersion.
Our Pastor often describes it as a "power surge." Imagine you’re trying to pass a slow-moving truck on a two-lane road. You put the pedal to the metal, the engine surges, and you bolt ahead. That extra "oomph" is what Spirit baptism does for the believer. It provides:
More Joy: A deep-seated peace that doesn't depend on your circumstances.
More Boldness: The courage to share your faith with a coworker or friend.
More Wisdom: Practical help for raising kids, managing finances, or navigating a tough marriage.
The Sign: How Do We Know?
A common question we hear at First Assembly Memphis is, "How do I know if I’ve been baptized in the Spirit?"
The Assemblies of God holds to the biblical pattern found in the Book of Acts. We believe that the initial physical evidence of this baptism is "speaking in other tongues" as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4). This isn't a learned language, but a spiritual one, a direct line of communication between your heart and God.
While this experience might seem unusual to some, it was the "normal" experience for the early church. Whether it was on the Day of Pentecost or in a small house in Ephesus, when the Spirit fell, people spoke in tongues. It serves as an external sign of an internal overflow.
The Purpose: Power for the 901
Why does this matter in Memphis? Because the Holy Spirit isn't just for "church time." He is for "real life."
The primary purpose of being filled with the Spirit is power for witnessing. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses... to the ends of the earth."
In our city, being a witness looks like:
Showing kindness to a neighbor when they're difficult.
Serving at a local outreach or food pantry with a joyful heart.
Praying for a sick friend with the confidence that God still heals today.
The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to be "little Christs" in our community, reflecting His love and light to everyone we meet.
Definitions You Should Know
To understand the Holy Spirit better, it helps to clear up some church "jargon." Here are three key terms:
Term | Definition |
Salvation | The moment you repent of sin and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior; the Holy Spirit begins to dwell within you. |
Baptism in the Holy Spirit | A distinct, subsequent experience where the believer is filled with the Spirit’s power for service and witnessing. |
Sanctification | The lifelong process, led by the Spirit, of being set apart from sin and becoming more like Jesus in character. |
The Fruit vs. The Gifts
While the gifts of the Spirit (like prophecy, healing, and tongues) are the "tools" for ministry, the fruit of the Spirit is the "evidence" of our character.
The Assemblies of God believes that a Spirit-filled life should be marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The power of the Spirit isn't just about what we do; it’s about who we are.
Is This Experience for You?
The prophet Joel promised, and Peter echoed it on Pentecost: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people" (Acts 2:17).
It doesn't matter your background, your age, or how long you've been a Christian. The gift of the Holy Spirit is for you. If you are hungry for more of God, more power, more peace, and more purpose, He is ready to fill you.
You don't have to work for it or be perfect to receive it. It’s a gift. All you have to do is ask.
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901 area, we would love to welcome you in person to experience the presence of God with us: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global community online 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.)
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