Bible Study: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe? Your Quick-Start Guide to AG 101
- Boundless Team
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Understanding the foundation of your faith shouldn't be a mystery or a mountain of confusing jargon. Whether you're new to the Memphis area or joining us from across the globe online, knowing what your spiritual family stands for is the first step toward a deeper, more confident walk with Christ.
What does the Assemblies of God believe?
The Assemblies of God follows the 16 Fundamental Truths, which are non-negotiable biblical principles centered on the authority of Scripture. We believe in one God in three persons, salvation through Jesus Christ, baptism in the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the imminent return of Christ.
More Than a Creed: A Living Faith
While the Assemblies of God (AG) is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the world, its core isn't found in a dusty handbook. It’s found in the active, daily pursuit of a relationship with Jesus. Rooted in the Bible, our beliefs are designed to help you navigate life with hope, power, and a clear sense of purpose.
In this guide, we’re going to break down the "AG 101" basics, moving from the historical foundations to the practical ways these truths change your life today in the 901 and beyond.
The Four Cardinal Doctrines
While there are 16 fundamental truths, we often highlight four as the "Cardinal Doctrines." These represent the pillars of our mission and the heart of why we do what we do at First Assembly Memphis and Boundless Online Church.
Salvation: The belief that every person has sinned and needs a Savior. Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection provided the only way for us to be reconciled to God.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A distinct experience following salvation where believers are empowered with spiritual strength and gifts to serve others and share their faith effectively.
Divine Healing: The belief that God still heals the sick today as part of the atonement provided by Jesus.
The Second Coming (The Blessed Hope): The confident expectation that Jesus is coming back soon to gather His followers and establish His eternal Kingdom.
Who is Jesus? (The Core of Everything)
At the center of every Assemblies of God belief is a person: Jesus Christ. We don't just view Him as a great teacher or a historical figure; we believe He is the eternal Son of God.
When we talk about Jesus in our Bible Study sessions, we focus on His four-fold ministry:
Jesus as Savior: He rescues us from the weight and consequences of sin.
Jesus as Healer: He cares for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Jesus as Baptizer: He fills us with the Holy Spirit to give us power for living.
Jesus as Soon-Coming King: He is our hope for the future.
Key Theological Definitions
To help you on your journey, here are some common terms you’ll hear in our community and what they mean biblically:
Term | Definition |
Justification | Being declared "not guilty" by God through faith in Jesus Christ. |
Sanctification | The lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus and separating from evil. |
Repentance | A sincere "about-face", turning away from sin and turning toward God. |
Salvation | God’s grace-filled rescue of humanity from sin and death through Christ. |
Spirit Baptism | An empowering work of the Holy Spirit, often evidenced by speaking in tongues. |
Why Does This Matter for You?
It’s easy to look at a list of doctrines and think, "That’s great for a textbook, but what about my Tuesday morning?"
The beauty of Assemblies of God theology is its practicality. We believe that because God is alive and the Holy Spirit is active, you don't have to face your struggles alone. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, looking for a church in Bartlett TN, or trying to lead your family in a confusing world, these truths provide a compass.
For example, our belief in Sanctification means you don't have to be perfect to start. It means God meets you exactly where you are but loves you too much to leave you there. It's a journey of growth, one step at a time.
Life-Bettering Takeaways
Living out the AG 101 principles isn't about following a set of rules; it's about experiencing a transformed life. Here is how you can apply these truths today:
Find Peace in Salvation: Stop trying to "earn" God’s love. It is a gift already paid for.
Seek Empowerment: If you feel weak or burnt out, ask for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. God promises "power from on high" for your daily life.
Expect the Miraculous: Don't stop praying for healing. Whether it’s a broken body or a broken heart, God is still the Great Physician.
Live with Hope: Because Jesus is coming back, your current trial is not the end of the story.
Are You Ready to Take a Step?
Knowing the "what" is the beginning. Experiencing the "Who" is the goal. Whether you’re sitting in Cordova, Arlington, or watching from halfway around the world, there is a seat at the table for you.
We invite you to dive deeper. If you have questions about baptism, need help understanding a specific scripture, or just want someone to walk alongside you, we are here.
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person at First Assembly Memphis: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global family at Boundless Online Church for digital discipleship and community: 🌐 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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