Bible Study: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe? Your Quick-Start Guide to Bible 101

The Assemblies of God (AG) believes the Bible is God's inspired word, salvation is through Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit empowers believers today. These core convictions, summarized in the 16 Fundamental Truths, emphasize Pentecostal worship, divine healing, and the return of Christ.

Navigating the depths of theology can feel like trying to fold a fitted sheet, confusing, a bit overwhelming, and hard to get "just right." Whether you are a new believer in Cordova or a long-time resident of Bartlett looking for a spiritual refresh, understanding the foundations of your faith is the first step toward a stronger family and a more vibrant life. At First Assembly Memphis and Boundless Online Church, we believe that "Bible 101" isn't just for kids; it is the bedrock of a life well-lived.

Core Definitions for Your Journey

Before we dive into the details, let's clear up a few terms you might hear in our services:

Term	Biblical Meaning
Salvation	Being rescued from sin and reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Sanctification	The ongoing process of being set apart for God and becoming more like Jesus in character.
Repentance	A sincere "about face", turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Spirit Baptism	An experience where believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit for service and witness (Acts 1:8).

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1. The 16 Fundamental Truths: A Deep Dive

The Assemblies of God was founded on a commitment to the Bible as our only rule for faith and conduct. While we have 16 official "Fundamental Truths," they all point back to one central figure: Jesus Christ.

The Word and the Way

We believe the Bible is "God-breathed." This means that while men wrote the words, the Holy Spirit guided them to ensure the message was exactly what God intended. In an age of shifting opinions, we stand on the unchanging authority of Scripture. If you are new here, you'll quickly see that every sermon and study at FA Memphis starts and ends with the Word.

The Holy Spirit and You

A hallmark of the Assemblies of God is our emphasis on the Holy Spirit. We believe the same power that raised Jesus from the grave is available to help you navigate your Tuesday morning commute in Arlington or your Friday night family dinner in Memphis. We believe in the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit," which provides a distinct spiritual empowerment to live out your faith boldly.

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2. Bible 101: The Big Story for Your Family

If you've ever felt like the Bible is just a collection of random rules, it’s time for a perspective shift. The Bible is actually one giant story, a "Great Rescue Mission", that can be broken down into four parts:

1. Creation: God made a perfect world and created you with a purpose.

2. The Fall: Sin entered the world, breaking our relationship with God and bringing pain to our families and communities.

3. Redemption: Jesus came to pay the price for our sin, offering us a way back to the Father.

4. Restoration: One day, God will make all things new. No more sickness, no more tears, and no more brokenness.

For families in the 901 area, teaching this "Big Story" is the best way to help your kids understand that they are part of something much larger than themselves. Whether you’re reading together at home or joining us for Sunday live worship, keeping the Big Story in view changes everything.

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3. Faith in the 901: Cordova, Bartlett, and Arlington

We aren't just a church in the city; we are a church for the city. We know that life in the Memphis suburbs comes with its own set of joys and pressures. From the bustling shopping centers in Cordova to the quiet neighborhoods of Arlington and the historic charm of Bartlett, families here are looking for something real.

At First Assembly Memphis, we pride ourselves on being a community where you can ask the hard questions. What does the AG believe about healing? Why do we pray for the sick? How can I strengthen my marriage when life feels chaotic? Our Mission and Vision is to equip you with biblical answers that work in real life.

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4. Five Steps to Strength for Your Family

How do you take "Bible 101" from the church pew to your kitchen table? Here are five practical ways to build a kingdom-centered home:

1. The 10-Minute Huddle: Start or end your day with ten minutes of Scripture and prayer. Don't make it a lecture; make it a conversation.

2. Ask the "Big Question": After reading a verse, ask your kids, "What does this tell us about who God is?"

3. Model Repentance: When you make a mistake (it happens!), show your family what it looks like to ask for forgiveness and turn back to God’s way.

4. Serve Together: Look for a local need in Shelby County and meet it as a family. Faith grows best when it’s put into action.

5. Stay Connected: Whether you join us in person at our Memphis campus or through our Boundless Online Church, don't do life alone. Community is the fuel for discipleship.

Why Doctrine Matters Today

You might wonder, "Does it really matter what a denomination believes?" The answer is yes, because what you believe about God determines how you live your life. If you believe God is distant, you'll live with anxiety. If you believe (as the AG does) that He is a present help and a loving Father, you can live with hope.

Our "Bible 101" approach is designed to help you move from "I think" to "God says." It’s about replacing cultural confusion with biblical clarity.

What is Your Next Step?

Growing in your faith is not a sprint; it’s a journey of a thousand small steps. Maybe your next step is picking up a Bible for the first time in years. Maybe it's visiting a church where you feel like family. Whatever it is, know that you are not alone on this path.

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 online church community at Boundless: 🌐 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.)