Bible Study: What Is the Assemblies of God? AG 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Your Understanding of Our Faith
If you’ve ever walked into a church or scrolled through a ministry website and seen the letters "AG," you might have wondered what they stand for. Is it a club? A specific set of rules? Or something deeper? The Assemblies of God (AG) is a global family of Spirit-filled, Bible-centered churches committed to the Great Commission.
The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal Christian denomination that believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God. We focus on four "Cardinal Doctrines": Salvation through Jesus, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Divine Healing, and the Second Coming of Christ. We are a community dedicated to making disciples locally and globally.
A Global Family with a Simple Mission
The Assemblies of God was officially formed in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Back then, a group of leaders wanted to organize to better support missionaries and protect the integrity of the Gospel. What started as a small gathering has grown into the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world, with over 69 million members globally.
But at its heart, the AG isn’t about big numbers. It’s about the conviction that the same Holy Spirit we read about in the book of Acts is still active today. Whether you are at First Assembly Memphis in the 901 or joining us via Boundless Online Church, that DNA of Spirit-empowerment is what drives everything we do.
Salvation Definition: The act of being saved from the power and penalty of sin through faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. It is a free gift of grace that results in a new life and an eternal relationship with God.
The 16 Fundamental Truths
While we have many beliefs, we hold to 16 Fundamental Truths that serve as our doctrinal anchor. These aren't meant to be "rules" but rather a shared understanding of what the Bible teaches.
Topic | Brief Message |
The Bible | It is God’s inspired and authoritative Word. |
One True God | Revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (The Trinity). |
Jesus Christ | He is fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, and resurrected. |
The Fall of Man | Mankind chose to sin, which brought separation from God. |
Salvation | Received through repentance and faith in Jesus alone. |
The Ordinances | Water baptism and Holy Communion are sacred practices. |
Spirit Baptism | A distinct experience that empowers believers for witness. |
Initial Evidence | Speaking in tongues is the initial physical sign of Spirit baptism. |
Sanctification | A progressive work of becoming more like Christ. |
The Church | The "Body of Christ" called to worship, evangelize, and disciple. |
The Ministry | God-called leaders serve to build up the church. |
Divine Healing | Provided for in the atonement; God still heals today. |
The Blessed Hope | The imminent return of Jesus (the Rapture). |
Millennial Reign | Christ will reign on earth for 1000 years of peace. |
Final Judgment | The wicked will be judged, and the righteous will live forever. |
New Creation | A new heaven and earth where we dwell with God forever. |
The Four "Cardinal" Doctrines
While all 16 truths are essential, there are four that we call our "Cardinal Doctrines." These are the pillars of the Assemblies of God mission:
1. Salvation
Everything starts here. We believe that every person is priceless to God but separated from Him by sin. The only way back to a relationship with the Father is through Jesus Christ. It’s not about being "good enough" or following a checklist; it’s about a heart that says, "I need a Savior."
2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
This is often what makes people curious about Pentecostal churches. We believe that after a person is saved, there is a subsequent experience called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This isn't for "super-Christians", it’s for everyone. It provides a supernatural power to live a bold, holy life and to share the Gospel with others.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit Definition: An experience distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth, providing the believer with power for life and service and the bestowment of the gifts for the work of the ministry.
3. Divine Healing
We believe that God hasn't changed. If He healed the sick in the New Testament, He still heals today. This is part of the "Good News." While we thank God for doctors and medicine, we also believe in the power of prayer for physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration.
Divine Healing Definition: The belief that God intervenes in the physical realm to restore health and wholeness to the human body in response to faith and prayer.
4. The Second Coming (The Blessed Hope)
We live with an expectant heart. We believe Jesus is coming back for His Church. This isn't meant to cause fear; it’s meant to give us hope and urgency. No matter how dark the world seems, we know the end of the story, Jesus wins.
What Does "Pentecostal" Actually Mean?
Sometimes the word "Pentecostal" can feel intimidating. To some, it sounds loud or strange. To us, it simply means "living in the power of Pentecost." In Acts chapter 2, the Holy Spirit fell on the early believers, and they were transformed from frightened followers into bold witnesses.
Being Pentecostal means we leave room for the Holy Spirit to move in our services, our prayers, and our daily lives. It means we believe the gifts of the Spirit, like prophecy, healing, and tongues, are for the modern church, not just for the history books.
Sanctification Definition: The lifelong process of being set apart for God’s purposes and growing in holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Why This Matters in the 901 and Beyond
At FA Memphis, we aren't just a building on a street corner; we are a community rooted in these truths. Whether you are in Cordova, Bartlett, or downtown Memphis, we want to be a place where you can find:
Worship that honors God’s presence.
Preaching that explains the Bible clearly.
Community that feels like family.
If you are outside of the Memphis area, the Pastor for Boundless Online outreach, part of FA Memphis Church, works to ensure that these same biblical foundations reach you wherever you are. Boundless Online Church is our digital doorway for the homebound, the traveler, and the global seeker. We believe the Kingdom of God has no borders.
Life Takeaways: How to Apply AG 101
Read the Word for Yourself: Don’t just take our word for it. Explore the Scriptures to see the beauty of God’s plan.
Seek the Spirit: If you feel like your faith is "dry," ask God for a fresh filling of His Spirit. He promises to give to those who ask!
Pray for Healing: If you or a loved one is hurting, don't hesitate to reach out for prayer. We believe in a God who hears.
Find Your Community: You weren't meant to do this alone. Whether in person or online, get connected.
Are You Ready to Take a Next Step?
Understanding theology is great, but knowing the God behind the theology is what changes your life. Whether you’ve been in church your whole life or you’re just starting to ask questions, there is a place for you here.
Do you have a question about the Holy Spirit, or are you looking for a place to belong?
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 online church community for live services, chat, 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.)
We are here for you. You are not alone.
Comments