Christian Living: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe?
Walking into a new church shouldn't feel like entering a secret society where you don't know the rules, it should feel like coming home to a family that has its heart anchored in something real.
What does the Assemblies of God believe, and why does it matter for my daily life?
The Assemblies of God (AG) is a Spirit-filled, Bible-centered movement that believes Jesus is the Savior, Healer, Baptizer, and Soon-Coming King. We hold to the 16 Fundamental Truths, emphasizing that the Bible is God’s authoritative Word and the Holy Spirit empowers every believer for life and service today.
A Faith Rooted in Reality
At First Assembly Memphis, we often get asked, "What makes your church different?" or "What exactly is the Assemblies of God?" Whether you are joining us in person in the 901 or connecting through Boundless Online Church, our beliefs aren't just dry ink on old paper. They are the heartbeat of our community.
We believe that faith should be practical. It should help you through a Tuesday morning at work, give you hope when you’re facing a health crisis, and provide a framework for raising a family in a confusing world. To understand our faith, we have to look at the "16 Fundamental Truths" that guide our movement.
The Four Cardinal Doctrines
While we have 16 core beliefs, four of them are considered our "Cardinal Doctrines" because they represent the essential mission of the church. Think of these as the four pillars of our faith:
Topic | The Core Message |
Salvation | We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. |
Baptism in the Holy Spirit | The Spirit empowers us to witness and live a holy life. |
Divine Healing | God still performs miracles and heals the sick today. |
The Second Coming | Jesus is coming back for His church. |
1. The Bible is Our Final Answer
In a world full of opinions, we believe the Bible is the ultimate authority. We believe the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are inspired by God. This doesn't mean God took away the personalities of the writers, but that He guided them to write exactly what He wanted us to know.
For us, the Bible isn't a book of suggestions; it’s an "authoritative rule" for how we live. If you’re looking for a church in Memphis that teaches the Word without apology, you’ve found it.
Definition: Scripture – The sacred writings of Christianity contained in the Bible, believed to be the inspired and infallible Word of God.
2. The One True God
We believe there is only one God, but He has revealed Himself in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. This is what we call the Trinity. It sounds like a mystery, and it is, but it shows us that God is relational at His very core.
3. The Work of Jesus Christ
Jesus isn't just a "good teacher" or a "historical figure" to us. He is the eternal Son of God. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, and most importantly, His sacrificial death on the cross and His physical resurrection.
He didn't just die to show us a good example; He died to pay the debt for our sins. Because He lives, we can have a new beginning.
Understanding the Change: Salvation and Sanctification
One of the most beautiful parts of the Christian journey is how God changes us. We aren't just "improved" versions of our old selves; we are made new.
Definition: Justification – The act of God where He declares a sinner righteous because of their faith in Jesus Christ. It is a legal standing: "Just-as-if-I'd" never sinned. Definition: Sanctification – The lifelong process of being set apart from sin and becoming more like Jesus in our character and actions.
4. The Power of the Holy Spirit
This is where the Assemblies of God becomes distinctively "Pentecostal." We believe that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church in the Book of Acts is available to you today.
We believe in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This is an experience distinct from and following the experience of salvation. Its purpose is to give you "power" (Acts 1:8) to share your faith and live a life that honors God.
Definition: Baptism in the Holy Spirit – An empowering experience for believers that provides spiritual strength for witness and service, often accompanied by the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues.
We don't see the gifts of the Spirit as something to be afraid of; we see them as tools for the mission. Whether it's through our Young Adult groups or our weekly worship, we expect the Spirit to move.
5. Healing for Today
Does God still heal? In the Assemblies of God, we answer with a resounding yes. We believe that divine healing is provided for in the atonement (Christ’s death) and is a privilege for all believers. We pray for the sick, we trust God for miracles, and we also thank God for the gift of medical science.
The 16 Fundamental Truths at a Glance
If you want the full list, here are the 16 tenets that unite every AG church across the globe:
The Inspired Scriptures
The One True God
The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
The Fall of Man
The Salvation of Man
The Ordinances of the Church (Water Baptism and Communion)
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Sanctification
The Church and Its Mission
The Ministry
Divine Healing
The Blessed Hope (The Rapture)
The Millennial Reign of Christ
The Final Judgment
The New Heavens and the New Earth
Life Takeaway: Why This Matters to You
You might be thinking, "That’s a lot of theology. What do I do with it?"
Theology is just a fancy word for "how we think about God." And how you think about God changes how you live your life. Knowing that God is for you (Salvation), that He empowers you (Holy Spirit), that He cares for your body (Healing), and that He is coming back for you (Blessed Hope) changes your perspective on every challenge you face.
At First Assembly Memphis, we aren't interested in just filling heads with facts. We want to see lives transformed. Whether you are a student, a parent, or someone just starting to ask questions, these truths are an anchor.
What is one step you can take this week to learn more about God's plan for your life?
Maybe it’s opening the Bible for five minutes a day. Maybe it’s joining a small group. Or maybe it’s simply asking God to show Himself to you in a real way.
We’d love to connect with you. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join our community from anywhere, or if you're in the Memphis area, find us at www.famemphis.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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