Christian Living: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe? Your Simple AG 101 Guide
- Boundless Team
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
Walking into a new church can feel a bit like arriving at a family reunion where you don’t know anyone, you see the love, but you’re not quite sure what the "house rules" are.
What are the core beliefs of the Assemblies of God?
The Assemblies of God (AG) believes the Bible is God’s inspired Word and our ultimate authority. We believe in one God in three persons, salvation through Jesus Christ alone, the baptism in the Holy Spirit for power to serve, and the hope of Christ's return.
The Assemblies of God isn’t just a "denomination", it’s a global family of believers who are passionate about the Bible, the power of the Holy Spirit, and reaching the world with the love of Jesus. Whether you are in Memphis, Cordova, or joining us from the other side of the world via Boundless Online Church, these core truths are the heartbeat of everything we do at First Assembly Memphis.
The Foundation of Our Faith
At FA Memphis, we are rooted in what we call the "16 Fundamental Truths." These aren't just dry rules; they are the anchors that keep our families strong and our lives focused on what matters most. From the 901 to the nations, these truths provide a clear map for following Jesus in a complicated world.
Bible 101: The Big Four
While there are 16 truths, four are often called our "Cardinal Doctrines" because they summarize the core of the Gospel message:
Topic | Key Message | Scripture Reference |
Salvation | We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. | Ephesians 2:8-9 |
Baptism in the Spirit | A special experience providing power for witnessing. | Acts 1:8 |
Divine Healing | God still heals the sick today as part of the Gospel. | James 5:14-16 |
The Second Coming | Jesus is coming back to rule and reign. | 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 |
Understanding the "Church Words"
If you’ve been around church for five minutes or fifty years, you’ve probably heard some big theological terms. Let’s break those down into simple language that makes sense for your daily life in Bartlett or Arlington.
Salvation: The moment you turn from sin (repentance) and trust Jesus as your Savior. It is a free gift of God's grace. Sanctification: The lifelong process of being "set apart" from sin and becoming more like Jesus in your character and actions. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An experience following salvation where the Holy Spirit empowers the believer for life and service, often marked by the initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues. Divine Healing: The belief that Jesus’ death on the cross provided for our physical and spiritual wholeness, and we can pray for God to heal our bodies today.
Strengthening Memphis Families
Faith isn't just for Sundays at our building in Memphis; it’s for Tuesday nights in your kitchen in Cordova and Friday nights in Bartlett. The Assemblies of God believes that the family is the primary place where discipleship happens.
When we understand that God is our Father and that His Word is our guide, it changes how we parent, how we treat our spouses, and how we serve our neighbors in the 901. We believe that God has a plan for your family to thrive, not just survive.
5 Ways AG Beliefs Help Your Family Today:
A Shared Map: The Bible gives your family a consistent standard for right and wrong.
Power for the Hard Days: The Holy Spirit provides the patience and strength you don’t have on your own.
Community Support: You aren't meant to do life alone; the church is your extended family.
Purpose: Your kids grow up knowing they were created by God for a specific mission.
Hope: No matter what happens in the news, we know how the story ends, Jesus wins.
A Global Connection with a Local Heart
We believe the Kingdom of God is bigger than any one zip code. That is why First Assembly Memphis has two doorways. For those who live in the Memphis area, we have a physical home where you can walk in and feel the warmth of community. For those who are traveling, homebound, or living in regions without a healthy local church, we offer Boundless Online Church.
Boundless isn't just a video stream; it's a digital discipleship community where the same AG 101 truths are taught with accessibility in mind. Whether you are in a coffee shop in Collierville or an apartment in another country, you are part of the family.
The Power for Daily Living
One of the most distinct things about the Assemblies of God is our focus on the Holy Spirit. We don't just want to know about God; we want to know Him and experience His power in our everyday lives.
We believe that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. This means you have access to:
Wisdom for difficult decisions at work.
Peace that surpasses understanding when anxiety hits.
Boldness to share your faith with a friend.
Spiritual Gifts to help and encourage others in the church.
Your Next Steps
Understanding what a church believes is the first step toward finding a place where you truly belong. We don't expect you to have all the answers or to be "perfect" before you join us. We are all just people following a perfect Savior.
Takeaway Checklist:
Read: Start with the Gospel of John to see the heart of Jesus.
Connect: Join a small group or an online chat at Boundless.
Pray: Ask God to show you how His truths apply to your specific situation today.
Visit: If you’re in the 901, come see us this Sunday.
Does knowing these core beliefs help you feel more at home in the conversation about faith?
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person to experience this community firsthand: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area, traveling, or unable to attend locally, you are still part of the family. Join our global online church 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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