Finding Strength: Why Does the Assemblies of God Believe in Divine Healing Today?
- Boundless Team
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
We believe divine healing is a vital part of the Gospel, provided for all believers through the atonement of Christ. It is a testament to God’s compassion and power to restore our bodies and spirits today as we trust Him in prayer (James 5:14-16).
At First Assembly Memphis, our mission is to see every person in the 901 area experience the wholeness that only Christ can provide. Whether you are navigating life in Cordova, Bartlett, or downtown Memphis, we believe that God’s power to heal isn’t a relic of the past, it’s a present reality for your life today. This post is designed to help those across the Mid-South and our global Boundless community find biblical hope in the midst of physical and spiritual pain.
The Reality of the "901 Struggle"
Living in Memphis comes with a lot of soul, but it also comes with a lot of stress. Maybe you’re sitting in a waiting room at a local hospital, or perhaps you’re managing a chronic condition that makes every morning feel like a mountain you can’t climb. Physical sickness isn't just a biological issue; it often brings along unwanted friends like spiritual despair and emotional exhaustion.
When your body hurts, your spirit often feels the weight too. You start asking the big questions: Does God see me? Does He care about this pain? Is healing something that only happened in Bible times?
In the Assemblies of God, we don't just view healing as a nice idea, we view it as a core doctrinal truth. According to the 16 Fundamental Truths, divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel. It is the solution to the brokenness we feel in our mortal bodies.
What is Divine Healing?
Before we dive into the "why," let’s clarify what we mean when we talk about this.
Definition: Divine Healing Divine healing is an act of God’s grace by which He restores health to the human body, mind, or spirit. It is a supernatural intervention that flows from the compassion of Jesus Christ and is received through faith.
The Foundation: Healing in the Atonement
The most important reason we believe in healing today is that we believe it was "paid for" at the cross. In the Assemblies of God, we teach that divine healing is provided for in the Atonement.
When Jesus died on Calvary, He didn’t just deal with our sins; He dealt with the consequences of a fallen world, which includes sickness. The prophet Isaiah wrote, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
This isn't just a metaphor for spiritual "feeling better." In the New Testament, Matthew 8:16-17 explicitly links Jesus' physical healing of the sick to this prophecy in Isaiah.
Why Does This Matter Today?
If you are struggling with chronic pain in Cordova or Bartlett, knowing that healing is part of the Atonement changes your perspective. It means healing isn’t a "bonus" feature of Christianity; it is a "privilege of all believers." It is something Christ purchased for you because He loves you and wants you to walk in wholeness.
Scripture Reference | Key Promise | Application for Today |
Isaiah 53:4-5 | By His stripes we are healed. | Healing is provided through Christ's sacrifice. |
James 5:14-16 | The prayer of faith will save the sick. | We are commanded to pray for one another. |
Exodus 15:26 | "I am the Lord who heals you." | Healing is part of God's very nature (Jehovah Rapha). |
Hebrews 13:8 | Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. | If He healed then, He heals now. |
The Role of Faith and the Church
One of the most common questions we get at First Assembly Memphis is, "How do I actually receive this?"
The Bible gives us a clear direction in James 5:14: "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord."
This is why, during our services and through our Prayer and Praise ministry, we make space for people to be prayed for. We believe that when we obey this scriptural command, we are making a demand on the promises of God.
Definition: The Atonement The Atonement refers to the work Jesus Christ accomplished through His life, death on the cross, and resurrection to reconcile humanity to God and provide for the total needs of the person, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Divine Healing and Medical Science
A common misconception is that if you believe in divine healing, you must reject doctors. That couldn't be further from the truth. In the Assemblies of God, we believe that all truth is God’s truth. We thank God for the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals in the 901 area who work tirelessly to help the sick.
Divine healing and medical science are not enemies. We believe that God often works through doctors, providing them with the wisdom and skill to treat the body. However, we also believe that God can do what medicine cannot. When a situation is "terminal" or "chronic" by human standards, we turn to the Great Physician who has the final say.
Dealing with Spiritual Despair
What happens when you pray and you don’t see an immediate result? This is where spiritual despair often creeps in. It’s important to remember that while divine healing is a provision of the Atonement, we still live in "the now and the not yet."
We experience the first-fruits of God’s Kingdom now, but the ultimate, final healing happens when we receive our resurrected bodies. In the meantime, God’s grace is sufficient. Even in the waiting, He provides strength. Healing is a sign of the Kingdom to come, a reminder that one day, there will be no more pain, no more tears, and no more sickness.
How to Move Forward
If you are hurting today, we want you to know that there is a seat for you here. You don’t have to carry the weight of sickness or despair alone.
Trust the Word: Start by reading the promises of God regarding healing. Remind your soul that Jesus is the same today as He was in the Gospels.
Request Prayer: Don’t be a "lone ranger" in your pain. Reach out to your local church family. If you're in Memphis, come visit us for a service and let us stand with you in faith. You can listen to previous Messages to build your faith.
Stay Connected: Whether you join a group for Men or Ladies, being in community provides the spiritual support necessary to navigate health trials.
Your Direction: Local and Global
We invite you to take a step toward wholeness today.
The Local Pathway (901/Cordova/Bartlett): If you are in the Memphis area, we invite you to join us this Sunday at First Assembly Memphis. We are a welcoming community where we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives. Whether you need physical healing or just a place to belong, our doors are open. We are located right here in the heart of the community, and we would love to pray with you in person. Learn more about our History and our heart for the city.
The Global Pathway (Boundless): If you are reading this from outside the 901, you are part of our Boundless community. God’s power isn't limited by geography. We encourage you to engage with our online resources, watch our live-streamed services, and join us in believing for God's best in your life. The same Holy Spirit that moves in Memphis is moving wherever you are right now.
Definition: Intercession Intercession is the act of standing in the gap for someone else through prayer, pleading their case before God and asking for His intervention and mercy on their behalf.
Final Thoughts
Divine healing is a beautiful expression of God’s love. It reminds us that God isn’t a distant observer of our pain; He is a participant in our restoration. If you are struggling with physical sickness or chronic pain, don’t give up hope. The stripes of Jesus were for you. The compassion of Jesus is toward you. And the power of Jesus is available to you today.
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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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