What Do the Assemblies of God Believe? AG 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Mastering the Basics of Our Faith

The Assemblies of God (AG) believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God, providing a blueprint for salvation through Jesus Christ. We emphasize the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the urgent mission to share the Gospel globally until Christ’s return.

Exploring faith can feel like walking into a conversation that started decades before you arrived. You hear terms like "sanctification," "Pentecostal," or "baptism in the Holy Spirit," and it’s natural to wonder: What does this actually mean for my Monday morning? At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that understanding your faith shouldn't require a master’s degree, it should lead to a transformed life.

The Assemblies of God is one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world. Currently, there are over 700 million Pentecostal believers globally, representing roughly 1 out of every 4 Christians on the planet. This isn't just a local phenomenon in the 901; it is a global awakening rooted in the simple, powerful truths of Scripture.

The Four Cardinal Doctrines: The Core of Everything

While we hold to 16 Fundamental Truths, four are considered "Cardinal Doctrines" because they are the pillars of our identity and mission:

1. Salvation: We believe that every person can have a restored relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: We believe in a post-salvation experience that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, often accompanied by the initial physical sign of speaking in tongues.

3. Divine Healing: We believe that God still heals the sick today as a testimony to His power and love.

4. The Blessed Hope: We believe in the "Rapture", the imminent return of Jesus to gather His Church before His final reign on earth.

Definition Block: Language for Your Journey

• Salvation: The act of being delivered from the power and penalty of sin through faith in Jesus Christ.

• Sanctification: The lifelong process of being set apart for God’s purposes and growing to become more like Jesus in character.

• Pentecostal: A term referring to the experience of the early church on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), emphasizing the present-day work of the Holy Spirit.

AG 101: A Scannable Look at the 16 Truths

Category	Belief	Practical Meaning
God's Word	Inspired Scriptures	The Bible is our final authority for living.
The Godhead	The One True God	Revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Humanity	The Fall of Man	We are imperfect and in need of a Savior.
Ordinances	Baptism & Communion	Symbolic acts of obedience and remembrance.
Living Holy	Sanctification	God is daily changing our hearts and habits.
The Future	Final Judgment	Every life matters and will be accounted for.

Why This Matters for the 901 and Beyond

Whether you are joining us at our physical campus in Memphis or connecting through Boundless Online Church, these truths aren't just ink on a page. They are meant to be lived. In a city like Memphis, where community and grit meet, knowing that you have a God who heals, empowers, and is coming back for you changes how you treat your neighbors and how you face your struggles.

For our global community, these truths bridge the distance. You may be thousands of miles away, but the same Holy Spirit we pray with in Cordova is the same Spirit empowering you in your living room. We are a local church with a global heartbeat, committed to making sure "No question hits a dead end."

Practical Next Steps: Mastering the Basics

1. Read the Source: Start with the Gospel of John to understand the Deity of Christ.

2. Ask Questions: Join a Life Group or an Online Bible Study to discuss these truths with others.

3. Practice Prayer: Don't just learn about divine healing, start praying for the needs of those around you.

4. Stay Connected: Sign up for our weekly emails to see how these doctrines turn into local outreach.

Life Takeaway: You Are Part of a Bigger Story

You were not meant to navigate life without a map. The beliefs of the Assemblies of God aren't walls to keep people out; they are doorways to invite you into a deeper relationship with the Creator of the universe. You are a priceless child of God, and He has equipped you with His Word, His Spirit, and a community to walk alongside you.

Does knowing that God still heals and empowers people today change the way you look at your current challenges?

Want to go deeper?

If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person. You can explore more about who we are and find our latest blog posts and podcasts here.

Outside the area? Join our global online church community for digital discipleship and connection: 🌐 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.)