What Does the Assemblies of God Believe? A Beginner’s Guide to Pentecostal Faith 101
- Boundless Team
- May 20
- 4 min read
The Assemblies of God believes the Bible is God’s inspired Word, Jesus is the Savior who provides salvation through faith, and the Holy Spirit empowers believers today. We focus on four "Cardinal Doctrines:" Jesus as Savior, Healer, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and Soon-Coming King.
Finding Your Footing in Faith
If you have ever stepped into a church in Memphis or tuned into a service online and wondered, "What exactly is going on here?" you are not alone. Faith can sometimes feel like a new language, especially in a Pentecostal setting where the worship is vibrant and the talk of the Holy Spirit is central.
At First Assembly Memphis, we want to make the "why" behind the "what" clear. Whether you are living in Cordova, Bartlett, or joining us from the other side of the globe through Boundless Online Church, understanding the foundation of our faith helps you move from being a spectator to a participant in God’s story.
The Foundation: The Four Cardinal Doctrines
While we hold to 16 Fundamental Truths, we often highlight four "Cardinal Doctrines" that serve as the pillars of the Assemblies of God. These aren't just dry rules; they are the living truths that change how we live every day in the 901 and beyond.
1. Salvation Through Jesus Christ
We believe that every person is born with a nature that is separated from God, what the Bible calls sin. The good news is that Jesus Christ, being fully God and fully man, lived a perfect life and died on a cross to pay the price for that separation. Salvation is a free gift; you don't earn it by being "good enough." You receive it by trusting in Jesus.
2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
This is what makes us "Pentecostal." We believe that after someone chooses to follow Jesus, there is a subsequent experience where the Holy Spirit empowers them for life and service. In the book of Acts, this was marked by speaking in tongues, and we believe this gift is still available for every believer today to give them boldness and spiritual strength.
3. Divine Healing
We believe that the same Jesus who healed the blind and the lame in the New Testament is still in the business of healing today. Whether it is a physical ailment, an emotional wound, or a spiritual brokenness, we pray for healing because we believe it is provided for in Christ’s sacrifice. We see God work in our Memphis community every week through the power of prayer.
4. The Blessed Hope (The Second Coming)
Life can be hard, and our world often feels chaotic. Our "Blessed Hope" is the promise that Jesus is coming back again. This isn't something to fear; it is a source of great encouragement. It means that one day, every wrong will be made right, and those who follow Him will live in perfect peace forever.
Theological Terms: A Simple Guide
When you are exploring the faith, you might run into some "churchy" words. Here is what they mean in plain English:
Term | Simple Definition |
The Trinity: | The belief that God is one, but exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. |
Sanctification: | The lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus in our character and our actions. |
Repentance: | A "U-turn" in life, turning away from our own way and turning toward God's way. |
Pentecostal: | A Christian who emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual gifts described in the Bible. |
Why This Matters for You in Memphis
Faith isn't just about what happens on a Sunday morning at our Cordova campus or in a chat room on Boundless. It’s about how you face your Monday morning. When you know that you are forgiven (Salvation), that you are not alone (Holy Spirit), that you can ask for help (Healing), and that there is a better future coming (The Blessed Hope), it changes your perspective on everything from your job to your family.
Top 5 Ways to Grow in Your Pentecostal Faith
If you are ready to take a step forward, here are five practical ways to start growing today:
Read the Gospel of John: Start here to understand who Jesus is and why He came.
Join a Life Group: Whether in-person in the 901 or through a digital small group at Boundless, community is where growth happens.
Set Aside 5 Minutes for Prayer: You don't need fancy words. Just talk to God like a friend.
Ask for the Spirit’s Help: Each morning, simply ask, "Holy Spirit, help me represent Jesus today."
Serve Someone Else: Faith is active. Look for a way to help a neighbor in your Memphis neighborhood this week.
Life Takeaway: You Are Invited
The most important thing to know about what we believe is this: You are welcome here. You don't have to have all your questions answered or your life perfectly together to join the conversation. God loves the people of Memphis, from the heart of the city to the outskirts of Shelby County, and He has a purpose for your life.
Whether you are looking for a church family to join in person or a digital community to call home, we are here to walk with you as you discover the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.
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 find more resources, listen to our latest podcasts, or use our church search tool at our website: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global online church community for discipleship, live chat, 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.)
We are here for you.
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