What Does the Assemblies of God Believe About the Holy Spirit?

The Assemblies of God believes the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God, active today, and essential to Christian life. He convicts people of sin, empowers believers for witness and service, and gives spiritual gifts. We also believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a distinct experience available to all believers.

---

The Holy Spirit Is a Person, Not Just a Force

When we talk about the Holy Spirit in Memphis churches, or anywhere in the world through platforms like Boundless Online Church, we're not talking about an abstract power or vague spiritual energy. We're talking about a person. The third person of the triune Godhead.

Scripture is clear: the Holy Spirit has a mind (Romans 8:27), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), and will (1 Corinthians 12:11). He teaches, guides, comforts, convicts, and intercedes. Jesus called Him the "Helper" and promised that when He left earth, the Spirit would come and be with us forever (John 14:16-17).

At First Assembly Memphis, here in Cordova, TN, we teach that the Holy Spirit isn't optional in the Christian life, He's essential. You can't grow in Christ, serve effectively, or navigate this world's challenges without Him.

What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

The Holy Spirit's work touches every part of our walk with God. Here's what Scripture shows us:

He Convicts and Draws People to Jesus

Jesus said the Holy Spirit would "convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8). Before anyone can be saved, the Spirit opens their eyes to their need for a Savior. He's the one who draws people to repentance and faith.

He Regenerates and Sanctifies Believers

When you're born again, it's the Holy Spirit who does the work. "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). After salvation, He continues working in you, sanctifying you, conforming you to the image of Christ, and producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23).

He Empowers for Witness and Service

This is where Pentecostal theology gets practical. Jesus told His disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8).

That same power is available today, whether you're serving in a church in Memphis or connecting with Boundless Online Church from across the globe.

The Holy Spirit doesn't just make you feel good. He equips you to do Kingdom work.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A Distinct Experience

Here's where the Assemblies of God (AG) doctrine becomes distinct. We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit as an experience separate from salvation. It's one of our four cardinal doctrines.

When you're saved, the Holy Spirit comes to live in you. But Spirit baptism is an empowering for service and witness. It's what the 120 believers experienced in Acts 2 when they were "filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4).

The Initial Physical Evidence

The AG believes that the initial physical evidence of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. This isn't about manipulation or working yourself into an emotional frenzy. It's a sovereign work of God. The Spirit gives the utterance; you simply yield.

Speaking in tongues isn't the only gift, and it's not the "ultimate" sign of spirituality. But it is the Scriptural sign that accompanies Spirit baptism. Paul affirmed, "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you" (1 Corinthians 14:18).

What Spirit Baptism Produces

When believers receive this baptism, Scripture and experience show:

• Deepened reverence for God

• Intensified dedication to His work

• Increased boldness in witness

• Greater love for Christ and His Word

It's not about showmanship. It's about power to live and serve like Jesus did.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Are for Today

The Assemblies of God believes all nine spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 are operational today:

• Word of wisdom

• Word of knowledge

• Faith

• Gifts of healing

• Working of miracles

• Prophecy

• Discerning of spirits

• Various kinds of tongues

• Interpretation of tongues

We also affirm the ministry gifts of Ephesians 4:11, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These aren't relics of the early church. They're present-day realities in the body of Christ.

But here's the key: these gifts are manifested as the Holy Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). You don't control them. You don't manufacture them. You yield to the Spirit, and He operates them through you for the edification of the church and the advancement of the Gospel.

Common Misconceptions About the Holy Spirit

"The Holy Spirit's work ended with the apostles."

This is called cessationism, and Scripture doesn't support it. Jesus promised the Spirit would be with us "forever" (John 14:16). Joel prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit "on all flesh" in the last days (Joel 2:28). We're still in the last days. The Spirit is still active.

"Speaking in tongues is weird or unbiblical."

Tongues can seem strange if you've never seen it or experienced it. But it's deeply biblical. It appeared at Pentecost (Acts 2), in Samaria (Acts 8), with Cornelius (Acts 10), in Ephesus (Acts 19), and throughout Paul's ministry. It's a gift, not a gimmick.

"If you don't speak in tongues, you're not really saved."

Let's be clear: salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Tongues is the evidence of Spirit baptism, not salvation. You can be saved and not yet baptized in the Spirit. The two are distinct experiences.

"The baptism in the Holy Spirit is only for super-spiritual people."

Nope. It's for every believer. Peter said, "The promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself" (Acts 2:39). That includes you.

Practical Application: Living in the Spirit's Power

So how do you live this out practically, whether you're walking into First Assembly Memphis on Walnut Grove Road in Cordova or tuning into Boundless Online Church from anywhere in the world?

1. Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Daily Life

Start your day by acknowledging His presence. Pray, "Holy Spirit, I need You today. Lead me, guide me, empower me." He responds to invitation.

2. Be Filled Continuously

Paul said, "Be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). The Greek verb tense implies continuous action, keep being filled. This isn't a one-time event. It's a daily surrender.

3. Yield to His Gifts

If you sense the Spirit prompting you to pray for someone, encourage a friend, or step out in faith, do it. Don't quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Obedience opens the door for His power to flow.

4. Seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

If you haven't received this empowering yet, ask for it. Jesus said, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13).

Why This Matters for FA Memphis and Boundless Online Church

At First Assembly Memphis, we don't just teach theology for the sake of information. We believe the Holy Spirit transforms lives, right here in the 901 and around the world. Whether you're searching for a church home in Memphis, TN, or you're connecting digitally through Boundless Online Church (www.boundlessonlinechurch.org), the Spirit's power is available to you.

Boundless Online Church is an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis Church, here in Cordova, TN. We exist to help people, no matter where they are, encounter God, grow in faith, and live empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Next Steps

If you've never experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we'd love to pray with you. Reach out, ask questions, and pursue this promise.

If you want to learn more about AG beliefs, visit our beliefs page at www.famemphis.org/our-beliefs.

If you're searching for a church family in the Memphis area, we'd love to meet you. We're located at 8650 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018.

If you're connecting from anywhere in the world, explore Boundless Online Church at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

---

Let's Pray Together

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.)

Whether you're here in Cordova, TN, somewhere else in the Memphis area, or halfway across the world, we're here for you. The Holy Spirit is real, He's active, and He's available. Let's walk this journey together.

---

FA Memphis Series: These posts are created to serve both our local family at First Assembly Memphis and our global community through Boundless Online Church (www.boundlessonlinechurch.org). Boundless Online Church is an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis Church, here in Cordova, TN.