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

The Assemblies of God believes the Bible is God’s inspired Word, providing the ultimate guide for faith and life. We center on four cardinal doctrines: salvation through Jesus Christ, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the second coming of Christ to restore all things.

The Foundation: Why Doctrine Matters for Your Family

Walking into a church for the first time can feel like arriving at a family reunion where you don't know the names of the cousins. You want to belong, but you also want to know what the family stands for. At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that understanding the "why" behind our faith isn't just for scholars, it’s the bedrock for building a strong, resilient family in the 901.

Whether you are living in Cordova, raising kids in Bartlett, or working in Arlington, the truths we hold dear provide a compass for navigating modern life. These are not just ancient rules; they are living promises that bring peace to your home and purpose to your daily routine.

The Four Cardinal Doctrines: The Heart of the Matter

While the Assemblies of God holds to 16 Fundamental Truths, four of them are considered "cardinal." These are the central pillars that support everything we do, from our Sunday worship in Memphis to our global outreach through Boundless Online Church.

1. Salvation: We believe that every person is priceless but broken by sin. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, anyone can be restored to a right relationship with God. It’s not about being "good enough"; it’s about accepting His grace.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: This is a distinct experience following salvation that empowers believers for witness and service. It provides the "fuel" for living a life that reflects Jesus' love to our neighbors in Memphis and beyond.

3. Divine Healing: We believe that God still heals today. This includes physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration. In a world full of hurt, we lean into the promise that Jesus is our Healer.

4. The Blessed Hope: We live with the expectant joy that Jesus will return. This isn't a scary thought; it’s the ultimate promise that evil and suffering will not have the final word.

A Closer Look: The 16 Fundamental Truths

To help you master the basics, we’ve summarized the core beliefs that guide our teaching and community life.

Belief Topic	The Message	Scripture Reference
The Bible	God’s inspired and only infallible Word.	2 Timothy 3:15-17
One True God	Revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.	Matthew 28:19
Deity of Christ	Jesus is fully God and fully man.	Matthew 1:23
The Fall	Humanity chose sin, leading to spiritual death.	Genesis 1:26-31
Salvation	Received through repentance and faith in Christ.	Romans 10:8-15
Ordinances	Water Baptism and Holy Communion.	Mark 16:16
Spirit Baptism	An empowering experience for all believers.	Acts 1:4, 8
Initial Evidence	Speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.	Acts 2:4
Sanctification	An act of separation from evil unto God.	Romans 12:1-2
The Church	The body of Christ with a mission to the world.	Ephesians 1:22-23
The Ministry	A divinely called leadership to serve the church.	Mark 16:15-20
Divine Healing	Provided for in the atonement for all believers.	James 5:14-16
The Blessed Hope	The resurrection and rapture of the church.	1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Millennial Reign	Christ’s thousand-year reign on earth.	Revelation 20:1-6
Final Judgment	The wicked will be judged for their works.	Matthew 25:46
New Heavens/Earth	A home of righteousness for all eternity.	2 Peter 3:13

Definition Blocks: Clearing the Jargon

• Salvation: The process of being rescued from the penalty of sin and restored to a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

• Sanctification: The lifelong journey of being set apart by God and growing more like Jesus in character and action.

• Pentecostal: A term referring to Christians who emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit, particularly the experiences described in the Book of Acts.

How These Truths Strengthen Your Family in Memphis

You might wonder, "How does the 'Millennial Reign' help me handle a difficult boss in Bartlett?" or "What does 'Sanctification' have to do with my teenager in Cordova?" The answer is everything.

• Sanctification provides a roadmap for growth: It teaches our children that we are all works in progress. It fosters a culture of forgiveness and "course-correcting" at the dinner table.

• The Power of the Spirit brings peace: When the stresses of the 901 feel overwhelming, the baptism in the Holy Spirit offers a supernatural peace and strength that goes beyond our own ability.

• The Mission gives us purpose: Knowing that we are part of the "Body of Christ" means our families aren't just living for ourselves. We are here to serve our neighbors in Arlington, feed the hungry in Memphis, and reach the world through Boundless Online Church.

Life Takeaways: 5 Steps to Apply AG 101 Today

1. Read the Source: Pick one of the 16 Truths this week and read the accompanying Scripture. Let the Bible be your first point of reference.

2. Pray for Empowerment: If you feel "dry" in your faith, ask God for a fresh filling of His Spirit. He promises to give to those who ask.

3. Practice Presence: Remember that you are "set apart" (sanctified). Choose one area of your life, maybe how you speak to your spouse or coworkers, to align more with Christ’s love.

4. Lean on the Community: You aren't meant to master these basics alone. Join a Life Group at FA Memphis to discuss these truths with others in your neighborhood.

5. Look Up: In the middle of a hard day, remind yourself of "The Blessed Hope." This struggle is temporary; God’s kingdom is eternal.

Connecting the Local and the Global

Whether you are just starting your spiritual journey or looking for a deeper theological anchor, these basics are for you. At FA Memphis, we are more than just a building on a map; we are a community of believers dedicated to living out these truths in the 901. And if geography keeps you from joining us in person, Boundless Online Church is our digital doorway to the same community and discipleship.

We believe that the Kingdom of God is bigger than any one location. Our goal is to see transformation in the hearts of people in Germantown, Collierville, and around the world. We invite you to take the next step in your faith journey with us.

Want to go deeper?

If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person to explore our blogs, podcasts, and church search tools: 🌐 www.famemphis.org

Outside the area? Join our online church community for discipleship and digital 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.)