Why Is the Assemblies of God Committed to the 901?

The Assemblies of God is committed to the 901 because the 16 Fundamental Truths aren't just doctrine, they're a living mission. In Memphis, Bartlett, and Cordova, these biblical foundations guide how we worship, serve, and reach our neighbors with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ.

If you've ever wondered what makes First Assembly Memphis tick, or why we're so passionate about serving the greater Memphis area, the answer is rooted in something much deeper than geography. The 901 isn't just an area code. It's home. It's our mission field. And it's where the timeless truths of Scripture meet the everyday needs of real people.

The Assemblies of God has been anchored in biblical truth since 1914, and those same truths shape everything we do right here in Cordova, Bartlett, and across Memphis. Let's talk about why these 16 Fundamental Truths matter, and how they're lived out every single day in our community.

What Are the 16 Fundamental Truths?

The 16 Fundamental Truths are the doctrinal foundation of the Assemblies of God. They're not human traditions or outdated rules, they're biblical convictions drawn straight from Scripture. These truths cover everything from the inspiration of the Bible to the return of Christ, and they guide how we understand God, salvation, the Holy Spirit, and Christian living.

Here's the thing: these aren't just theological statements we dust off once a year at a business meeting. They're the heartbeat of our worship, our outreach, and our everyday mission in the 901.

1. The Scriptures Are Inspired

We believe the Bible is God's Word, fully inspired, trustworthy, and sufficient for life and faith. In a world full of competing voices and shifting opinions, we anchor ourselves in Scripture. That's why teaching the Bible clearly and faithfully is central to everything we do, from Sunday morning messages to Wednesday night gatherings.

When you walk through the doors at First Assembly Memphis, you're going to hear the Word of God opened, explained, and applied. No compromise. No watering down. Just truth that transforms lives.

2. The One True God

We worship one God who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This isn't just theology, it's relationship. In Memphis, we invite people into a real, living relationship with the God who created them, loves them, and sent His Son to redeem them.

3. The Deity of Jesus Christ

Jesus isn't just a good teacher or a moral example. He's fully God and fully man, the only Savior. In a city as diverse and dynamic as Memphis, we proclaim Jesus as Lord over every neighborhood, every family, and every struggle. He's the hope Bartlett needs. He's the answer Cordova is searching for. He's the Savior Memphis can trust.

4. The Fall of Man

We're honest about the human condition. Sin is real, and it separates us from God. But here's the good news: we don't preach condemnation without hope. We preach the reality of sin so people can understand the wonder of grace.

5. The Salvation of Man

Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. You can't earn it. You can't buy it. You can't work for it. It's a gift. And in the 901, we're committed to making sure everyone, from East Memphis to Frayser, from Germantown to Whitehaven, knows that Jesus offers forgiveness, freedom, and a fresh start.

The Spirit-Empowered Life

One of the distinctives of the Assemblies of God is our belief in the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This isn't optional or outdated, it's biblical, and it's essential for living a victorious Christian life.

6–9. The Holy Spirit's Work

We believe the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service, fills us with supernatural power, and manifests spiritual gifts in the church today. That's not religious hype, it's New Testament Christianity. And in Memphis, we're seeing it lived out as people are healed, delivered, and transformed by the power of God.

When we say we're Spirit-filled, we mean it. We believe in praying for the sick, casting out demons, and expecting God to move in miraculous ways, right here in the 901.

10. Sanctification

Living a holy life isn't about keeping a list of rules. It's about being set apart for God's purposes. In a culture that pulls us in every direction, we're committed to helping people grow in Christ-like character and walk in purity, integrity, and love.

The Church and Its Mission

11–12. The Church and Its Mission

The church isn't a building, it's a people. And the mission isn't optional. Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples. In Memphis, Bartlett, and Cordova, that mission takes on flesh. It's welcoming the stranger at the door. It's serving families through Mother's Day Out. It's feeding kids in KidsZone. It's praying with someone at 2 a.m. who texted our prayer line.

We're committed to the 901 because Jesus is committed to the 901. And if He's here, we're here.

13–14. The Ministry and Divine Healing

We believe God still heals today. Not as a sideshow, not as a gimmick, but as an expression of His love and power. We've seen it firsthand, cancer vanishing, marriages restored, addictions broken. We pray for the sick and believe God for miracles because that's what Scripture teaches and what Jesus modeled.

The Blessed Hope and Final Things

15–16. The Return of Christ and Final Judgment

Jesus is coming back. That's not fear-mongering, it's hope. It's the promise that one day every tear will be wiped away, every wrong will be made right, and every knee will bow before the King of Kings.

Until that day, we're working with urgency and purpose. We're not just filling pews, we're reaching souls. Because eternity is real, and everyone in the 901 deserves to hear the truth about Jesus before it's too late.

Why Memphis? Why Bartlett? Why Cordova?

You might wonder, "Why plant your roots here?" Simple: because God did. He's called First Assembly Memphis to this city, and we're not going anywhere. The 901 is filled with families looking for hope, young people searching for purpose, and hurting people desperate for love.

The 16 Fundamental Truths aren't abstract doctrines, they're the blueprint for how we love, serve, and reach our city. When we teach the Bible, we're living out Truth #1. When we preach Jesus, we're proclaiming Truth #3. When we pray for healing, we're standing on Truth #14. And when we share the gospel with our neighbors, we're fulfilling Truth #12.

This is who we are. This is why we're here. This is the mission.

Where Do You Fit In?

Here's the beautiful truth: you don't have to have it all figured out to be part of what God is doing in Memphis. Whether you're a longtime believer or just curious about Jesus, whether you're in Bartlett, Cordova, or anywhere in the 901, there's a place for you at First Assembly Memphis.

We'd love to meet you, pray with you, and walk with you as you discover what it means to follow Jesus in a Spirit-empowered, Bible-based, Christ-centered community.

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Want to learn more about what we believe? Visit our beliefs page or check out our mission and vision. Ready to connect? We'd love to hear from you at www.famemphis.org/connect.

Need prayer? 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.)