Why Church?
(Hebrews 10:25)
In the Assemblies of God we believe the local church is still the vital core for effective ministry. Not to be confused with a building or facility, the local church is simply a network of people committed to fulfilling the work of God.
We believe the Church has three purposes:
- to introduce the lost to Christ
- to provide an environment for worshiping God and fellowshipping with others who hold similar values and love for God
- to effectively train and nurture believers
We feel if we as Christians are to maintain our walk with God, we must submit ourselves to His Word and godly examples firmly rooted in the faith. These goals can best be accomplished through a warm and caring body of believers – the local church.
(Acts 20:28; Phillippians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Our Beliefs
16 TRUTHS
The years after the church’s founding the pioneers of the Assemblies of God adopted 16 beliefs for the Fellowship. The list, known as the Statement of Fundamental Truths has remained virtually unchanged.
CARDINAL DOCTRINES
Four of these beliefs are our cardinal doctrines. They are considered the major tenents of the Fellowship. They are:
- Salvation through Jesus Christ who provided the supreme sacrifice for sin (John 3:3, 16, 17; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8, 9).
- Divine healing for the sick as provided in Christ’s death (James 5:14-16).
- The second coming of Christ as He returns for those who have accepted Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).
- Baptism in the Holy Spirit for empowering believers (Acts 1:8, 2:4, 17, 18, 38, 39).
OUR DISTINCTIVE DOCTRINE: BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
The doctrine that distinguishes the Assemblies of God from other churches deals with one of its four cardinal doctrines: the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Assemblies of God believes the baptism in the Holy Spirit gives believers several benefits as indicated in the New Testament. These include power to witness and serve others; a dedication to the work of God; a more intense love for Christ, His Word, and the lost; and the bestowment of certain spiritual gifts (Acts 1:4, 8, 8:15-17).
The Assemblies of God believes that when the Holy Spirit initially fills the believer, that person will speak in an unknown language as did the 120 believers on the Day of Pentecost. This belief in tongues as the initial evidence is unique. While this belief is distinctive, it is not more important than other doctrines (Acts 2:4).
OUR PRIMARY MESSAGE: SALVATION THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST
While the Assemblies of God is noted for its Pentecostal distinctive, the primary message of the church is salvation….a belief that people can find forgiveness for sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who willingly gave His life for all of mankind. Because of Christ’s love and forgiveness each person can be cleansed from wrong and saved from the real and impending hell awaiting the nonbeliever. By accepting Jesus as Savior and putting Him first in their lives people are guaranteed an eternal home in heaven with God who deeply loves them. We believe that establishing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son is the central message of Christianity and the key issue for man today (Titus 2:11; Romans 10:9, 10; John 3:3, 5).
Our Standard
We generally interpret God’s Word (the Bible) literally, accepting its truths as recorded. From this perspective we believe God performed every miracle and supernatural work mentioned in Scripture. For example, we believe in the creation of the universe and man as stated in Genesis. We also believe that the Flood and the ark, the feeding of the 5,000, the parting of the Red Sea, the many judgements for sin, and the numerous healings were actual events. Furthermore, we believe the events outlined in the final book, Revelation, will transpire in the near future.
Our Characteristics of Praise
As these expressions of faith and love blend together in communication to God, each service will develop its own unique worship personality. This creates a diversity of worship styles from church to church.
Topics Index
Forgiveness & Grace
Does the Assemblies of God believe God will forgive any sin regardless of the severity? Are there limits to God’s grace?
Though it is difficult for the human mind to comprehend, no sin is beyond God’s ability and willingness to forgive. This confident belief is based on the inspired Word of God, which we believe and trust implicitly. According to Ephesians 4:32, God for Christ’s sake has graciously forgiven us. He has also promised, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17). The gracious Father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son is a perfect example of forgiveness extended even after one has been shunned and exploited (Luke 15:11-32).
For more on this topic visit the Assemblies of God website here.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
For more on this topic visit the Assemblies of God website here.
Prayer: Faith for Answered Prayer
The Assemblies of God has, from its beginning, been on the cutting edge of aggressive faith–a biblical conviction that God does the miraculous through simple faith in Him. While not mentioned specifically, the issue of faith is so central it underscores and touches many of the church’s doctrines. The most obvious application of faith is seen in the doctrine of divine healing, considered one of the cardinal truths of our Fellowship. This doctrine listed in Article 12, Statement of Fundamental Truths, states “Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided in the Atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:4-16).”
For more on this topic visit the Assemblies of God website here.
Suffering
The Assemblies of God believes strongly that divine healing is included along with the many spiritual benefits in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5, NKJV). But we also recognize that Scripture describes suffering as the lot of all humans, culminating in the ultimate suffering–death–the appointed physical end for every man, woman, and child (Hebrews 9:27).
For more about Suffering visit the Assemblies of God website here.
Thought Life
The Bible emphasizes the profound importance of one’s personal thought life. The way a person thinks determines character and actions (cf. Proverbs 23:7, KJV). Faith and belief are ways of thinking. Though faith originates with God, we choose to direct our thoughts toward God or toward the world.
For more on this topic visit the Assemblies of God website here.