About Assemblies of God
Our Church & Fellowship
Why Church?
A Model for Christians
The concept of church as we know it today originate in Old Testament worship and New Testament fellowship. Basically, it was God’s idea. Although the first Christians met in homes rather than separate church buildings as we do today, the concept was the same…to encourage and help followers of Christ, in order that they might serve Him and bring others into a right relationship with God.
(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
The Redemption of Mankind
We believe all people are faced with a sin problem because of the first man’s (Adam’s) willful disobedience to God. As a result of Adam’s fall, all people are born in a sinful condition. And while small children are covered by grace until they reach an age of understanding and accountability, everyone else needs redemption provided only through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only by receiving His forgiveness and accepting Him as Lord; can people be forgiven of their sins (Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:17, 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).
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
The Bible: A Guide for Living
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
Expressions of Faith & Thanks
Worship plays a major role at Faith Assembly of God. Freedom in worship is accommodated and encouraged. Many will pray and thank God audibly during times of corporate thanksgiving and prayer. Some will pray silently, expressing little outward emotion, while others will weep openly before the Lord communicating their love and adoration in tears. Regardless of style, each sincere expression is welcomed.
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
The Bible gives us several lists of gifts (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11,28–31; 13:1–3; Ephesians 4:7–12). No list is complete in itself, but each gives us samples of what the Holy Spirit has available for us, and each gift can be considered a category or class that may have a variety of expression. The gifts also involve cooperation between the believer and the Holy Spirit, for the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts as He determines the need, yet we are also commanded to eagerly desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11; 14:1).
For more on this topic visit the Assemblies of God website here.
Prayer: Faith for Answered Prayer
What is the Assemblies of God belief in 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
What does the Bible say about suffering? Does the Assemblies of God believe Christians are to go through difficult times such as physical or emotional pain, financial stress, sorrow, relationship conflicts, and other difficult problems that bring about suffering? Is it possible to live victoriously, either above, beyond, or in spite of our circumstances?
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
Why do Christians place such importance on one’s personal thought life? Can fantasy and imagination in themselves constitute sin? When are such thoughts temptation and when do they become sin?
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.
