Have you ever asked yourself why you are a Christian? Or maybe why you should become one? Listen to Missions Pastor Emilio Lartigue as he takes us into the Bible to answer this question.

Churches today often approach casually the ordinances given by Jesus. These rituals, even today, often cost believers their lives. Accordingly, we must see their significance and the power of their symbolism. These two non-optional practices should be characteristic of authentic churches in every generation.

Missions Pastor Emilio Lartigue brings us a message on the importance of encouragement from God's word. 

Listening is a discipline.  Hearing is a decision.  Discovering the leadership of the Holy Spirit in the details of a believer's daily life and in the corporate life of the local church requires both the discipline to listen and the decision to hear.

As the early church grew in numbers and influence, persecution increased.  Stephen is the first recorded Christian martyr, and his testimony provides a model for serious Christian commitment in every generation.  This element of martyrdom is a necessary component for a successful twenty-first century church. 

The walk of the follower of Jesus is completely different than the one of the surrounding world. It is not self-centered life concerning primarily on “me.” The believer’s life is not free of difficulties. In fact, it has difficulties directly related to it. Serving Christ and proclaiming His message can put us in harm’s way and could possibly cause us to suffer for Him. Conforming to a life of humility disturbs the life of “me.” Our confidence is not one based on “me.” Our model is Christ. Our goal is Christ and to know Him. All of this is in the middle of troubling times and a battle from without and from within. God provides a clear perspective to live and walk in such times.

Early believers displayed dramatic changes in their lives by a supernatural awareness of need and an unrelenting determination to serve others.  God designs our voluntary service to unite the church, strengthen ministries, and build a reputation in the surrounding community.  Faithful and shared service in pastoral care is clear evidence of a Spirit-filled church.

The early church understood that prayer was not their last resort, but their first response to any situation.  When believers pray together, God changes their church and their world.

The early church faced much danger in its own generation; but no external persecution was ever as dangerous to the infant church as the threat of internal hypocrisy.  A Spirit-filled church displays purity & integrity to the world, especially when it comes to money. 

The early church understood that prayer was not their last resort, but their first response to any situation.  When believers pray together, God changes their church & their world.