Crabtree Church Harpenden

The story begins: Creation

In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Our culture today: Who am I?

Phil 3:3-14 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.

Lost disciples: The power of Story

Luke 15:1-2 , 11-32 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”:

Easter Day

Palm Sunday

Disciples Praise Him, Jesus Weeps, Jerusalem Rejects Him

Living as a Gospel Church

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Loss, Grief, and Hope

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Called to Holiness

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God

The Gospel and the Church

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV) We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.