Complete in Christ1. Complete

MaturityColossians 1:28

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

Acts 20:29-31

29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Complete in Christ1. Complete

Maturity•Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God (1Cor 1:24)

•‘Perfect’ = fully mature (2010 NIV)

Complete in Christ2. Powerful

Persevering PrayerColossians 1:29-2:1

29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in me. 1 I want you to know how hard I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 

Intercession is the act of earnest heartfelt appeal

Complete in Christ

Colosse &

Laodicea

Complete in Christ2. Powerful

Persevering Prayer•Revelation 3:14ff – the Church of Laodicea

•Hierapolis, Laodicea, Colosse – Colossians 4:13

A crisis of Truth motivates us to pray fervently in Jesus’ Name

Complete in Christ2. Powerful

Persevering PrayerThe Truth Crisis in a Post modern world:

•Legislation

•Hard Secularism – humanity which defines itself without reference to God

•Post-modernism – rejects all claims to a universal, objective truth

•Science and IT; Media

Complete in Christ2. Powerful

Persevering Prayer

“Christianity is under siege in this country. Britain’s national religion has never been so marginalised and derided by the public institutions that should be defending it” quote from Dr Taj Hargey, Imam of the Oxford Islamic Congregation

Complete in Christ3. Complete understanding

that Jesus is the Truth

Colossians 2:2-3

2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

A crisis of Truth motivates us to pray fervently in Jesus’ Name