2025 May Prayer Corps
“NO ADDITIONS NEEDED”
In the April Prayer Corps, we studied the main theme of Colossians: the preeminence of Christ. We saw powerful truths regarding what we have available, and are called to be, as followers of Jesus. And each truth is anchored, validated and made possible by these profound words, “in Him.”
I wrote about a key to help us be found “in Him” – being spiritually “rooted and built up in Him” (Col 2:6-9). We learned it is from Christ alone, the Vine, that we receive all we need to grow and be sustained in our life.
As we continue this study, we will look at the second key of four found in Colossians: that we are to be “complete in Him” (2:10; 4:12).
I wrote about a key to help us be found “in Him” – being spiritually “rooted and built up in Him” (Col 2:6-9). We learned it is from Christ alone, the Vine, that we receive all we need to grow and be sustained in our life.
As we continue this study, we will look at the second key of four found in Colossians: that we are to be “complete in Him” (2:10; 4:12).
The Background
Though this letter, by tradition, is addressed to the church at Colossae, there were a number of churches in the immediate area: Colossae, Hierapolis and Laodicea, with many more scattered throughout Asia Minor. They all shared in common a Jewish presence, as well as Greek, Roman and pagan tribal populations and cultures.
The letter to Colossae was known as a “circular letter,” as it was intended to be shared with the other churches in the area, as were other letters held by the community of Christ followers (see Col 4:16).
The churches were all experiencing the same challenges and pressures, including false teachers and evil influences. Specifically, Gnostic teachers claiming special revelations and knowledge, and Jewish leaders demanding that their laws and traditions be observed. Both groups were pressuring the churches to adopt their ideas, philosophies and rituals in order for people to be “truly saved.”
The letter to Colossae was known as a “circular letter,” as it was intended to be shared with the other churches in the area, as were other letters held by the community of Christ followers (see Col 4:16).
The churches were all experiencing the same challenges and pressures, including false teachers and evil influences. Specifically, Gnostic teachers claiming special revelations and knowledge, and Jewish leaders demanding that their laws and traditions be observed. Both groups were pressuring the churches to adopt their ideas, philosophies and rituals in order for people to be “truly saved.”
Clearing Away Additives
Into this confusing tangle of competing influences, the Holy Spirit gives clarity by revealing the motives of these outside groups (Col 2:8-10). These false teachers and their heresies are seeking to, “capture you in order to make you their plunder.”
These would-be robbers (pirates) are attempting to control and mislead the Christians by forcing their philosophies, traditions and occult practices into their simple faith in Christ. Their position is that the person of Christ and His work are not sufficient for salvation in this life or the next, and thus, that Jesus is not fully God.
The Spirit of God clearly denounces these charlatans: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead [the nature and person of God] in bodily form” (2:9). This means that nothing should, or can be, added to the Person of Christ or the work He has done at the Cross – for all humanity, for all time – which opens the way of salvation by grace through faith in Him alone.
These would-be robbers (pirates) are attempting to control and mislead the Christians by forcing their philosophies, traditions and occult practices into their simple faith in Christ. Their position is that the person of Christ and His work are not sufficient for salvation in this life or the next, and thus, that Jesus is not fully God.
The Spirit of God clearly denounces these charlatans: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead [the nature and person of God] in bodily form” (2:9). This means that nothing should, or can be, added to the Person of Christ or the work He has done at the Cross – for all humanity, for all time – which opens the way of salvation by grace through faith in Him alone.
Complete In Him
Because all the fullness of God is in Jesus Christ our Savior, His followers do not need spiritual or religious “additives” in order to be complete in Christ or in our salvation.
The Church today faces the same temptations and worldly influences as in the days of Colossae. They are driven by the same demonic forces and selfish human brokenness.
Many compromised teachers declare we need something more: more faith, correct confessions, proper declarations in prayer, or to give more – in order to capture us into their schemes, and attempt to coerce God into doing what we want.
Add to that the worldly voices and culture that want to change the Bible, demand “tolerance” (accept as normal) of sin, or force upon us empty religious rituals to earn or demand favor from God. Sadly, not much has changed with the unredeemed human condition.
The Church today faces the same temptations and worldly influences as in the days of Colossae. They are driven by the same demonic forces and selfish human brokenness.
Many compromised teachers declare we need something more: more faith, correct confessions, proper declarations in prayer, or to give more – in order to capture us into their schemes, and attempt to coerce God into doing what we want.
Add to that the worldly voices and culture that want to change the Bible, demand “tolerance” (accept as normal) of sin, or force upon us empty religious rituals to earn or demand favor from God. Sadly, not much has changed with the unredeemed human condition.
Victory In Him
But thankfully, this challenging world does not have the final word on the subject! As we are “complete in Him,” the Bible also declares that Jesus Christ is the victorious “head over all rule and authority” (2:10). Thus, by putting our complete faith and trust in Him alone, and by our submission and obedience to Him, we too share in that same victory! (Rom 8:31-39)
It is true that life on this broken planet may not go as we expect, and it can be painful and crushing. But no matter what, in Christ, we still have the victory! In Him, we are made complete, and He uses it all to transform us more into His glorious likeness and image (Rom 8:28,29).
If you have Jesus, and He is your all in all, you have all that really matters!
It is true that life on this broken planet may not go as we expect, and it can be painful and crushing. But no matter what, in Christ, we still have the victory! In Him, we are made complete, and He uses it all to transform us more into His glorious likeness and image (Rom 8:28,29).
If you have Jesus, and He is your all in all, you have all that really matters!
Prayer This Month
1. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
May 1, 2025 is the National Day of Prayer. The theme is, “Pour Out to the God of Hope and be Filled,” and the key scripture, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).
Though this is a USA event, I strongly encourage you to pray for your own nation as well.
Though this is a USA event, I strongly encourage you to pray for your own nation as well.
Please pray for a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit:
- Upon your nation, to bring true and lasting repentance from sin and a turning to Jesus.
- To bring revival to the Church as people repent and seek God’s face.
- That signs, wonders and miracles will multiply to convict the unsaved of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and draw a great Harvest in salvation.
- Upon government rulers, to expose and remove evil and establish righteousness.
- That all disciples of Jesus, especially pastors and church leaders, would welcome and be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit.
2. THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
Please continue to lift up persecuted Christians around the world, especially the believers where persecution is intensifying: Syria, Bangladesh, India, Sudan, China and Myanmar.
3. WORLD MAP
World MAP will be gathering pastors for seminars in Quito, Ecuador in late June.
Please pray:
Please pray:
- For pastors’ hearts to be prepared and hungry for the work of the Word and the Spirit.
- For the Spirit of God to be poured out and crush the spirit of religion and the disunity that resists and plagues the churches in Ecuador, keeping them from God’s Kingdom purposes.
- That all details would be perfectly orchestrated by the Lord, including locations, equipment, food, travel and all other matters related to a fruitful time together.
Conclusion
In these days, cling to Christ alone. Spend much time with Him, seek Him, walk with Him, be found in Him – for truly there is nothing greater than living our life in Him!
Our hope is built on nothing less,
Dr. Frank and Wendy Parrish, World MAP Executive Directors
Dr. Frank and Wendy Parrish, World MAP Executive Directors