1. 1. Complete Maturity Colossians 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.

2. 1. Complete Maturity Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God (1Cor 1:24)
‘Perfect’ = fully mature (2010 NIV)

3. 2. Powerful Persevering Prayer
Colossians 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

4. Colosse & Laodicea

5. 2. 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

6. 2. Powerful Persevering Prayer
The 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

7. 2. 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

8. 3. 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