For these 2 months....

COMPLETE IN CHRIST
March-April 2008


He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. -Colossians 1:17

Many things in the world can shake our faith, and we can find ourselves questioning what we truly believe. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Colosse to encourage them and reaffirm what they had already heard and believed: Jesus was there at the beginning; He made everything; He holds all things together.

In this issue, Selwyn examines Paul’s letter to the Colossians and asks ‘Does Jesus have pre-eminence in your life?’ When we realise that our Saviour’s way is the right way, we are free to live lives that will truly make a difference in the world.

Source: http://www.cwr.org.uk/publishing/edwj/latest/index.php

Closing words

Luke 23:26-43

1. What concerned Jesus as He faced death?

Though Jesus was going to be crucified, He said "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children."

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

However, the other criminal said, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

Though Christ was undergoing much agony during crucification, He did not call for the legions of angels to save him from perils. He focused on the will of the Father to die for our sins as an atonement. It is about us that matter, not Himself.

John 19:25-27

2. How can you be more aware of others' needs?

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother."

Christ was more aware of his mother's welfare though he was going to be crucified soon.

We can also draw strength from Jesus to be more aware of others' needs.

Say 'No' to the marginal

Luke 10:38-42

1. Why were Martha's good intentions bad?

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Revelations 2:1-7

2. How had the Ephesians become preoccupied with the marginal?

God knows the Ephesian's deeds, hard work and perseverance. The Ephesians cannot tolerate wicked men, have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. The Ephesians have persevered and have endured hardships for the Lord's name, and have not grown weary.

However, the Ephesians have become preoccupied with these marginals that they had forsaken their first love. They should thus repent and do the things they did at first. If they do not repent, God will come and remove the lampstand from their place.

Final greetings

2 Timothy 4:9-13

1. Contrast Demas and Luke.

Demas loved this world. Therefore he has deserted Paul and has gone to Thessalonica. Only Luke is with Paul.

John 3:16; 1 John 2:15-17

2. How can we love and yet not love the world?

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

More names on the list

Genesis 18:16-33

1. What does Abraham's prayer teach us about intercession?

Abraham's prayer teaches us the power of intercession. God says He "will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."

Intercession is powerful because it reaches God and God will do something about it.

2. What does it teach us about God?

God is a righteous God who does not tolerate sin. Yet He is merciful to those who are righteous. The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake." That began a bargain between Abraham and God where in the end, God had to say "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."

This teaches us that God is gracious and will protect those who are righteous in His name. He does not wipe everyone (regardless righteous or not) out just for the sake of punishing sin.

Paul- a people-person

Philemon 1-25

1. How did Paul feel about Philemon?

Paul said about Philemon, "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."

2. How did Paul refer to Onesimus?

Paul refer to Onesimus as his dear brother. Formerly Onesimus was useless, but now he has become useful. Paul asked Philemon to keep him so that he could take the place in helping Paul while Paul is in chains for the gospel.

The right to say 'No'

Genesis 4:1-8

1. What right did God grant Cain?

The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

God grant Cain the right to do what is right or wrong.

1 Peter 3:15-16

2. How should we answer people?

Our hearts should be set apart Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

First talk to God

Luke 18:1-8

1. Why may we sometimes seem not to receive answers to our prayers?

It is because we are not persistent with our prayers.

For even the judge who neither feared God nor cared about men decided to find justice for the persistent widow, will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

God will see that they get justice, and quickly.

Philippians 4:4-6

2. How did Paul link prayer and praise?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

A heated talking point

Proverbs 14:31; Malachi 3:5

1. How does God identify with oppressed workers?

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

"So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty.

James 5:1-6

2. Why did James criticise rich people?

The rich people have hoarded wealth in the last days. The wages they failed to pay the workmen who mowed their fields are crying out against them. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

The rich people have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. They have fattened themselves in the day of slaughter. They have also condemned and murdered innocent men.

Free- on the inside

John 8:31-36

1. What is true slavery and what is true freedom?

Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. That is true slavery.

Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

So if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, it is true freedom.


Titus 2:9-10; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

2. Why should slaves/employees obey their masters/employers?

Slaves are to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractivee.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God. For we are not seeking our own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

Problem fathers

Matthew 18:1-10; Ephesians 6:4

1. How did Jesus regard and relate to children?

Jesus says whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For their angels in heaven always see the face of the Father in heaven.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Mark 10:13-16

2. Why was Jesus indignant?

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.

He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

'The Jesus Christ man'

2 Corinthians 3:1-3

1. How can those without Bible know Bible truth?

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?

We ourselves are the Bible's letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Ephesians 6:5-9

2. How can we daily be like Christ?

We must obey our earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as we would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

'Overalls or evening dress'

Psalms 86:5-17

1. What did the psalmist report?

The psalmist reported the God is forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to Him. Among the gods there is none like the Lord, no deeds can compare with His. All the nations the Lord has made will come and worship before Him and bring glory to His name. For God is great and do marvelous deeds. Great is God's love, delivering the psalmist from the depths of the grave. The Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:19-26

2. How did the depressed prophet find hope?

The depressed prophet remember of the LORD's great love thus we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness. The prophet says "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

The charter of equality

John 4:4-9

1. Why was the woman surprised?

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" The Samaritan woman was suprrised and said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans).

Acts 10:15,28; Romans 3:29;10:12-13

2. Why is there no real distinction between people?

We should not discriminate and call anything impure that God has made clean. Though we are well aware that it is against the law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown that we should not call any man impure or unclean.

This is because our God is the God of Jews and also the God of Gentiles too. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

'Life is decision'

Joshua 24:14-27

1. What choice did Joshua offer and how did the people respond?

Joshua told the people to fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods their forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.

Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God."

Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you." On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, a witness against them if they are untrue to God.

1 Kings 18:21

2. Why did Elijah criticise the people?

This is because the people were wavering between two opinions. Elijah said, "If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.

'I'm in for it now'

Matthew 27:1-8

1. Identify Juda's thoughts and emotions.

When Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

2 Peter 3:1-15

2. Why is the Lord patient and not in a hurry to judge?

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

Our chief business

Psalms 27:4

1. What was the psalmist's desire?

The psalmist's soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; his heart and his flesh cry out for the living God, that he may dwell in the house of the LORD. All the days of his life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

Psalms 63:1-8; 84:1-12

2. What was the psalmist's practice?

The psalmist will praise the Lord as long as he lives, and in the Lord's name he will lift up his hands. The psalmist's soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips his mouth will praise the Lord.

On his bed, the psalmist remember the Lord; he thinks of God through the watches of the night. Because the Lord is his help, the psalmist will sing in the shadow of His wings. The psalmist's soul clings to the Lord; God's right hand upholds the psalmist.

The problem of the self

Matthew 15:7-9; John 4:19-25

1. How did the Samaritans worship?

They people honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far. They worship in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. The Samaritans worship what they do not know.

Philippians 3:1-3; John 4:19-25

2. How should we worship?

We should worship what we do know. The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

We must worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.