The Basis of our Salvation We already learned about the many false teachers present in Colossae, seeking to capture and “spiritually plunder” the churches. Prevalent among these heretical teachers were those with a Jewish background who were pressing the disciples of Jesus to add full obedience to Old Testament Laws (such a circumcision) as a condition of being saved. Paul first dismissed physical circumcision as a necessity, because the believer in Jesus already has a superior form of circumcision – one that separates us from the, “sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ” (Col 2:11; Rom 2:25-29, 6:6). Paul then continues to remind the Church that water baptism is so much more than just a religious ritual. Rather, when water baptism is combined with sincere faith in Christ, it is a powerful declaration of our joining with Christ’s death and resurrection unto everlasting life (Rom 6:4; 1Pet 2:1). This is a glorious truth for every follower of Jesus Christ! Read more: https://world-map.com/blog/2025/06/01/2025-june-prayer-corps (fb)

Prayer This Month 1. NIGERIA The persecution of Christians is reaching new heights. One Nigerian pastor writes that extermination, kidnapping and violent displacement of the Christian population is so widespread that, “we risk becoming the last generation of Christians in Nigeria.” This massacre goes largely unreported, and the government is doing nothing to stop it – but rather punishes those who attempt to defend themselves. Please pray for: • The continuing spread of the Gospel and conversion of Muslim terrorists and bandits who raid and commit atrocities. • Courage, strength, wisdom and protection for the Christians there. • International leaders to rise and press for protection and change, as well as for a change of government leadership in Nigeria. • The global Church to awaken to the dire need of Christ-followers in Nigeria and other persecuted nations, that they might pray, give and even go to see nations transformed. 2. INDIA-PAKISTAN CONFLICT These two nations have had long-standing tensions, primarily focused on the disputed territory of Kashmir. But recently, the conflict has boiled over on both sides with limited armed clashed from both nations. The religious component adds to this, as India is becoming more radicalized in their Hinduism, and Pakistan is dominated by Muslims. Please pray for: • An immediate cessation of all armed hostilities (both nations have nuclear weapons). • Both governments to agree diplomatically upon the historically contested Kashmir area. • The Gospel of Jesus Christ to continue to make strong inroads into both nations. • Protection, grace, wisdom and boldness for Christians in both nations, to be able to witness to their countrymen – for nothing truly changes until hearts are changed by Jesus! 3. WORLD MAP We are anticipating with great joy the World MAP pastors’ seminar taking place in Quito, Ecuador later this month. God has been going before us and making wonderful provisions and is opening doors. Your prayers are fruitful! But there is still much to be done. Please pray: • That the pastors’ hearts would be open and prepared for the work of God’s Word and His Spirit, and He would draw each one who needs to attend. • For the Spirit of God and warring angels to be loosed, to crush the spirit of religion and the disunity that resists and plagues the churches in Ecuador, which keep them from realizing God’s fullest Kingdom purposes. • For traveling grace and mercies for the team and all those involved, for God to make a straight and smooth way before us and to keep us in safety and health. • For every detail to be perfectly ordered by the Lord, including locations, equipment, food, translators and all other matters related to a fruitful time together. Read more: https://world-map.com/blog/2025/06/01/2025-june-prayer-corps (fb)