Sermon Summary:
Paul was writing to a church he had never visited, and he agonized (v. 1) over them because of his love for them and his desire that they would be rooted in Christ. The church of Colossae was dealing with false teachers and people who were trying to lead them away from the gospel. Paul encouraged the Christians there to be rooted in unity, (v. 2) rooted in Christ (v.6-7) and rooted in the truth that is found in Christ alone. Paul directs the Colossians to reflect on their baptism, where they were buried with Christ and given new life in Him! As we send our graduates out to their respective college campuses and careers, let us all reflect on the hope we have received in Christ, so that no matter if we are together or apart, we will remain rooted in Christ.

• Being rooted in community is being connected to Christ’s body, the church! (Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 2:1-3)

• Being rooted in the faith requires discipleship! (Colossians 2:6-7)

• In 2011, 59% of young adults (18-29) who grew up in church stated that they withdrew from church in their late teens or early twenties.
• In 2019, the number increased to 64%.

While studies show a growth in the number of young adult dropouts, researches ran into a small but significant number of young adults who ran completely counter that trend (approximately 10%).

• 91% say “worship is a lifestyle, not just an event.”
• 90% say “I want others to see Jesus in me through my words and actions.”
• 85% say “I have someone in my life who encourages me to grow spiritually”
• 76% say “I have a responsibility to tell others about my faith.”

These statistics indicate that young adults who are staying in the church have been impacted by Jesus in such a way that it impacts their everyday lives!

• Being rooted in the truth requires identifying falsehood. (Colossians 2:8-10)

• Have you died to yourself? (Colossians 2:12-14)