1. The Hope of Heaven Colossians 1:3-8

2. A Real Hope  Anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:17-20)  Based on God’s promise  Carried out in Christ  Provides encouragement  Not available to an atheist

3. Campbell and Owen  “In one of their excursions about the farm, they came to Mr. Campbell's family burying-ground, when Mr. Owen stopped and addressing himself to Mr. Campbell, said: “There is one advantage I have over the Christian--I am not afraid to die.”

4. Campbell and Owen  “Most Christians have fear in death, but if some few items of my business were settled, I should be perfectly willing to die at any moment.” “Well,” answered Mr. Campbell, “you say you have no fear in death; have you any hope in death?”

5. Campbell and Owen  “After a solemn pause, “No,” said Mr. Owen. “Then,” rejoined Mr. Campbell (pointing to an ox standing near), “you are on a level with that brute. He has fed till be is satisfied, and stands in the shade whisking off the flies, and has neither hope nor fear in death.”

6. Definition  Webster –“Desire accompanied by expectation of or a belief in fulfillment” –Synonyms: “trust” and “reliance”

7. Definition  Not just wishful thinking –Hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5) –We believe Jesus will appear (Titus 2:11-13) –Expect heaven to be our home (Romans 11:33)

8. Joyful  Joyful peace –Can rejoice like Paul (Romans 5:2) –Abound in hope (Romans 15:13)

9. Joyful  Boldness –Great boldness (2 Corinthians 3:12) –Ready to give an account (1 Peter 3:15) –Want others to have it (Ephesians 1:18, 19; 1 Peter 1:4)

10. Joyful  Trials –Rejoice in them (1 Peter 1:6) –Do not lose hope

11. Living  Encouragement –Let our hope be alive (1 Peter 1:3) –A better way of life (Hebrews 10:19-25) –Low priority for some Christians

12. Living  Devotion –Exercise body or soul? (1 Timothy 4:8-10) –Be reverent, prayerful, and committed (1 Timothy 4:11)

13. Living  Generosity –Not focused on material things (1 Timothy 6:17-19) –Completely fixed on hope (1 Peter 1:13)

14. Living  Purity –A necessity and priority (1 John 3:2) –How can we face God and explain impurity? (2 Corinthians 5:10)

15. Persevering  Strength –Steadfast and immovable (1 Corinthians 15:58) –Through valleys and times of temptation –Courage to risk it all for Christ

16. Persevering  Faith –“Heaven Holds All To Me” –No matter what happens (2 Corinthians 4:6-5:1) –Waiting eagerly (Romans 8:25)

17. Conclusion  Joy in Christ  Want others to have this hope