New Life Church Morning Worship, January 13, A.D. 2013
1st of 14 Planned Messages on Colossians 
Text, 1:1-8 "Introducing our Heavenly, Fruitful Hope"

Intro: Overview of the epistle, some saints mentioned, and Paul's status

I. Salutation

A. Apostleship

B. A New Covenant word of Blessing

II. The Reasons Paul Gives thanks for and prays for for the Colossians

A. Faith

B. Love, and...

III. Hope, the Third Abiding Grace (1 Corinthians 13)

A. False hopes: Pie in the Sky and Promised Earthy Prosperity 

B. Heaven and eternal prosperity are real!

C. How hope bears fruit 

IV. Learning from the example of Ephaphras

A. Do you know Antipas? 

B. Faithful

C. Good "gossip"