For the hope laid up in heaven / Colossians Bible Study (Part 1) Chapter 1:1-5

'We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people – the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven.' For the Apostle Paul, the most important thing, our highest hope, is heaven. Whatever persecution, hardship, or difficulty you may face in this life, the greatest encouragement is the hope laid up for you in heaven! Today we are again facing increasing persecution. It has been said, that in many parts of the world, Christians are the most persecuted group, but we have to face the fact that persecution can simply be a part of our faith. I want to remind you that, whatever we are going through today, our hope is not down here, OUR HOPE IS IN HEAVEN.