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This past week I shared on the blog about a recent Barna poll concerning how Christianity was viewed by those outside the faith.  I think the one statistic that astonished me the most was that 54% of respondents did not think Christianity offered hope for the future.  Hope, of course, is a large part of the faith, not only in this world but into eternity.  What else will give you hope in this unstable world?  You can not put your hope in your family, for they may not be there, or may not turn out the way you wished.  You can not put your hope in career.  You can not put your hope in your brains, your looks, your morality.  Everything will let you down eventually.  But there is incredible hope in the gospel, in what Jesus’ blood and righteousness are able to achieve.

This morning I want to share with you a story of hope, an example of what Jesus’ blood and righteousness is able to achieve in the lives of individuals and community.  There is great hope for you and for our community, if we would only build our lives on that hope and on nothing else.  Let me testify to what the gospel can accomplish.  This morning we’re finishing up the book of Colossians.  Remember that this letter is written by Paul while he is in prison, and is being read aloud to the church gathered at Colossae.  This is the last section, and is largely filled with Paul’s greetings and good-byes, but hidden in there is an incredible story of hope that it is important not to miss:

 ⁷ Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.  ⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.  ⁹ He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.  ¹⁰ My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)  ¹¹ Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.  ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.  ¹³ I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.  ¹⁴ Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.  ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.  ¹⁶ After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.  ¹⁷ Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."  ¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.