It will be good to be back this Sunday.  Joanne and I enjoyed visiting family in Pennsylvania last week and I got to baptize our granddaughter Anne (and yes, she did scream).  As much as we enjoyed it, it’s not quite the same as being at our church with our church family.  So, it’s good to be home.

This week we’re looking at Philippians 2:12-18 and the topic of being (or becoming) a “Sacrificial Offering.”  Well, that sounds confusing.  I mean, who wants to be sacrificed?  But of course, Paul’s not talking literally, is he?  Well, yes and no.  He is nearing the end of his life and says that he’s to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith.

Well, that sounds sad.  Again, yes and no.  Paul responds by saying I am glad and rejoice with you all.  Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.  He’s going to die, and we should rejoice???  That also sounds confusing.

But wait, it gets better.  Our passage starts by telling us to work out your own salvation, which sounds a lot like salvation by works, not grace.  More confusion. 

And then he tells us to be blameless and innocent … without blemish … really, how’s that going?  I’m sure everyone feels blameless and innocent.  Okay, even more confusion.  We’re off to a great start.

Thankfully, Paul answers all the confusion.  And that’s what we’re going to talk about this Sunday.  I look forward to seeing you there, Dr. Dave