This week we’re continuing our new series on the Book of Philippians entitled “Worthy of the Gospel.”  As I said last week, the Apostle Paul is writing this book from prison in Rome and that certainly colors his perspective and his words.  But instead of being down and depressed as you might expect, Paul seems to overflow with joy.  And this joy is grounded in the good news of the gospel.  And so he’s writing to encourage us to live lives “worthy of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). 

So what does a life “worthy of the gospel” look like?  Well, in our text for this week, Philippians 1:12-18, Paul mentions such exciting stuff as being unjustly imprisoned (it comes across a little like “Prison is great!  Wish you were here!).  And then there’s some people who are preaching the gospel out of envy and in some sort of misguided attempt to make Paul’s life more difficult.  And to that Paul says, in utter sincerity, “Wonderful!  We can rejoice over that!” 

What’s going on?  Paul’s in prison and people are trying to hurt him, and yet he’s rejoicing!  How can that be?  Well, that’s the big question we’ll try to answer this week.  I hope you can be there!  See you Sunday, Dr. Dave

One sad note this week — many of you will remember Doug Coiner, who was a member of our church several years ago.  Doug passed away on August 4th while at work (he was an IT specialist for the federal government).  Services were held August 14th at Reformed Presbyterian Church in his hometown of Ephrata, PA.  (Sorry for the late notice – we just found out Tuesday).  Please be in prayer for his parents, Roger and Rudy, who are grieving his sudden loss. 

Doug’s story was told by his family friend, Stephanie Hubach, in her book, Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability.  You can find it on Amazon.