The self-proclaimed “King of Pop” Michael Jackson is dead, as is Farrah Fawcett (my roommate had her famous poster on our door at TU - though we covered her up with a towel!) and Billy Mays (famous pitchman for many TV products including Oxy Clean, Kaboom, etc). All three celebrities died last week. Farrah Fawcett was 62; both Michael Jackson and Billy Mays were 50. I too was born in 1958. For some of you, sixty-two or even fifty may seem old. It sure doesn’t to me! Ten people also lost their lives tragically on the Will Rogers Turnpike last week when a truck driver failed to stop and plowed in to a series of cars already stopped due to a previous accident. Death happens. As I mentioned Sunday, 100% of us will die unless Jesus comes back first. Why all these grim facts when I’m preaching through the Book of Philippians – a book focused on Joy? As a reminder how short our life on earth really is. We’re given one day at a time to live and told by Jesus that’s the best way to live - one day at a time. Most every time a celebrity dies, their fans gather to pay tribute to their life. We’ve seen Michael Jackson tributes, interviews and music videos ad nauseum on TV the last week, with several more weeks to come I’m sure.

When the news announces a celebrity death, I often turn to my children and remind them, “All that matters now is if he or she knew Jesus.” That’s the bottom line. Did they give their heart to Jesus in this life? They have now left their fame and fortune all behind. They are simply a memory here. If they knew Jesus, they’re enjoying all the benefits of Heaven today; if not; they are experiencing an eternal separation from him in a place of extreme torment. This dilemma isn’t just for celebrities: but for every man, woman, teen and child in this world. We each must choose Christ to insure eternal life. Remember Paul’s words, “For me to live is Christ”(Phil. 1:21). Who or what are you really living for? It’s either Jesus or someone or something far less.

As Christians it’s time to claim Paul’s words as our own, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Today I’m taking a stand with fellow pastors and State Representative Sally Kern at The State Capitol at noon. I plan to sign a Proclamation for Morality she will issue. I do this as a Christian because Christ called us to be “salt and light” in this world – preserving biblical values and exposing the darkness. This action is being taken in response to President Obama’s desire to “normalize” homosexuality in America in part by declaring June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Month in America. I couldn’t believe it when I first read about it. An entire month to celebrate sexual immorality signed by the President of the United States! His Presidential Proclamation received very little national news attention, but his actions in this area are very disturbing to me and I would think to most Christians in America. Christ calls us to value all people because we’re all made in His image, but we cannot support evil as a nation and be blessed by the Lord. It’s been said we must stand for something or we’ll fall for everything. Please pray for our President and our Nation. We’ll have a special opportunity to do just that this Sunday. See you there!

Yours in Christ for a godly America,
Mark

P.S. If able, please wear red, white and/or blue this “Patriotic Sunday” as we recognize all our military in worship. God bless you and God bless America!