"I Sing For The King"

August 20, 2006
Ephesians series, 6/7
from Ephesians 5:15-20 and Luke 10:38-42

"Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people, but as wise, making the most of time, because the days are evil." – Ephesians 5:15

My sermon outline:

• Quite a week. Most of week cease fire okay. Volcanic eruption in Ecuador. Formerly unknown JohnMark Karr now all over the news. Illegal immigrant taking sanctuary in Chicago (Elvara Arellano, 1997, false ssn, 7yo son). And of course the 29th anniversary of Elvis' death.

• Things are not always as they seem. Wisdom and time and prayer our best tools for discerning.

• How did "The King" die? (btw he'd be 71 yrs now) Drug overdose. I even emailed the congregation about the lifestyle choices that led to his self-destruction, Rx drugs for insomnia, pain, energy, nerves, depression... Apparent fatal rx interaction following dentist visit.

• 8/17/77 dead on bathroom floor. "Cardiac arrhythmia, unknown cause". 42 years old.

• His mother died when he was 13 at 44, conditions strikingly similar to Elvis'. Obesity and depression in late 30's early 40's, arteriosclerosis, rapid aging... compare pictures of her a few years before dying, before decline... it's like Elvis at 35 and at 42. Big difference. Elvis' death not a simple case of boy lured by fame and fortune and led astray by Rx drug abuse. Elvis' death genetic.

• Like many Elvis bore unspoken pain in his soul, and as his blood vessels hardened from his disease and lifestyle, his own depression consumed him as well. Not careful how he lived, he lived unwisely, not making the most of his time.

• John Mark Karr, things may not be as they seem, and we must avoid jumping on either side until more is revealed. In need of our prayers.

• Cease fire violations as Israel moved into E. Lebanon... to prevent arms transfers from Iran... which has been testing missiles again. More we know, more complicated it gets.

• I feel, btw, like part of my job as pastor is to talk about current issues in light of a life of faith.

• Mary and Martha. Song from my daughter's CD from Why Not Sea Monsters
(Mary says sit right down and listen to the 'shh shh shh'... I haven’t got the time to listen to the 'shh shh shh'... there is no time but the 'shh shh shh'...) Distracted by many things. Not filled with Sprit. Fill our lives with God’s treasures of Word, family, and Family.

• Not "Someone else will take care of it" (another song from same CD: Not Today) or "I’ve already done my bit"

• Church sign out by 724 on Bridge: "Life offers many choices; death offers 2"

• How will you live your life? Make most of time, fill with Spirit, fill with praise.

• Viewing Elvis again... Elvis very charitable... Gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars, many anonymously. Sang "How Great Thou Art" at concerts. Once told some screaming fans "I am not the King. I sing for the King, and his name is Jesus Christ."

• Days are evil, therefore exercise wisdom (by Word and Spirit), exercise praise.

• Intentional ways of praising and praying. At traffic light, on hold, while brushing teeth or brewing coffee, waiting for the waitress or stylist, during commercials or while the microwave is going, think on God, remember a psalm or a bro/sis-in-Christ, say thanks. With a partner.


- Pastor Kerry
This Sunday: Humid and uncomfortable again. 52 in worship.