I didn't realize it, but some of my favorite roles in movies were played by Robin Williams. 

My formative years were shaped in part by the characters he played on screen, such as the benevolent Patch Adams, the unorthodox Mr. Keating, and the adventurous Alan Parrish. Of course I only liked the roles he played in many of his movies; as a person he was notable for his crude humor, sacrilege, and support of abortion and other forms of immorality. Yet in his movies, with his wit and humor, he could so easily highlight the best qualities of humanity. Which is why I was especially surprised when I learned the cause of death was suicide.

Despite his popularity, Robin Williams’ story is a sad one indeed. In the past he suffered from cocaine and alcohol addiction, and has long been suspected of being tormented by bipolar disorder. For years he struggled with deep depression.

The real tragedy, of course, is not just that Robin Williams has passed, but that to our knowledge he has died outside of Christ. Williams’ death should remind us not only of the brevity of life, but also the urgency of evangelism and the value of the human soul. Not only that, Williams’ suicide should wake us up to the reality of deep depression – even among the family of God.

Depression doesn't make you a bad Christian, it just makes you in need so much more of Christ. Just like all of us, depression or not. In John 10.10, Jesus himself says that "I came so that you may have life have it abundantly." 

Robin Williams, the man who could make everyone laugh, couldn't live his own life abundantly because of his depression - but moreso because of his lack of relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Tonight, do you have that relationship? Have you obeyed the Gospel and been baptized for your sins? Maybe you have but you've lost your way. We're here to help you get back. 

If you have any spiritual needs this evening, come while we stand and sing.