A Response to the Death of Charlie Kirk
On September 10th, 2025, the entire world was shaken by the violent murder of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. While peacefully continuing his work of open air dialogue on campus, he was shot fatally in the neck.
While Charlie was certainly involved in the political arena, I do not believe this was a political assassination, but rather a martyrdom. In the book of Acts, we have a detailed story of the very first Martyr of the Christian faith and that man was Stephen. A Martyr is someone who is killed for bearing witness to the faith in Jesus Christ as the word Martyr literally means “witness”.
In Acts we find Stephen operating in signs and wonders and having open public debates with some who opposed the teachings of Jesus Christ. In Acts 6:10 it says, “But they [Stephen’s opponents] could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men…”
Ultimately, Stephen was stoned because his opponents ran out of options. It was clear to them and everyone listening that their arguments were futile and that Stephen had the Spirit of wisdom and truth in his voice.
Many Christians are willing to admit their faith, invite someone to church, or even make a challenging point to someone. But how many of us in the church are willing to withstand the demonic lies of this age with unapologetic boldness mixed with a love and patience that cannot be denied? We should not be shocked about what happened to Charlie Kirk. In fact, we should be surprised that we have had so little violence against the truth in our nation to this point. Listen to Peter as he exhorts his flock which was under heavy oppression and violence from the government for their unbending resolve to stand for truth, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Chris’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-14. Similarly, Jesus said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of thew world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” John 15:18-20.
The real question is, am I walking in the footsteps of Jesus, serving my Father to the degree that hell wants to snuff me out? I am not suggesting that anyone go looking for trouble or try to pick a fight so they can become a martyr. But I do believe the death of Charlie Kirk raises some very important questions to the Church today:
“Will you stand for truth even if it costs you your life?”
“Are you ready to pick up your cross and follow Jesus or do you want to hold on to this world, its comforts, and its dreams?”
“Will you stand for the name of Jesus Christ, or will you cower away and hide it out until he returns?”
Let’s not forget the solemn words of Jesus: “Whoever is ashamed of me or my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
People of God. We are not of this world. There is a new city and a new government coming. It’s time to lay down “churchianity”, easy believism, and cheap grace and its time to pick up our crosses and look to eternity’s shores. It is impossible to pick up your cross and suffer for truth if your eyes aren't fixed on the life to come but are still distracted by the cares of this life. I don’t say this to beat any one up but rather, as another humble servant saying along with Charlie Kirk who stands before the Lord right now, “Rise up people of God and stand for the truth.” I am certain that Charlie would tell us right now that he does not regret it even a little bit and neither will you.
