By Dr. Clif Johnson, Pastor • Garrett Memorial Baptist Church, Hope
Over the past week and a half, we have been devastated by the news of Charlie Kirk’s death, and then amazed at the effects, all of it climaxing in his memorial service held on Sunday, Sept. 21. I watched the entire service, hoping for just one clear, compelling witness to the 70,000 plus in attendance, and the millions watching by other means. I was not prepared for what happened. I lost count of how many times Jesus was held up as the only way of salvation for mankind. Charlie’s friends proclaimed the gospel, and perhaps most surprisingly, some of our nation’s top political voices and governmental leaders — from Marco Rubio to Tucker Carlson — an unashamed gospel was laid out.
Tucker Carlson’s, perhaps, was the most convicting, as he pointed the finger at himself and his need for repentance and faith. The gospel going out to all the nations begins with the gospel having its way with me, which means I need to repent of my sin and submit to the Lordship of Christ consistently. The most graphic display of the gospel was, no doubt, Charlie’s widow, Erika Kirk, forgiving her husband’s assassin.
But all of this begs the question, “What now?” What are we to think, pray and do in light of all that we see taking place?
This moment should change us. It must awaken us. But for the most part, Charlie’s message is not any different than what BMA preachers have always preached. Trust Christ, read the Bible, lead your homes and be involved in church. The difference we are seeing now is that these are not just good ideas, but rather, they are crucial for your holiness and the fabric of our society.
The enemy’s goal is always the same — to silence or suppress the truth. Sometimes that happens with violence. More often, it happens through distraction, compromise and apathy. Our response must be the opposite. We cannot be silent. We cannot drift. We cannot live half-heartedly.
Fathers, your families need more than your presence — they need your passion for Christ. They need to see you leading in prayer, opening God’s Word and living under the Lordship of Jesus. Repent of misplaced priorities and lead with Spirit-empowered conviction.
Mothers, your role is just as vital. Your children need your strength and guidance, not indulgence of every whim. Be their teacher of truth, their defender of faith, their model of courage. Show them that God’s Word — not culture, not convenience — is your authority.
Young people, get your life in order. Make the pursuit of Christ and His truth the priority of your life, and don’t stop. Everything must be handed over to Christ. Read God’s Word together, pray together and build your home upon the preeminence of Christ.
Together, we must pass on the faith to the next generation. Our greatest defense and offense of Christianity is not in arguments shouted at the world, but in biblical faith faithfully handed down in our homes and lived out in our communities. Our response must be long-term, not short-lived. We must be willing to make disciples in our own homes and prepare them to be sent out into all the world for the cause of Christ.
That is why your life together in a church family matters. The world drains us, but the church renews us and helps us maintain focus on Christ. Let us hunger for God’s Word, worship with longing hearts and build our lives around the fellowship of Spirit-filled believers. Stop making excuses for skipping church. We need each other to show up for one another in the fellowship of the saints.
Friends, what does all this have to do with Charlie Kirk’s martyrdom? Everything. His life reminds us that the greatest battles are fought not on the world’s stages but under our own roofs, in our own hearts and in our own communities. Each morning, may the enemy tremble — not because of politics or preferences, but because of our Spirit-filled obedience to Christ.
We do not fight against flesh and blood. We fight against the spiritual powers of darkness. So put on the armor of God. Walk by the Spirit. Refuse to settle for comfort or convenience.
Do not lose hope. Cling to Jesus. And show Jesus to a watching world. Christus Victor.
