October 2025

Many of you are aware of the shooting and subsequent death of Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old CEO and founder of Turning Point USA was an advocate for free thinking and would often go to college campuses to engage in civil discourse. He was often met with resistance because his political beliefs were overtly conservative and he himself was openly Christian. Kirk was assassinated by a person who felt they had been hurt by his rhetoric. This tragedy has shaken the nation and received unprecedented media attention. It is a personal policy of mine to avoid the partisan politicization of faith topics. In addition, I believe that this is not the type of topic that ought to be discussed from the pulpit which is reserved for the Proclamation of the Gospel. However, I cannot ignore the distress this issue has caused many of you.

A human was murdered. Regardless of who, or any feelings, taking life in malice is deplorable before the Lord. There is no excuse for what has happened. No amount of passion and no amount of hurt can justify this kind of barbarism. Moreover, to claim it was done in the name of peace is abhorrent.

Kirk dedicated his life to educating American youth on political issues and encouraging free thinking. He shared the Gospel whenever possible and encouraged millions to believe. He fought the good fight Saint Paul wrote about in Philippians. Historically and traditionally a martyr is someone who is executed by authorities solely for their religious beliefs. Although many would like to attribute this title to Kirk, I do not believe it applies given that he was murdered and had a political focus. However, there is a greater title we can apply here. Charlie Kirk was a saint just as you and I and all who trust in the merit of Jesus Christ Alone.

Kirk’s widow Erica said it best at his funeral when she proclaimed forgiveness for the murderer. She stated, “ On the cross our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them. for they know not what they do.’ …I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.” It’s amazing that God would use what one person meant for hate to proclaim his message of love and forgiveness. The forgiveness that Charlie Kirk died trusting in is the forgiveness which grants assurance to all who trust in Jesus Christ alone. We who trust in him will perish but have eternal life with Jesus Christ the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Charlie Kirk admired Saint of Christ has entered into the resurrection ahead of us. We rejoice for in the hope that Christ has given us. If you find yourself grieved by this or any other tragedies, please feel free to speak with me for comfort.