What my pastor wrote about Charlie Kirk

[ACC]

I thought I would post this. It was written to our church by him about the murder of Mr. Kirk and how as Christians we should handle it. ACC

Like so many of you, I was shocked when I heard that Charlie Kirk had been shot at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Unfortunately, I also stumbled across a terrible, close-up video of the attack on social media. Thankfully, I’ve since learned that the platform is working to remove these kinds of videos.

When my wife texted me the news that Charlie had passed, I was stunned all over again. I didn’t agree with everything Charlie ever said or did, but the vast majority of what he stood for, I too stand for. Having followed him for years—mainly through Instagram and TikTok—I found him to be a breath of fresh air. He was someone willing to speak truth when it was unpopular, often in the face of strong opposition. And while bold, he generally tried to be respectful, even toward those who vehemently disagreed with him.

As far as I could tell, Charlie was a genuine believer in Christ. He unashamedly studied and proclaimed God’s Word, even in settings where spiritual discussion wasn’t expected. In recent years, he even made it a point to carry a Bible with him at public events.

But if I’m honest, when I first heard the news, a wave of fear struck me. I don’t have a platform like Charlie’s, but I am a pastor who aims to preach God’s Word unashamedly each Sunday. If someone could target Charlie, it’s not impossible that one day someone might target me.

And yet, what came to mind was the very passage I preached from this past Sunday. The message was centered on one of our church’s guiding principles: Grace—we will show compassion and grace to all people. We studied Genesis 1:26–27, where Scripture tells us mankind was created in the image of God. Unlike anything else in creation, we reflect Him—we have intellect, reason, affections, moral capacity, and spiritual awareness.

I’m still processing what happened Wednesday. As a father of four (with another on the way), I ache for Charlie’s family. But as I reflect, here are a few thoughts I want to share:

Political violence is ideological surrender. When we resort to violence, we’re admitting we have no more arguments left to offer. That is both sad and dangerous.
Violence, especially for Christians, is sinful. Vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us. Scripture is clear: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Romans 12:19). Even while we’re here, God has entrusted our earthly rulers as “agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4). However imperfect our justice system may be, it is there for a reason.
We must condemn all political violence, not just violence against “our side.” Every person is created in God’s image and is worthy of dignity and respect. While Charlie’s murder feels especially personal to Christians, any political violence must be condemned.
Our citizenship is in 1) heaven, and 2) the USA. Charlie knew and often said this. God’s Word shapes our entire identity, including our political engagement. It is a good thing to be engaged in the political process, no matter how frustrating it can be. This is part of what it means to care for our community, even while first and foremost, “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Charlie knew this. We should know this too.
We need not fear evil. Over and over, God’s Word reminds us not to fear. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”(Isaiah 41:10). And, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

In that sermon last week, I laid out four spectrums of people created in God’s image:

Male and female
From conception to death
From white to black
From the garden to the prison

In light of this tragedy, I’d like to add one more: from liberal to conservative, and every shade in between. Political differences do not diminish anyone’s worth before God. Every human being matters to Him, and therefore must matter to us.

I understand the anger many feel right now. For most, it’s a righteous anger. But as I said on Sunday, if we withhold grace and compassion from people—even from those whose politics or ideologies clash with ours—we’re saying they might be worthy of God’s grace, but not ours. And that must never be the posture of God’s people.

Let’s pray earnestly for Charlie’s family and close friends. Let’s commit ourselves to walking in God’s way, no matter what may come. Let’s continue to engage passionately in public discourse, but always with respect and compassion. Let’s pray the killer is apprehended and that justice is exacted to the fullest extent of the law. And let’s remember the charge of Scripture: “Be angry and yet do not sin; do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:26–27).

Pastor Ryan

[John Wayne]

There is a lot of good written here by your pastor ACC and worthy of reading 3 times for me. I had already come to 99% of those conclusions. As the Bible states, we are living in the devil's domain and it shows. I hope I can measure up when confronted by evil or will I empty my firearm and change the mag?
JW

[hoodat]

Most of us who love the Lord will already have agreed with this wonderful sermon.

Those who don't know God, or are younger in their faith, might need us to pass some of these truths on to them.

We all need to remember also that Charlie died heroically just minutes after boldly proclaiming his faith in our Lord and Savior. For him, death holds no sting. We should all be so lucky. jd

[dverna]

I offer this:

Deuteronomy 7:2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them

God commanded the genocide of the Canaanites.

it will be argued that this was a Devine command by God and therefore justified. But God no longer talks to us directly...only through His word. Do we cherry pick His word so we can justify our actions....I know I do.

I have faced evil and did not depend on God to protect me. I used my weapon to ward off an attack. If that makes me a poor Chrisitan, so be it.

Are we supposed to show grace/mercy to a man who rapes our wife, daughter and granddaughter? What if he kills them? How about an enemy that wants to destroy our country and way of life.

I know my answer will not be the "Christian way". And I have no desire to adopt that way to deal with evil.

I would be interested to hear if your Pastor thinks the man who assassinated Kirk should be executed. Is a life term acceptable? How about 25 years in prison? Maybe 10 years? If this killer writes a letter of remorse and apologizes will that be OK and we can release him immediately. After all we are not to judge, and vengeance is His.

Cherry picking the Bible is a dangerous cancer and we all do it.

[ACC]

There is a lot of good written here by your pastor ACC and worthy of reading 3 times for me. I had already come to 99% of those conclusions. As the Bible states, we are living in the devil's domain and it shows. I hope I can measure up when confronted by evil or will I empty my firearm and change the mag?
JW

We as men are called to protect our family. Unfortunately I have had to pull my gun to protect my wife and at that time 6 year old son. I didn't have to shoot but I still ask myself could have I shot the robber?

ACC

[ACC]

Most of us who love the Lord will already have agreed with this wonderful sermon.

Those who don't know God, or are younger in their faith, might need us to pass some of these truths on to them.

We all need to remember also that Charlie died heroically just minutes after boldly proclaiming his faith in our Lord and Savior. For him, death holds no sting. We should all be so lucky. jd

Amen! We older men need to help younger men to understand that they are the head of their household if they are married. I believe as husbands and fathers we can use lethal force. I don't want to, but if it comes to may wife or grand kid, if they take my TV, they can have it. If they come down the hall to my grand kid's room. That is called here in Texas a bad life choice. Thanks for the input.

ACC

[ACC]

I offer this:

Deuteronomy 7:2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them

God commanded the genocide of the Canaanites.

it will be argued that this was a Devine command by God and therefore justified. But God no longer talks to us directly...only through His word. Do we cherry pick His word so we can justify our actions....I know I do.

I have faced evil and did not depend on God to protect me. I used my weapon to ward off an attack. If that makes me a poor Chrisitan, so be it.

Are we supposed to show grace/mercy to a man who rapes our wife, daughter and granddaughter? What if he kills them? How about an enemy that wants to destroy our country and way of life.

I know my answer will not be the "Christian way". And I have no desire to adopt that way to deal with evil.

I would be interested to hear if your Pastor thinks the man who assassinated Kirk should be executed. Is a life term acceptable? How about 25 years in prison? Maybe 10 years? If this killer writes a letter of remorse and apologizes will that be OK and we can release him immediately. After all we are not to judge, and vengeance is His.

Cherry picking the Bible is a dangerous cancer and we all do it.

Using your weapon doesn't make you a bad Christian. It means that you are a lot like the rest of us Christians. Depending on God to give us the wisdom we need. He must have given you the wisdom. You are still with us, and I am thankful for that. I too have also used my weapon to stop a thief from beating my wife and son to a pulp. I came so close. I thank God everyday that I didn't shoot.

I have read the Bible and cannot say why God had the Israelite people wipe out the Canaanites. It was God's plan and He used it to full fill his plans.

ACC

[Circuit Rider]

Respectively dverna I disagree with you. We have the HOLY SPIRIT to guide us, if we would only listen. C.R.

[ACC]

Respectively dverna I disagree with you. We have the HOLY SPIRIT to guide us, if we would only listen. C.R.

That is very true.

ACC

[Hondolane]

I offer this:

Deuteronomy 7:2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them

God commanded the genocide of the Canaanites.

it will be argued that this was a Devine command by God and therefore justified. But God no longer talks to us directly...only through His word. Do we cherry pick His word so we can justify our actions....I know I do.

I have faced evil and did not depend on God to protect me. I used my weapon to ward off an attack. If that makes me a poor Chrisitan, so be it.

Are we supposed to show grace/mercy to a man who rapes our wife, daughter and granddaughter? What if he kills them? How about an enemy that wants to destroy our country and way of life.

I know my answer will not be the "Christian way". And I have no desire to adopt that way to deal with evil.

I would be interested to hear if your Pastor thinks the man who assassinated Kirk should be executed. Is a life term acceptable? How about 25 years in prison? Maybe 10 years? If this killer writes a letter of remorse and apologizes will that be OK and we can release him immediately. After all we are not to judge, and vengeance is His.

Cherry picking the Bible is a dangerous cancer and we all do it.

I agree. At what point do men stand together and say they've had enough, that the evil in our world has gone too far and must be stopped. Will they do so when they wear chains, are beaten daily and watch their loved ones murdered? Is that the time to stand up make a difference?

When you hope that this evil will go away, when you turn the other cheek and when you placate evil, all you will get is more evil and you will eventually be consumed.

I don't advocate violence, I don't say bring on a Civil War, but I say standup and face evil, confront it in the streets, be a voice for good wherever you can be heard and never give the left a chance to settle in and get comfortable.

[dverna]

Respectively dverna I disagree with you. We have the HOLY SPIRIT to guide us, if we would only listen. C.R.

I agree with you.

Do you believe the Holy Spirit would guide you to kill another to protect yourself or your loved ones? This is a serious question.

This other question is not direct to you but to everyone. From my first post:

"I would be interested to hear if your Pastor thinks the man who assassinated Kirk should be executed. Is a life term acceptable? How about 25 years in prison? Maybe 10 years? If this killer writes a letter of remorse and apologizes will that be OK and we can release him immediately. After all we are not to judge, and vengeance is His."

Platitudes are great but we live in a world of evil. We know that evil wins in the "short term" or there would be no need for Jesus to return. Man cannot save man...and God knows that.

For many, dying as a martyr is the right thing to do. That is how Jesus and most of the Disciples died...the "right" thing to do. I have not reached that level of faith. I will fight back as hard as I can, for as long as I can, if God gives me the strength. wisdom and resources to do so.

[John Wayne]

I am glad our founding fathers eventually stood armed against the British.
JW

[Hondolane]

https://youtu.be/zDza2sN1XxM

[thadfz]

Dverna - I believe you have every right to defend yourself and your neighbor. In a defensive situation you are not the aggressor. You did not choose that situation. There would be no sin committed in defending/protecting yourself against the attacker.
God gave us the tools to do so.

[wv109323]

The Bible says God raises up kings and takes down kings. We are also to be law abidding citizens. Most all states if not all recognize the use of lethal force in the proper situation.
Under the Jewish Law, there were several infractions that were punishable by death.
An unruly disobiedent child was to be stoned to death. How would that be accepted in todays society?
As to the Caananites, they were occupying the land God gave to the Israelites. They were told to leave and would not. They knew the land was not theirs and refused to leave. To have the land "pure" God told them to kill the Canaanites. Of course the Canaanites could adopt the Jewish law and live in harmony. They refused.

[JHeath]

All of this would carry more weight if I had seen it for the assassination of Democrat Melissa Hortman and her husband. Or the arson of Gov Shapiro's home, with his family inside, on Passover, or the kidnapping plot against Gov Witmer, or the hammer attack on Paul Pelosi with the apparent preparations to abduct Rep Pelosi, or the deaths and assaults of police officers on January 6th, again with assailants arriving with ziptie cuffs and apparent plans to target specific Dem congressmen.

Let's not kid ourselves that the Christian dismay applies to everybody.

[Stew]

dverna, when I was young I was a prophet of revenge without a doubt. Since I have matured in Christ, His doing not so much mine, I have changed drastically. Besides, there is a very big difference between defense of ones self or family and vengeance. To use a firearm to defend your wife or daughter from rape or worse is much more different from finding the attacker and repaying an eye for an eye.

[dverna]

dverna, when I was young I was a prophet of revenge without a doubt. Since I have matured in Christ, His doing not so much mine, I have changed drastically. Besides, there is a very big difference between defense of ones self or family and vengeance. To use a firearm to defend your wife or daughter from rape or worse is much more different from finding the attacker and repaying an eye for an eye.

Appreciate your insight. I have a long way to go.

[fatelk]

All of this would carry more weight if I had seen it for the assassination of Democrat Melissa Hortman and her husband. Or the arson of Gov Shapiro's home, with his family inside, on Passover, or the kidnapping plot against Gov Witmer, or the hammer attack on Paul Pelosi with the apparent preparations to abduct Rep Pelosi, or the deaths and assaults of police officers on January 6th, again with assailants arriving with ziptie cuffs and apparent plans to target specific Dem congressmen.

Let's not kid ourselves that the Christian dismay applies to everybody.

I don't recall thousands of people justifying, cheering, and celebrating those events; that's the big difference, other than the fact that this one was out in front of the whole world and so clearly fueled by abject hate. Political violence is condemnable no matter who does it, and it's disturbing to see so many people cheering it on.

[dverna]

I don't recall thousands of people justifying, cheering, and celebrating those events; that's the big difference, other than the fact that this one was out in front of the whole world and so clearly fueled by abject hate. Political violence is condemnable no matter who does it, and it's disturbing to see so many people cheering it on.

Good post