Charlie Kirk, Evangelism, Revival, and Apologetics

By Douglas Groothuis, PhD

Whatever else you think about the Charlie Kirk on Sunday, September 21 in Phoenix, it was remarkable that so many testified in direct way about their Christian faith and what the gospel is and means. Some did this better than others. Tulsi Gabbard said God is already in every human heart. No, you must be born again for that to be true (John 3). Some did not share the gospel at all. But we leave that aside. That Erika Kirk could forgive her husband's assassin was a wonder in itself and evidence of the truth of the Gospel.

No matter how many people attended the event or watched it, explanations and testimonies are not sufficient for a genuine revival. I rejoice that so many millions saw these testimonies, and it seems that church attendance went up since Charlie's murder. The Kirk effect continues as Turning Point USA continues its mission and many become more interested in Charlie’s Christian commitment.

But we need to not only explain what the gospel is, but demonstrate that it is true by our lives and by our apologetics. Charlie was mentored in apologetics by Frank Turek, who spoke at the event and who was with Charlie when he died. Charlie was at once a political activist, an evangelist, and an apologist. He sought out Frank to be mentored in apologetics! I am available for that ministry as well for public speakers.

Therefore, considering all attention given to the life and faith of Charlie Kirk in his auspicious hour, let us redouble our efforts to both explain and defend the faith given once for all to the saints and do this with wisdom, gentleness, and respect (Jude 3; 1 Peter 3:15; Acts 17:16-34). Let us do this not in our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), that many turn from darkness to light and from the Kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God's dear Son. May revival come and let it begin with us, O God! See Psalm 80 and pray through this Psalm often.