Radically Inclusive Gospel Truth on Display
Inconceivable forgiveness and prayers for a killer's salvation.
Charlie Kirk’s death has sparked spiritual work in this nation the likes of which I’ve never seen. I don’t say that because he’s a perfect figure who said and did all the right things. He’s not. He didn’t. If that were a requirement of God’s disciples, there would be none.
Instead, it’s about watching the Holy Spirit work through the life and death of a flawed man who desired to point everything back to the Gospel — even when he said things imperfectly.
»> The Real Legacy of Charlie Kirk
At yesterday’s memorial service, millions of people around the world saw God’s people convene to worship, pray, honor Him (God)…and ultimately, forgive the man who took Charlie’s life.
You cannot do this without the Holy Spirit:
This isn’t about if you agree with Charlie’s political stances, or the way he said things at times. Maybe you think he was wrong on many things.
It’s not about him and it’s also not about you.
It’s about God. Truth. The saving grace of Jesus — the most radically inclusive ideology in existence. It’s an ideology that forgives your husband’s murderer and prays for his salvation:
Let’s go further:
In Galatians, folks are convinced one must be circumcised to become a Christian. Because Christianity is new, many think only Jews can become Believers, that certain behaviors and ethnicities are required to receive the Good News.
Paul cuts it off real quick saying:
“Those who were trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good for others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save.
…As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified. And the world’s interest in me has also died.
It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.
…From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Christ.”
— Galatians 6: 12-17
At times, I think folks are under the impression that there are certain requirements to be a Christian, that you must vote or think a certain way in order to be a “real” Christian.
A lot of action-based conversations are going on all over the place as it relates to political issues, especially.
Here’s the truth. You don’t have to:
Vote a certain way
Look a certain way
Be of a certain nationality or ethnicity
Come from a certain kind of family
Be able-bodied
Be well-spoken
Be attractive
Have a particular kind of past
Know someone important
Accomplish anything specifically
Have no character flaws
Acquire a particular education
Make a certain amount of money
Fill in the blank…ALL ARE INVITED
If you had asked Charlie: Would you prefer I vote Republican or accept Jesus as my savior? There’s no doubt what his answer would be. If you don’t know Jesus first, nothing else matters much.
His political and policy beliefs were rooted in his faith, yes. These are difficult issues and he knew many people disagreed, so he worked to persuade others with words, reason, logic, and sound argument. This is the way of ordered, honest, and fairly-minded people.
»>Why You Should Defend the Right to Hold Unpopular Opinions
In Acts, we see Paul, “using the scriptures to reason with people” and “speaking and debating in the public square.” (Acts 16-17). Charlie wasn’t just talking theology, as Paul was, but his tactics were honorable and effective, transparent and honest.
He would welcome anyone to speak with him in the public square or on his podcast. This clip from Van Jones (someone I usually disagree with but often respect for his willingness to engage other voices), shows it:
Last night, in a comment section I was in, someone said, “Only people who think like him are celebrating his life and what’s happening.”
My immediate thought was this: Don’t you want people who don’t think like you to know Jesus?
Because thousands and thousands of people are flocking to God right now.
Maybe you don’t like the vehicle God used, but can you celebrate the work God is doing anyway?
Even if you don’t like Charlie, do these personal, eternal transformations count as good?
There can be no BUTS if the answer is “yes.”
If you are a Christian, there can be no answer other than “yes.”
It’s not because of Charlie, but the work of Jesus through him.
One day, all of these earthly charades will be over and we’ll stand before the one true God forever. And I really don’t care how you voted if you’re standing next to me then.
IT’S NOT ABOUT CHARLIE. IT’S ABOUT GOD.
The Pride We Carry
As I sought to hear God through the noise of the last two weeks, one thing stood out to me: Pride. On every side of every moment, I saw it seeping out of us.
I saw it from those who deemed themselves “better” and more “loving” than Charlie. I also saw it from well-meaning Christians, angry, sad, defensive, and grieving, as they pushed back on the lies and out-of-context quotes others shared on the Internet.
We were so intent on proving we were right — all of us. Our sinful, human self-righteousness was on full display (and I include myself in that.) So I would ask each of you to check that each moment. Check that against the purposes and power of God’s work and your own bias.
Last week, Megyn Kelly asked apologist Frank Turek (Charlie’s mentor who was with right next to him when he was shot) how God could let something so evil like this happen to a young father?
Frank’s answer was spot on: “If Jesus abolished all the evil in the world tomorrow, would *you* still be here?”
I wouldn’t, he said. You wouldn’t. Let’s not let our self-righteousness get in the way of His holiness, friends.
*SIDE NOTE: I’d listen to every word of Frank’s appearance on Megyn’s show (his segment starts around 53 minutes. It’s a really incredible story & sharing of the Gospel. Go ahead and skip the beginning with Steven Bannon ;)
As my pastor said yesterday, DON’T GET DISTRACTED!
It’s not about Charlie, it’s not about you, it’s not about them, it’s about Jesus!
A Call to Courage
Don’t be bullied into staying silent about what God is calling you to speak about (but do be WISE and LOVING in doing so).
Remember, there’s no convincing those determined to live by lies. We can’t worry about those voices determined to detract.
There are many more people, however, that hunger for the truth. Think of those waiting for that — it’s for them that we do this.
I just read this yesterday:
“What gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is YOU! Yes, you are our pride and joy.”
— 1 Thessalonians 2: 19-20
DO YOU SEE? What gives us hope is not a political policy (though we should work for the good of our neighbor and “welfare of the city”), but those we witness to and will stand side-by-side with in Glory.
Our earthly calling is rooted in heavenly pursuit.
» What You Believe About God Matters More Than What the World Believes About You
We must run the race we’re called to and ensure we’re continually rooted in the Word, seeking wise mentorship, enveloping that mission in prayer and constantly asking God to clarify his Truth and sanctify us each day.
I think that’s what Charlie was trying to do. And if he were not proclaiming the Gospel of Christ everywhere he went, maybe the Enemy (and I mean the real enemy, not the “Left” as someone would say) would have left him alone.
But he was too dangerous.
He was too courageous.
He was too close to convincing too many people of the Truth.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
— Genesis 50:20
What the enemy meant for evil, you turned to good, Lord!
They silenced Charlie, but that just created a megaphone for the name of Jesus to be amplified around this country and the world in a way it NEVER would have been before.
Maybe Charlie could have tempered his words or tried to be “perfect” is his delivery, but he didn’t. And for the courage and following his calling, there are new Christians across the country today.
Writer Natasha Crain captured some of my thoughts on this:
“'There were quite a few times I saw videos of him throughout his life and thought, "Hmm...I wouldn't say it that way" or, "Someone's going to take that out of context."
But seeing and processing how many people he reached in his life and the impact he's had in his death, ***I am so humbled by his willingness to prioritize kingdom impact over a personally safe precision***.
Because, as we so poignantly were reminded this week, life is short.
If Charlie's goal was personally safe precision--one that guaranteed no perceived or actual missteps for people to catch him in--he certainly could have reached that goal.
…Instead of hundreds of events reaching tens of thousands of people, he could have done a handful of events that he carefully scripted; instead of inviting real-time dialog where he had to think and respond on his feet (risking a dreaded imprecision), he could have simply prepared carefully crafted talks.
He didn't do that and I'm so grateful.”
The Message
As I’ve attempted to discern God’s voice and my place in this conversations, a few things have emerged, which I’ll share with you here:
Do the job He’s called YOU to.
“Pay careful attention to your own work…for we are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4)
Be humble
"The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33)
Remember others are not your enemy. Only the Evil one is:
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Know what you believe and WHY you believe it.
“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3:15)
In confidence, you can be gracious and kind even when people are unkind and call you names or question your integrity.
Cover it all in prayer
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 4:6-7)
GET IN THE WORD. GET IN THE WORD. GET IN THE WORD.
“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” (Psalm 18:32)
I would also say, don’t process any of this alone. You needed a trusted, wiser (usually older) mentor in the faith who can help you. We live in a world of hot takes and “gotchas” but that’s not the wise way for the Christian.
We have a high calling and responsibility as Christians. We should take that seriously and do everything we can to do it well.
Confession
I’ve struggled mightily with those who just hate Charlie outright. I’ve struggled with the Christians who appear to see ZERO evidence of good and this is a perspective I cannot understand.
Watching God’s name lifted high in worship yesterday and so many share the Gospel at the memorial service, I wonder how anyone could oppose it. (Note: I personally did not appreciate those who went decidedly political, including the President, at the service.)
But, my job is to do adhere to my calling.
To love.
To pray for my “enemies.”
To do the work and watch the Holy Spirit do His job.
Endless back and forths in comment sections or on socials aren’t it for me.
As my mentor pointed out to me, Jesus didn’t run after people to argue with them or force anyone to believe Him. Where he went, they were drawn.
I would never compare myself to Jesus, but the sentiment remains: People are drawn to the light.
Right now, a whole bunch of people are experiencing that. They are done with the darkness and through the sin and salvation of one man’s witness, they have seen the Lord.
However God draws people to himself is up to him.
All I know is this: I see God is moving!
Did you feel the mountains tremble?
Did you hear the oceans roar?
When the people rose to sing of
Jesus Christ the risen one
Did you feel the people tremble?
Did you hear the singers roar?
When the lost began to sing of
Jesus Christ the saving one
And we can see that God you're moving
A mighty river through the nations
When young and old return to Jesus
Fling wide your heavenly gates
Prepare the way of the risen Lord
Open up the doors and let the music play
Let the streets resound with singing
Songs that bring your hope
Songs that bring your joy
Dancers who dance upon injustice
Did you feel the darkness tremble
When all the saints join in one song
And all the streams flow as one river
To wash away our brokeness
I’ve been a committed Christian a long time, but this death has affected me more deeply than I could have expected. I’m not alone.
Spiritual warfare was unleashed the moment the shooter pulled the trigger — but we know whose going to win this battle of the souls.
A sampling of comments from just one social media post last week:
"Broke out my Bible I haven't touched in 14 years..."
"My husband’ got saved today.'
"I have started praying again and reading my Bible and I went to church for the first time in months."
"Attended church for the first time in over 25 years."
"My church had twice as many people today. Coincidence? I don’t think so."
"Today was the first day I attended church in over a year and witnessed 17 believers get baptized."
"I am an atheist and Today I went to church for the first time in 12 years."
"I attended church for me today. It has been 30 years."
Revival is happening.
Jubilee is coming.
Young and old will turn to Jesus.
And they are!
“The blood of the martyrs has always watered the seed of the church,” I heard a pastor say this weekend. “Jesus is restoring all things to himself.”
I once did the Experiencing God study and the main premise has never left me:
Don’t ask God what you can do…look around at see what He’s already doing and join Him.
That’s my final call and encouragement to you today.
Seek truth in love and follow Jesus wherever He leads you. You cannot go wrong if you do.
Posts of Interest:
Worth Your Time is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber ❤️
REMINDER: Freely Sober Facebook Community
I've started a private Facebook group for folks on this email list who are seeking support or community around some of these issues. I'd love to hear you FOMO moments in that community! You can “request to join” here. Feel free to invite and share with friends you think would benefit.
SPEAKING
I am actively seeking speaking opportunities at churches, conferences and other events for the rest of 2025 and all of 2026 (or hey, 2027 if you're really planning ahead!)
I'm able to speak about a variety of topics from a faith-based perspective, including:
Alcohol/addiction/dependence
Christian parenting
Pro-life topics/IVF/surrogacy
Navigating culture as a Christian
Women & the church
If you or someone you know are interested, please email me for more info! (ericka.andersen@gmail.com)
Worth Your Time is a reader-supported publication. Please subscribe & keep coming back ❤️❤️❤️
The best way to support this newsletter is to buy a copy of my books, share, and leave a review on Amazon + Goodreads. I appreciate every single purchase + review!
Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith (order now!)
Reason to Return: Why Women Need the Church & the Church Needs Women
Leaving Cloud 9: The True Story of a Life Resurrected From the Ashes of Poverty, Trauma and Mental Illness
Learn more about Ericka Andersen here.
Great word, Ericka. Thank you for this.
This is excellent! Thank you!