My friend, Kevin Carson, posted this on his blog on Monday morning. (KevinCarson.com)
Followers of Christ often face trials that seem to hinder the cause of Christ. Yet the Bible teaches that God can use every circumstance to proclaim His message. Consider these incredible words of the Apostle Paul as he describes how this took place in his life:
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it is evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. (Phil 1:12-18)
Paul wrote these verses from a Roman prison. His imprisonment did not silence the gospel. Instead, it emboldened others to speak boldly. Even those who preached from wrong motives advanced Christ’s name. Yet, Paul rejoiced because the message spread, regardless of human failings, poor motives, and horrible circumstances.
This truth echoes in our time. Last Sunday, September 21, 2025, tens of thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for a public memorial to honor Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk, a very public Christian and a controversial conservative with a bold voice, fell to an assassin’s bullet on September 10th while speaking at a university event in Utah. The live memorial service broadcast reached millions and millions (some estimates up to 200 million worldwide), and now clips circulate widely on social media platforms.
What the enemy intended for evil – an assassination silencing a Christian – has become a megaphone for the gospel. Attendees heard hymns, prayers, and tributes that exalted Christ as the source of hope amid grief. Kirk’s widow, Erika, spoke forgiveness, even forgiving the assassin in her remarks. Speaker after speaker proclaimed the Gospel, while the event in total radiated with worship and evangelism. Social media posts during and immediately following the event suggest the service drew young and old hearts alike toward faith. These viral moments do not merely mourn; they proclaim salvation in Jesus Christ. In many ways, the event was demonstrating 1 Peter 3:15 in action.
Paul’s chains furthered the gospel. So does this tragedy. Wicked motives cannot stop God’s Word. As clips spread online, lives will continue to encounter the Savior who conquered death.
Brothers and sisters, today, rejoice with Paul and rejoice in this memorial service. As a Christian, none of us have to agree with Charlie Kirk as a person, his tactics online, or his conservative message. Yet, every one of us should rejoice in what happened in this memorial service. And respond in prayer: Ask the Lord to ignite faith through these broadcasts and clips. Pray that viewers – moved by Charlie Kirk’s legacy – repent, believe, and find eternal life in Christ alone. The gospel advances.
Further, will you join the chorus of bold proclamation this week?
My response was sent to Dr. Carson early Monday morning.
Read your piece on the memorial first thing today. You beat me to it. I did not see the opening by his pastor, but Pam filled me in. For as evil and cunning as Satan is, how many times has he made the same mistake?
Assassinating of folks like Peter, Paul, Wycliffe**, Latimer, and Ridley (The Oxford Martyrs were killed on 16 October 1555) produce, as the latter observed: “We shall light a candle (fire) by God’s grace in England, as I trust shall never be put out:” So Charle, in America.
[**If my memory is correct, his remains were exhumed in 1428 and burned because he advocated and provided the English world with the Bible in their language and proclaiming the Gospel with clarity.]
Kevin responded, Amen!