Why Charlie Kirk?
Have We Forgotten the Front Porch?
I think of our friends and supporters like a pastor would think of his congregation. It is for that reason that I delayed my reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirk until I prayed, and before I asked for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, could I share my thoughts about this tragic event. It is devastating and heartbreaking all at the same time. To lose a dedicated disciple-maker and valiant warrior for Jesus is most appalling, but to see and hear of misguided people mocking and rejoicing about the assassination is beyond my comprehension.
On top of the senseless recent school shootings, endless wars in the Middle East, a challenging economy, remembrance of 9/11, and the shooting of three firefighters in the Inland Northwest, many of us are coping with stress and frustration. Someone once said, “The blood of a martyr is the seedbed of the Christian movement.” Attendance this past Sunday at churches around the globe was up to levels not seen in recent history. Vigils and rallies are happening around the world, remembering and supporting the life Charlie lived. Our prayers are with his family and the cause for which he was taken from us.
His life was an obedient example of grace and forgiveness as he daily endeavored to mirror Christ’s teachings, love, and understanding to each person he met. That is the true essence of being a disciple (authentic follower) of Jesus Christ. Like Charlie and any committed believer, we will receive push-back and harsh comments from those within a broken and confused culture that is heading in the wrong direction. This battle isn’t against a cult of disgruntled or mentally ill individuals; it is, in fact, a spiritual battle of global proportions. Clearly, it is another sign that Christ’s return is nearer. A foundational verse on spiritual battles for Christians is Ephesians 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”.
For over 45 years, I have been on the frontline with all our colleagues and conservative pastors, proclaiming God’s word to the lost and helping men become stronger in their spiritual journey and better husbands and fathers. By God’s direction, men are to be the spiritual leaders at home and stand as watchmen for their families. My experience and view of the root causes associated with the spiritual battle can be traced back to several compromises and values that have taken down the traditional family. Men, we must share some of the blame as we have either directly or indirectly let the Evil One into our homes and churches. During the agrarian culture, people worked hard, didn’t have the distractions from television and social media, ate healthier, exercised, and retired in the evening, spending hours on the front porch where communications and spiritual values were discussed. Today, the average family in America, if they eat meals together at all, spends minutes, not hours, in positive interaction. Where do too many young people get their values – social media, gangs, other misguided teens, and perverted educators with agendas against the Judeo/Christian narrative of life. Where are the watchmen who help educate and direct their families to God’s word?
The following is a partial list of things Satan uses to create a culture where events like Charlie’s assassination can happen. A big challenge for each of us is, “How can we become more alert to the world around us and alert others to the threats before us?”
- In America, up to 50% of the children will go to bed tonight without a loving biological father in the home who is engaging with the mother and children.
- It takes a man to show a man how to be a man. Fathers are not fulfilling the example God provided about biblical manhood and fathering.
- The educational system is filled with teachers and professors who have distorted values, and they promote radical idealization and destruction of traditional Constitutional values.
- Encouragement of unbiblical sexual attitudes and behavior leads to distorted views of sexual identity and self-worth. Note: Several of the recent assassinations and school shootings were committed by young men trying to deal with sexual identity issues.
- Much of the media is not just reporting the news; they are deliberately trying to radicalize our culture towards a Marxist environment.
- Those opposing positions that Christians hold wish to dispose of, disconnect with, or disenfranchise us by not engaging in civil discourse on fundamental issues.
- The original feminist movement was hijacked by angry, confused, and liberal women with an agenda to “hate all men”.
- Respect for authority. Police, fire, and military have been greatly disrespected and dishonored by those individuals seeking to destroy America. Without public safety, our liberties cannot be protected.
Here are some Bible verses that can help us to deal with the evil within our culture:
- Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
- Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
- Psalms 56:3: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.”
Our ministry and personal mission are to continue “making disciples who make disciples while fighting for and promoting Biblical Manhood.” Attached is a wonderful poem by Judi Williams that helps us understand The Hole in Our Hearts. Praise God!
Love and Blessings,
Jim Grassi, D. Min. | Founder
