I must admit I was one of the few who never really paid much attention to Charlie Kirk. Reflecting on why I didn’t do that, my impression was he was controversial and I had other sound reformed bloggers and old style Bible teachers I had enough to focus on. Listening now in the aftermath of his terrible assignation, both to what he said and did from the perspective of the people who knew him I’m quite impressed.
The Memorial Service for him this past Sunday, when I first heard of it gave me a concern as to why the Lord’s day was picked. But now I realize that was perfect. Why not pick a day when millions of people pack stadiums and watch Cable TV “worshipping” Football, and instead pack a stadium with upwards to 100,000 people, not to worship Charlie Kirk, and not just remembering him, but to be uplifting and honoring to God and Christ.
Here’s a link to a few examples of how the Gospel Message was proclaimed to an amazing number of people.
You can choose to watch the clips in the actual podcast video that Ray (he’s not one of the big name people doing this) does as it contains all the clips with a few of his comments.
IMHO Rubio’s short speech was the best. All are at varying levels of faith and some may question them or even be offended. But at least the name of Christ was proclaimed.
(BTW, I’ve noticed that Glenn Beck was not officially a speaker at the Memorial. I actually am encouraged by that as Beck is an integral part of the Mormon Church. He has spoken much about Kirk and even proclaims a “Jesus” message and talks about the “Scriptures”. If you study the history and teachings of the Mormon Church you will understand how much what he says varies from solid Biblical Truth and a true Credible Professional of Faith.)
(BTW2, another caution is that even our VP J. D. Vance has his own credibility issues. His wife has a Hindu background and he converted to the Roman Catholic Church not that long ago. I urge you to study the history of the Roman Church and the contrast to Reformed Protestantism. I put one of many links below. I’ve been keeping a running summary of articles on the subject here. The Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones sermon at the top of that post is a good start, from the perspective of 60 years ago.)
Where this goes from here is like all things is in God’s hands.
If you are seeing and hearing these things for the first time I encourage you to begin studying the truth of God’s word. Here’s a link to a good series just beginning to explain this journey.
Some will not like the message. We have friends who are not at all open, they are in the mindset that anything associated with “Trump” can only be evil. I was glad when our good friends shared that their daughter and son-in-law, one young couple in their late 30’s early 40’s did follow Charlie Kirks messages. Whatever one’s political bent is let’s be open to dialogue, even debate but most of all….Perhaps more will be open to actual Bible message…and the call of God.
Jhn 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Jhn 6:36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
Jhn 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Jhn 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Jhn 6:39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Jhn 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Jhn 6:41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
John 6:43-48 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life.
My takeaway is speak the truth and let’s do it in love.
The Gospel of John tells us much about that:
Jhn 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jhn 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Paul, who once persecuted Christians even to their death, wrote in this way:
Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Read and Study the Bible on your own, even the OT. Luke closed out his Gospel book with these words of Jesus, and note Jesus said this twice after his resurrection, but also when taught them as disciples.
Luke 24:25-27 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luke 24:44-48 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
I’m not a prophet. But my wife and I have been praying that Trump and members of the government past and present come to a recognition of a saving faith. And that they show signs of that by being able to make a credible profession of faith. In words and in their lives. Perhaps some of this is happening.
Recent surveys have shown that of American adults only 4% have a Biblical Worldview. One does not have to understand all the Bible’s doctrines(teachings) and truths to be a Christian. Just hear and respond to the basic message. Come to Christ. The Christ of the Bible though. Just be aware that it is a narrow way.
Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Paul wrote a good summary of the Gospel in his letter to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
BTW….my wife and I in light of listening to this thought it might be a good idea to study what Paul wrote about being in the world…we decided to listen ahead to Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones’ sermons of the battle before us. (I’m still working though all his 237 sermons on Ephesians, also for full context). But you can find the ending…here, click the link….this alone will keep one busy for most of the next year. And notice this was preached almost exactly 65 years ago. Enjoy!
SERMON #4183
Introduction
A Sermon on Ephesians 6:10
Originally preached Oct. 2, 1960
SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 6:10 KJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
SERMON DESCRIPTION
Readers of Paul will soon recognize that he is a skilled and deliberate letter writer. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10 titled “Introduction,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones comes to the final section of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and reminds the listener that his final point is no mere afterthought. This passage is crucial for understanding the Christian life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones masterfully surveys the message of Ephesians and makes thematic connections between what Paul has said previously and what he writes in this passage. While the apostle Paul has been reminding Christians who they are and how they have come to this point, it is vital for them to know the nature of their opposition. Since the devil is a real and powerful enemy, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shares that any doctrine of sanctification that does not take a stand against him into account will fall short of biblical teaching. Moreover, any teaching about the Christian life that depicts it as sentimental and not as a battle not only misrepresents the Christian message, but often is a sign of a cult. There is a struggle that wages against the Christian and they must be ready and willing to fight this glorious battle. Listen to Dr. Lloyd-Jones as he encourages all to fight the war of the Christian life.
Rainbow Trout 
There is some interesting diversity in those working in Jesus’ name…..
Mrk 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
Mrk 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
Mrk 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part.
Mrk 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Mark 9:39
But Jesus said, forbid him not,…. Neither him, nor any other they should hereafter meet with, who might be casting out devils in his name, giving this as a reason for it;
for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name; or “miracles”, as the Syriac version, as to cast out devils, or heal any sickness and disease,
that can lightly speak evil of me: such a man can never reproach and blaspheme that name, which he makes use of in doing, and by which he does wonderful works; no man can call Jesus accursed, who casts out devils in his name; see 1Co 12:3, if he has spoken evil of him before, he cannot do it “again”, as the Persic version renders it, with any face; or he cannot do it “quickly, immediately”, as the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions interpret it: there must be some time before such an one apostatizes, if he ever does; he cannot very easily and readily go into a way of blaspheming that name, by which he does his mighty works: his conscience will not admit of it; and besides, it would be contrary to his interest; it must sink his credit, and he lose the esteem and applause of men, he had gained by his miracles; for to dishonour that name, would be to reproach himself.
Paul, who himself persecuted those who proclaimed Christ. Wrote these words.
1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1Co 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
1Co 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Old Joh Gill’s commentary is useful:
1 Corinthians 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand,…. Or “I make known unto you”; what I am about to say are certain truths, and to be depended on,
that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed; or “anathema”, as did the unconverted Gentiles, who knew nothing of Jesus but by report; which report they had from the Jews, his enemies; and by that report he appeared to them to be a very wicked and detestable person, who was put to death by the means of his own countrymen, was hanged upon a tree, and so to be counted and called accursed: the apostle seems to have reference to the sense these Corinthians had of Jesus, and what they called him before their conversion; whence it appeared that they spoke not by, nor were they possessed of the Spirit of God then, and therefore their having of him now was an instance of pure grace; or else respect is had to the Jews, who not only, whilst Jesus was living, blasphemed him, but continued to call him accursed after his death, whilst they were in their own land; and after the destruction of their city and temple, they continued, as Justin Martyr observes (a) to Trypho the Jew, to “curse” Christ, and them that believed in him; and to this day privately call him by such names as will hardly bear to be mentioned, were it not for the explanation of such a passage: thus they (b) call him ישו־עות, “Jesus the perverse”, or he that perverteth the law of God; and “Jesu”, the name they commonly give him, they say is the abbreviation of ימח שמו וזכרו, “let his name and memory be blotted out”; and which they sometimes explain by שקר ותועבה “Jesu is a lie, and an abomination: they call him a strange God, and vanity” (c), and often by the name of תלוי (d), “one that was hanged”, and so with them accursed; and which seems to be the name the Jews, in the apostle’s time, gave him, and to which he here refers. Now, as in the former verse he may have regard to the Gentiles, so in this to the Jews in this church, who, before conversion, had so called Christ, when it was plain they had not the Spirit of God then, or they could not have so called him; and therefore if they were partakers of him now, they ought to admire divine grace, and not glory in themselves, and over others. Dr. Lightfoot thinks, that Jewish exorcists who strolled about, and pretended to do miracles by the Holy Ghost, and yet called Jesus “anathema”, are meant, of whom the Corinthians might assure themselves that they did not speak, nor act, nor were acted by the Spirit of God. The words may be applied to all such as detest and deny the doctrines of Christ, respecting his person and office; as that he is come in the flesh, is the true Messiah, the Son of God, truly and properly God; that his death is a proper sacrifice, and full satisfaction for sin; and that justification is by his imputed righteousness: without any breach of charity it may be said, such persons do in effect call Jesus accursed, nullifying his person, sufferings, and death, as to the dignity and efficacy of them; and cannot be thought to have, and speak by, the Spirit of God, who if they had him, would teach them otherwise. Moreover, as the word “anathema” here used answers to חרם, “Cherem”, a form of excommunication among the Jews; it may be truly said that such call Jesus accursed, or “anathema”, who, if I may be allowed the expression, excommunicate him out of their sermons and faith; these crucify him afresh, trample him under foot, count his blood as a common thing, and do malice to his Spirit; and therefore cannot be thought to have him, and speak by him.
And that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost; or Jehovah; which, with the Jews, was a name ineffable, to which the apostle might have respect. Christ is Lord of all, of angels, good and bad; of men, righteous and wicked; of the chief among men, the kings, princes, and lords of the earth; as he is God by right of nature, and as Creator of them by virtue of that; and because of his providential power and influence in the government of the universe; he is Lord of his church and people, by the Father’s gift of them to him; by his espousal of them to himself; by the purchase of his blood; and by the conquests of his grace; and as appears by the various relations he stands in to them, as father, husband, head, King, and master. Now, though a man may historically say all this, as the devils may, and hypocritically, as formal professors and foolish virgins do now, and will at the last day; and as all men then will by force, whether they will or not, confess that Jesus is Lord, who have not the Spirit of God; yet no man can call him his Lord, can appropriate him to himself truly and really, as his Lord, Saviour, and Redeemer, as David, Thomas, the Apostle Paul, and others have done; but by the Spirit; since such an appropriation includes spiritual knowledge of Christ, strong affection to him; faith of interest in him, an hearty profession of him, and sincere subjection to him; all which cannot be without the Spirit of God: for he is the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; and true love to Christ is a genuine fruit of his; faith in Christ, is entirely of his operation; and a subjection to the righteousness of Christ, and to his ordinances, is through the influence of his grace; and it is owing to his witnessings that any can truly, and in faith, claim their interest in him. Upon the whole, the apostle’s sense is, let a man pretend to what he will, if he does not love Jesus Christ, and believe in him, he is destitute of his Spirit; and whoever loves Christ, and believes in him, and can call him his Lord in faith and fear, however mean otherwise his gifts may be, he is a partaker of the Spirit of God.
(a) Dialog. cum Tryph. p. 335. (b) Buxtorf. Abbrev. p. 10. (c) Buxtorf. Abbrev. p. 101, 102, 103. (d) Ib. Lex. Talmud. col. 2596.
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Interesting comment I read later this morning….
https://christianresearchnetwork.org/2025/09/23/thoughts-on-charlie-kirks-memorial-service-and-the-state-of-the-american-church/#more-125931
Makes me want even more to go into the meat of the Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones Ephesian 6 sermons…
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
This will be interesting to see work itself out over time…
Jhn 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Jhn 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Jhn 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
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