Hey friends. The dictionary defines a martyr like this:

“to put to death for adhering to a belief, faith, or ideology.”

Charlie Kirk was assassinated this past week and is a modern-day martyr.

I heard him preach that Jesus Christ died for the sins of any who would believe in his name. I heard him preach to crowds small and large that Jesus rose from the dead. I heard him profess again and again his personal belief that Jesus’ substitutionary death for his own sins was where he put his trust.

As a Christian, this is the scriptural mark of a believer. To argue about whether he is a “true Christian” on social media doesn’t just deny the power of the cross; but the Bible is clear that it is not anyone’s place but Jesus the Supreme Judge.

Many believers did not agree with Mr. Kirk’s other ideologies or his approach, and I think there is room for that in Christendom. But let the Church of Jesus Christ mourn the loss of a true missionary that looked for every opportunity to share the Gospel. Let us be known for our love rather than devouring our own. “By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

For the sake of Christ, let us—the Bride of Christ—respond well to this tragedy. Let us join in prayer for his family. Let us be the first to believe the best about others’ intentions and the last to demonize others who just need Jesus.

On a personal note, I was so rocked by this tragedy over the past week. It was also truly the worst timing for our family. I wanted to be fully present and engaged with my family as we celebrated the marriage of my amazing daughter. I’ve seen some posts that say things like, “If your pastor didn’t talk about this—leave that church immediately!” Ugh. On one hand I get sentiment; on the other it makes me cringe. It sure doesn’t leave much room for grace. It seems more like the very divisive rhetoric many are condemning.

Now don’t get me wrong; I still believe God has called me to preach on the ISSUES of the day straight out of His infallible Word. But I am convinced that pastors are called to preach doctrine and not politics. Doctrine should absolutely inform each believer’s politics; but i will not proclaim a particular party or candidate as the “Christian way.”

I believe in fostering a church where opposing views are allowed in the political realm and even in doctrines that are more “open-handed.” We as pastors are called to “preach Christ crucified” first and foremost. And again, on the sensitive issues we are all facing today, I promise to boldly and graciously preach truth.

I wrestled my own thoughts all week and weekend of whether I should post something like this. But I did not want any part of my attention (or even my social media) to put a damper on the new family Kash and Madilyn consecrated on Saturday.

If you were disappointed with me, please give me grace.

If you’re disappointed with my words in this post, please give grace.

Let us be a grace-filled people with grace-filled responses to this and to whatever may come in the future. The Enemy of our souls wants to divide and conquer. We must never allow him to.

-Pastor Kevin Pitts