Continuing the Legacy of Faith and Forgiveness

Devotional

Day 1: The Power and Cost of a Biblical Worldview

Standing for a biblical worldview, especially one centered on Jesus Christ, has always come at a cost. Throughout history, those who have spoken the truth of God’s Word have faced opposition, persecution, and even martyrdom—not for their good deeds, but for the message they proclaimed. The world often seeks to silence the voice of truth, but the Word remains powerful and alive. As believers, we are called to continue speaking God’s truth with courage, knowing that persecution may come, but also that Christ Himself is with us, just as He was with Stephen and all who have gone before us. [58:30]

Acts 7:54-60 (ESV)
Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Reflection: When you face opposition for your faith, what would it look like for you to respond with both courage and grace, continuing to speak truth even when it costs you?

Day 2: God’s Design for Identity and the Value of Life

God’s Word affirms that every person is created in His image, male and female, and that each life is fearfully and wonderfully made with purpose from the womb. In a culture that confuses identity and devalues the unborn, Scripture calls us to uphold the dignity of every human being and to defend the voiceless. The value God places on life is not determined by culture or convenience, but by His creative intent and loving design. [01:13:02]

Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV)
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Reflection: How can you affirm the God-given identity and value of someone in your life today—especially someone who may feel unseen or devalued?

Day 3: The Call to Forgive and Bless Our Enemies

The heart of the gospel is forgiveness, even toward those who persecute or harm us. Jesus and Stephen both modeled this radical love by praying for their killers, asking God not to hold their sins against them. This is not natural, but supernatural—an invitation to participate in the mercy of God, to bless and not curse, and to trust that God’s grace can transform even the hardest heart. [01:36:44]

Matthew 5:43-45 (ESV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Reflection: Is there someone who has wronged you or your community? What would it look like to pray for them and ask God to bless them today?

Day 4: The Power of the Church’s Unity and Shared Suffering

God has designed the body of Christ to be deeply connected, sharing both joys and sorrows. When one member suffers, all suffer; when one is honored, all rejoice. In times of grief and loss, it is not only healthy but biblical to lament together, to carry one another’s burdens, and to build each other up in love. True Christian community resists the pull of isolation and independence, choosing instead to walk together in vulnerability and mutual care. [01:02:20]

1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (ESV)
But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Reflection: Who in your church family is suffering or grieving right now? How can you tangibly share in their burden or offer comfort this week?

Day 5: The Seed of Sacrifice and the Call to Bold Witness

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. When believers lay down their lives for Christ, God uses their sacrifice to bring revival and growth. The call is not just to admire their courage, but to pick up the unfinished sentence—to continue speaking the Word of God boldly, to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. The world will “bump” us, but may what spills out be the love, mercy, and truth of Christ, sowing seeds for a great harvest. [01:43:25]

John 12:24-25 (ESV)
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Reflection: What is one area where you can boldly speak or live out your faith this week, trusting that God can use your sacrifice—big or small—to bear fruit for His kingdom?

Sermon Summary

The events of this past week have left us grieving deeply, as we mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk—a man whose courageous faith and unwavering commitment to a biblical worldview made him a pillar in the body of Christ. In the shadow of his martyrdom, we are reminded of Stephen in Acts 6-8, who, like Charlie, was killed not for political reasons, but for boldly proclaiming the truth of Christ. The world has always sought to silence the voice of those who speak God’s truth, whether by stones, bullets, or words. Yet, the Word of God cannot be silenced; it continues to speak, even when its messengers are taken from us.

We are called to grieve together, to carry one another’s burdens, and to resist the temptation of radical independence that isolates us from the healing and strength found in Christian community. The biblical pattern is one of deep interdependence—when one member suffers, all suffer; when one is honored, all rejoice. In this season of loss, we must open our hearts to one another, allowing God to join us more closely as a body, nourishing and building each other up in love.

The concept of “ellipsis”—a sentence cut short, a thought unfinished—captures the moment we find ourselves in. Charlie’s life and witness were interrupted, but his faith still speaks. It is now our responsibility to finish the sentence, to continue proclaiming the biblical worldview that cost him his life. This worldview is not about politics, but about the truth of God’s design for humanity, marriage, family, and society. It is about honoring God’s image in male and female, defending the unborn, upholding the sanctity of marriage, and raising children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord.

Yet, the biblical response to persecution is not vengeance, but forgiveness. As Stephen and Jesus prayed for their killers, so must we. The gospel’s power is seen not only in courageous proclamation, but in radical grace—welcoming even the repentant persecutor into the family of God. The blood of the martyrs is seed; from their sacrifice springs revival and a harvest of souls. The question before us is whether we will allow the Spirit to fill us with boldness to speak, to forgive, and to carry the message of Christ forward, no matter the cost.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power and Cost of a Biblical Worldview Throughout history, those who have spoken with the wisdom and Spirit of Christ have faced violent opposition—not for their politics, but for their uncompromising proclamation of God’s truth. The world cannot tolerate the light of a biblical worldview, and so it seeks to silence it by any means necessary. Yet, the Word of God remains powerful, and its messengers must be prepared to pay the ultimate price for its sake. [58:30]
2. Grieving and Healing in Christian Community True Christian living is not marked by rugged independence, but by deep interdependence. When one member of the body suffers, all suffer; when one rejoices, all rejoice. In times of loss and disorientation, we are called to open our hearts, share our burdens, and allow God to knit us together in love, so that we may be nourished and built up to the fullness of Christ. [62:20]
3. Finishing the Unfinished Sentence: Our Call to Witness The martyrdom of a faithful believer leaves an “ellipsis”—a sentence unfinished, a testimony interrupted. Yet, as Abel’s faith still speaks, so does Charlie’s. We are called to pick up where he left off, courageously proclaiming the biblical worldview in our generation, knowing that the world’s hostility is ultimately directed at Christ himself. [66:11]
4. Radical Forgiveness: The Heart of the Gospel The gospel’s most profound witness is not only in truth-telling, but in forgiveness. Stephen and Jesus both prayed for their killers, and the church is called to do the same. The grace of God is so radical that even the persecutor—like Saul, who became Paul—can be transformed and welcomed into the family of God, cheered on by those he once harmed. [99:45]
5. The Blood of Martyrs as Seed for Revival History shows that persecution and martyrdom do not extinguish the church, but multiply it. The blood of the martyrs is seed, and from their sacrifice springs revival and a great harvest. The challenge is whether we will allow the Spirit to fill us with boldness, to forgive, and to continue speaking the Word, trusting that God will bring forth fruit from our faithfulness and suffering. [103:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[51:03] - Opening Prayer and Honoring Christ
[52:27] - Acts 6-7: The Martyrdom of Stephen
[54:54] - Stephen’s God-Centered Worldview
[56:31] - The World’s Response to Truth
[58:30] - Jesus, Stephen, and Charlie: Killed for Words
[59:47] - Grieving the Loss of a Pillar
[62:20] - The Biblical Pattern of Community
[64:34] - Ellipsis: The Unfinished Sentence
[66:11] - Charlie’s Faith Still Speaks
[69:41] - Responding to Cultural Issues with Scripture
[77:41] - Marriage, Family, and Biblical Roles
[92:39] - Education and Discipleship
[95:07] - Forgiveness for Persecutors
[103:25] - The Blood of Martyrs and Revival
[108:55] - Responding to the Call: Taking Up the Cross
[113:08] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 6:8–7:60 (ESV) — (Stephen’s ministry, speech, and martyrdom)

1 Corinthians 12:24–27 (ESV) — “But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

Matthew 5:43–45 (ESV) — “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

Observation Questions

According to Acts 7, what were some of the main reasons Stephen was put to death? What did he say that enraged the people? ([54:54])
In 1 Corinthians 12, what does Paul say should happen when one member of the body suffers or is honored? ([01:02:20])
How did Stephen and Jesus respond to those who were killing them? What did they pray? ([01:35:07])
What is the meaning of “ellipsis” as used in the sermon, and how does it relate to Charlie Kirk’s life and witness? ([01:04:34])

Interpretation Questions

Why does the world react so strongly—sometimes violently—against those who speak a biblical worldview, according to the sermon and Acts 7? ([58:30])
What does the sermon suggest is the biblical pattern for handling grief and loss within the church? How is this different from “radical independence”? ([01:02:20])
The sermon describes the martyr’s death as leaving an “unfinished sentence.” What responsibility does this place on the church and on us as individuals? ([01:06:11])
Why is forgiveness, even for persecutors, described as the “heart of the gospel”? How does this challenge our natural responses to injustice? ([01:39:45])

Application Questions

The sermon calls us to grieve together and carry one another’s burdens. Is there a specific way you can open your heart to someone in the church this week, especially in a season of loss or difficulty? ([01:02:20])
When you think about the “unfinished sentence” of Charlie’s life, what is one area where you feel called to “pick up the pen” and continue his witness? Is there a truth you need to speak more boldly, even if it’s costly? ([01:06:11])
The biblical worldview includes honoring God’s design for humanity, marriage, and family. Is there a specific area where you feel pressure to stay silent or compromise? What would it look like to stand firm in love and truth? ([01:09:41])
Forgiveness for persecutors is radical and countercultural. Is there someone in your life—maybe not a literal persecutor, but someone who has wronged you—whom you need to forgive? What would it look like to pray for them this week? ([01:39:45])
The sermon says, “The blood of the martyrs is seed.” How can you let the example of Charlie’s sacrifice inspire you to greater faithfulness or boldness in your own life? ([01:43:25])
The message warns against “radical independence” and calls for deep interdependence in the body of Christ. Are there ways you have been isolating yourself from community? What is one step you can take to let others in? ([01:02:20])
The call to “take up your cross” is costly. What is one comfort, habit, or fear you sense God asking you to lay down so you can follow Jesus more fully? ([01:48:55])

Sermon Clips

Love is sacrifice. Love is not love. Love is sacrifice. If it works that definition, then you're in the Bible, and that's your biblical worldview. [01:30:37] (18 seconds) #SacrificialLoveDefined

``If the Apostle Paul can be met by Christ, then any one of these persecutors can be met by Christ. That young boy. Listen to this here. Listen to Baptist Pastor Jonathan Pocluda in Waco, Texas. Some time ago, I picked up this quote, and I loved it. He said this, this pastor. The Apostle Paul entered heaven to the cheers of those that he martyred. And he finishes that, that's how the gospel works. The Apostle Paul entered heaven to the cheers of those that he martyred. That's how the gospel works. If this young man who murdered Charlie repents and asks Christ to forgive him, then Charlie Kirk will be standing and applauding when that young man walks into heaven. That's how the gospel works. That is what makes grace amazing. [01:39:31] (76 seconds) #GraceTriumphsOverHate

You have the opportunity here today. You have the opportunity, those of you listening online, to bow your knee to Christ before you put pressure on the assassin's trigger finger with your own actions. Because there's blood on your hands where you resist these things that are called the world view. You snub them, you resist them, you fight them, you get angry about them, you rage against them, you grind your teeth. How dare he say that? You're in trouble. Your soul is in trouble. And you need to come to faith and you need to come to repentance and you need to receive the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who when he hung on the cross, said these parting words, Father, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing. And in your ignorance, God is extending you forgiveness. You should take it with both hands because your hands are free and his were nailed. Take his forgiveness today. [01:41:22] (68 seconds) #ReceiveForgivenessFreely

Could the blood of Charlie Kirk that was spilled be the seed of revival in the earth today? Not only in America, but in the world. I believe it can be. Kirk. Kirk. I'm Scottish. I was born there. Kirk. Kirk is the Scottish word for church. Is this the prophetic seed of the awakening of Christ's church? Jesus said, unless the seed falls to the ground, it abides alone. But if it dies in the ground, it bears much fruit. [01:43:25] (34 seconds) #SeedOfRevival

Are we in the days ahead, going to dial ourselves away and be numbed again in the rank and file of social media and news and propaganda? Or are we going to stay sensitive to the Spirit, held in the Word of God, drenched by the Word of God, filled by the Word of God, renewed in our minds as a key to transformation by the Word of God? Are we going to hold it there? I believe we can. And we can enter the harvest that God has for us, because He says, lift up your eyes. The harvest is plentiful. [01:43:59] (35 seconds) #SpiritFilledHarvest

Will you continue to speak? Not for Charlie. Will you continue to speak for the Lord? Because when His voice was taken, the breath of heaven entered the church and it filled them and flooded them with boldness to speak the Word of God. [01:44:57] (22 seconds) #SpeakBoldlyForChrist

Throughout the book of Acts, friends, please hear me. Throughout the book of Acts, the persecution never came because they did good works, because they fed the widows, because they cared for the poor. Those are very important things. They're part of our Christianity. They are very important. The persecution, Jesus said, will come because of the Word. [01:45:18] (20 seconds) #PersecutionForTheWord

From our church, from our church, from the great church of Jesus Christ, there is a cry of mercy. There is a cry of love. And there is a cry that says, Father, forgive them for this sin. Because they don't know what they did. And there's a cry that says, God, don't hold this sin against them. Truly, friends, what David writes and said, oh, what would a man do if God should hold his sin against him? But there is forgiveness with you that you may be feared. [01:46:25] (30 seconds) #CryForMercyAndForgiveness

But in their ignorance, they've taken seed and they've pushed it into the soil of this great nation, the United States of America. And others are carrying this voice and pushing it into the seeds of their nation. And mark my words, friends, mark my words, you will see the emergence of a harvest like you have never seen, that God will break out upon this nation and there will be revival that comes to the church and people will not be watching their watches while they're waiting for the service to end because he is world without end. That is our God. And he is the one that we adore and we can adore him day and night and ceaselessly, as the scripture says, pray without ceasing. [01:47:18] (48 seconds) #HarvestOfRevivalAwaits

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the biblical view on martyrdom and sacrifice?

How does the sermon define the purpose of Christian speech?

What role does forgiveness play in responding to persecution?