In a powerful reflection on tragedy and faith, Pastor Rich Bitterman confronts the harsh realities of a world increasingly hostile to the gospel message. The sudden and violent death of Charlie Kirk, a Christian apologist, during a public event serves as the catalyst for Bitterman’s urgent call to recognize the stakes of standing firm in faith. “The bullet tore the air in half,” he writes, emphasizing the jarring shift from discussion to despair, from engagement to violence.
Bitterman grapples with feelings of anger and grief as he prepares for prayer, admitting, “I didn’t feel like praying. Not tonight.” This candid admission highlights the struggle between faith and the weight of sorrow when confronted with the stark reality of death. The pastor’s inner turmoil resonates deeply; it reflects a common human reaction to suffering and loss, especially when it involves a cherished believer.
The context of Charlie Kirk’s death isn’t just a personal loss; it symbolizes a broader assault on the very foundations of faith and freedom. Bitterman starkly notes that “hatred in this country isn’t simmering anymore. It is boiling.” The intensification of societal discord, illustrated by turmoil overseas and violence at home, paints a grim backdrop for believers grappling with their commitment to the gospel. The pastor raises an essential question: How do Christians respond in the face of such adversity? What is worth fighting for amidst rising danger?
Throughout his reflection, Bitterman honors Kirk as a man unashamed of his faith, showcasing the kind of boldness many find daunting. “He was a believer. Unashamed. Unafraid.” This portrayal serves to inspire others to reflect on their convictions and their willingness to share them publicly. The assertion that “real conversations only happen when truth is welcome at the table” calls believers to engage with the world rather than retreat in silence.
The pastor does not shy away from the implications of Kirk’s murder. He suggests that the violence is a strategic move by evil to instill fear, encouraging complacency and silence among believers. “The Enemy wants us afraid,” Bitterman warns, challenging the notion that faith should remain a private matter. Instead, he emphasizes a call to boldly proclaim the gospel in every arena of life, asserting that standing firm in faith not only honors those who have fallen but exemplifies the resilience of the gospel message.
Bitterman’s sermon-like tone culminates in a stirring reminder: “The cross stands tall. The tomb is still empty. And the gospel has not lost one ounce of power.” He encourages readers to resist the temptation to silence their voices or soften their message. Instead, he urges them to embrace the call to be warriors of faith, to empathize with the grieving, and to remain steadfast in their witness. “Lead them into battle,” he writes, advocating for a dynamic and vibrant practice of faith that is not stifled by fear but empowered by love and conviction.
As he recalls the biblical truth of Paul’s reassurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ, Bitterman affirms a deep confidence in the eternal promise of God amid earthly trials. “No sniper’s bullet can separate a soul from Christ,” he declares. This declaration of hope stands as a reminder that physical death does not equate to defeat. Rather, the call to live in such a way that honors Christ matters profoundly, irrespective of the cost.
The pastor’s reflection culminates in a call to courage, rooted in the profound conviction that believers are called to bear witness, regardless of the circumstances surrounding them. With a tone of urgency, he insists that every bruise and hardship is a testament to faith’s durability. Charlie Kirk’s legacy, by Bitterman’s account, is not merely of a life taken, but of a message carried forward that demands to be spoken regardless of the fear invoked by an increasingly perilous world.
Bitterman’s analysis serves as a clarion call to all who believe: to remain undeterred in the face of adversity, to recognize the gravity of the moment, and to proclaim the gospel with unwavering boldness. “So pick up your cross. Wipe your eyes. And keep going. The crown is worth it. The King is coming.” This charge, rooted deeply in faith and resilience, affirms the ultimate victory that awaits those who do not shy away from the challenge of standing firm in their faith.
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