I chose to delay commenting on recent events, recognizing that many have already offered thoughtful tributes and perspectives for our collective grief and reflection.
While reading Letter to the American Church, I learned of Charlie Kirk's assassination. The timing felt significant, as if reading these words at this moment was not coincidental. The emotions stirred within me were intensified by the events of September 10. The truths in those pages mirror the convictions that Charlie both proclaimed and embodied.
When the news broke, I was overwhelmed with sadness as I reflected on Charlie's courage, steadfast leadership, and passion for guiding generations back to faith. His bold witness to the Gospel remained vivid in my mind, imbuing the words I had just read with a sense of urgency and profound significance.
In Letter to the American Church, Eric Metaxas warns that the greatest danger confronting the church today is not external opposition, but rather internal silence and complacency.
Similar to the situation in 1930s Germany, many pastors and leaders today refrain from addressing cultural and moral issues that Scripture clearly defines: the value of life, the sanctity of marriage, the reality of truth, and the inherent worth of every person created in the image of God.
He contends that remaining silent is not a neutral stance. It constitutes complicity.
Metaxas describes the German church's response to Hitler's rise, observing that most congregations prioritized comfort over conviction. Only a few individuals, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, actively resisted evil.
"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This weekend, I began reading Metaxas' follow-up, Religionless Christianity. The title originates from a phrase Bonhoeffer used during his imprisonment by the Nazis, reflecting on the nature of authentic faith when separated from power, tradition, or cultural influence.
Bonhoeffer wrote that Christianity is not defined by institutions or outward appearances, but by genuine, lived discipleship with Christ.
In The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer frequently warned against what he termed "cheap grace." This concept suggests that one can claim Christ's forgiveness without living in obedience to Him, seeking the benefits of grace without personal cost.
Grace that is cheap manifests as contentment with ritual or a Christian label, yet it falters when sacrifice, truth-telling, or suffering for Christ is required.
In contrast, what the world needs, and what God calls His people to, is a costly faith and discipleship that fully surrenders, obeys completely, and follows Jesus regardless of the cost.
Reflecting on these truths amid fresh sorrow is almost overwhelming. I sense God stirring His church. Evil no longer hides in shadows. It is overt, demanding our attention.
Yet, even in mourning, I witness hearts awakening, faith rekindling, and hope emerging from the ashes. I praise God for the signs of revival in these challenging times.
I am convinced that we are on the threshold of a second Great Reformation, with the primary challenge being the church's internal silence rather than external opposition. Even before September 10, I sensed God's movement, but now I perceive it accelerating.
Evil will persist, and opposition may intensify, yet it cannot prevail. Christ has already secured victory at the cross, and as believers, we are assured of the ultimate outcome.
Our present calling is clear:
- Speak truth boldly, without fear of worldly opinion.
- Share the Gospel faithfully, directing others to the only hope that offers salvation.
- Invest in advancing the Kingdom of God, living with an eternal perspective.
- Shine as lights in the darkness, reflecting the love and truth of Jesus wherever He leads us (Matthew 5:14–16).
We have always been engaged in spiritual conflict. Scripture states:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness."
Ephesians 6:12
Since the beginning, the people of God have faced opposition from those who reject Him. Jesus said:
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."
John 15:18
The world opposed Him then, and it continues to oppose Him and His followers today. Yet He also promised:
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
I continue to grapple with the impact of September 10. Nevertheless, I am increasingly convinced that our greatest responsibility is to reject silence in the face of evil.
Charlie would expect nothing less than for the Gospel and truth to advance, regardless of the cost. His life and legacy now inspire this calling in all of us.
This is why I continually return to Bonhoeffer's writings and the works of Eric Metaxas. These books articulate what I believe God is stirring within His people today. They remind us that our challenges are not unprecedented and that costly faith has always characterized the way of Christ.
It is likely evident that I hold deep respect for Bonhoeffer's writings, life, and enduring legacy, all of which continue to influence me profoundly.
Before his works on the church and authentic Christianity, Eric Metaxas authored a comprehensive biography of Bonhoeffer that remains a significant resource for understanding his story.
Collectively, these books offer both historical insight and a compelling portrayal of the true cost of discipleship.
I highly recommend them to anyone seeking to know Christ more deeply through the study of one who followed Him faithfully.
Recommended Reading
- Letter to the American Church by Eric Metaxas
- Religionless Christianity by Eric Metaxas
- Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
- The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer