10/8/2025

Have we reached a turning point?

• Jeff Anderson Verbal Sunshine Devotions
• Oct 3, 2025

• Will we witness a spiritual turning point emerging from Charlie Kirk’s memorial service? More than a farewell to a young leader, the six-hour celebration of life illuminated the vital heartbeat of a growing biblical worldview movement. 

The sheer scale of the worldwide broadcast audience reminded us the Gospel can gather multitudes. Attended by United States’ president, vice president, cabinet leaders plus famous and ordinary alike. Kirk was eulogized while the name of Jesus was unashamedly lifted up

“Charlie Kirk made it cool to be Christian again.” 

While high-profile leaders paid tribute — the heart of the gathering stayed rooted in the gospel: salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

We witnessed forgiveness in the face of darkness… in perhaps, the events most memorable moment, Charlie’s widow Erika Kirk, in an act of spirit-filled forgiveness, shattered the assassin’s power of hate. Her words of forgiveness were supernatural — a living demonstration of the gospel’s power to transform anguish into a testimony of Christ’s victory. Just as Jesus taught: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” Luke 22:34.

Erika Kirk modeled biblical peacemaking for a nation that could easily be in turmoil. In that moment, Jesus was glorified — not because her grief was erased, but because his Spirit empowered her to do what human strength alone could never do.

Together, we witnessed a memorial service pointing towards widespread spiritual awakening. Thereafter, churches across the nation reported waves of professions of faith, with one New York congregation alone recording over 600 decisions for Christ in a single Sunday. Many churches reported surges in attendance and new spiritual hunger, especially among the younger generation that Kirk had so passionately influenced. One pastor called the response “a 9/11 type impact.”

The service resonated a biblical worldview shaped by a life lived with Christ-like courage, biblical clarity and gospel-centered hope. The movement Kirk represented and the crowd it drew echoed the timeless truth that the kingdom of God advances through hearts changed by grace, not through human schemes or power.

Vice President JD Vance spoke with boldness, confessing that since Charlie Kirk’s passing, he’s spoken of Jesus more openly, more insistently than ever before. In his grief, he realized that Jesus’ story is not only real — it is the only story that makes sense of our brokenness. The tragedy of the Cross and miracle of the Empty Tomb are the heartbeat of reality itself. Pointing us towards: “God so loved the world that he gave his only son,” John 3:16.

Three applications for living our best life now:

• Forgiveness glorifies Jesus. Like Erika Kirk, we may face wounds that feel impossible to forgive. Yet when we extend mercy, Christ is magnified and the Gospel becomes visible. Who do you need to forgive today?

• Speak his name boldly. Vance reminded us that grief sharpened his courage to testify. How often do we shrink back when we should step forward? Ask God for boldness to speak Jesus’ name in your daily conversations.

• Remember the eternal story. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s message was succinct: Jesus’ story is real, today and forever. Don’t get lost in the temporary headlines of this world. Fix your eyes on the one who conquered death.

Charlie Kirk’s memorial reminded us of something the early church knew well: “The blood of martyrs becomes the seed of revival.” The testimonies offered were more than eulogies — they pointed us towards Jesus and his love being the turning point for spiritual reawakening in America.

Prayer: May we forgive as boldly as Erica Kirk and live ready to proclaim Jesus confidently wherever we are. Amen.

Article/Kerrville Daily Times/October 4/5 Weekend Edition

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As we go forward:

“Though you may stumble, you shall not fall headlong for the Lord holds you fast by your hand” 

Psalm 37:24, which emphasizes that God provides support and guidance in times of trouble. I trust in the truth of those words,

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