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Pulpit Today Sermon
Charlie Kirk — “Selah”
by Robert D Pace
Opening Remarks
I’ve entitled today’s message, “Charlie Kirk—Selah!” Each point deals with the impact this uncommon young man had on life. I’m using two passages of Scripture for today’s message text. I’ll begin with Hebrews 11:4 and then continue with Romans 14:7—8.
Hebrews 11:4 says: “By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.” [NIV]
And then Paul says this in Romans 14:7–8. “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. (8) If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” [NIV]
Perhaps some people have objected to pastors and Christian leaders across America focusing on Charlie Kirk. They feel pastors, especially, have drifted off course and exploited the Pulpit by eulogizing him. Aren’t pastors supposed to emphasize Jesus with their homilies? Yes, we are! But let’s remember what both Jesus and the Holy Spirit—the unerring Authors of Scripture—were careful to say when it came to singling out human personalities: They enthusiastically praised people whose testimonies glorified their Lord. For example:
Jesus said, “You have heard of the suffering of Job.”
Jesus repeatedly spoke of Moses and the prophets.
He reminded us of the wisdom of Solomon.
He frequently taught from the Psalms of David.
So yes, while Jesus Christ is the preeminent figure of the Bible, the church, mankind, and certainly the central figure of the Pulpit, the Holy Spirit also asks that we remember His choice servants! Thus, I want to investigate the great “Selahs” of Charlie Kirk’s life:
(Transition) The first Selah I want to mention is this: Charlie Kirk was a bold influencer for Jesus Christ.
Charlie Kirk was a Bold Influencer for Jesus Christ—Selah
Selah is a Hebrew literary device appearing throughout the book of Psalms. Theologians aren’t exactly clear on its definition, but one thought they’ve attached to it means to ‘pause and think deeply about something; it asks readers to pause and contemplate what the Scripture has just stated.’ Moreover, in light of the fateful event on September 10, 2025, I’m convinced that “Selah” is precisely what the Holy Spirit is asking of Christians regarding Charlie Kirk. Dying at the tender age of 31, Charlie lived in such a way that his testimony deserves deep and sincere contemplation.
The secular media have identified Charlie Kirk as an “influencer.” He was an influencer like few people ever become. As I’ve reflected on Charlie’s influence upon America, I have arrived at this conclusion: Other than our President, perhaps no figure on the public stage was more compelling, persuasive, and attracted larger audiences than Charlie Kirk. Is this an overstatement? Consider the following facts just prior to his assassination on September 10.
His podcast, called The Charlie Kirk Show, was downloaded between 500,000 and 750,000 times each day.
His online organization, called Turning Point USA, averaged 111,000 unique visitors monthly (2021 statistic).
Over seven million people watched him on TikTok, with some of his TikTok videos garnering fifty million views! But most remarkable about Tik Tok, is that one video surpassed the one billion mark!
Another seven million people watched him on Instagram.
Five million people read his posts on X (formerly Twitter).
And approximately 3.5 million people watched him on YouTube.
Across social media platforms, his combined audience was over 22 million people!
Yes, at 31 years of age, Charlie Kirk was a mighty influencer! He was quickly on his way to becoming a “larger than life” figure. Pastors, politicians, and newscasters have been referring to Charlie Kirk’s assassination as a “seminal moment,” a “watershed event,” a “turning point” in American history. These phrases describe times of profound importance. They’re life-altering events empowered to redirect the course of the Kingdom of God, institutions, nations, and even the world.
Some people die alone, lonely, or without making any significant contribution in life. You can walk through a cemetery and read someone’s entire life story from a sentence engraved on their tombstone. Not so with Charlie Kirk! For decades to come, the mention of his name will speak volumes.
As he told us before being assassinated, his chief ambition was to serve and stand resolute for Jesus Christ faithfully. He never bowed to political correctness, regardless of the pressure from his detractors. His boldness was such that he walked his convictions into the lion’s den on a daily basis, and he understood the dangers of proclaiming truth in the public arena, but that didn’t frighten him. He coursed through life as a giant, red bullseye. He dared to live that way even though he knew walking into the jaws of death could crush him. And they did crush him!
Do you live that way? Do you, or are you willing to journey through life with a bullseye on your back? If you were to be arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you of holding true to the testimony of Jesus?
(Example) When I was in my 20s, I was driven by a verse of Scripture written by the Apostle Paul. I was consumed with it, and it’s found in Philippians 1:20.
“According to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” [NASB]
I’ve always tried to be bold for the Lord Jesus Christ. I knew the somber reality of Christ’s words in Matthew 10:33 was true. He said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. (33) But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. [NIV]
Some people get pale-faced and nearly pass out when others question their faith in the marketplace. They start twisting in their chair when somebody offers a prayer over the food in a restaurant. Do you mind if I repeat Matthew 10:33? Jesus said: “Whoever denies Me before people, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” [NASB]
It almost goes without saying that Charlie was unashamedly bold for his Lord, too. He never backed down. He bore the reproach of Christ and spoke up for his Savior, regardless of the audience or the venue. Even his detractors knew that bullying him, threatening him, or mocking him could never silence him. They knew the only way to stop him was by assassination. And that’s what happened.
But if I could go back in time and redirect the assassin’s bullet on Utah’s campus, I would not! I’m convinced such actions would fight against Divine Providence! The Lord would have it no other way because just like the blood of ‘righteous Abel,’ in the book of Genesis, 6,000 years ago, Charlie’s testimony will speak forever. His testimony will speak louder from the grave than it did in life. In fact, I can hear Charlie’s voice echoing now. He’s still speaking and will continue to speak until Christ returns.
I wish you would pause now and contemplate the boldness of this spiritual giant. As you do, you might hear the Voice of the Holy Spirit urging you to call for boldness of a Prophet or Apostle and march your convictions into the marketplace, too. It’s the Biblical Selah that I sense the Spirit of God is asking of Christians today. Know this: your boldness for Christ comes with an eternal reward! For those who refuse to shrink back, compromise, or recant their testimony of Him before the world, Jesus promised to stand up for you before His Heavenly Father.
Consider what Jesus told the Christians living in Smyrna, in Revelation 2:10.
He said: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you LIFE as your victor’s crown.”
In Matthew 24:13, Jesus said, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Folks, the Bible has clearly described a coming day of Judgment. The angels of God have been scribing a detailed account of our lives in what the Bible calls “the Books.” One day, “the books” will be opened, and the story of our life will appear. Our thoughts, actions, and intentions will be accounted for, and there won’t be any errors! The question is: What will the account of your life disclose?
I know today’s message is grave and carries somber overtones, but it should! The eternal destiny of your soul is at stake; your eternal destiny of Heaven or Hell awaits everyone. This is why I’m calling for “Selahs” throughout this message.
(Transition) The next Selah I want you to consider about Charlie is this: Charlie’s death was his destiny.
Death was Charlie’s Destiny—Selah!
We hear much about destiny as it relates to Christians. What will we become and how will we make our mark in life? The somber realization regarding Charlie Kirk’s destiny is, his death was his destiny. His last day on Earth was a colossal exclamation point to all that he said and did. Indeed, God knows how to use wicked men to fulfill His eternal purposes. The angels of God had prepared a “martyrs crown” for Charlie from the foundation of the world. It was his destiny, and I believe his Savior bestowed that crown upon his brow the moment Charlie passed through the gates of Heaven. He lived to die in Christ. In death, he now lives forever with the gift of life itself.
Before anyone dares to pen Charlie’s epilogue as a sad tale of remorse and sorrow, let us remember the poignant words of the Second Century apologist Tertullian: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” (Taken from his work Apologeticus.) This statement describes how the martyrdom and persecution of Christians somehow lead to the growth and strengthening of the Christian Faith.
I’d like you to “Selah” this as it concerns your destiny. Don’t ever think that you have your destiny figured out. That part of life doesn’t belong to us. Yes, we are to envision and follow the course that God sets before us. Just remember this: The ‘course of life’ doesn’t belong to us, it belongs to God:
The Prophet Jeremiah said this in Jeremiah 10:23, “Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
Proverbs 19:21 says: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
(Quote) In May 2001, President George W. Bush delivered the commencement address at Yale University. His words were insightful regarding God’s governing Providence over our lives. Here’s what President Bush said: “When I left here [Yale], I didn’t have much in the way of a life plan. I knew some people who thought they did. But it turned out that we were all in for ups and downs, most of them unexpected. Life takes its own turns, makes its own demands, writes its own story. And along the way, we start to realize we are not the author.”
It is clear that Charlie’s assassination has shocked the soul of America! But it has done more than rattle the depths of our being. When Charlie’s death is combined with the two failed assassination attempts on President Trump, all within one year, it has exposed an ugly, inconvenient truth about the people who are the true threats to America’s so-called “democracy.” It’s the liberal politicians; the leftist Hollywood actors; and it’s the radical, far-left media personalities that spew hate-speech toward conservatives and America’s foundational principles.
Orem, Utah—Selah!
In recent days, I have uncovered a strange, prophetic disclosure concerning the sordid event that occurred in the city of Orem, Utah. Did you know that the Bible employs a Hebrew word for Orem? It’s related to the word Aram, which means, “to be subtle, be shrewd, be crafty, beware; to take crafty counsel.” The word is used in Psalm 83:3—4 when it says this: “They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. (4) They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!”
I find it ironic that the motto for Utah University is: “Imagine, then Do” (2x). It’s strange that this is precisely what the assassin did! According to news reports, he sat at the dinner table with his family and called out Charlie Kirk’s name. It took him four hours of travel time to reach the Utah University campus in Orem from his home. Every mile that the assassin traveled was consumed with taking “shrewd and crafty counsel” from the powers of darkness. By the time he arrived in Orem, Utah, he understood the entire demonic plot. He knew how he would conceal his rifle; he knew where to park; he understood that he needed a high vantage point to aim his shot; he had planned his escape. Yes, the motto for Utah University, situated in Orem, is: “Imagine, then Do.”
(Transition) And this leads us to another Selah of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was a marked man!
Charlie Kirk was a Marked Man—Selah!
(Illustration) For years, my dad traveled around the world doing missions work. At one point, for some reason, he was considered a security risk and was frequently detained by security officers for an intense search. He never understood why this happened. Maybe it was associated with his ministry in third world nations. Or, perhaps someone else with his first and last name was the real security threat. Anyway, my dad knew he was considered a security risk, so he was ever so careful not to let his guard down and violate even the slightest infraction of travel laws. He was a marked man even though he had never done anything suspicious!
I want you to know something. Just like my dad, Charlie Kirk was a marked man. The devil and wicked men had him marked! But don’t overlook this: You’re marked too. That’s why we must keep up our guard with the “shield of faith” raised before us. He’s waiting to take a shot at a vulnerable soul. That’s why we should heed the words of 1 Peter 5:8. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (9) Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
There are two ways that trouble comes our way. We can fall prey to Satan’s trap when we live recklessly and without discernment. Or, we can succumb to danger simply because Satan has Christians marked for his target.
Can you imagine being a target like Charlie? One moment everything is fine, and the next moment, without a rift in the road, catastrophe strikes and all is in upheaval. Don’t think this couldn’t happen to you! Satan’s strikes can be swift and devastating, leaving nothing the same! This is why we must never waver in our walk with God. Stay strong in Christ and read the Scriptures daily. Be ready to make your mark in life because you can be certain that Satan has you marked! Fortunately, the mark we bear is a giant, red mark of the Blood of Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!
(Transition) As I move toward closing this message, I want to challenge you with another Selah from Charlie’s life. This forceful, 31-year-old man had already determined what would push him forward, yet against the tide of evil. He lived to expose the works of darkness, and this is why wicked people hated and opposed him.
Charlie Lived to Expose Forces of Darkness, Selah
One of the foreboding facts that exists wherever we are and wherever we look is this: The world abounds with deception, lies, and “false flags.” They’re proclaimed in the classroom, politics, and the high courts; they’re broadcast from the Internet, radio, television, and the box office. These were the enemies that fought Charlie even unto death! Why did these institutions oppose him as they did? It’s because Charlie knew that truth did not abide in these places of the world. He didn’t just “know” this fact; he publicly exposed it. He told his audiences that “the god of this age” (Satan) had corrupted the entire world system, and all it had to offer is “fool’s gold.” But as old-fashioned as it sounds, God has placed truth within His Holy Word, and this reality is worth fighting for.
Some people go through life contemplating whether any hill is worth dying on; they wonder whether any battle is worth the fight. The daring adventure of some involves sending encouraging thoughts from their sofa. But not Charlie! He had no ordinary walk with his Savior. He was an infantryman who was fully yoked with Jesus. He had picked up his Cross to follow his Lord. Charlie took Matthew 11:29 to heart, where Jesus says: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”
Some people believe the lie that they could never live that way. They’ve convinced themselves that bearing a cross for Christ is impossible for them; they’re unable to yoke themselves with Christ because they are certain they would collapse under the load. But maybe some of you noticed that I didn’t read the full passage regarding ‘aking up your cross,’ so let me read Matthew 11:28—30 in full. Jesus said:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
I believe that every morning Charlie awoke he could hardly wait to meet the day! He arose to go “out in joy and be led forth in peace” (Isaiah 55:12) He could hardly wait to “bear the yoke” and lift high the Cross of Christ. This was the secret to his power with God and persuasion of men.
I’d like you to open your Bibles to 1 Corinthians 3:11—15.
“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. (11) For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, (13) their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. (14) If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. (15) If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”
I’d like you to consider this great “Selah” that the Apostle Paul presents in this passage: When you stand before the Judgment Seat, have you considered which of your works will be consumed by the righteous fire of God and which works will “pass through the fire” only to be refined and purified?
Which works of your life today are merely “wood, hay, and stubble”? I’m talking about things that eat away your time and resources; things that simply have no eternal value whatsoever. Which parts of your life are doomed to melt away at the fiery Judgment Seat of Christ? Every Christian needs to take the sieve of the Holy Spirit and sift the useless from the priceless. Determine which aspects of life are worthwhile. If you do this today, you’ll have no worries before the Judgment Seat of Christ when He examines your history.
(Transition) The concluding Selah regarding Charlie Kirk is this: Charlie spent his life knowing he did not belong to himself. He knew he belonged to his Creator and Lord.
The Concluding “Selah” of Charlie Kirk
In 1 Corinthians 6:19—20, Paul said this: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (20) you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Did you know that the Bible teaches this—that Christians do not own themselves? Our lives belong to our Creator. Charlie knew this. And that’s why he lived and died as he did! I implore you to consider my opening Scripture from Romans 14:7–8.
“For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. (8) If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” [NIV]
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