Thankfulness and Discernment

My take on Charlie Kirk and his influence has been overwhelmingly positive. I understand him as a Christian worldview martyr. He took a bullet because he believed, taught, and defended scriptural teaching. Yes, he did blend Christianity with MAGAism, but in doing this he did not compromise the gospel. Charlie consistently confessed in salvation through Christ alone. He defended other ideas, but these other ideas did not invalidate his strong Christian confession. I see God’s special providence of kindness through how Kirk’s death has reverberated in the United States. His memorial service was unprecedented in how explicitly Christian it was. Imagine if former VP Kamala Harris had won—pronouns, pro-abortionism, and wokeism would be shining bright. Instead, we had several noteworthy politicians preaching Christ. Thank you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

With that said, I also have come to the realization that we need discernment. When widespread revival broke out in pre-colonial America during the 1730s & 1740s, great theological confusion sprung up as well. For example, one “preacher” by the name of James Davenport received “revelation” from God that he needed to have a bonfire to burn all the idolatry in a specific city. What followed was the burning of books and expensive apparel, with Davenport himself throwing his pants into the fire. My worry today is that similar “prophets” like Davenport may arise, troubling the spread of the gospel. The prosperity gospel is, unfortunately, alive and well, and this false doctrine influences MAGAism. Look no further than Trump’s faith adviser, Paula White-Cane, a millionaire televangelist who teaches harmful doctrine. Her theological voice ought to be avoided. Other prosperity “preachers” also float in the MAGA orbit.

My point is this: God is clearly at work in our world. Be thankful and stay vigilant. We know that Christ wins. Until that victory fully happens, the enemy will stay active to harm Christ’s bride. Continue to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). 

Pastor Chance Sumner