Kirk

Church

What does the word “church” mean? This word that we use today to refer to the buildings that Christians meet in or for the Christian gathering itself comes from the Scottish or Old English word “kirk” which is derived from a Greek term meaning “the house/ residence belonging to the Lord.” The only times this Greek term is used in the New Testament is in reference to the Lord’s supper (1 Corinthians 11:20) and the Lord’s day (Revelation 1:10), interestingly enough neither of these are referring to a place or a meeting.

Of course, I began thinking about the term as I have been processing the violence happening in our country. I am writing this piece on Thursday, September 11, 2025. On the twenty fourth anniversary of the horrific attacks made on our country yet mourning the evil taking place right now in our land. Yesterday afternoon I was reengaging with some news after being disconnected for a couple of days and really just learning the details of the murder of the Ukrainian woman, Iryna Zarutska who was brutally stabbed in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was appalling to think about how callous and cold blood this murder was.

However, as I was considering this atrocity on Facebook and X, the news broke about the assasination of Charlie Kirk. I watched the video! It seemed surreal and it still does that a person on a college campus just talking with people about ideas would be murdered. I have not been an avid follower of Charlie Kirk. I have listened to many clips of exchanges he has had with opponents over the years and I watched much of his coverage of the 2024 election night. I knew that he was an outspoken Christian and conservative political activist. 

But this is different than even the President being shot at last year or other politicians being under attack because even as those acts of violence are just as wrong, the twisted logic of the assailants is obviously to keep them from those positions of power and influence. But Charlie Kirk wasn’t a politician or a candidate. He was well spoken, articulate Christian with the character, courage, and commitment to communicate his ideas passionately and persuasively.

This is not ok. The slaying of an innocent young woman named Iryna Zarutska on a subway is not ok. The deliberate murder of a young man named Charlie Kirk, who simply argued for his values and work to advance the truth, is not ok. 

So what should we as Christians do about it?

Pray

But what should we pray for? First, it is right and righteous to pray for the just judge of all the world to bring about justice. It is ok for you to agree with David in Psalm 11 and ask for what he asks for.
    11:1 In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul,
“Flee like a bird to your mountain,
2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
3 if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven;his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.
5 The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
6 Let him rain coals on the wicked;fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the Lord is righteous;he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.

Notice the underlined portions of the texts above. When the wicked are set on the destruction of God’s people we can call on God not only for vengeance but also for judgement and justice. Notice especially verse 6, this is what is called an imprecatory prayer. David is calling on God to punish the wicked for their wicked deeds.

We should also be praying for mercy and blessing for those harmed and victimized. We must pray for Erika Kirk and her children who have lost a husband and father. We should also seek God for extended family and true friends and those who knew and loved this brother in Christ.

Also we should be urged to pray for awakening in our country. By awakening I am referring to the true and rapid conversion of multitudes to Christ. The problem in our culture is that it is full of believers, who believe lies about their bodies, their autonomy, their identity and their souls. We must pray that the Lord would open their hearts, give sight to their eyes, and give them faith to repent of believing these lies and to trust in the truth of Jesus.

Proclaim

But for that to happen we must tell them! We must open our mouths and tell them about the truth about Christ Jesus. That He is god in the flesh. That He lived a perfect and sinless life. That He died and paid the full penalty for sin for everyone who believes in Him! And that He rose from the grave to give life to all believers. We must tell people this is good news! We must tell them that Jesus is the King and call them all to trust Him, submit to Him, and obey Him!

Praise God Charlie Kirk is with the Lord! But remember that the word “kirk” means “belongs to the Lord”. This is the Lord Jesus’ world! It’s His kingdom! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:30-31)!

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