09/12/2025
A message from Pastor Mark:
The Martyr
The first recorded martyr after Christ’ ascension came as a result of preaching the Word of God. It was a message of love, given with great conviction, it was the truth about the life giving message of redemption, that was planned, provided, and pulled off by Jesus Christ through his own sacrifice and resurrection.
When I heard of Charlie Kirk’s killing, I gasped with the turmoil of unbelief and belief that this could happen. While the air was returning to my lungs, these words came to my mind and heart, found in Acts 7:54 “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.” This verse reveals something about the nature of the sinner. Proud in stance, and poisoned by power and position, the Jewish leaders either had to kill him to shut him up, or wholly admit belief in what he had to say. It is a reminder that there is no time like now to pray for our world! The story does not end with the death of Stephen. Saul, who was the young man that held the coats of those who stoned him, was not very many steps down the road to Damascus doing his murderous deeds before Jesus ‘lit’ his way and Saul was humbled and became, through his faith in Christ, the greatest of apostles!
Let this be a reminder that there’s always great hope that God can and will do a mighty work through the tragic death of this dear faithful brother Charlie Kirk, who, with eternity’s values in view, has given his life, for Jesus sake. Yes, Charlie and Stephen have something in common and now, along with many other martyrs, unseen and unheard, resting in the arms of their master and Lord. Just like Stephen, his voice has become louder and clearer than ever. Sadly profound are the words of Tertullian "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church."
My friends, it is for the Christian to "Receive not the grace of God in vain.” 2 Cor 6:1, 2b "Now is the accepted time."
Pastor Mark Adolphsen