Revival Doesn’t Feel Like I Thought It Would

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, a lot of conversation in Christian circles has revolved around revival. People want to know if the country is having one. If not, is one coming? And if this is, in fact, a revival, why does it feel so unlike any revival we’ve seen before?

What We Think Of When We Hear Revival

When we look back in the history books or even to the last decade or so, we get a relatively defined picture of revival. Groups of people begin to flock to one place seeking God. The crowd needs to feel something, hear something, or see something that brings them closer to God. There’s often a lot of fanfare with music, dynamic speakers, and an overwhelming positivity envelops the crowd. Eventually, the crowd disperses with a renewed enthusiasm and commitment to serve God.

It’s public, gospel-centered, and unmistakable. You can’t miss it. I’m not sure, though, that this is what we’re seeing in the United States today.

This Revival Feels…Different

A lot of revivals begin with preaching that draws a crowd or a small group of people that attract others with fervent prayer and worship. Whatever it may be, the point is that revival often begins with something spiritual happening. We have a very different beginning this time around. This alleged revival began with a gunshot. While answering a questions, like he had done countless times before, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed.

We have entered a potential revival through the gates of tragedy. For the most part, Christians aren’t loudly preaching or gathering in large crowds to worship together. Instead, this feels somber and quiet. This revival is filled with introspection and, perhaps, shame. Many of us are looking at Kirk’s bravery and unwavering commitment to stand by his beliefs and wondering, “Is that the kind of Christian I am?” His death has sparked something inside of us, and although it isn’t largely on display, it’s simmering.

The world feels different. Something has shifted for us because what was once theoretical feels like a plausible reality. Christians die for their worldview over there, but this is America. Right? Well, with one gunshot, we realized it could actually be us one day. Things just got real. So, no, this revival isn’t as much an outreach as it is a personal evaluation. And it leads to a decision that must be made. Will I speak boldly for Christ or blend in with the world around me? Before September 10, 2025, it was much easier to say we’d be bold.

Revival Or Politics?

Because Charlie Kirk was on campuses speaking about political issues, things get murky. If it’s all about politics, then he’s not a martyr and this isn’t revival. So, is it revival or politics? Yes.

This is political, of course. Many people, Christians and others, believe this country is moving in a terrible direction. Between the economy, political corruption, LGBTQIA+ agenda, feminism, Black Lives Matter, abortion, failing schools, etc., America is a sinking ship. We want to save this country. And rightly so.

This revival is messy, though, because two schools of thought are attacking the problem from the same team. Conservatives are trying to fix the government. They believe we’ll change the laws to put better moral values into place while also repairing our economy. More laws and government will fix the nation, according to this view. Do you see a problem with that?

Conservative Christians, on the other hand, understand something many conservatives don’t. Only Jesus Christ can save us. No matter how hard we try to change people’s behavior, it’ll never happen. Only Jesus changes hearts, and that requires one to be born again.

Politics are fine. Personally, I’m a political person. I firmly believe that politics matter, but I also acknowledge that they aren’t the answer. Our focus must ultimately be on eternal things because, as Christ said, an earthly kingdom is not the end game.

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.’”

John 18:36 (ESV)

Beware Of Slogans

“Abortion should be illegal.”

“We need stronger borders.”

“Marriage is between a man and a woman.”

“By the way, there are only two sexes: male and female.”

“Let’s lower taxes and cut spending.”

“This nation is blessed by God.”

These are all traditionally conservative stances, but none of them will make you a Christian. Not one. Conservatives are not inherently Christians.

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”

John 3:3 (ESV)

To truly be saved, you must be born again. Our political leanings have nothing to do with it. If they did, that would be a works-based salvation, and God doesn’t accept our works as an entrance fee to Heaven.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

In fact, our political beliefs should be downstream of our spiritual beliefs. Conservatives don’t become believers because they stand by conservative values. Rather, Christians have conservative values because they’re Christian. There’s a very big difference there.

Turning Point USA Is Not The Home Of A Revival

The source of any revival we may be seeing is not TPUSA. Above all else, it is a political organization. Yes, there is a spiritual aspect, but it is rife with bad theology. Just recently TPUSA platformed Mark Driscoll, a man who disqualified himself from ministry but insisted on continuing. Men like Michael Knowles, a Catholic, has guest hosted on Kirk’s podcast lately. TPUSA has featured others such as Ben Carson, Candace Owens, Russell Brand, and Tucker Carlson. All of these folks might be acceptable conservatives, but they have no business speaking on spiritual matters.

The Memorial Service

I should also mention Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. It was essentially a CPAC convention into which Christianity was shoehorned. In his life, Charlie Kirk certainly gave the gospel clearly, but his memorial service was hit or miss. Frank Turek was amazing. To everyone’s surprise, Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a clear and concise gospel that hit everyone in the room right between the eyes. Without a doubt, the service had the gospel, and it’s estimated that millions heard it!

On the other hand, some speakers were way off the mark with some awful theology. Notably, Kirk’s pastor, Pastor Rob McCoy said, “The Bible says that when one sinner gives their heart to the Lord, the angels in heaven rejoice. And I got to tell you, there’s one up there right now, Charlie Kirk. He’s stoked and he’s excited about your commitment to his Savior.” Oof! Angels are created beings, not people who have died. Is he a Hallmark movie character or a serious pastor who knows God’s Word?

Mrs. Kirk

Worse, though, was Mrs. Kirk. She expressed forgiveness for her husband’s assassin, and it was wonderful. That takes an amount of grace and strength I can hardly imagine. However, an interview with The New York Times came out the same day as Kirk’s memorial service. Here’s a quote from that article in which she puts a false gospel on display.

“I’ve had so many people ask, ‘Do you feel anger toward this man? Like, do you want to seek the death penalty?’ I’ll be honest. I told our lawyer, I want the government to decide this. I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger. Because when I get to heaven, and Jesus is like: ‘Uh, eye for an eye? Is that how we do it?’ And that keeps me from being in heaven, from being with Charlie?”

This teaches a false gospel because it is a clear indication that she thinks her works will get her into Heaven. That quote demonstrates an absence of understanding the clear gospel message. And ladies and gents, this is the new CEO of TPUSA. I’d wager guest speakers and platformed “Christians” won’t be improving anytime soon.

Dump TPUSA?

I sound overly critical, and I don’t mean to be. TPUSA has done tremendous work for conservatism among college-aged Americans. I support that organization as a political entity, and hopefully, it will continue on for a long time into the future. That said, other than Charlie Kirk’s personal evangelical call to share the gospel, it really has no place in the faith category.

TPUSA provides religious politics which are dangerous because they lead to a false sense of spiritual well-being. People following a dynamic political speaker or political organization tie their politics together with religion and think they can check faith off their list. Is that not just a way of inoculating people from thinking they need to be saved?

If you’re looking for true revival, TPUSA isn’t where you ought to turn. Charlie Kirk’s murder might be the catalyst for revival, but his political organization isn’t where we should turn for spiritual guidance. It is a mess of contradictory theological teachings, and now the organization’s strongest voice for Jesus is dead.

Final Thought…Is It Revival?

After weighing out all the factors and muddy waters, I have come to a conclusion that even surprises me. I think this might, in fact, be a revival. Not just that, I think this has the ability to be the most meaningful and long-lasting revival in modern history. Well, if we do this right.

This revival starts with us as individuals. Our revival can be personal and local instead of a huge event in which a bunch of people make oaths and commitments just to carry on as usual when they get home. I’m already seeing Christians make quiet decisions between themselves and God to live out their faith more boldly, be more obedient, and to display Christ in every area of their lives. I’m seeing well-known Christian speakers, podcasters, and authors publicly declare they have not be been bold enough and are changing where they will speak in the future to ensure the gospel is shared.

True revival begins within us. Then, we minister to our own communities. We make and mentor disciples. We share the gospel. And folks, we do not seek out ecumenism. This isn’t the time to water down biblical truths in order to appear united. Make it clear to the world that there is one truth, one God, and one way to be saved.

So, why does this revival feel different? I think it’s because it’s growing from a place of mourning. We are mourning the tragic death of a brother in Christ, and we mourn the naive belief that we could coast through life with little to no friction. Suit up, friends. Battle is upon us.

Do you think we’re having a revival?

Image courtesy of Samuel Martins via Unsplash.