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Remembering Charlie Kirk: Auburn University Holds Vigil After Tragic Assassination in Utah
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A Nation Mourns: Remembering Charlie Kirk After a Devastating Loss That Shook America
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Eric Metaxas on Faith, Joy, and the Murder of Charlie Kirk: Finding Hope in Tragedy
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Greg Laurie Brings Gospel to University of Utah Where Charlie Kirk Was Murdered
Pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie shares the remarkable story of bringing the gospel to the University of Utah, the very place where Charlie Kirk was murdered. In just six weeks, Laurie organized a crusade that drew 10,000 people in person and 200,000 online viewers, resulting in 2,500 professions of faith in Christ. The conversation explores the redemptive power of tragedy, the rise of anti-Semitism, signs of revival among young people, and Erika Kirk's powerful act of forgiveness. Laurie and host Eric Metaxas discuss how God can bring light out of darkness, even in the midst of unthinkable loss.
A Modern Miracle in Utah
Eric Metaxas welcomes back his friend, pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie, for a conversation about an extraordinary event that took place at the University of Utah. Laurie, known for his decades of evangelistic work and featured in the film Jesus Revolution, recently organized a crusade at the very location where Charlie Kirk was murdered.
The two friends begin with their characteristic humor and warmth, discussing their unlikely friendship between a Yale graduate who wrote the Bonhoeffer book and a Harvard High School graduate. Their ability to be both deeply serious about faith and willing to joke around creates a unique dynamic that carries throughout the conversation.
From Tragedy to Redemption
Laurie explains that after Charlie Kirk's assassination, he and his team reached out to pastors in Utah to ask what they could do. The response was immediate: come sooner. In an unprecedented move, Laurie organized a full crusade in just six weeks, something that normally takes six months to a year.
The crusade was held at the arena at UVU (University of Utah), in a county that is 80% LDS (Latter-day Saints/Mormon). Laurie met with LDS elders at their headquarters and even encountered their new president in the hallway. Despite the theological divide between the LDS church and evangelical Christianity, Laurie was welcomed with open arms.
The night before the event, Laurie visited the actual site where Charlie was killed. He describes it as very sad and sobering, but it reinforced his mission: to go to this place where an act of darkness took place and shine the radiant light of the gospel.
Extraordinary Results
The crusade drew approximately 9,000-10,000 people to the arena, with another 10,000 watching in overflow venues around Utah. When it was all said and done, 1,500 people walked forward to make a profession of faith to follow Christ. The event was also streamed online, where another 200,000 people watched and an additional 1,000 made professions of faith.
In total, 2,500 people came to Christ through this event. Laurie is careful to note that he's not saying Charlie died so this could happen, but rather that despite the worst tragedy, God intervened and a miracle took place. He references Charlie's favorite verse, Romans 8:28, which says that all things work together for good to those that love God.
A Divine Encounter at Mar-a-Lago
Laurie asks Metaxas about a viral video showing President Trump at Mar-a-Lago saying Metaxas was "the guy that's gonna get me into heaven." Metaxas explains he was at a friend's wedding at Mar-a-Lago when Trump appeared to bless the celebration. When Trump made the comment, Metaxas responded by saying he would actually like to talk to the president about how one gets into heaven, but not at that moment as it would have been rude during the wedding celebration.
The video went viral, with 25 articles written about it, including one from the Times of India. Some media outlets referred to Metaxas as a "MAGA preacher," despite the fact that he's not even ordained. Both men agree that Trump has heard the gospel many times, including from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who had extensive conversations with Trump especially after the Pennsylvania assassination attempt. They encourage prayer that the gospel takes complete root in Trump's heart.
The Rise of Anti-Semitism
The conversation turns to the disturbing rise of anti-Semitism in modern times. Metaxas expresses shock that he's seeing this in his lifetime, having never dreamed it would happen. He shares that when he posts pro-Israel or pro-Jewish content on social media, he doesn't gain followers despite high engagement, and receives vile anti-Semitic responses on X (Twitter).
Laurie draws a parallel between the Holocaust and the modern state of Israel, explaining that the worst tragedy in history led to the birth of Israel on May 14, 1948, which he believes is a modern-day miracle and fulfillment of prophecy. He notes that the worst recent tragedy for Israel was October 7th, when over 1,200 Israeli men, women, and children were brutally murdered by Hamas.
Both men agree that evangelical Christians are the best friends of the Jewish people and that God has not broken his covenant or promises to the Jews. They're seeing wonderful stories of Jewish people coming to understand that Jesus can be their Messiah.
Signs of the Last Days
Laurie believes we're living in the last days and that Christ could come back at any time. He references Revelation, which says the devil has come down and knows his time is short. Laurie explains that Satan is quite orthodox in his beliefs—he believes the Bible is the word of God, that Jesus is the son of God, and that Jesus is coming back. Satan's goal is to wreak as much havoc as possible until Christ returns.
Rather than retreating, Laurie insists Christians should be bold. The best weapon in the arsenal is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which needs to be proclaimed boldly without embarrassment, perhaps with greater boldness than ever before.
The Blood of the Martyrs
Metaxas references Tertullian's statement from around 200 AD: "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." He notes that we're seeing this happen in real time—Elon Musk, Jesse Watters from Fox News, and many others are coming to faith or expressing new interest in Christianity.
Laurie points out that the ultimate tragedy was the death of Jesus Christ, but from that came the salvation of the world. He draws a parallel to Stephen, the first Christian martyr, noting that after Stephen was killed, the gospel began to spread rapidly. The church had been staying in Jerusalem, but after Stephen's martyrdom, they spread out as Jesus had commanded.
Laurie sees Charlie Kirk as reminiscent of Stephen—another young man who spoke about his faith only moments before an assassin killed him. Now more people are hearing Charlie's message than ever before, more people are buying Bibles, and more young people, especially Gen Z and young men, are coming back to church. Charlie's death poured rocket fuel on a pre-existing revival fire.
The Pain of Loss and the Hope of Reunion
Laurie mentions that Erika Kirk said in an interview with Jesse Watters that if Charlie was given the choice to come back from heaven, he would say no because of all the wonderful things God has done. However, Laurie notes that Erica also told him, "I wish we could have all that God is doing and I could have Charlie back."
Laurie deeply understands this pain. Sixteen years ago, his son Christopher was killed in an automobile accident. The holidays are especially difficult. He told his wife Kathy that he wished they could have all the amazing things God was doing through their ministry and have Christopher back too. But Laurie affirms the Christian hope: one day we're going to have it all and be reunited with our loved ones.
The Power of Forgiveness
Metaxas recalls being at Charlie's memorial service in Phoenix when Erika Kirk said she forgave the murderer. He describes this as the clearest example of Christian faith possible. He told her it was "like dropping a hand grenade into the bowels of hell"—that by forgiving the murderer of her husband, she did damage to the dark kingdom.
Both men agree that we are in a glorious moment, with much more to come. Metaxas reveals he has a book coming out about the American Revolution, as big as his Bonhoeffer book, that will tell the whole story and show God's hand in it, which he says is unavoidable. The book will release during America's "super centennial"—the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.
Video Transcript
I've been friends with pastor and evangelist Greg Lori for quite some time. I really love him. He's delightful. He's hilarious, but he's a very powerful evangelist. He's devoted his whole life uh to bringing people to faith in Jesus. There's a lot to say, but uh today uh I want to talk about he just was at um the very place in um Utah, the University of Utah, where our friend Charlie Kirk was murdered. Uh and he was there to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ uh to the students there and others. It was very brave thing to do. Um it just happened. It was very successful. I want to talk to him about that and I will talk to him about that in a few seconds. Uh so stay tuned for my conversation with Pastor Greg Lori. Hey there folks. I haven't mentioned it in the last few seconds and I wanted to remind you we are reaching out to you to partner with us in partnering with CSI, Christian Solidarity International to free slaves um in Sudan. This is just an almost unbelievable opportunity. Um, if you want to give a gift uh to someone and to say in your name, we have freed a slave. All the information uh you can click on the banner, you'll see it at eric mataxis.com. Please join us. Please join us. icmataxis.com. I'll give you the phone number in a minute. And I want to throw this out. If there is anybody out there um who wants to have dinner with me, spend the evening uh with me, I offer that. Anybody able to uh give a gift of $15,000 to this cause now, uh I will make myself available for an evening. Uh we can spend the evening together, big group, small group, whatever. But I will give my time to that for anybody willing to give a gift to 15,000 or you can pull together with a group of people. Uh, but I'm willing to do that. The phone number is 888-2533522. 888-253-33522 or go to eric mataxis.com. This is a tremendous opportunity. Please jump on it. God bless you. Okay, folks. If you've listened to me for years, you know that I'm friends with Greg Lori. And you also know that's not easy. He's tough. He's a tough customer. Uh, he's very, very serious. He doesn't like to joke around. It's painful being around those kind of people because I'm naturally affable, friendly, uh, and yet God gives me the grace to be friends with such as Pastor Greg Lori. Uh, Greg, welcome back. Eric, good to be with you again. You know, I was thinking when we first met, uh, I I think you had me on your podcast and I I did a little research on you. Oh, he's a Harvard Harvard graduate. I'm a Harvard graduate, Harvard High School. Uh, and I thought, "This guy's going to be such an intellectual. He's going to ask me questions I don't know the answers to. You are an intellectual, but you may be the craziest intellectual I've ever met." And when you started joking, I thought, "Oh, wait, he's insane like I am." And I think that's how we connect apart from lunatic friends because yes, I remember that's when we were still doing the show in the Empire State Building. Of course, that's been torn down for a NASCAR racetrack thanks to Donald Trump did that. But, uh, no, we were in the in the Empire State Building and I remember meeting you and I think some people think because, well, it's not just that I went to to Yale. Uh, really, it's because I wrote the Bonhaofer book. People think, oh, Eric must be very very serious. uh because I read that book and it's very serious and sad and and then you know you meet me and you realize no he's a goofball and I am a goofball but the joy of meeting another goofball of somebody who can be deadly serious about the most important things like our faith in Jesus but who can also you know uh flip around to to laugh and and whatever and I think just before we came on the air you know I was just saying like oh I'm so happy to to to to to see you because it's been a while since you've been on and and I said, you know, you just make me feel or something. And then you said to me, ladies and gentlemen, Pastor Evangelist Greg Lorie said to me uh that I make him feel like a natural woman. He actually said that, you know, and then he asked me, "Is that appropriate to say to Of course it's not appropriate." That's that's why it's so funny. It's so beautiful cuz we tease each other and it's a joy, you know, to have friends that we can tease. That that's to me, you know, the ultimate uh in in in friendship. >> Most people don't know that's a song from many years ago by Carol King. So, we have to give some context to it. >> Oh, that you know what, you're right. Most people wouldn't wouldn't even know that that's a that's a Carol King song. >> Um Wow. Yeah. And uh and so just to be clear because we have some literal, you know, uh we have some literalists who listen to this program and they're trying to catch me and they're going to say, "Eric, um I" And so I want to be clear to those folks. Uh no, uh Greg didn't actually mean that I make him feel like an actual woman. He was that was joking. Uh and I just want to be very very clear that uh I don't make anybody feel like an actual woman. Not just Greg, anybody. >> Anybody? Nobody. No. But so look, we you and I uh we we've got a lot of um >> we there's so much I want to talk about. I I said uh you know I I tricked people by being serious in the introduction and saying that I want to talk to you about being at the University of Utah recently where our friend Charlie was murdered and stuff. So I want to talk about that because that's very um beautiful. powerful. But uh should should we get some silly stuff out of the way first before we get >> whatever you like. You're in charge here. Eric, can I ask you a question? >> Well, I believe you can. I believe he just did there. Right there. Yeah. >> So, there's a news story where you were at Mara Lago with the president and they captured it actually on video and and he said something to you about this guy's going to help me get into heaven. Can you tell me what happened? What prompted that conversation? what he said to you and what you said in response. >> Well, first of all, um, with AI, you don't know what's real and what's not real. And by the way, if you look carefully, um, at his earlobes in that video, you realize that's a body double. >> That was not President Trump. That was a body double. And and it's the same body double that Biden used for for the four years that he was in pres in the presidency. It's an amazing guy. He's just good at being a body double. So, it was not really it was not really Trump, but close enough, you know, close enough. Uh, >> no, I think um this this Yeah, this really happened. I've commented on on the I've commented on this on the program. Uh, but it was one of those crazy things. I'm at a friend's wedding. Uh, it's at Mara Lago, which is, you know, kind of crazy. I don't go to Mara Lago often. It was a big deal. Um, and son of a gun, here comes the president of the United States to kind of crash the wedding, >> which of course is classic Donald Trump. You know, he's there having a good time and he's like, oh, there's a wedding. I will, >> you know, he knows what he's doing. He's going to bless everybody by showing up. Everybody's going to say the president was at the, you know, wow, what a what a what the ultimate blessing to have the president of the United States show up at your wedding, you know, to give his blessing just by showing up. and he's so friendly and he's, you know, saying to the the good-looking couple how good-looking they are and, you know, he's just um he's a sch smoozer in the best sense. And you and I have both met him. We've had some experiences with him, not all of which are positive, by the way. I will I will never forget right before the 2018 midterms, you and I were in the White House for the faith advisory council thing. Do you remember that? I don't know if you remember that. Yes. It was we better not talk about it, but it was kind of it was it was actually nothing terrible, but it was just it's just funny because you when you get to see people and you know, you never know what what you're going to what you're going to get. And I think I think I said something to him like uh I I I probably said something like, you know, Mr. He didn't know me then. This is 2018. He got to know me after the 2020 election when I stuck my neck out and and threw my career, you know, in the in the toilet by saying that uh the election was stolen. And of course, we now know it was the safest, most secure election in the history of all elections, folks. We know this now. It's been proven. You you just have to listen to the uh I think James Comey uh you know, people like that. No, but seriously, I I remember going up to him and saying, you know, Mr. president, I just want you to know how many people are praying for you or something like that. And he said something like, "Yeah, but we got to win the midterms." And he walked away. Like it it was like it was so like uh Okay. It was just one of those and I know you've had moments like that, too. It's it just it's I find it like in retrospect it's hilarious. But um you you and I uh we've known each other for for some time uh in in many contexts and you're asking me about what happened at Mara Lago and what happened was so he walks in and I happen to be where near the door where he's coming in. I didn't know that he would be walking through the door when he did. So I have to see you know God's hand in it. And so he sees me and then says something very surprising. I mean, to me, he says, you know, here's the guy that's gonna that's going to get me into heaven. He's saying to the groom, my friend Mike Wilson. And, you know, you think, what what what do you mean? Like, I have no idea how to unpack that. Um, I guess it's flattering because it means that he keeps saying that he's watched my show uh and uh that obviously I'm talking about Jesus and stuff. So, ostensibly he has uh he's enjoyed that. I I think he likes my sense of humor or something like that. But so he sort of he says this and and if that's not weird and then I said to him, "Well, Mr. President, I I would actually like to talk to you about how it is that one in fact gets into heaven. Uh, you know, uh, and but not now. It would be rude because it was it was a very confusing, noisy moment. It was it was not it wouldn't have been possible, frankly, for me to do it anyway. But, you know, you get all the religious folks sniping on social media. There's no bad time to share the gospel, Eric. You know, you should have, you know, don't trust the Holy Spirit too much, Eric. You know, it's it's on you. Um, anyway, it was it it was so crazy. And then little did I know that somebody captures this and it just goes crazy viral and People magazine wrote an article about it. All these people, I think there was 25 articles written about it because I get the Google alerts if my name is in a news article. It's like there's another one, another one, the Times of India, all of this stuff. And and some of them are just, >> you know, kind of nasty sniping about, you know, Actually, some of them, you'll laugh, I think, at this. They they refer to me as MAGA preacher. >> Oh my. >> You know, like I'm not even a an ordain. I'm not even ordained, but according to them, I'm a MAGA preacher. So, but the whole thing, it was just kind of delightful and fun. And, you know, I don't know. >> During the horrors of the Holocaust, Corey Tenboom and her Dutch family, as told in her classic book, The Hiding Place, risked everything to shelter Jewish neighbors in their home. They were betrayed and sent to concentration camps. Yet Cory survived and went on to preach forgiveness and hope around the world. That same redemptive spirit lives on in 10 Boom Coffee. Working with Agro Cafe, an Israeli ae tech company, 10boom coffee helps farmers around the world increase their harvests by 60%, improving both the quality of their beans and the quality of their lives. So every cup you pour becomes part of a legacy. One that stands for courage, kindness, and redemption. Visit tenboomc coffee.com. That's 10boomc coffee.com. Taste the goodness that changes lives. Use the code Eric and save 10%. 10 tenboom coffee.com. Use the code Eric. Well, the fact that he connects you to the Christian faith and would make the the fact the fact that he talks all the time about heaven and was recently talking about it in Air Force One. He brings it up all the time and people say, "Well, why doesn't someone share the gospel with President Trump?" Trust me, people, the gospel has been shared with President Trump. But he's he talks about it. He's interested in it. I think we all need to just pray for him. But know that, you know, I know one guy like Mike Johnson, you know, Mike, speaker of the house, very strong Christian. He has had extensive conversations with the president and specifically after the assassination attempt on the president in Pennsylvania that really shook Trump and and Mike was able to really really talk to him and pray with him. So, he's heard the gospel. We need to just pray that it takes complete root in his heart. And thank God that you have a man in that position who is thinking about God and wants to go to heaven and I think deep down really wants a relationship with the Lord and I think is beginning to have one. Well, I I agree and it is uh it but it's so funny because in that moment I didn't in in in the moment I think you know the mind plays tricks because it's the president and you don't I didn't even remember 10 minutes later that he had said that to me. I I thought what what did he who's who what did he say? Because all I remembered that was that I said I want to talk to you about getting into heaven Mr. President. You know, I remembered that I said that, but I didn't remember that he said that I was, you know, the guy that's going to get I didn't even remember that. Then the next day the video was out and I get to watch it. And in watching the video, I saw the joy on his face. Like you could see that he was having fun. And in the moment, I didn't pick up on that cuz again, it's sort of the, you know, the haze of of, you know, it's noisy, it's a wedding, the president shows up. But to look at the video and to see the delight on his face of teasing me and talking to my friend and and his wife, his new wife and stuff. So, it was it's it's joyful to see that side of the president that he has there's joy uh and he had he clearly had joy in in saying that whatever he meant by that. I hope I get to have that conversation with him. But, you know, you and I care about evangelism, and that's really what I wanted to have you on to talk about is you um just very recently were at the University of Utah. Um is is that the actual name of the university? Am I getting that right? >> Yeah. UN UVU. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So, and it's the place where our friend was murdered. And so this is a big deal. So Greg, just tell us what happened. Tell us how'd you get that idea? I mean, it's so glorious that you you were able to do that. You know, I don't use the word miracle a lot, but but I think of it almost as the Utah miracle because here is a place UVU, where the worst imaginable tragedy took place where Charlie Kirk, a young man in the prime of his life, so gifted, so talented, was assassinated. And and so we had been talking with pastors in Utah already about a crusade in the future. and we had one t tentatively scheduled for 2027. But after Charlie was murdered, we reached out to them and said, "Is there anything we can do?" They said, "Yes, come sooner." So, we did something. This is where the miracle part comes in. We did something we had never done before. We put a crusade together in 6 weeks. Normally, it takes 6 months to a year. 6 weeks. We said, "We'll be there." We actually booked uh the arena at UVU. In fact, the night before I went to the actual site where Charlie was killed, and it's very sad and it's very sobering, but uh I thought, why don't we go to this place where an act of darkness took place and shine the radiant light of the gospel. We know that Charlie's favorite verse was Romans 8:28, which says, "We know that all things work together for good to those that love God." And and I think that what happened to Charlie is a tragedy that I can't explain. I don't know why it happened. I don't know why God allowed it. So when I don't know the answer to the why question, I pivot to the what question as in what can I do? And I thought, let's tell people how they can come into a relationship with God like Charlie had so they can have the hope that Charlie has and is experiencing now in God's presence of going to heaven. So, we got there and and understand that 80% of the county we're in is LDS, uh, Latter-day Saints Mormon. And yet, I was welcomed with open arms by the Mormon church. In fact, I went the day before to the headquarters of the Mormon Church. I spent a couple of hours with two of their elders. I even met their new president in the hallway. I told them all what I'm there to do. I said, "I am here to proclaim the gospel." They understand the theological divide between the LDS church and evangelical Christianity. But yet they welcome me. So I got up and I spoke. And when it was all said and done, uh we had around 10,000 about 9,000 people in the arena. We filled it. We had another 10,000 in overflow venues around Utah watching it. And when it was all said and done, we had 1,500 people walk forward and make a profession of faith to follow Christ. And we put it online and another 200,000 people watched it. And another,000 people made a profession of faith to follow Christ. So all put together, 2500 people came to Christ. So look, this wouldn't have happened if it were not for the tragedy of what took place with Charlie. I'm not saying Charlie died so this can can happen. I'm saying the worst tragedy happened. Charlie died. He was killed. But yet despite this tragedy, God intervened and a miracle took place. And 2500 people are in God's kingdom. And you know Jesus said there's rejoicing in the presence of the angels over every single sinner that comes to Christ. So Charlie's in heaven. We're on earth. 2500 people prayed a prayer, maybe more that we don't even know about. If there's shouting in heaven, I'm sure Charlie heard it. And I would even think since we know more in heaven than we know on earth, that he would know there was cause and effect between this horrible tragedy and what God just did despite it when people believed in Jesus. >> Folks, listen. If you've been injured in an accident or someone you love has been, this is something you really need to hear. I've been talking with the team over at Legal Help Center and they're absolutely committed to helping people just like you understand your rights and figure out what your case may truly be worth. And here's what sets them apart. When you choose Legal Help Center, you're getting a free consultation, no upfront costs whatsoever, agents available 24/7, a connection with a qualified local attorney, and clear guidance so you actually understand your rights. In other words, they make the entire process simple, professional, and genuinely helpful. So, here's what to do. Call 800-575-912. That's 800575912 or go to legalhelpcenter.com. Find out how much money you may qualify for. Don't wait. Don't try to go it alone. Certainly, don't attempt to become your own lawyer. Let the professionals at legal help center handle this for you. Legal help center, helping you know your rights and what your case is really worth. Well, I mean, you've been doing evangelism like this for a long time. It's amazing to me, you know, to think that uh the What was the the film Jesus Revolution that came out? Was it last year? I can't >> No, is it probably three years ago now? Yeah. Wow. Um well that really tells the story of your life of your coming to faith and and you have dedicated yourself to bringing people across the goal line into the kingdom by faith to believe in Jesus and you've been doing this uh I had the privilege of being with you in Anaheim Stadium a number of years ago uh when you had your crusade there and to think that you would go to the University um of Utah, you know, when when you talk about LDS, you talk about there are there there are a lot of people in that world that, you know, they have questions. They have the idea that you would be allowed to go there and to in the most unadulterated way present the good news of Jesus Christ and make an invitation and to have all these people say, "Yes, I want that." I mean, I don't think there's any way around it, Greg. that this is part of God's plan in allowing Charlie to be taken so young. Uh there's a lot more you keep hearing over and over and over again of people coming to faith uh or deepening their faith or or something. And you know the we don't get to choose what happens. There's evil in the world. But to see to have the privilege to see something beautiful uh come out of something so awful as the murder of our friend, you know, it's just uh it it is it is beautiful. And I and I have to say that I'm just I'm grateful for your willingness to do that because that's not easy uh to go to a place like that that's associated with darkness. But that really brings me to the point that this is redemption, folks. Think about it. Think about it. to to go in there and to say, "Okay, okay, devil. You know, you uh you did this this this evil thing, but um you know, the devil has done all kinds of evil things and and and God can turn them and can redeem." And when we think that all of these folks that have come to faith in Jesus uh because you were willing to go to the very place where this happened, there's no way around it. That's beautiful. It's amazing. >> You know, I was thinking of something else, Ser. I know you've spoken out a lot about the rise of anti-semitism and we both have a deep love for the Jewish people and for the state of Israel and I'm thinking the worst one of the worst tragedies in human history is the Holocaust. 6 million Jewish men, women and children were put to death. The only thing that you know I don't want to say it equals it but a modern version of it is October 7th when over,200 Israeli men, women and children were brutally murdered by Hamas. But in the heels of the Holocaust, the modern state of Israel was born, which I believe is a modern-day miracle. Some would contest that. Some would disagree with that. They don't even think that that's a fulfillment of prophecy. But I know you and I see that differently. So, my point is simply this. Um, you know, God can work despite a tragedy. And nothing was more tragic than the Holocaust. But yet, almost as if on Q, and I believe they were on Q, Jews from around the world began to return to their homeland. And on May 14th, 1948, a modern-day miracle took place. The modern state of Israel was born. And so, I I think I appreciate your voice on this topic. I know you talk about it a lot. I do as well. And and you know, we believe that God has not broken his covenant or his promises to the Jews. And Israel is clearly their homeland and they're the indigenous people of the land, not colonizers that some would say. Uh and and we pray that they will come to Christ. And I've seen I think more and more Jews are beginning to realize that their best friend is the evangelical Christian. And we're seeing wonderful stories take place of of them coming to understand that Jesus can be their Messiah. I just want to throw that in there. Well, you know, I I have to say, um I never dreamt never dreamt that we would see the rise of anti-semitism in in my lifetime. I simply did not. >> Uh obviously, um I I wrote the book about Dietrich Bonhaofer >> and I thought, you know, everybody knows uh that anti-semitism is is wicked. It's just evil. So to see the rise of it uh and to see it's funny you mentioned uh my encounter with President Trump recently >> when we posted that I posted something about that on Instagram and it went crazy on Instagram. >> Yeah. >> But my followers on Instagram did not go up. And I asked my team I thought this is bizarre because we have this post that's going so viral. Anytime I have a post that does well you get an addition of followers. And my team said, "Because you have posted, you know, pro- Israel or pro-Jewish stuff, whatever. There's all kinds of people that don't like that." >> Yeah. >> And I thought, "Wow." And then I The same thing happens on X. I post on X and a lot of the responses are, you know, it is just the vilest >> Yeah. >> anti-semitism. And it's hard to believe that it exists. >> It is. or that that people who are they think of themselves of Christians that they're this theologically confused and they don't buy what you just said which I've said a million times that yes the Holocaust the horror of the Holocaust led to the establishment of the state of Israel and and how beautiful how wonderful how redemptive and you know and there are people they don't buy that at all they just think who cares you know it's so so we're living in really strange yes >> times uh to see anti-semitism in our time and to see people like I mean I my my heart broke uh that that Tucker Carlson whom I've really admired would would would have on somebody as just shockingly openly viciously anti-semitic and racist uh and um misogynist as Nick Fuentes. I thought what is h what kind of a world do we live in uh that the that these things are happening. >> So it is it is a strange moment and it and I feel I I I feel honored that I get to to to stand in this moment and say uh hey ladies and gentlemen everything that I know says that we're supposed to love the Jews. We're supposed to uh you know pray for Israel for the peace of Jerusalem. We're supposed to understand the Jewishness of Jesus, the Jewishness of the early church. Um, and there are some people that, you know, in kind of an unhinged way, the they they they are really pretty viciously speaking against it. It's an it's it's an amazing moment really. >> Hi, I'm Chris, producer of the Eric Mataxa show. We're outside the Tiberius station of Magan Devided Adome, Israel's National Security Medical Service. They dispatch every ambulance in the country, take thousands of emergency calls every day, and they also collect, process, and distribute the nation's blood supply for civilians and the IDF. Since October 7th, Megan Devidita Adome has lost 40 of their people, and 17 ambulances have been destroyed or disabled. And yes, sometimes medics and ambulances are intentionally targeted. But here's what's incredible. 90% of their 30,500 EMTs, paramedics, and first responders are volunteers. They keep showing up, yet they need the basics. Bandages, blood reserves, medical supplies, ambulances, and training. If you have a heart for Israel, please give whatever you can today. Every dollar matters. Go to savinglifeisrael.org and support this organization. Thank you so much. >> I think it's a sign of the times, Eric. And I believe we're in the last days. I believe Christ could come back at any time. And there's an interesting passage in the book of Revelation that says, "The devil has come down to you and he knows that his time is short." You know, believe it or not, Satan is quite orthodox in many of his beliefs. And by that, I mean, the Bible says the demons believe in tremble. If we were to interview Lucifer himself, which I wouldn't want to do, but if we were to say, Lucifer, do you believe the Bible is the word of God? He would say, yes. I hate every word of it. Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God? Again, he would have to say, yes. He even said as much during the temptation of the wilderness when he said to Jesus since you are the son of God uh a multiple times. And then finally if we were to say Satan you believe Jesus is coming back he would say yes and I'm going to wreak as much havoc as I can until he returns. He knows his time is short. So we shouldn't be surprised when we when we see the rise of evil, anti-semitism, this this vitriol and this hatred toward not just Jewish people but toward Christians as well and and the murder of our friend Charlie Kirk. But what should we do? Should we retreat to a foxhole? And no, we we should be bold and and the best weapon we have in our arsenal, Eric. Uh and you know this as a MAGA preacher. The best weapon we have that was a joke. Okay. So you are you are though, but in the best way. The best weapon we have in our arsenal is the gospel of Jesus Christ. And we need to proclaim it boldly without embarrassment and maybe with a boldness like we've never had before in the days in which we're living. Well, and I do I see that happening. That's what's so amazing. Uh that the the you know it was Tertullian uh around 200 AD I guess said the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. >> Uh you know you you you don't want nobody wanted Jesus to be crucified. Nobody wanted steen uh to be stoned. nobody wants. But we we know that God uh will use these horrible things. Uh and what happened with our friend Charlie, which is so horrible. Um but clearly people are coming to faith. People who ordinarily wouldn't take it seriously. Elon Musk, >> uh Jesse Waters from Fox News. It seems like every other day I see somebody else saying, "You know what? Yeah, I'm I'm in. I'm interested in this. This is I wasn't before." >> Right? >> It's amazing. >> It and you know the the ultimate tragedy of all time was the death, the murder, the execution of Jesus Christ. But from that came the salvation of the world. And and going back to Steven who you mentioned for a moment after Steven was martyed of course uh they laid their cloaks before Saul of Tarsus who came to faith on the Damascus road. I think there's definite cause and effect between his conversion and the testimony of Steven. But we also read that after Steven was put to death that the gospel began to spread. You see, prior to that, the church had sort of missed the memo of Jesus when he said, "Go into all the world, preach the gospel. They were kind of hanging out in Jerusalem, sort of having a holy huddle." But after Steven was martyed, they spread out rapidly. And so God used that horrible event of the first martyrdom of the church. This young man named Stephen who frankly Charlie reminds us of him. Another young man who spoke about his faith only moments before the assassin killed him. And but now more people are hearing Charlie's message and ever heard it. More people are buying Bibles uh than they've ever bought them before. more young people are coming back to church. Gen Z and specifically young men. This is a new thing that's happening and it's sort of like Charlie's death poured rocket fuel on a pre-existing revival fire. So I see it >> dramatically spreading and so God I heard Erica say in her interview with Jesse Waters who you mentioned >> u you know that that she believes if Charlie was given the choice to come back from heaven he would say no because of all the wonderful things that that God has done despite this and but yet you know having said that we need to remember this is a woman who has lost her husband. And I I saw her not long ago and she said, "I wish we could have all that God is doing and I could have Charlie back." And I understood that because 16 years ago, our son Christopher was killed in an automobile accident. And we really miss him. The holidays are especially difficult. But I said to Kathy afterwards, cuz God was doing so many amazing things in our life and through our ministry after Christopher was called home unexpectedly to heaven. I said, "I wish we could have all of this and him, too." Well, one day we're going to have it all. We're going to be >> reunited with our loved ones. >> That's the That's the amazing amazing thing. That's the amazing thing. That's the beautiful thing. And and the Lord wants us, he wants to build our faith uh to so that we know that that's not just a nice idea. That that is true. And we know that's true. Before I let you go, I just have to say, you know, um, Greg, when I was at the memorial for Charlie, uh, you know, whatever it was a week or 10 days after his death in Phoenix, when Erica Kirk said that she forgave the murderer, >> I said that is the clearest example of Christian faith. If you want to solve for X, you just don't no confusion. You just want to know what is it all about. That is it right there. So powerful. And I said that's like dropping a hand grenade into the bowels of hell. You have just done damage to the dark kingdom by forgiving the murderer of your husband. And I honestly believe that we are in a glorious, glorious moment. Um, and we've only seen the beginning of it. There is much much more to come and I just look forward to, you know, participating with you however the Lord will use us in this. Uh it's it's beautiful. Um I look forward to seeing you in the new year. The super centennial. You know that it's called that. Did I make that clear? >> Again, the super centennial. >> Next year is America's super centennial. And uh I look forward to seeing you next year. I have a book coming out about the American Revolution, which I am so >> Oh my goodness. I didn't know that. >> Excited. >> Yeah, it's a big book. It'll be as big as the Bonhaofer book because it is it's the whole story. >> Oh, we need it. >> The whole No. Yeah. There isn't really anything quite like that. You know, there's millions of books on the revolution and I've read most of them at this point. >> But to to really tell that story and also to see God's hand in it, which is >> frankly unavoidable, there's just no way around it. Uh it's so so beautiful. So that'll uh come out next year and I'll be traveling around and and >> well I want to have you come and I'd like to have you on my podcast. I'd love to talk about that and have you out at our church. Let let's dive in deep into that. >> Let me be blunt. Let me be blunt. I don't care who knows it. You can't afford me. Not happening. Okay. All right. I don't care what donors you have. No. The answer is I'll I'll pray about it. No, I would. You know, I just love any uh uh excuse to to hang out with you. So, I assume the Lord will put that together. But, um, it it's exciting. These are all exciting things. Thank you, uh, my friend, for coming on and for everything you're doing. God bless you, uh, and Kathy and your family. Thank you. >> Bye. Thank you. >> Hey there, folks. As hard as it may be for us to believe, especially for in America, there are people in other parts of the world who have literally been enslaved because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Some of them for decades. Hundreds of thousands of them have been persecuted and enslaved in the Sudan. Together, right now, we can literally buy their freedom and save the lives of some precious brothers and sisters. Give them the joy and hope we celebrate so freely. For only $250, you can provide life-saving aid this Christmas. You can buy a believer's freedom and provide them with muchneeded food, a goat, and other necessary goods for their survival. Brothers and sisters, enslaved and fearing for their lives, just $250. Maybe you can give more. Maybe you can just give a portion of that. Every gift helps. Imagine buying the freedom of a fellow Christian believer. You can do it. Call 888-2533522. 8882533522. Christian Solidarity International provides life-saving resources for persecuted Christians for almost 40 years. 8882533522 or go to ericmataxis.com and click on the banner. You'll see it. Ericmataxis.com. Click on the banner. Please give someone the gift of getting their life back. Provide life and freedom for someone right now. God bless you. This Christmas as we celebrate the super centennial coming up. Super centennial 250th. There's no way uh better way to support it than by supporting my friend and American hero, Mike Lindell. Uh he's one of the main sponsors uh on this program. He's the man behind My Pillow. He put his money where his mouth is. Some of you know this if you've watched the program. He stood up for the country. He was unfairly cancelled by the big box stores. So I want us to stand with him. So please go to mypillow.com. Use a promo code Eric to save big on pillows, sheets, slippers, everything you need for Christmas comfort. You'll sleep great, save big, celebrate freedom with my pillow. Pillow.com. Use the code Eric.
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