A REASON FOR HOPE

 Excerpted from The Kingdom: Every Square Inch by Neil Cullan McKinlay & D. Rudi Schwartz.

A Reason for Hope

“Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good con science, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Pet. 3:14b-16 ESV).

Charlie Kirk, co-founder and executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was assassinated at Utah Valley University on the 10th of September 2025. If “every square inch” of creation already belongs to Christ, then Charlie was busy with Kingdom business, reclaiming universities (and other spaces) for Christ the Lord. It would be an understatement to say that he died with his boots on, holding a microphone in his hand doing what he loved best – engaging non-Christians with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Some might call this sort of cultural engagement, evangelism, some might call it apologetics, others political activism. All three would be correct. Charlie would set up a stall with the words “Prove Me Wrong” written on it which invited students to come to the mic with their challenges. He responded calmly and respectfully, even when insulted, always defending his position from Scripture. We would simply say that Charlie was engaged in Kingdom work.

If the United States is considered “one nation under God” then Charlie demonstrated remarkable commitment across all three of the God-ordained interconnected spheres of authority of Family, Church, and State. He was dedicated to his family— leaving behind a widow and two young children. He was actively engaged with the Church, and he held a deep respect for civic responsibilities associated with the State. Charlie exemplified service to his country through his contributions in these key areas.

Charlie’s death, to the bewilderment of even some Christians, sparked a world-wide revival where people, millions of them students, bought Bibles and headed back to the churches to find out more about Charlie’s God. After attending Sunday worship services these butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers, yes, including university students, might go back to their daily activities, but presumably now with a Biblical worldview of Family, Church, and State, yes, their nation.

Charlie Kirk did not wait for people to come to him. Like his Master, he sought the lost. Why? Because you, your salvation, and every other square inch of creation belongs to Christ.

The Kingdom: Every Square Inch will help prepare you, the diligent reader, to give a reason for the hope that is in you.

We trust that you will find some valuable principles as you “put your hand to the plough” and labour with the sure hope of the coming of the Kingdom.

Go to your local Amazon for a copy. Here's a link to Amazon Australia: The Kingdom: Every Square Inch : McKinlay, Neil Cullan, Schwartz, D. Rudi: Amazon.com.au: Books