Christ, Courage, and Charlie Kirk w/ Pastor Rich Lusk

Sep 17, 2025

Pastor Rich Lusk, a Reformed pastor and theologian, joins to discuss the legacy of Charlie Kirk, a bold Christian martyr. They tackle the crisis of cowardice in today's culture, contrasting biblical courage with modern vulnerabilities. Lusk emphasizes the need for Christians to engage courageously in cultural and political spaces, particularly on university campuses. The conversation delves into the consequences of 'safetyism,' the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission beyond evangelism, and how fearing God can lead to true fearlessness.

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ANECDOTE

Bill Brown’s Warning That Shaped 1819

Bryan Dawson recounts meeting WWII pilot Bill Brown who survived a P-51 crash and told him to stand for what is right even if bullets come.
That story inspired Dawson to start 1819 News and frames the podcast's call to courageous public witness.

ANECDOTE

Charlie Kirk’s Murder As Martyrdom

Dawson describes Charlie Kirk's assassination at a public event and calls him a Christian martyr who knowingly took risks.
He frames Kirk's campus activism and faith-driven politics as the cause of the attack.

INSIGHT

All Of Christ For All Of Life

Charlie integrated evangelism with cultural and political engagement, treating campuses as evangelistic frontlines.
Rich Lusk says the Bible offers guidance for every sphere of life, so political engagement was an extension of gospel mission.

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In this powerful episode of 1819 News: The Podcast, host Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, sits down with Pastor Rich Lusk of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Ala., to honor the life and martyrdom of Charlie Kirk, the bold Christian leader and Turning Point USA founder tragically assassinated for his unapologetic defense of the gospel, Christian civilization, marriage, life, and biblical masculinity/femininity.

The conversation kicks off with heartfelt tributes to Kirk's integrated faith—seamlessly weaving evangelism with cultural and political engagement on hostile university campuses, the epicenter of leftist indoctrination. Kirk's mantra, "Prove me wrong," invited debate as a peaceful alternative to violence, but ultimately, his faithfulness made him a target. As Lusk reflects, Kirk exemplified the full Great Commission: not just baptizing souls, but teaching nations to obey all of Christ's commands, building a God-glorifying civilization under Jesus' lordship over every sphere of life—from marriage to politics.

Dawson and Lusk unpack the crisis of cowardice plaguing our culture, drawing from Scripture and history. They contrast biblical courage—rooted in fearing God above man—with modern failings: the emasculation of men, turning them into "beta males" ashamed of God-given aggression needed to guard the garden (Genesis 3); an idolatrous "safetyism" exposed during COVID that sacrifices liberty for security; and a therapeutic church culture that glorifies brokenness over repentance and strength.

They critique how this infiltrates pulpits, counseling, and criminal justice—excusing sin as "trauma" and releasing criminals without retribution. The litmus test? If your pastor hasn't declared war on progressivism, feminism, transgenderism, and Marxism, it's time for a new church. Amid a "vibe shift," they celebrate rising Christian influence: leftists now face consequences for mocking Kirk's death, signaling power wielded for good, not neutrality.
Lusk praises Dawson's gift for applying Scripture to all of life, urging listeners to reclaim courage for a free, flourishing Alabama. In the overtime, the two discuss the biblical case for capital punishment and wielding the sword.

Tune in for an exhortation to strength, repentance, and bold faithfulness.