Robin J Johnson
Over recent days a thought came to me, one which I have entertained previously, but in the light of recent events it has stirred again, “The silence of the shepherds”. It has no relation at all to a film you may have heard of, ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Not that I saw it, but I understand it was a disturbing movie based on a true story of a young FBI trainee tasked with tracking down a vicious serial killer.
My thought, “the silence of the shepherds” has nothing to do with serial killers, yet there is something disturbing here. It appears that many shepherds (pastors and leaders), are reluctant to speak out against the dangerous and destructive ideologies, philosophies and practices being unleashed and embedded in our societies today.
Why are we not hearing from, it seems a good portion of the Church, conversation and teaching tackling these destructive ideologies? Clear, bold and compassionate voices speaking truth and grace, are desperately needed to be heard, to address and counteract the current ungodly and destructive rhetoric. Whether the silence is out of fear of reprisal or reflects ignorance of the facts or perhaps a distorted theology, their silence is nevertheless disturbing. Ultimately silence is consent!
Surely, in these days we should be raising our voices much more, not surrendering to the deceptions propagated by demon-inspired revelations and theories (1 Timothy 4:1). I am not saying that there is no one speaking up. There are, but there are still many who should and who are not.
One Courageous Voice
There was a voice that rang out loud and clear. Uncompromising, bold and delivered truth with grace. Yes, I am talking about Charlie Kirk, who’s life was tragically cut short, when he was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at an event on a University campus in Utah, USA.
Charlie Kirk paid the ultimate price for standing up for and speaking the truth. Some say he was a right-wing political activist, but that does truly represent who he was. He was first a truly devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a husband and a father, a son and brother. He was a man with the conviction and courage to speak truth and righteousness into his culture and unafraid to identify and challenge the moral decay. His political views were shaped by and founded on solid biblical truth and his faith in Jesus Christ.
A nation is exalted by the righteousness of its people, but sin heaps disgrace upon the land. Proverbs 14:34 (TPT)
An added horror after Charlie’s assignation are those who have expressed pleasure and rejoiced at his untimely death. Is this not a sign of the disintegration of our society and complete moral failure? This is as bad as the Muslim States who put people to death because they hold a different opinion, often because they are followers of Jesus.
Sadly, I can also imagine some in the church saying, “That’s why Christians shouldn’t be involved in politics.” You may challenge me making such a claiming. However, based on a past experience, I think it’s a possibility that some in the church might at least be thinking that, if not saying it.
He Became Political
Beginning in the late 80s my wife, Janette, and I became very involved in the prolife movement across our nation. We published and distributed material advocating life and warning of the dangers of abortion; the killing of unborn babies in their mother’s womb, the damaging effects on women, both physical and psychological. We also spoke compassionately and wrote about; The Living Victims of Abortion – Women.
When starting out on this journey we were fortunate to be part of a large Pentecostal church whose senior leader was very supportive of our endeavours. Though we had always been prolife it was daunting when we were suddenly, thrust into the centre of this arena. God is good, the Holy Spirit enabled us and we learnt quickly. We became associated with prolife Members of Parliament and shared platforms with them. Many folk supported our efforts, several worked beside us and we gained new friends and associates, some of whom we still have contact with today.
However, not all were happy or understood. Some pastors (who I knew well) subsequently refused to have us speak in their church. Some years later I heard from a friend, who was on the leadership team of one of those churches at the time and where I had spoken a number of times. They said that their pastor had told the leadership team that Robin Johnson had become political, therefore he would not be invited back.
My flippant response when I heard this, “If attempting to rescue babies from abortion is political, well, yes I have become political.” Obviously in that person’s mind that disqualified me from preaching in his church.
Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work? Proverbs 24:11-12
Separation of Church and State
Church leadership, (generally speaking) has either intentionally or unintentionally misinterpreted the idea of the separation of Church and State. From its inception, as early as the 1600s (USA), it was meant that government would not interfere with the church, have sway or undue influence over it. Briefly, for the sake of space herein we could say, — preventing government from interfering with religion is an essential principle of religious freedom.
Our Christian Founding Fathers knew and understood the importance of the Word of God and prayer. They introduced these elements into the government’s foundations. Where would we be without these men and women of faith? Thank God no one told them to keep their faith private and stay out of politics. I am not saying that they did everything right, nevertheless biblical and ethical standards were set in place, which caused us to develop into a civilised and stable society.
The Judeo/Christian foundations and our religious freedoms are certainly under attack. They are being undermined by both the far left socialist ideology (communism) and the ultra far right (fascism). Neither of these positions are conducive to biblical theology or practice. In addition to these extremes are the expressed beliefs of adherents to religions that advocate violence and death to achieve their ends of control and domination.
We Cannot Be Silent Anymore
“I think God is drawing a line: Are we willing to speak up with boldness? Everyone has different styles, but what matters is clarity and courage on the gospel and all the issues that flow from it – life, religious freedom, marriage and family. Sadly, much of the Church has been silent.” Kurt Mahlburg (Senior editor at the Canberra Declaration)
There are real issues that are impacting our society, which are weakening and undermining the laws, value, standards and practices that once strengthened the culture. Those who take a stand and speak up in defence of righteousness and against the destructive ideologies are severely criticised. Having a biblical world view and declaring such, exposes us to attack by those who oppose the teachings of Scripture.
There are numerous falsehoods, philosophies and practices that are detrimental and are damaging many lives; some examples these, which we must continue to battle against:
- Abortion and the extreme laws that allow termination up to full term
- Euthanasia or assisted suicide
- The lie that gender is fluid; that one’s birth sex can be changed
- The evil practice of prescribing puberty blockers for children and teenagers
- The unfairness and danger of trans-men participating in women’s sport
- The continuing promotion of LGBTQ etc, as normal alternative lifestyles
- Removal of religious freedom
They are just some of the issues we face. Numerous other serious issues impact people daily, EG drug, alcohol and sexual abuse, domestic violence and lawlessness. Challenges in education, industry, the media and so the list goes on. The church must be taught and equipped to live in this world and learn to be a part of the solution not the problem.
When we challenge the destructive culture our aim is not judgement, but the proclamation of truth laden with mercy and love, to help people escape and live free from their injurious lifestyles. Our opponents attempt to highjack and flip the conversation by accusations and misleading arguments. Those who dare present a moral position are attacked and characterised as being cruel, hurtful and hateful for speaking up. Truth needs to be delivered with grace and love, nevertheless truth must be spoken.
I (Jesus) say to you, love your enemy, bless the one who curses you, do something wonderful for the one who hates you, and respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them. Matthew 5:44 (TPT)
The Gospel — The Answer
The Gospel of the Kingdom has the answer and the wisdom for every situation and circumstance in life. It is not enough to only repeatedly confess so called faith statements, cliches and positive thinking. Bible truth with Jesus at the centre and realistic application has to be the diet served up, to build equip and strengthen the Church.
The Gospel has never just been about getting people saved. Jesus’ command was “make disciples of the nations” (Matthew 28:19). The apostle Paul’s commitment to this is seen in his farewell address to the elders from Ephesus.
You know how I’ve taught you in public meetings and in your homes, and that I’ve not held anything back from you that would help you grow. Acts 20:20 (TPT)
And again Paul says that he did not draw back, held nothing back from declaring to them the “whole purpose of God” with the intentional purpose to help them grow and be strong.
I’ve taught you everything I could about God’s eternal plan and I’ve held nothing back. Acts 20:27 (TPT)
Speak Up
Today there seems to be a resistance to speak about the issues we are facing, especially the damaging and contentious ones. I was surprised to hear, and I guess shocked, that there were churches that made no reference to the murder of Charlie Kirk, no statement or any commentary. I am not talking about an emotional and negative tirade, but leading with a positive, constructive, dialogue, presenting truth boldly and wisely, seasoned with grace.
We cannot be intimidated by those who oppose righteousness or allow fear of reprisal to silence us, no matter how loud their noise. Neither should we respond in anger, but with sound words delivered with truth, love and sincerity.
Don’t be angrily offended over evildoers or be agitated by them. Proverbs 24:19 (TPT)
My exhortation to the shepherds (pastors and leaders) who do not feel confident in dealing with the issues because of being uninformed is, get informed. Avail yourself of the many resources available and bring sound biblical instruction for the people of God you are shepherding. They need your leadership.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
People in congregations across the nation are watching news broadcasts, following social media and watching the so called influencers. From the pulpits and platforms there must come a clear, distinct word, to warn, inform, guide, teach and equip the people of God, enabling them to live wisely and speak into their communities.
Every Scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. 17 Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (TPT)
Those who considered Charlie Kirk as dangerous (to their cause) and rejoiced over his murder, will no doubt consider us, who stand and speak for righteousness, in the same manner. This is no reason for us to remain silent. The preaching of the Gospel is confrontational. Whether we are declaring to the sinner the need to repent and turn to Jesus or challenging social trends or denouncing wickedness or speaking to governments over poor legislation, yes the message is and will always be confrontational.
“The church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), needs to speak. Our voices must be raised boldly declaring the Kingdom of God. Without any doubt our first priority is the message of salvation, calling sinners to repentance and surrender to Jesus Christ.
Down through the centuries believers have paid the price for standing and proclaiming the truth. They were beaten or imprisoned or put to death for proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Today the battle continues and believers still pay the price for standing for truth and righteousness.
“In America, that price was paid in blood. Here in Australia, we pay it through careers destroyed, faith expressions criminalised, and free speech silenced. Different weapons, same war.” (Michelle Pearse, CEO Australian Christian Lobby. 24 Sept)
This Gospel that we love and adhere to, has not been and never will be stopped. We must remain in the battle; courageously standing in truth with a bold confession of faith, sustained and saturated with bold prayer, in Jesus name.
Our proclamation of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, in its entirety, in every aspect, must be delivered with hope, grace and love. We are not advocating a religious ideology, we are presenting the truth — Jesus Christ. He is the one who transforms us and sets us free; reconciled, restored, and forgiven to live lives in peace in the Kingdom of God.
Finally — More than Conquerors
And when confronted and faced with the ultimate price for standing and declaring the Gospel, may our response be, as the millions heard during the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, the words uttered by Charlie’s courageous wife Erika, “I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do.”
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
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