Who Said Anything About Safe?

Bold Faith in an Hour of Testing
By Pastor James Epperly

We’re living in a cultural moment that has changed dramatically. Many have felt a heaviness this week in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Even people who didn’t closely follow his work have sensed a spiritual weight. I believe that’s because this is, at its core, a spiritual matter—and the Church must discern the hour and respond with courage.
I feel like the air has changed. The line between safety and courage is razor-thin. Speaking truth now seems risky; silence seems easier. What we believe about Jesus, our identity, and even our nation is being tested. Yet I also believe God is calling us to be bold.

When Feet Do the Texting
Charlie Kirk was known for boldly declaring his faith and speaking into culture—not from behind a keyboard but with his feet, walking straight into arenas of opposition. That’s a lesson for the Church: we cannot be satisfied inside four walls. We must move forward and declare the gospel of Jesus Christ—regardless of risk.
Our nation is demanding answers. Division, fear, censorship, political violence, and social tension all push back on the Church. Is it safe to speak up? My aim is to explore what happens when the roar of God meets the roar of opposition—through the lens of David and Goliath.

Discern the Hour
Across the prophetic arm of the Church, you can hear it: the cultural temperature is rising—but so is the glory of the Lord. As the world grows darker, the Church must grow brighter and bolder. The sons of Issachar “understood the times” (cf. 1 Chronicles 12:32 [NKJV]). We must do the same. I don’t want to be part of what God was doing; I want to be part of what God is doing.

“The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.”
— Proverbs 28:1 [NKJV]

This is more than personal boldness; it’s a summons for the Church to rise with courage.
“Who Said Anything About Safe?”
In The Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan—the lion who mirrors Christ—is good, but not safe. That line has rung in my spirit all week: “Safe? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King.” Following Jesus isn’t a call to comfort. Scripture is full of saints who stepped into darkness and danger: Daniel, the three Hebrews, Esther. Jesus’ Great Commission still stands: Go into all the world (cf. Mark 16:15 [NKJV]). The early Church wasn’t safe, but it was obedient.

“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah…has prevailed.”
— Revelation 5:5 [NKJV]

As Aslan’s roar breaks winter, the Lion of Judah breaks the curse of sin. When He roars, prophets can’t stay silent and the Church rises in faith.
Boldness ≠ Brashness
Real boldness isn’t arrogance or volume; it’s holy conviction—declaring truth with confidence, love, and clarity. This week something shifted in our nation and in the Church. We can return to safety, or we can step into the chaos with Isaiah’s battle-cry:

“The Lord shall go forth like a mighty man…
He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud;
He shall prevail against His enemies.”
— Isaiah 42:13 [NKJV]

Modern Idols & Ancient Courage
Our idols have changed—but idolatry hasn’t. Today, the self is often enthroned. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we must refuse to bow (cf. Daniel 3 [NKJV]), declaring, “Our God is able…but even if He does not, we will not bow.”
David & Goliath: Hearing That Changes the Season
Read 1 Samuel 17 [NKJV]. Goliath roared for forty days—fear, intimidation, control. David arrives on a bread run, asks “How are you?”—then hears the defiance, and everything changes. The text says, “And David heard it.” What he heard shifted the season.
Church, have you heard it? Do you discern the hour? David’s name means “beloved.” Identity matters. When you know who you are, you need less coaching to walk in authority. Critics mocked David—family and king alike. But his boldness was forged in hidden battles (lion and bear), in worship, and in trust.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
— Psalm 23:5 [NKJV]
“Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle.”
— Psalm 144:1 [NKJV]

Your private battles have trained you for this public moment.
Partner With the Promise, Not the Chaos
Boldness may not look loud; it looks like standing when winds and waves crash. Goliath had force and pride; David had faith, identity, worship, and the name of the Lord. If the Church loses her roar, the world loses its conscience. This isn’t about partisanship; it’s about carrying the gospel into your world. The world isn’t backing up—neither should we.

A Commission to Courage
Culture is roaring. Maybe a Goliath is roaring in your life, too. Maybe a Saul is trying to put his armor on you—forcing you into a calling that isn’t yours. God is calling you to rise. Jesus is on the move. It may get crazier “out there,” but we will grow brighter “in here.”

• Rise with boldness.
• Discern the roar.
• Declare truth and worship loud.

Charlie Kirk recently told a 13-year-old: “Courage is doing the right thing when you don’t know how it’s going to work out.” The Church needs courage—pastors, leaders, believers who stand in the gap without apology. David wasn’t the oldest or strongest—he was courageous.
Will you be courageous? Will you refuse intimidation and lift a roar of truth in love?

Prayer & Response
Father, we repent for playing it safe. We yield ourselves again to Your mission. Commission us to go—into campuses, workplaces, neighborhoods, and places of brokenness—with Your light. Anoint us to carry the gospel with boldness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Finally, I believe mantles remain in the earth to accomplish assignments. Charlie carried a mantle to speak boldly. The Church must pick it up—not necessarily in politics or on campuses, but in your world. Let your feet do your texting. Run to the darkness with the light of Christ. Amen.