CHRIST AND HIS WORD THE ONLY HOPE IN TRAGEDY AND DEATH

CHRIST AND HIS WORD THE ONLY HOPE IN TRAGEDY AND DEATH
Christian News, September 19, 2011


“Beyond 9/11” is the title of the special commemorative issue of the September 19, 2011 issue of Time magazine. Time says “you may notice something different about the covers. For only the third time in our 88 – year history, we have changed our trademark red border. Ten years ago, we ran the border in black. For the momentous anniversary, we have changed it to silver.”

Millions of Americans on the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11 watched a special television program which showed what happened on 9/11/01. The 343 fireman who died were shown. According to the report, more are now dying from cancer caused by the fumes of 9/11.

“Christ and His Word the Only Hope in Tragedy and Death” was the title of the sermon Pastor Otten preached at a special service at Trinity, New Haven, Missouri on 9/11/01 several hours after the great tragedy. The entire sermon, which includes news stories from the major networks, was published in the September 17, 2001 CN together with many photos and the headlines from major newspapers.

The editor first heard the reports of 9/11 just as he was concluding a bicycle ride at 8 a.m. When he heard about the first plane crash he thought it can’t be true. This must be something out of Orson Wells. Then came the news of another plane crash as he started to eat breakfast. It can’t be just an accident. He thought there is something sinister behind this.

He was born in Manhattan and lived there and in the Bronx for his first 24 years. His father worked on the doors of the Empire State Building which had been the world’s tallest building with its 102 floors. Later, he worked with his father on some painting jobs close to where the World Trade Center stood.

The news took him back to December 7, 1941 when his family sat in front of a radio listening to the news of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His father told the family that this was the beginning of the most devastating war in all history and that there was much more behind the bombing than appeared on the surface. Some 2,350 were killed in that bombing.

The editor said in his sermon on 9/11/01: God is calling America to repentance. We are living in a sinful world. God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. “He said: ‘He will never leave you or desert you.’ Also we have the courage to say: “the Lord is my Help. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5,6). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). “I am with you always even unto the end of the age” (Matthew 28:290).

The Christian knows that this world is not his final home. He is content with Jesus Christ. When people at the time of St. Augustine heard the news of the Barbarians taking over northern Africa, they thought the world was coming to an end. Augustine reminded them that Jesus Christ still reigns supreme.

It has now been almost 50 years since the nation was shaken with the news of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Shortly after the event people in our community and students from the New Haven High School, which at that time was right across the street from the old Trinity Lutheran Church, now the town library, gathered for a worship service. The title of the sermon was “When Death Summons.”

Sin is the ultimate cause of all disasters and death. Jesus Christ through his death and glorious resurrection has destroyed sin, death and the power of the devil. No man lives forever. All must die in one way or another. All those who trust in Him for their eternal salvation will live with Him in heaven forever. Remember: “Christ and His Word is the only hope in tragedy and death.”

This issue of CN is substituting some of the articles originally prepared for publication with a few of the many articles CN published shortly after 9/11. They are: “Christ Is the Only Way to Heaven for All Not Just Christians”; Subject: Prayer Meeting – A Nation of Idolaters”; “Not Without Hope”; “Death at Twin Towers: Was It Wrath or Grace of God?”; “If God IS Loving, Why Do We Have Death and Suffering in The World?”; “Commentary – Terrorists and Death!”