A Tragic Anniversary

By Pastor Mark McAdow
This week marks a tragic day in America- September 11, 2021. Simply known now as 9-11. Twenty -five years ago tomorrow our nation suffered the worst attack on our homeland by our enemies. It was a tragic and horrific day. For those who were alive twenty-five years ago, we all remember how we felt when we heard a plane had flown into one of The Twin Towers in New York City. We all assumed it was a small engine plane, not a major airliner and then a brief time later another plane crashed into the other tower. Fear overtook our nation. What was going to happen next? Was this the End of the World? Desperate people were jumping to their deaths from the burning Twin Towers. People were running in the streets of New York City for their very lives! Debris from the buildings and exploded airplanes were falling to the ground, injuring people. The Pentagon was also attacked in a similar manner and another airliner went down in a Pennsylvania field. All planes in the US were immediately grounded. Something that had never happened before. We were glued to our televisions to get the latest news. Our vulnerability as the most powerful nation in the world was exposed. We were experiencing pure evil. Almost three thousand innocent Americans lost their lives that day.
 
I was the Senior Associate Pastor at Asbury Church in Tulsa at the time. Our Senior Pastor was out of town, so we called an emergency Staff meeting and made the decision to host a Worship Service that very night at the Church. The sanctuary was packed as we sang hymns of our faith, read scriptures, allowed “open mic” testimonies, and prayed together. When the “bottom falls out” the only place to turn is to the Lord- even non-believers know that. We were not in control then and were never designed to be. As Christians, we surrender control of our lives to Jesus- The Author and Perfecter of our faith. We find our strength not in ourselves but in God Almighty. It’s sad that it often takes a tragedy in our lives to turn to God but it’s also a blessing. As a nation, people were turning to the Lord and for many weeks our churches were full- until the tragedy passed and we “felt” in control once again- a subtle lie of Satan.
 
On this date last year, there was another tragedy in our nation. A young, vibrant husband and father of two young children was assassinated on a college campus there simply to express his spiritual and political views. His name was Charlie Kirk. Many mourned his death, while some even celebrated. How incredibly sad. He was a vibrant witness for Jesus Christ. I shared some of his views about Sabbath last Sunday that have helped me, from his book, “Stop, in The Name of God.” His witness lives on and so can ours. Even in the midst of tragedy, we can and should declare our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! The world needs to hear and know the Truth. Last night at our Willow View Youth group, we celebrated the fact that “Jesus in The Way, The Truth and The Life- no one comes to The Father except through Him.”- John 14:6. Truth is not just a concept. Truth is a Person- Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free!”- John 8:31b-32.

Looking forward to sharing the Truth, who is Jesus, with you this Sunday.

Love you,
Pastor Mark
 
Ladies, remember our Paint & Praise event is from 5 to 7 p.m. this Saturday. Come join 40 women for fun, painting, friendship and praise!