In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, America was in a state of shock – faced with the realities of evil, terrorism, tragedy, uncertainty, and the prospect of war.
America’s preachers had the difficult task of comforting their congregations, speaking truth about God’s sovereignty over all things, and instilling hope in the midst of a national crisis.
This collection provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the tragic events of Tuesday, September 11th through the preserved sermons of Sunday, September 16th.
A Service of Sorrow, Self-Humbling, and Steady Hope in Our Savior and King, Jesus Christ
John Piper on 9/16/2001
Text: Romans 8:35-39
View Transcript
Truth, Tears, Anger, and Grace
Tim Keller on 9/16/2001
Text: John 11:20-53
Tim Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church is located just a few miles from where the Twin Towers once stood. As such, his congregation was perhaps more directly impacted than the other pastors whose sermons are collected here.
Keller models an appropriate Christian response to terrible tragedy in this sermon filled with prayer, Scripture readings, and an unshakable hope in Christ.
God’s Purpose to Display His Mercy Against the Backdrop of Evil
Ligon Duncan on 9/16/2001
Text: Romans 9:22-29
View Transcript
A First Response to the September 11 Terrorist Attacks
John MacArthur on 9/12/2001
This special edition of MacArthur’s Grace to You radio program was released the day after the attacks and features a candid conversation between Pastor MacArthur and Phil Johnson. (View MacArthur’s 9/16/2001 sermon)
For Peace
Mark Dever on 9/23/2001
As the pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Mark Dever preaches to a congregation which gathers in close proximity to the White House.
Billy Graham’s message on 9/14/2001 at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
These sermons stand as an important aspect of the historical record, and also as a reminder of how the truth God’s Word is always sufficient and that God is always seated on His throne.
Even in the midst of tragedy, we can recall the Scriptural truth from Romans 8:35-39:
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.