This sermon was preached on September 16, 2001 and was Dr. D. James Kennedy’s first Sunday message after the infamous 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center Towers. At that time the total number of people who died in that attack had not yet been confirmed.

Referring to Luke 13:4-5 , Dr. Kennedy noted, “According to the Scriptures, when such things as these happen, we should consider our own sins and the sins of our own nation; this is the first place we should look. I don’t know about you, but this tragedy has caused me to consider, confess, and repent of my own sins. Has it done the same for you? I hope it will do so for every American.”

Noting that the Sermon on the Mount teaches principles of personal Christian ethics, and civil governmental ethics are taught in Romans 13, Dr. Kennedy explained the power given to the state to administer justice to those who have done wrong. As Christians we do not “hate” anyone, but those who do evil, such as those who were behind the attack on the World Trade Center should be brought to justice.

The ultimate question everyone should ask themselves is, “If you were on the 104th floor of the WTC, would you have the assurance as the towers began to fall, that you would be going to meet God with rejoicing and not fear and terror?”