Preventing Another 9/11

PREVENTING ANOTHER 9/11

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

PROPOSITION: national healing is only possible through the people of God.

INTRODUCTION: It is now four years since those tragic events of 9/11. Two buildings struck by two airplanes and demolished in the center of New York. The symbol of military might, the Pentagon, struck by a third plane. A fourth plane, crashing in central Pennsylvania, destined for who knows where, yet averted by the heroic efforts of Americans.

In preparation for this message, I viewed again those images of national disaster, of nation tragedy, and of national sorrow. I have thought long and hard of those Americans who have lost their lives on the fields of battle in both Afghanistan, and Iraq. I have remembered the barbaric and cowardly attacks by an enemy that refused to put on a uniform, and takes the lives of not only combatants, but of the innocent, the neutral, and those seeking only to serve and help.

Our leaders say that these kinds of events are now the norm. We should expect them, prepare for them, and be diligent in watching for the seeds of such action. Signs are up, all over this country asking us to be diligent, to communicate suspicious activity, and not to drop our guard.

For the believer in Christ there is more. There must be more, and the Bible declares that there is more. Our leaders ask us to be sensitive to the symptoms. Our God asks us to be sensitive to the disease.

TRANSITION: As you look at the text before you, I would like you to see several points …

I It all starts with us – “if my people”

A Notice that it all starts with God’s people

B Notice that it is conditional – “IF”

1 Conditions have terms – you are to be involved

2 Conditions have consequences – should you choose not to be involved

C God’s people must step up to the plate and take responsibility for our nation.

1 Political Responsibility

a Pray for your leaders to make the right decisions

b Support your leaders in their right decisions

c Involve yourself in politics and bring a biblical perspective

2 Spiritual Responsibility

Exodus 17:8-13 (NIV) The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."

10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up--one on one side, one on the other--so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

a Battle against an enemy

b Involved people involved in God’s plan

c Involved people involved with people involved in God’s plan

YOU CAN ONLY HAVE POINT MEN WHEN YOU HAVE SUPPORT MEN. A POINT MAN WITH NO SUPPORT IS A COOKED GOOSE!

3 Moral Responsibility

James 4:17 (NIV) Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

II It involves a recognition of our true relationship with God – “called by my name”

A Who called you when you got saved

Romans 1:6 (NIV) Ro 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:28-30 (NIV) Ro 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Peter 5:10 (NIV) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.