21 November, 2024

Remembering That Day

by | 4 September, 2023 | 0 comments

By Doug Redford 

Sept. 11 of this year marks 22 years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Also remembered are those who perished in a crash in the countryside of Somerset County, Penn., after passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 heroically revolted against terrorists who had hijacked the plane intending to crash it into the Pentagon. 

 A tragic day such as 9/11 will always be remembered when the anniversary comes around. People often will ask: “Where were you when 9/11 happened or when you first learned about it?” And yet, because of the impact of sin upon our world, every single day will mark the anniversary of some tragic event for someone in the world. Obviously, not all of those remembrances will gain media attention, but the pain of whatever tragedy is being marked will likely resurface in the lives of those impacted.  

Each year in New York City, a memorial service is held on 9/11 during which the names of those who were killed as a result of the four crashes that happened that day (and of those who died in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing) are read. Family members of the victims are invited to take part in the reading of the names. 

Communion is not an “anniversary” in the literal sense, since an anniversary is observed once a year, and we observe Communion each week when we gather in worship on the Lord’s Day. We do mark, however, an event that happened on one pivotal day—not a day when towers came down but a day during which a cross went up. We remember, not many lives taken, but one life given, as Jesus himself made clear (John 10:17-18). It would be impossible to read the names of those for whom Jesus gave his life; he offered his life “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). But each of us can take the emblems of Communion and insert our name in the blank: “Jesus died for ______. He gave his life for ______.” 

After the deaths of those who perished in the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, someone observed, “A common field was transformed into a field of honor.” At Communion, we remember that day on which a common symbol of shameful death, the cross, was transformed into a symbol of hope for all humanity. 

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come. 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

November 24 Study | Free at Last

If there is anything that should cause us to give thanks this week it is that God has provided an eternal home for us.

November 24 Application | No More

Sin’s devastating effects have plagued this fallen world ever since the Garden of Eden, but “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).

November 24 | Discovery Questions

These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Battle is the Lord’s” (Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-7, 18-20), by Mark Scott.

Our Gated Community

The Lord’s presence will sustain us whenever the “gates of Hades” and their leader (Satan) pose a threat.

Follow Us