The December 16th issue of Time Magazine features a picture of Carl Icahn, calling him the “Master of the Universe.” Worth an estimated 20 billion dollars, Icahn is, smart and rich.. But he’s not the “master of the universe. That position is already occupied. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” And the Psalmist wrote, “The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.“ God not only created the universe; He is involved in all that happens in it, ordering the events of our lives.. But He did not create robots. He gave us wills to obey or disobey His Word. Only He can fit us for heaven, but the choice of our eternal destiny is ours. God is master of the universe, but is He master of your life? Mine? Joshua words are applicable to each of us, “Choose this day whom you will serve.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Wang Xizhi, (Shedju) was a famous Chinese calligraphist. His youngest son, Wang Jr. became skilled in the art too, but became arrogant. To teach his son a lesson, Wang wrote a poem, which he called “Precepts against Arrogance.” In his father’s absence, the son, erased the original and re-wrote it. Later, the father, recognizing it was not his writing, exclaimed, “Alas, could I have written such clumsy characters? “ Clearly it was an imperfect reproduction of the original. God gave us us His standard of perfection in the 10 commandments. In fact they were given to reveal our sinfulness and our need of a Saviour. Paul described it by saying, “the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.” Then, when Jesus died on the Cross, He became our substitute and provided the righteousness we all need to fit us for heaven.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

“You think, ‘This can’t be happening.’ What is secure anymore.” That was the tearful response of a widow. She had lost a third of her income during the worldwide financial crisis of 2008. When stocks in her trusted bank failed. Her story was reported in the Wall Street Journal. Tragedy and hard times always jolt us. Our best plans and hopes can be shattered by events beyond our control. It is prudent to remember that there is only one source of true security in our changing world. Paul, in the New Testament reminds us not to “trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” And while going through hard times, we do well to imitate King David, who, while going through a very dangerous and difficult time in his life ” encouraged himself in the Lord His God.” He drew strength not from his circumstances, but from His God.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

There was the Senate Scandal. Next came the Mayor Rob Ford controversy. Then last month we learned of new charges laid stemming from the Quebec sponsorship scandal. Answering media charges of scandal and impropriety, a guilty politician responded with the plea, “I have no recollection of those events.” It is known in law as “plausible deniability.” Whereby individuals try to create a personal safety net for themselves by seeking to convince others that they had no knowledge of the events in question. And sometimes we have our own kind of plausible deniability too. We claim ignorance of our wrong behavior, rationalize, or blame others. But one Old Testament writer reminded us, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” We can’t hide from God, try as we man. Better to run to Him for forgiveness, than to run from Him in fear.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

A homeless man in Kansas City Missouri is also a man of integrity. Sarah Darling mistakenly dropped her diamond engagement ring into Billy Ray Harris’ donation cup, along with some spare change. Harris kept the ring safe until Sarah returned to ask about it. After he returned the ring, her husband established a fund for Mr. Harris, which at press time had received more than $170,000. In addition, Harris and his sister have reconnected after they host touch 20 years ago. She lives in Texas and has offered Harris a place with her. In this case, it was proven that honesty is the best policy. And it reminds one of a biblical truth spoken by Jesus. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” Billy Ray Harris’ honesty experience may not often be repeated, but Jesus’ words are always fulfilled when we put Him first in our lives.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

The international Energy Agency has said that the United States will become the world’s largest energy producer by 2020, overtaking Saudi Arabia, and surpass Russia as the top producer of natural gas. The Agency says this will eliminate America’s long and troubled relationship with the Middle East. If this claim proves to be correct, it will trigger mind-boggling global change. And change can be very painful, even frightening.. Because of our ever changing world, it is comforting to know that there is One who never changes, the Lord Jesus Christ. When we have Him as our Savior, and are walking with Him, we can rest in the truth that He is “Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today and forever,” and that our Heavenly has promised, “I am the Lord God, I change not.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

I recently read the fascinating story of a little child playing with a very valuable vase. He had put his hand into it and could not withdraw it. His father too, tried unsuccessfully to get it out. Then the father had an idea "Now son, make one more try. Open your hand and hold your fingers out straight … and then pull." To his parents’ astonishment the little fellow said, "Oh no, I couldn’t put my fingers out like that because if I did I would drop my dime." We may smile, but thousands of us are like that little boy, so busy holding on to the world’s worthless dimes that we can’t accept liberation. I urge you to put aside the trifles in your life. Live with eternity’s values in view. Or as Jesus invites, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Nelson Mandella, who died last month, is believed by many to be one of the greatest leaders in recent history. His most prominent characteristics were strength of spirit, integrity, honor, and leadership. After being wrongly imprisoned for 27 years by the racist government of South Africa of that day, Mandella was released, and later became the President of his country. However, Mandella did not call for revenge, but forgiveness and reconciliation. In that way, he pictures the Lord Jesus Christ. Before Falsely accused and crucified, He was heard to say as He was dying for the sins of the world, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus died “the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” Although Mandella was truly a great man, Jesus was the God-man, the greatest who ever lived. And today He offers forgiveness and reconciliation to all.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Skeptics often dismiss the story of Christ as a myth. But the brilliant C.S. Lewis author of the “Chronicles of Narnia,” and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and many others, was convinced that based on historic evidence, the record of Jesus supernatural life is true. And Sir Frederick Kenyon, former Director of the British Museum wrote, “Both the authenticity and general integrity of the New Testament may be regarded as established.” And the Apostles had the same confidence. Peter wrote, “We did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord…but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” Can anyone of us say with assurance that we know everything? What if a personal God, as described in the Bible does exist? Have you ever considered the consequences of unbelief?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

A California university has been awarded a five million dollar grant to try to find out if there is life after death. It may well be that they will conclude that there is no evidence of an afterlife, if they do not believe the Bible to be true. Few would accuse Jesus of being evil, or a false teacher. Even atheists usually refer to Him with respect. And there is no greater evidence for the existence of life after death than Christ’s physical resurrection. History records that Jesus not only rose from the grave, but appeared to hundreds of people over a period of 40 days before ascending to heaven. It is recorded that after His resurrection, He was seen by over five hundred people at one time. It is doubtful if all 500 would agree to lie about that, and then keep it a secret. Yes, Jesus died, went to the after life, then came back and re-assures us that there is hope beyond the grave, if we have Christ in our lives. After all, He said, “because I live, you shall live also.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell