About Bob Semp

Christian, Retired, Ordained Minister, Chaplain, Biker

Scars Erased October 11, 2017

Thirty-three-year-old Tanya St. Arnauld sustained terrible scars from an acid attack. In spite of skin grafts, burn treatments and rehabilitation, the damage remained severe. Then Dr. Jill Waibel of Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute in Florida learned of St. Arnauld’s plight and offered her a free course of laser treatments. Now she says, “I look like I never had an accident.” But there is even more wonderful news that all our sin scars, guilt and misery can be erased. The Psalmist David was inspired to suggest a prayer we can all pray. It is “Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” God will remove the spiritual scars caused by our wrong-doing. John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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The Silence of Big Ben October 9, 2017

Since 1859 London’s Big Ben has been Britain’s most famous timekeeper. But the giant bell atop Parliament’s clock tower fell silent last month. It will be silent for four years for repair work. Hundreds gathered under the Victorian clock and nearby Parliament Square to mark the moment. However, while this famous timepiece will be quiet for a while, time marches on. We will still need to do things on time, still be reminded that time is passing whenever we observe a birthday. The Psalmist reminds us that our lives are controlled by God. Speaking for us all he wrote “My times are in Your hands.” And surely it is a wise use of our time to make our peace with God while we have opportunity, by recognizing our fallen nature and spiritual need and accepting His wonderful gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Historic Eclipse October 6, 2017

“Historic eclipse turns day into night…” was the headline describing the first full-blown solar eclipse in nearly a century. Julie Vigeland of Portland Oregon said, “I’ve seen other really magnificent things, but there is nothing like this.” But a greater eclipse, and a more significant historic event took place when our Saviour, Jesus Christ went to Calvary and died for our sins. By His sacrifice, He made it possible for the night of our spiritual darkness to be turned into the day of our spiritual Light. The book of Proverbs reminds us that “The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” Jesus responded to our need. He said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Jesus can turn night into day for all who sincerely ask.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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All that she had October 4, 2017

Several years ago, an Island hair dresser, in church with her young children, faced an interesting decision. The offering was being taken up. Should she give her last five dollars or not? She decided to give. That week she received a letter in the mail containing $100 cash. She has never found out who her anonymous giver was. When she related that story, I suggested that it was a reminder that God loves her, and He loves her family. Her experience reminds us of a story Jesus told in Mark’s gospel. It was about a woman, who, though she did not have much, gave it all. He commended her with the words, “…she put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Her giving reflected her love for God. The greatest thing that you and I can give to God is our selves, as we admit that “all have sinned” and invite Christ into our lives.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Depression October 2, 2017

Between 2002 and 2014, the number of U.S. residents using antidepressants rose by an astounding 65% according to the National Centre for Health Statistics. If we look at world events, such as recent hurricanes, the North Korean threat, and other world problems, it’s easy to become depressed. So Instead of looking around, it would be wiser to look up to the Heavenly Father, the only One who can help in our troubled world. To become properly connected to Him, we turn to Jesus Who told us, “I am the way, the truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And when we recognize our inability to earn our way to heaven, and call upon to become our Saviour, He brings us into a proper relationship to God. We can then face all the world sends our way.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Moose in the wrong place September 29, 2017

The road from Aulac New Brunswick to the Confederation Bridge PEI is noted for the occasional presence of moose, which at times have become a traffic hazard. Over the years several fatalities have occurred as a result of encounters with these large unwelcome beasts. And as we travel down the highway of life, we can all encounter the unexpected and unusual. Friends can turn against us. The security of our marriages can disappear. Unemployment or sickness can knock on our doors but in times of uncertainty, there is one comforting assurance- God never changes. He said, “I the Lord change not.” He always keeps His Word and His promises. Jesus said, “Him who comes to me, I will in no wise cast out.” He also promises that in difficult times, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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U-Turns September 27, 2017

They were on a busy highway and suddenly realized that they were heading in the wrong direction. Making a U-turn is illegal and dangerous, so they waited patiently for the next exit ramp and turned the way they were supposed to be going. We are all speeding along life’s highway. But then we realize that our questionable actions make us slow down and wonder if we’re heading in the wrong direction. Fortunately, we hear the good news that God allows U-turns. This involves our agreeing with God about our spiritual condition and our need of forgiveness and acceptance of Jesus as the Saviour. It is the good news of the gospel. When we make that U-turn, we are on the road to our proper destination. One New Testament writer urged, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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A foolish philosophy of life September 25, 2017

“I’m going to do as I please. I don’t need anybody…I did it all myself.” Those are the words of a famous movie actor. Sounds like he thinks he does not even need God. It is one thing to feel that you don’t need other people to accomplish your goals. But if it also excludes the Lord Jesus Christ from our lives, it becomes a dangerous and foolish philosophy of life. Our Saviour said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John the Apostle was inspired to inform us in his epistle, that “…He who has the Son has life…He who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” So, if we hope to make it to heaven when this life is over, we’d better not think “I don’t need anybody…I did it all myself.” Remember that we all need Jesus Christ. He died for us and is the only way.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Never too Late September 22, 2017

“It is never too late.” Doctor Peter Selby, said that in a newspaper article about quitting smoking, He noted that many smokers make New Year’s resolutions to butt out for good, then soon start smoking again. He said the National no-smoking week and Weedless Wednesday offer an encouraging reminder that it is never too late to quit. He is correct. But in other areas of life as well, it is never too late to make changes in our lives. Perhaps you have planned to turn your life over to God and begin over. Jesus reminds us that “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” That means to be spiritually reborn. Paul the Apostle adds, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away…all things have become new.” It is never too late to quit smoking, and it is never too late to turn to God.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Caught on Camera September 20, 2017

“What happens to private morality when the camera is watching?” Elizabeth Renzetti asked, in an insightful article in the Globe and Mail. Noting the troubling situations of the mayor of a large city and a basketball team owner, both caught on camera, Renzetti commented, “there was a time in the West when a healthy fear of God kept people in line…” She is correct. The Bible warns of a day when “the dead, small and great” will “stand before God.” We are also told that the book of our lives will be opened and people will be judged by God,” Those considering this Bible truth as merely a myth held by superstitious and religious zealots, take a terrible gamble with tragic and eternal results. Isaiah, in the Old Testament invites us to “seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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