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 said, “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 many of us are like that little boy, so busy holding on to the world’s worthless dimes that we can’t accept liberation. We need to put aside the trifles in our lives and 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
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Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He is believed by many to be one of the greatest leaders in recent history. After being wrongly imprisoned for twenty-seven years by the racist government of South Africa of that day, Mandella was released and later became President of His country. However, Mandella did not call for revenge, but forgiveness and reconciliation. In that way, he pictures the Lord Jesus Christ. 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 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
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Skeptics dismiss the story of Christ as a myth. But the brilliant C.S. Lewis, author of “Chronicles of Narnia”, and many others, was convinced that based on historic evidence, the record of Jesus’ supernatural life is true. 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.” The Apostles agreed. For example, 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 outside of our finite knowledge of the universe, a personal God, as described in the Bible does exist? Have you considered the consequences of unbelief?

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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A California university was awarded a five million dollar grant to try to find out if there is life after death. It is likely they will conclude there is no evidence of an afterlife, if they do not believe what is taught in the Bible, God’s inspired Word. There is no greater evidence for life after death than Christ’s physical resurrection. History records that after His resurrection, over a period of forty days, He was seen by hundreds. On one occasion, He was seen by over five hundred people at one time. It is doubtful if all five hundred would agree to lie about seeing Him, if they had not. Yes, Jesus died, went to the after life, then came back. He re-assures us that there is hope beyond the grave, if we have Christ in our lives. After all Jesus said, “Because I live, you shall live also. “

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Our government is planning to impose a carbon tax on Canadians. But a few years ago, Denmark introduced the first “fat tax”, hiking the price of any product with a fat content higher than 2.3 percent. So, Danish shoppers responded by buying their “junk food” from other countries. You can’t legislate “good behavior.” And we can’t make ourselves into Christians by self-reformation, because Jesus, the sinless Son of God is the only One who could be an acceptable substitute for us before God. The heavenly Father invites us all to accept the forgiveness and the gift of eternal life He has provided by sending His Son Jesus Christ to the cross. It is “by grace we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves. It is the gift of God, not by works lest anyone should boast. “Yes, Heaven is a gift.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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“It is easy to be seduced by glitter and novelty, by T.V. ads telling us how to beautify our homes, or what splashy accessories we should buy.” Fiorenza Gleasure wrote those words in an article in the Globe and Mail. Ms. Gleasure says she often stops and asks herself the question, “Do I really need to buy this?” That is a very good question for all of us. Materialism doesn’t satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts. That only happens when we place our faith in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. When that takes place, we can experience joy and fulfillment beyond anything money can buy. The psalmist put it this way- “Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness…for He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry with goodness.” The lord gives everyone of us the invitation- “O taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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It is 2017, a brand-new year. What lies ahead for us all? Because we don’t know the future, some prudently purchase insurance on life, auto, accident and health, as well as warranties on items we buy. Ira Stanpill wrote a song revealing how to have insurance for the next life, when we have Christ as our Saviour. His words- “I don’t know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day. I don’t borrow from its sunshine, for its skies may turn to grey. Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.” Amos, writing in the Old Testament warned, “prepare to meet your God.” And wise Solomon advised, “Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you know not what a day may bring forth.” On this second day of 2017, please put your hand in the hand of the One who stills the water. He’ll walk with you throughout the year.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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In a few days, it will be the year 2017. It is a time when many of us try new skills, new styles, new places to travel. In one publication, a writer had as her theme “old things.” She spoke of old shoes that are more comfortable than new, of old friends who have stood the test of time, of old folks who have much to share. And, noted old truths which have produced guidance and comfort. Unfortunately, many want to replace everything that is old. Some even want to get rid of the old old story of Jesus and His love, with their own Ideas. These new ideas include such myths as “there is no God,” or “Being sincere and doing good works will get me into heaven.” But the Bible says, “the fool has said in his heart, there is no God.” It responds to the commonly held idea of salvation by sincerity and good works with the words, “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to God’s mercy He saves us.” As we enter 2017, let’s not abandon the old life- changing truths.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Vanessa, wrote the following to a newspaper. “…of all the holidays that I celebrate, New Year’s Eve is perhaps the most important to me. A new year marks a new beginning, a fresh start of the opportunity to start all over again. The truth is that ever since I was little, I have always looked forward to this important date.” Vanessa’s thoughts about the new year are surely held by many. She speaks of a new beginning. It is not only true about a new year, in this case of 2017, but also about the possibility of starting a new life. Paul the Apostle described what takes place when we recognize that we need God in our lives and invite Christ in to forgive, cleanse and start us on the road to heaven. His words are, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He, (or she) is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.” In this new year, a new life is waiting for all.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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As New Year’s Day comes closer, many of us make resolutions. Time Magazine has given a list of top commonly broken resolutions. Here are a few of them. Lose weight. Quit smoking. Eat a healthier diet. Get out of debt. Drink less alcohol. Unfortunately, only around 8% who make these resolutions keep them. So, it is tempting to just stop making any more. A university president once said, “You can do anything you ought to do.” And it was Paul the Apostle in agreement, who wrote in the New Testament, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” But before this can happen, we must first have Christ in our lives. The Apostle explained elsewhere, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.” With Him in control in our lives, we will be able to keep our well thought out reasonable resolutions.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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