“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
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files

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
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files

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
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files

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
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files

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
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files

“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
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files

“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
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files

“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
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files

The giant hogweed plant, a noxious weed that resembles a giant Queen Anne’s Lace is spreading rapidly in Ontario and other parts of Canada. Although beautiful on the outside, it can cause burning of the skin or even blindness. People are being warned to stay away from it. As we travel life’s highways, many things are presented to us as desirable and often, when the unsuspecting indulge, they find themselves addicted and unable to stop. The book of Proverbs warns that “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”Remember please that the most important area in which we need enlightenment, and to know the difference between right and wrong is that concerning our eternal destiny. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files

“It’s a beautiful bird and every little life is worth it,” said Laura Evans, a Wild Life technician in British Columbia, speaking about an injured Bullock’s Oriole which landed in Ontario in 2015. Now in good health, the little bird was flown back to B.C. last month. The Bible says that we are of more value than birds and that not even one sparrow is forgotten by God. If our Heavenly Father has concern for the tiny birds, how much greater is His love and concern for us? So, if today you feel that nobody cares about you, think again. God loves us with an endless love. He gave His only Son Jesus, that we might have our sins forgiven and one day be with Him in heaven. John’s gospel says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
Listen to this message and others here:

Just a Minute MP3 Files