Many life changing inventions common today were initially rejected. In 1834, about a century ahead of its time, the precursor of the computer was designed. The first fax process was patented in 1843 but fax machines didn’t come into service until 1964. The gospel of Christ, proclaiming God’s plan for forgiveness, and offering the gift of eternal life, became available when Christ died on Calvary’s cross over 2,000 years ago. But while millions of lives have been, and are being transformed by the power of that gospel through the centuries, most people reject it. The offer is still available. It is, “… God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” .

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Decreased sunlight causes the brain to produce less serotonin. This can result in low energy, anxiety and even anti-social behaviour. Some call it “cabin fever”. So medical professionals recommend vitamin D to compensate in winter when we get less sunlight. In the Bible, light is often associated with goodness and darkness with evil, and Jesus is called “the light of the world.” In fact, John, records Jesus saying, “And…the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil… He explains, “… he who does the truth comes to the light…” So when we leave the darkness of wrong-doing, we repent and invite the Light of the world, Jesus, into our lives.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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The ground all around it is scorched black. So many are asking how the terrible Fort McMurray fire spared a little wooden memorial cross for Michael Le Clercq, with its framed photo and tiny lights. Young Michael died in a car crash south of Fort McMurray six years ago. That memorial cross still standing brings comfort to his grieving family. Over 2000 years ago, God’s Son was crucified on a wooden cross. Paul wrote of that cross, “Christ died for our sins.” Later he exclaimed, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross…” Though this old world is torn by war, sin and disaster, the cross of Calvary stands secure as a beacon of deliverance to all who call on the Lord. And Jesus still offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who ask for it.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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In ‘Anne of Green Gables’, author Lucy Maud Montgomery writes of young Anne making a mistake while baking a cake. Then, facing stern guardian, Marilla, Anne exclaimed, “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” Though fictional, Anne’s words present an important truth- there’s a universal longing to start over. And thank the good Lord, we can start over. That’s because in the New Testament, we learn that “…if anyone is in Christ, he (or she) is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new. “That means the past is forgiven, and tomorrow is a new day. Jesus called it being “born again.” And this new start is available to all.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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“God never leaves you alone to suffer through an experience like this.” Those are the words of Caleb Hettinga, a survivor of the deadly crash on the luge bobsled track at Calgary’s Olympic Park on February 6. His face and skull were seriously injured and he lost vision in his right eye. Two of his friends were killed. The eighteen-year-old, an evangelical Christian, credits his deep faith for helping his recovery. He said he felt “peace and hope through this.” God’s care for us all is mentioned in the book of Hebrews in the New Testament, where the Lord promises, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you…” This “peace that surpasses all understanding is for all who humbly admit wrong-doing and invite Jesus into their lives.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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In 2015, Canadians made a decision electing a new government. In 2016 US voters will make a decision on who will be their President. These decisions are having and will have a huge impact on decision makers. We make important decisions daily. Old Testament prophet Ezra wrote of “… Multitudes…in the valley of decision, for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” He spoke of God’s decision regarding the judgment of multitudes of evil doers. But it’s a solemn reminder of the importance of decision making. We are all in a “valley of decision” concerning our relationship with Jesus, God’s Son. A gospel song asks ‘“What will you do with Jesus? Neutral you cannot be. Someday your heart will be asking what will He do with me?” .

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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A Maritimer, working on his ride-on tractor, took a rear wheel off. But when the wheel was put back on, and the mower put into gear, nothing happened. Fortunately, a friend helping, found a small item in the grass. It was the ‘key stock’ that connects the wheel to the axle. Without that tiny piece of steel, the mower won’t move. Often, little things in our lives play vital roles. Someone once said “Every decision, no matter how great or small, has its consequences.” And Jesus, said, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…” Later, He said, “You must be born again.” The decision to receive Christ may seem small, but it’s the greatest one we will ever make. It will determine where we will spend eternity.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Sony Corporation has submitted a patent application for a camera small enough to fit in a contact lens, worn directly on the human eyeball. It incorporates lens, data storage and a wireless communications module. ‘What next?’ If man is capable of this degree of surveillance, think of the implications of God’s surveillance capabilities. God inspired Ezra to write, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong…” Then add the inspired words of the Psalmist, who wrote, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. …You understand my thought … You … are acquainted with all my ways… there’s not a word on my tongue but Lord, You know it altogether.” God knows everything we think or do. Scary or comforting? It depends on our relationship to Him.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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On April 22, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined world leaders in Paris, ratifying a global treaty on climate change. But it’s been said that reducing the gas emissions by thirty percent is easier said than done. And here’s something to think about-regarding our spiritual welfare. It’s easier to say that someday we will make preparation for the next life, than actually doing so. Matthew referred to this tendency, quoting Jesus, writing, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth… but their heart is far from Me…teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” One of these “doctrines of men” is the concept that we work our way to heaven when the Bible plainly says “by grace we are saved through faith, and not by works… it is the gift of God.” .

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Those were the words of US President Ronald Reagan on June 12, 1987. He spoke of the Berlin Wall, built by East Germany in 1961, to keep residents from escaping into Democratic West Berlin. On November 9, 1989, East Germany announced that all citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin This paved the way for German reunification, on October 1990. The Wall was demolished in 1992. This incident is a reminder of a much greater wall between our righteous God and unrighteous mankind, which came down when Christ died on the cross. Paul the Apostle wrote, “For He Himself is our peace…and has broken down the middle wall of separation… that He might reconcile … through the cross…for through Him we … have access to the Father.” .

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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