“We were reminded today that life is a vapor. Life is precious, life is fragile, and we must redeem the time we’re given…our boys, Jordan and Evan were bright lights…We are grieving their loss but confident of their new home in heaven.” Those were the words of Jason, Shauna and Katie, family of the twins who tragically died in a bobsled accident in Calgary last month. Their words are solemn reminders of the brevity of life, and an encouragement to redeem the time given. But in this heart-breaking event, there is a ray of hope. The boys have “a new home in heaven.” That’s because these young men, had previously come into a personal relationship with the Lord. Those family members are aware of a great Bible truth for all true Christians- “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”. There will be a family reunion.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Most news is bad news. People fight, kill, rape, and steal. Why? The following statement from a prominent and influential individual, a leader in the world-wide philosophy known as Humanism, may help with the answer. He said, “The greatest evil on earth is the concept of right and wrong and the belief in sin.” Subscribers to that view live in a fairy tale world, believe there is no right or wrong, and no absolutes. Tragically, this is also the philosophy of many influential world leaders and educators today,. But the only believable, realistic explanation for the mess our world is in is the fact of original sin, because like it or not, believe it or not- “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, and “there is none righteous, no not one.” And the only answer is to turn in faith to Jesus Christ, who took our place, and paid our penalty on the cross. “Christ died for our sins.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Concern is being raised about the level of surveillance used by some stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue. Technology includes software that can recognize faces and other sources of data on the individual. This raises questions about what is shared and with whom. We have a right to be concerned about our privacy. But we need to remember that our privacy ends with our all-seeing, all-knowing Heavenly Father. Hagar, whose story is recorded in the Old Testament, cried out- “You are the God who sees me.” And David wrote in one of his Psalms, “Oh Lord, You have searched me and known me…You know when I sit and when I rise…You perceive my thoughts…You are familiar with all my ways.” Somebody may ask, “Why is this important?” It is to teach us that while we may hide secret wrong-doing and thinking from others, we cannot hide anything from God. He sees all and He knows all.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Albert Einstein, who died in 1955, is still making news. In February, over 100 years after he published his general theory of relativity, scientists claimed that they have found, and heard, what Einstein predicted as part of his theory: gravitational waves. He also had special interest in the origin of the universe, once writing, “in view of such harmony in the cosmos, which I am able to recognize, there are yet people who say there is no God. But what really makes me angry is that they quote me for such views.” Was he pondering the famous words of David the Psalmist ? “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.” Einstein’s reference to “such harmony in the cosmos” invites the question- “is it possible to rationally conceive of a harmonized universe created without the existence of a personal, intelligent God? Please think about that today.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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I read recently about an American citizen of English birth who was condemned by a court in another country to be shot. Great efforts were made by the US and England to have him spared, but they were unsuccessful. When the firing squad was prepared, the consuls of both countries wrapped the man in the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes. “Shoot if you dare”, the representatives of the two nations shouted. “This man is protected by two great nations.” The man was released unharmed. All of us are spiritual prisoners to the “god of this world.” But when we sincerely and humbly admit that we are sinners, and cry out for God’s help, Jesus Christ forgives and cleanses us, and clothes us in His righteousness. But He also declares that “our citizenship is in heaven”, and under His protection. Paul described this happy state as follows- “There is therefore now no condemnation, to those who are in Christ Jesus.” I urge you to reach out to Jesus, He’s reaching out to you.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Two little boys in Switzerland lived near a lake. One day, on their way across the ice covered lake to meet their father, they came to a crack in the ice. It was only a foot wide and the ice was quite thick, but their mother, who watched helplessly from the window of their home was afraid the smaller boy would try to step over it and fall in. Then, to her delight,she saw the older boy lie down on the ice, his feet on one side of the crack, his hands on the other side forming a bridge. His little brother crept over him to safety on the other side. That is exactly what our Lord Jesus did for you and me. He bridged the gap between us and heaven, caused by our sins and failures, since “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Jesus, by His death on the cross of Calvary, became a bridge for all, saying, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Nancy Reagan, wife of late President Ronald Reagan, died last month. She is noted for her work on drug abuse and for the slogan “Just Say No.” But she will be best remembered for her real life love story with her husband. Her son, Ron Junior said, “I don’t think they ever spent a day apart where they didn’t speak on the phone…they stayed in love for fifty-two years.” They loved each other. But there is an even greater love than the marital love which the Reagans have beautifully exemplified. It is God’s love for His enemies, for wrong-doers, for those who do not love Him. The Bible is full of references to that great love, such as in John’s gospel, “God so loved that world that He gave His only begotten Son…” and in Ephesians, “But God, who is rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us…” And that great love is available to all of us who “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It is the greatest love story ever told.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Many European countries are closing their doors to the millions of immigrants, fleeing war torn Syria. But they are not doing so, because of callousness or indifference. They simply do not have the resources or the space to take in any more . It is heart-breaking . How different is God’s ability to meet the moral and spiritual needs of mankind. The physical needs of these immigrants, and the fact that they have no country, parallels the spiritual condition of all men. Apart from Christ, all are “ aliens… having no hope and without God in the world.” But God’s grace and power are unlimited and available to all who admit their need and ask. Poet Annie Johnson Flint wrote “ When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s full giving is only begun.. His love has no limit; His grace has no measure; His power has no boundary known unto men.. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Somebody walking through a New York cemetery was surprised to see a headstone that did not bear the name of the grave’s occupant, or the time of birth or death. Looking closely, it was discovered that there was only one word to be found, the word “Forgiven.” The marker told the world the message that mattered most. The person whose body is in that grave went into the next life forgiven. Paul emphasized the greatness of that condition, as he spoke to the people of his day. Referring to Jesus, he wrote, “…in Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace…” He was explaining in one sentence the great sacrifice which our Saviour made on the cross for the sins of every single person who ever lived. And every one who responds in faith, and invites the Lord Jesus into his or her life, is forgiven of all sins, past present and future. John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Card experts in Southern California last month verified the legitimacy of seven identical Ty Cobb cards from 1909 to 1911, featuring the famed Detroit Tigers slugger. Joe Orlando, president of Professional Sports Authenticator , who verified the find, said it is “spectacular”. He said the cards should be worth over a million dollars. A family discovered the cards in the house of a deceased great-grandfather. Many famous people leave their imprint on history by great sports feats, some become beloved and respected politicians, while others win fame in acting careers or as educators. Jesus lived simply, and ministered humbly and compassionately. Now, more than 2000 years later, the imprints of His life are millions of forgiven, transformed lives, because He died on the Cross and rose bodily from the grave. He said, A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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