“You can fake your name, you can fake your document, but you cannot fake your finger prints.” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that as he announced broad new measures to expand the collection of biometric tests for people entering Canada. “We’ll make sure people are who they say they are” he added. Very well said. It is also true to say, “you can fool your friends, you can fool your family, but you cannot fool God, when it comes to your relationship to Him. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my sheep and they know me.” Prudent people do not try to hide their true identities and what they are really like on the inside from God. They acknowledge who they are, what they have done, and humbly turn to our Lord for forgiveness. And that forgiveness is available to all of us today!

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Walter Lippmann, an American Pulitzer prize winner, has been called the most influential journalist of the 20th century. He once said “We ourselves were so sure that at long last the generation had arisen … to put this disorderly earth to right… and look what we have made of it. What is required is a new kind of man.” Most world leaders won’t admit the cause of this world’s sad moral and spiritual state. But The Bible sums up the problem as human depravity, telling us, “there is none righteous no not one.” Jesus explained that because of this fallen nature, we all need to be “born again.” Thankfully, when we admit our spiritual need and invite Christ into our lives, God promises “…I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I will put My Spirit within you. and cause you to walk in my statutes.” Jesus said, “You must be born again.” That is the “new kind of man” needed, one who has been spiritually reborn.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Christianity is growing rapidly in Communist China. So concerned authorities in a Chinese province, Zhejiang (Jheh-jung) , have forcibly removed rooftop crosses from churches and have proposed a ban on further placement of this symbol. Since early 2014, officials have toppled crosses from more than 400 churches. But though the symbol may be destroyed, the message can never be. The Old Rugged Cross, written by American George Bennard in 1913 tells the story of the cross like few other hymns. Its words catch the essence of Jesus` death for us all. “On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain. “ It is based on the famous verse in John`s gospel. “For 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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“We`re going to come back and win the series.” that was the guarantee given by Alexander Ovechkin, captain of NHL`s Washington Capitals referring to game 7, against the New York Rangers. His guarantee proved to be beyond his reach. New York won 4-3 and moved on to the next series. This prediction has a lesson for us all. Only our Creator can guarantee the future. Several relevant Bible verses come to mind. The Psalmist wrote, “My times are in your hand.” Solomon in Proverbs warned, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” The best response to these truths is to acknowledge our spiritual handicap and need of the Saviour. A song put it as follows-” Ì don`t know about tomorrow, I just live from day today. I don`t borrow from its sunshine, for its skies may turn to grey. I don`t worry over the future, for I know what Jesus said. And today I`ll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mandela” teach us that the only lasting response to evil is love.” Those amazing words were spoken by William Murphy Jr., the Lawyer for the family of Freddie Gray, the 25 year old man who died while in police custody in Baltimore Maryland recently. Whatever this lawyer thinks of Bible Christianity, his statement is exactly in line with what the Bible teaches regarding evil. God does not condone wrong-doing, but He loves the wrong-doer. That`s clear from Jesus` words to a woman who had been caught in adultery, and brought to Him by self-righteous religious leaders. He first forced her accusers to admit that they too were guilty of wrong-doing. Jesus then turned to the woman, and said, “neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” God`s Word also says, “God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That is love responding to evil.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Some no longer listen to or watch the news, saying it is so bad. This world is filled with natural disaster like the Nepal earthquakes, strife in the Middle East. Political unrest and oppression are causing thousands to flee as refugees seeking asylum in safer countries. Many lose their lives in the attempt. The dictionary defines refugee as “one who flees in search of refuge”, denoting people seeking protection and a safe haven. But though, in this life, we suffer tragedies, loneliness and disappointment, how wonderful that there is a Refuge. Millions have who have Christ in their lives draw comfort from the Bible promise, “God is our Refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” This is a reality because when we are His, in life or in death, God holds us in His hand and takes care of us.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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It was an unexpected but very welcome kiss. Author Max Lucado wrote of a friend who had just returned from Disneyworld. While there he and his family visited Cinderella’s castle. Suddenly all the kids rushed to one side-Cinderella had entered! But one boy remained on the other side alone. He longed to be with the other children but was physically challenged. Then the unthinkable happened. Cinderella crossed over to the boy, knelt and kissed his cheek. What a beautiful story. It reminds us of another story-of an unexpected kiss, when Jesus our Saviour bridged the gap between heaven and earth. He offered deliverance from our spiritually challenged state. The Psalmist described this astounding truth, speaking about the events at the cross of Calvary-“Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.” That kiss cost Jesus dearly because “By His wounds we were healed.” That heavenly kiss is available to us all.!

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Early last month, the people of Holland lined up by the thousands, to honour, greet and thank the returning Canadian veterans present, who had risked their lives to liberate their country from Nazi tyranny 70 years ago. More than 7,600 Canadians died in the campaign. We remember with sadness and gratitude, the thousands who died to bring freedom. These brave ones remind us of an even greater day in history when the Lord Jesus Christ gave His life to procure freedom . George Bennard`s beloved hymn tells the story- “ On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, …And I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.” Those words were based on the truth of God`s Word that says Jesus,” Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree.” Let`s never forget those courageous men and woman who died for our freedom. And let`s never forget the One who died to purchase for us a home in Heaven.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist. His most famous works are Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In poor health, he sought quiet and rest In Samoa, an Island in the Pacific Ocean. However, he soon found that the chiefs were constantly at war with each other. Gradually, Stevenson won their trust and friendship and taught them to be at peace. In appreciation, after his death in 1894, they built a road through the jungle which today is called “The Road of the Loving Heart” and below it a plaque saying it was in honour of Stevenson, who had brought them joy and peace. But there is One greater than Stevenson, who has demonstrated His love, and through His sacrifice on the cross, offers peace with God. Paul described it as follows- “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Identity theft is a very real threat to Canadians’ personal financial security. It can happen So quickly. Thieves rifle through your mail, trash or unsecured social media sites and acquire personal information. They can then pose as you, take out loans, use your credit cards and much more. It can take months to restore your identity and have records corrected. Financial security is very important in this life. But did you know it is possible to have security for the next life too? John, in his gospel wrote, “All who received Jesus, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become the children of God.” When we put our trust in Christ alone and are born into His family, no one can ever steal our identity as His children. Jesus Himself said, “I give them eternal life and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” Now that is the greatest security possible, and it’s available to every single one of us.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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