Driving without lights was a big mistake for a 21 year old Maritimer last month. Not only did he risk his life by not being able to see properly, but his behavior attracted the attention of police, who pulled him over and found that he was impaired. I am sure someone, perhaps a relative, is thinking- “That was a dumb thing to do!” I agree. But it is a small matter, compared to those who drive blissfully into the future, ignoring the warning in the Bible to “prepare to meet your God,” or trusting in one’s own efforts to make one’s self pleasing to God, when the Bible clearly states, that it is “not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy,” that we become God’s children and ready to meet our Maker. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” To those ready to allow God to open their eyes, and direct their lives, Jesus said, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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PEI. For these new Canadians it was the end of a long journey, leaving the land of their birth, beginning life anew in the country of choice, embracing new customs, language and culture. It means “following their dream” of freedom of speech, religion and politics, the beginning of a new life. Similarly, we all have the offer of a new life, made possible through the death of Jesus on the Cross. And when we believe that God has raised Him from the dead, a new citizenship is ours. Paul, writing to the Ephesian believers of his day, explained it as follows- “ …therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”Later, in a letter to the Philippians. He wrote, “…our citizenship is in heaven, …” I encourage you to leave behind the old life, embrace the new, receive the freedom only Jesus can give.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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The comic strip Family Circus featured a little guy being tucked into bed. Looking out his window into the darkness he said to his mother, “Mommy, how do we know tomorrow will be another day? That’s a pretty good question for all to consider. The quick answer is, “We don’t” and entering a new year, we all need to remember that there is no guarantee that “tomorrow will be another day,” for us. Jesus, once spoke of a rich farmer who leaving God out of his life, laid up material things for himself, planning to “eat, drink and be merry.” In other words, he planned a comfortable retirement. But in that parable, God told the man that he was being foolish, because that very night he would die. Solomon warned, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” But with an uncertain future, how wonderful for those properly related to the Heavenly Father, through faith in Jesus Christ, to be able to say, “God alone is my refuge. He is my God, and I trust in Him,” in 2015.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Tomorrow is New Year’s Day 2015. It’s a time when many like to try new skills, new styles, new places to travel.. Recently I read of a different idea, in a well known publication. The writer decided to celebrate “old things.” She spoke of old shoes, that are more comfortable, old friends who have stood the test of time, old folks who have much wisdom to share, old truths that have produced guidance and comfort. Unfortunately, many want to replace the old, old story of Jesus. with their own ideas, with such myths as “There is no God, or. “My good works are all I need to get me into heaven” But the old truth from the old Bible says “The fool has said in his heart, there is no God and the Bible also tells us that it is “By grace are you saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God not of works…” Jesus is the only way to heaven. He said, No one comes to the Father except through me. ”Millions have found that they can trust the old old story, of Jesus and His love. You and I can too

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Vanessa, a young woman, recently wrote the following- “…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 or 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.” I am sure that Vanessa’s thoughts about the new year are held by many others. She speaks of a new beginning, a fresh start. And she is absolutely correct. But It is not only true about looking into a new year, in this case 2015, 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 and 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. There’s no better time than now to begin.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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At New Year’s, many sincerely make resolutions Time Magazine has given a list of the top commonly broken Resolutions. Here are a few- Lose weight. Quit smoking. Eat a healthier diet. Get out of debt. Drink less. Unfortunately, only around 8% who make resolutions actually keep them. So it is tempting to just stop making any more. Paul the Apostle would not agree. He wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” A University President once said, “You can do anything you ought to do.” But to be able to do “all things through Christ who strengthens” us, we must first have Christ in our lives as our Savior. Then when we determine what, we “ought to do”, God will give us the ability to keep our well thought out, reasonable resolutions. Remember something else Paul wrote, “…it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Nobody seems to know for sure how Boxing Day started.. One theory is that its origins can be found in the Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas," which tells about Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, in the early 10th century, who was surveying his land on St. Stephen’s Day. Dec. 26. He saw a poor man gathering wood in the middle of a snowstorm. Moved, the King gathered up surplus food and carried it through the blizzard to the peasant’s door. It is believed that this occurred the day after Christmas. But whether this is the origin of Boxing day or not, the day has become for many, a holiday, to relax and enjoy the gifts they received for Christmas. And coming right after Christmas, it can also be a day of gratitude and contemplation, not only for the material gifts received, but for Jesus, the One who is the greatest gift of all. As Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift.” He gives us forgiveness and everlasting life. Have you received that Gift?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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“Silent night, Holy night. All is calm, all is bright…” “While Shepherds watched their flocks by night…” These old Christmas carols tell the story. An angel and the heavenly host praised God, and a life-changing message was given. At first the shepherds were afraid. Later, while they watched in awe, in the lowly stable, they saw a newborn Child- no ordinary Child, but God in human likeness-truly God and truly man. John wrote, of Jesus, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”And the shepherds were amazed . That night as their eyes were opened, they realized the enormity of the message.”To you A Savior is born.” Then they were activated, going everywhere telling what they had experienced. I hope that this Christmas your eyes will be opened to view this miracle of God’s love, and that you will give God your fears and accept Christ as your Savior. Only He can give us the peace we need…

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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John Richard Jepson served in the Ambulance Corp of the British army in the first world War. Recently, I spoke to his daughter Sylvia, who now lives in British Columbia. She told me that her father was present, when, on Christmas Eve, 1914, As darkness fell, some German troops set out lanterns and sang Christmas carols. The British soldiers applauded and called out greetings. The next day, German, French and British troops met to shake hands and share food. It became known as “the Christmas truce.” How wonderful that in our world, torn by wars, Jesus offers Himself as the “Prince of peace” to those who humbly accept Him. God’s Word says that Jesus , “… was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed.” By this heroic act at Calvary, Jesus made peace possible between a Holy God and sinful man. This Christmas, all can receive the greatest gift ever offered-“ peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Only two more shopping days until Christmas and you don’t have all your gifts purchased? What to give? Here are a few Christmas gift ideas from Dr. Charles Swindoll in his book, “Seasons of Life.”. Among them- Encourage an older person. Write a long overdue love note to someone dear. Release a grudge. Share a smile. Find the time to keep a promise you have made. Forgive an enemy. Give an apology if you were wrong. Offer to babysit for a tired mother. Turn the television off and talk to someone. Seek out a forgotten friend. Gladden the heart of some child. Yes, Christmas is a time for giving. God set the great example. The famous Bible verse, John 3:16 explains, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus is God’s Christmas gift to all who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and need of forgiveness and receive the Savior into their lives. Will you?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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