Nov 10 – The Do and Done Religions

There are only two religions in the world- the “do” and the “done. ”Yes there are many different religions groups, but all “do” religions may be lumped into one, because they all tell us that by doing good works, joining their particular branch we can prepare for the next life beyond the grave. They all teach that to be pleasing to God- become a member of our religion, or, do penance for your sins, Do good deeds and you will please God. In stark contrast is the “done” religion. It’s teaching is that you and I can do nothing on our own to impress God. How do I know this? It’s all in the Bible, which many of the do religions profess to follow. The Bible clearly tells us that all of us are sinners by nature and by choice. And the evidence for that is worldwide. The Bible tells says that Jesus has done everything we need. When He died , He cried out “It is finished.” Paul wrote of our salvation that is “not by works of righteousness that we have done. The “done”. Do you belong to the “do” or the “done” religion?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Nov 7 – Discovery

According to one expert in the field, it is “One of the greatest discoveries in the history of science”. He was referring to new data that seem to offer, for the first time, direct evidence of the entities Einstein predicted in his general theory of relativity gravitational waves. If it holds up, sheds new light on … the origins of the universe. The word “discovery” means “to bring to light, to find or see for the first time.” The challenge of discovering new worlds, new ideas and new frontiers has captivated every generation. Sir James Simpson who discovered the use of Chloroform as an anesthetic the artificially induced insensibility to pain was once asked, what was his greatest discovery. Without hesitation the brilliant man replied, “That I am a sinner and that Jesus Christ is my Savior.” He believed Dr. Luke, who wrote in his gospel, the “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” That’s you and me!

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Nov 6 – Wait For Me Daddy

The famous photo “Wait For Me Daddy” shows Private Jack Bernard saying goodbye to his son Warren Bernard, 5, as he leaves for the Second World War in New Westminster B.C, in 1940. It illustrates what, next to the loss of life and serious injuries is probably the worst result of war- separation with all its heartache and pain for families. And much is said in the Bible about separation, not only between humans, but also between the Creator and us. Clearly the Heavenly Father created us to be in close fellowship with Him, not to be separated from Him. Isaiah of old explained why so many are not in a proper relationship with our Maker. When he warned, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you…” As unpopular as the word sin is, we live in a world that is full of examples of its reality and its presence. So it is heart-warming to read James invitation-“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Nov 5 – Man saves woman from bear attack

Erin Greene probably would have died if it had not been for a very brave man. Bill Ayotte who is 69 and retired, ran out armed with only a shovel when he heard the screams of Greene, who was being attacked by a polar bear in Churchill Manitoba.. He distracted the animal so she could get a way, but the bear pounced on him and started to drag him around. The bear finally fled when someone took a run at it with a pickup truck. Ayotte has received one of Manitoba’s highest honors- the Order of the Buffalo Hunt in recognition of his action. This man risked his life for another. His selfless actions remind one of another who not only risked His life, but gave His life. I refer to Jesus, our Lord and Savior of whom Paul, in his letter to the Romans, wrote, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Nov 4 – Microwave phone charging hoax

A so-called "tip", circulating on social media posts, you can quickly charge your smart phone’s battery by placing it in a microwave oven for just one minute. The message claims that the charging method is safe and better for the phone’s battery than conventional chargers. While to any thinking person though, it is a clearly a prank designed to trick the gullible into microwaving and destroying their smart phones. It reminds us all to be on our guard against believing falsehoods. This becomes very serious when it pertains to the matter of our souls and the next life. One such erroneous teaching is the idea that we have to earn our way to heaven by going to church, or by being baptized, or by doing good works, when the Bible states clearly “by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works..” Jesus said, “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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Nov 03 – Never Too Soon

“It’s Never Too soon to learn the value of a dollar.” That’s the title of an article by writer Chris Lockner. He writes that children need to know how to make trade-offs and the value of saving. As important as it is for all of us to learn how to budget our money properly, we need to be even more mindful that it it is never too soon or too late to realize the value of a soul. Jesus Himself said, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul.” However successful we may be, we can never buy eternal life. That is a gift freely given by God. Paul wrote, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Our Lord also gave the wonderful invitation to all of us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Have you given thought for your soul lately? Please do not let your financial success and preparation for retirement keep you from preparation for the next life.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Oct 31 – Rescued By Brave People

Brandon Wright, 21, riding his motorcycle near Utah State University collided with a BMW sliding under the car which burst into flames. Then in a dramatic act, students and construction workers rushed over to lift the BMW while flames shot out of the from burning motorcycle jammed under the car’s front fender. Wright’s unconscious body was dragged under the vehicle. In a news conference later, Wright thanked his rescuers, calling them heroes. What a moving story and a credit to courageous people. In their bravery they illustrate the great heroic action which Jesus performed for all mankind when he left heaven’s glory, came to this earth and gave His life at Calvary. Wright welcomed their help and his life was saved. Jesus offers Himself to us, saying “behold I stand at the door and knock if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” What is your response to His offer of forgiveness, cleansing and eternal life

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Oct 30 – Leonardo DiCaprio and the Environment

At last month’s Environmental Summit of world leaders, Actor Leonardo Di Caprio, addressed the gathering. He said "As an actor, I pretend for a living. I play fictitious characters often solving fictitious problems," DiCaprio, told the summit. "I believe mankind has looked at climate change in that same way – as if it were fiction." saying that ignoring the problem will not make it go away. His challenge applies not only to environmental matters. As important as the environment is ,preparation for the next life is of far greater urgency. Treating proven documented realities does not change them and treating truth as fiction does not make them go away. And that is, in fact the attitude of many today regarding the Bible, the Gospel and our responsibility to face the reality of mankind’s depravity and need of repentance and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus warned, “Except you repent you will all likewise perish.” Treating Bible truth as fiction will not make it go away.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Oct 29 – Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Dr. David Jeremiah in his book “Sanctuary” has written, “In every cell of your body, there is enough information to recreate your adult person as if no other cells were necessary. He continued, “If the DNA instructions of one cell were written out, it would take a thousand six hundred page books to put all that information down. And yet God put this all in a cell so tiny that one cannot see it without magnification. In light of this amazing truth, how sad that so many ignore their Creator. Like David of old, we should all be praying, “Search me O God and know my heart…and see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. ”Yes, you and I have been “fearfully and wonderfully made” by a loving Creator who wants to have a close relationship with Him. To make that possible, He gave His Son Jesus to died in our place on the cross and is waiting to forgive and cleanse us and give us everlasting life. We need only ask.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Oct 28 – The Power of God

Dr. John R. Brobeck, for many years Professor of Physiology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School believed that many scientists now admit that the miracles described in the Bible may have happened. He said major changes in scientific outlook have caused scientists to review their ideas about miracles, and are no longer able to honestly say that something is impossible only improbable. Brobeck stated that the one factor that could account for Bible miracles is a source unknown to the scientific system, known in the Bible as “the power of God.” It has been described as “that ability.. whereby God can bring to pass whatever He pleases.” Paul embraced it, saying, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” It is encouraging that many scientists are looking seriously at the Bible. But whether they believe it or not, it is still trustworthy and able to transform lives.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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