It’s called “21st Century learning” in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia schools. But Margaret Wente, writing in the Globe and Mail describes this kind of learning as a fad that downplays factual knowledge, grades and testing, and emphasizes creativity, innovations and something called digital literacies. To date there is no evidence it brings better results. Not surprising, for we have already thrown out absolutes, embraced materialism, deified man and ignored God, in much of our education. Even some churches are attempting to “re-invent” the gospel. Some would have us believe that God will adjust His program to suit our whims. Not so. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And, “I the Lord do not change.” Yes, there is room for creative thinking, innovative methods in education, but truth and principles never change. Not even in the 21st century.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, and several other prominent individuals are in favor of legalizing non-medical use of marijuana. But according to scientific studies, marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke. And one major research study reported that a single cannabis joint could cause as much damage to the lungs as up to five regular cigarettes smoked one after another. So why are so many attracted to this health destroying drug? One possibility- it enables users to hide from the real world, elude reality and enter a make believe world. But the Bible calls such habits “the passing pleasures of sin “and sooner or later we must return to the real world, where we can have a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Psalmist describes that relationship as follows: “You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Health Canada studies indicate that most of us are consuming too much sodium. And that spells danger to our health and well being. And while it is important that we watch our diet and attempt to live healthy lifestyles, it is even more important to consider our inner man, known as soul and spirit. After all you and I are going to live somewhere forever. Jesus once said “that which enters the mouth does not make a man unclean, for it is soon passed from the body. But what comes out of a man’s heart, evil thoughts, murder, greed, adultery, arrogance, that’s what makes man unclean. We have a heart disease. King David realized his sinful nature, and prayed, “Have mercy on me Oh God…blot out my transgressions, wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Health Canada is correct in warning about too much But God is also correct when warning of that which is already within- our sinful nature. And only He can cleanse us and make us whole again

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Some believe that the cost of prescription drugs used by millions of people every day is about to plummet. Reportedly, between now and 2016 there will be a wave of expiring drug patents which will allow Generic drugs to flood the market. Doctors hope the lower prices will reduce the number of people going without the medicine they really need. While generics will improve the situation, they are not entirely free. But how good to know that there is one remedy that is entirely free. I refer to the remedy for our souls’ disease. Paul wrote of this, saying that though the “wages of sin is death” he was inspired to add the wonderful truth that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” How is this possible? Jesus died to pay for the entire debt for our sins. The apostle Peter speaking of Jesus’ act wrote,” who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree….that we might live.” This marvelous, free gift is available to all!

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Proponents of the so-called Big Bang Theory have had bad news for their theory recently from other scientists who question some of the theories claims. The big bang theory (one of many scientific sounding attempting to explain a universe without God) asks us to believe that this complex and marvelous universe started from a thick soup of matter which they call Quark-Gluon Plasma. This theory teaches that creation is all a big accident. In stark contrast, the Bible states simply that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Meaning that an intelligent, designing God created an intricately designed universe. He also designed us, with a God-shaped vacuum inside that can only be satisfied by Himself. And, He makes it possible to enter into a personal relationship with Him by acknowledging our spiritual need, and receiving His Son, Jesus Christ into our lives. Jesus said, “behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

So you had a birthday recently, and you couldn’t believe your age. But that birth certificate does not lie, so we are all getting older. If you’re not now a senior citizen, eventually if you stay healthy you will be. And seniors must avoid the pitfalls of isolation, according to Psychologist Dr. James Dobson. Dobson says that as we grow older, we should not allow ourselves to withdraw into the four walls of our houses or apartments and become cut off from people. Dobson says get involved with people. And of course, we know that in addition to being in circulation with those with whom we associate, it is most important to have a personal relationship to God, our Maker. When Christ is in our lives and when we allow Him to have His rightful place we can say with the Psalmist, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. So Senior Citizen, avoid isolation, stay in circulation and enjoy fellowship with your Maker,

Pastor Alex Rockwell

A little girl took a caterpillar and put it in a metal box. Shutting the lid tight, she went on her way.. The caterpillar spun a tight cocoon inside the box. Sometime later, while the girl was at school, her mother, cleaning the girl’s room, opened the box to see what treasure her little girl had hidden. And of course t instead of an ugly caterpillar, out flew a beautiful butterfly. But as wonderful as metamorphosis is, it cannot compare with the miracle that takes place when Christ comes into a life and transforms a life. Paul the Apostle described it as follows- “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.” Someone asks, “but how do I get “in Christ?” First- acknowledge your spiritual need because “All have sinned.” Then ask Christ to come into your life and become your Savior. His promise is- “the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

“No man is rich enough to buy back his past.” According to Oscar Wilde the Irish writer and poet, best known for “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Wilde is absolutely correct. None can eliminate the past, no matter how hard we try. Guilt for past wrong-doing is deeply ingrained and refuses to be dismissed. We may call it mistakes, or mis-steps, but like it or not, God calls it sin. He reminds us that “all have sinned.” When King David yielded to his passions and fell, he fortunately came to his senses and prayed, “create in me a clean heart Oh God and renew a right spirit within me.” He was forgiven and that nagging sense of guilt was removed. And that is what God offers us. Paul explained, “If anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation. Old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.” That’s the world’s greatest offer. He said, “the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

The personal creed of a famous movie is actor stated in his own words. “I’m going to do as I please. I don’t need anybody …. I did it all myself.” Sounds like he thinks he does not even need God. Such thinking leads some to consider themselves self-made and end up worshipping their supposed creator themselves. But when this philosophy includes the Lord Jesus Christ, it becomes much more serious. Because to leave Him out of our lives is to court spiritual disaster. One New Testament writer was inspired to write about eternal life as follows: “this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life… he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” And Jesus Himself said, “ I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If we hope to make it into heaven someday, Jesus, because He died for us, is our only way.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

“What is the most sobering thought which ever crossed your Mind?” without hesitation the answer came back- “My personal accountability to God.” Who was the person asked the question? It was none other than Daniel Webster, brilliant lawyer, statesman and orator and a US Senator. His answer reminds us that every one of us born into this world faces this same accountability to our Maker. But none of us can hope to be prepared for that inevitable meeting on our own. We need the help of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Paul wrote, “…just as through one man (Adam) sin entered the world, and death through sin and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. But thankfully, the story does not end there, for later Paul was inspired to w rite, “…as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience (Jesus) many will be made righteous.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell