People have been trying to predict the future for thousands of years by using such diverse methods as stars, coffee grounds and computers. Russian para-psychologists have now come up with what they call the information theory. The gist of the theory is that the human brain is a matrix filled with information codes, constantly sending and receiving information. The radiated information recedes into the past and the incoming comes from the future. How far science will progress predicting the future is unknown. One thing we do know is that the Bible, God’s Word is full of prophesies that have been fulfilled in minute detail. For example Isaiah 42:9 states, “Behold the former things are come to pas and new things do I declare before they spring forth. I tell you of them.” Why not trust the inspired Word of God which has been preserved through the ages and will never pass away”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

“Atheists are standing up for religion.” is the title of a recent article by Mark Mercer who teaches philosophy at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. In the article, Mercer mentions fellow atheists Alain de Botton and Ronald Dworkin .He quotes atheists saying such things as “…religion poisons everything” and ”we non- religious folk think the religious in their ecstasy are hallucinating.” Mercer concludes that some atheists are in favor of religion and others, including himself, aren’t. Though he identifies himself as a “non-religious atheist” I agree with his dismissal of religion, since in reality religion is man’s vain effort to pull himself up to God, by practicing certain acts hoping to please God. Biblical Christianity, affirms it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done”, but “by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works lest anyone should boast.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Isaac Asimov, an American author and professor university professor, told the story of a rough ocean crossing. A kindly steward said to a very seasick passenger, “Remember, no man ever died of seasickness.” The passenger ‘s response was, “Man, don’t say that! It’s only the hope of dying that keeps me alive.” He recovered and did not really want to die, but his words “the hope of dying” are interesting. I have met many godly people, who really had that hope. They were ready and wanting to meet their Maker and loved ones who had gone before. Only those who have assurance of where they’re going in the next life feel that way. John, in the New Testament wrote, “These things have I written to you who believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” That assurance comes by receiving Christ as your Savior.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Dr. W. Gifford Jones, in his newspaper column asks the question- “what can be done to make 2014 a more relaxing year?” Then he makes some interesting suggestions: “1. Learn to live within your means. 2. Learn to separate the possible from the impossible. 3. Practice patience with a problem until the right solution comes along.” To these excellent suggestions, I’ like to add one more. 4 Become rightly related to God through faith in His Son Jesus, our Savior. Then you will learn that money doesn’t satisfy, and that while things may seem impossible to us, “With God all things are possible.” In problem solving, God says “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who give to all liberally…” Some stress is necessary in every life, but with God’s help we can learn how to react to it properly.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Early in December of last year a commuter train derailed in the Bronx New York. The engineer/motorman William Rockefeller, at the controls, caught himself nodding off too late to avoid the accident which killed four people and injured over sixty. Unfortunately, like this tragic situation, many find themselves “asleep at the switch” of their lives. They intend to give attention to important matters such as the next life, but put it off. King Agrippa, whose story is told in the New Testament, heard an appeal from Paul the Apostle to turn to Christ, but replied, “almost you persuade me to become a Christian.” God’s inspired Word, the bible reminds us “now is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time.” Consider this solemn question in an old gospel song- “What will you do with Jesus? Neutral you cannot be. Some day your heart will be asking, what will He do with me?”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Last month, 16 cars derailed about five kilometers outside of Plaster Rock, N.B. Since the major rail disaster at Lac-Megantic Quebec last summer, there have been at least five significant railway accidents in North America. Transportation Canada approved new safety rules on Boxing Day. Sometimes our lives too can go “off the rails” resulting in personal disaster and pain. When this happens, intervention is necessary. King David experienced many “off the rails” troubles in his life. On one occasion he prayed this beautiful prayer- “Be gracious to me O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until the destruction passes by.” Perhaps you have had bad news and are going through personal trials. If so, I remind you that God loves you, is able and willing to help. I invite you to call on Him. He is waiting.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Author Max Lucado, in his book ‘Outlive Your Life tells the amusing story of his three year old nephew Lawson, who wanted to play some basketball. The basketball was too large and the basket too high. So Lucado lowered the basket and held Lawson high enough so he could roll the ball over the rim. Then the little fellow in his excitement, held his hands high and shouted, “All by myself. All by myself.” It was a bit of an overstatement. But so like many of us – God gave us this beautiful world, air to breathe, food to eat, a brain to function and best of all, He provided, through His Son , the way to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the Life.” But we, in our foolish pride and self-righteousness shout- “all by myself- all by myself.” But it isn’t, for though Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, the same verse adds, “ No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

All too frequently we hear of tragic results, and loss of life from automobile accidents. But last month we learned of the heart-warming story of Steve Jones, from Sturgeon PEI. He survived a life threatening accident, thanks to the intervention of another Islander, Scott Jackson from Murray Harbor. Details of the accident, and frightening plight of Jones were highly publicized. It is a story of Mr. Jackson’s acting on instinct and his going back and finding Mr. Jones. It resulted in the life-saving action of the Montague Volunteer Fire Department. It is a beautiful story that illustrates the loving action of our Savior, Who, came to earth to rescue us, by dying on the Old Rugged Cross in our place and in our stead. Paul described it in the words, “Christ died for our sins.” Steve Jones calls Scott Jackson his “Guardian Angel.” We can call Jesus Christ our wonderful Savior.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Alberta, is billions of dollars in debt. Unemployment is high in Canada. PEI has the largest rate of unemployment in the nation, around 11 percent. Everywhere, people are in economic trouble. Frequently we hear of countries whose national debt has increased. Provinces are finding red the color of reality. And we are being urged to reduce our personal debt. But there is one personal debt we can never pay. I refer to the sin debt. God’s Word states flatly, “all of us like sheep have gone astray each of us has turned to his own way.” (that’s why the world is in such a mess) Thankfully there is a way out of this debt. Although we have gone astray, that same verse says “but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. “ Jesus, by dying on the cross, took our place and paid our debt. However, He does not force forgiveness on us, we have to ask for it.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

When did you first become conscious of yourself as a child? Dr. Taghi Modaressi, a professor at the University of Maryland, designed a study to find a definite point of self recognition. His research concluded that children under ten months did not seem to notice the difference between an accurate reflection or a distorted one. By ages 2-5, the child had developed a definite self image, running away from the distorted one. The bible, which has been likened to a mirror, gives us a true picture of ourselves, as God sees us. We are described as sheep that have gone a stray- “all we like sheep have done astray, we have turned everyone to his own way.” It tells us that “all have sinned…” Unfortunately, many prefer their own distorted image of themselves and rest in their own self-righteousness. God lovingly invites us to accept reality, call on Him. He is willing to forgive and cleanse us.

Pastor Alex Rockwell