The Bank of Canada claims that the new polymer bank notes are the most secure series ever issued. But apparently some counterfeiters did not know. Several fake 100 dollar bills are circulating in British Columbia. Sometimes it is hard to tell the fake from the real thing. But put a counterfeit next to a legitimate bill, the difference is obvious to most. Similarly, there are many” counterfeit Christians too. They look very good in their own eyes but put them beside a real Christian, and it’s not hard to see the difference. That’s because a real Christians have acknowledged their spiritual bankruptcy, humbly cry out to the Lord for forgiveness and a home in heaven. God has promised, “Call to me and I will answer you.” That’s how we become children of God. There then follows a life demonstrating love, faith, joy peace and a genuine trust in God. Someone has well said, “Christians are not perfect, they’re just forgiven.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

U.S. President Obama and New Jersey Governor Christ Christie toured sites along the New Jersey shore hit hard by last year’s super storm “Sandy.” They again reviewed the damage and gave a message of hope. Saying, “We are committed to the Federal government making the Jersey Shore stronger than it was before. Adding “After all you’ve been through, we know you are stronger than the storm.” Well, although the forces of nature can be very destructive, they do not compare with the storms that life can throw at us- such as despair, death, pain, and sorrow. And we do not have the strength in ourselves to survived the storms of life. Only God can make us “stronger than the storm.” Listen to these words: “Their soul melts because of trouble…and they are at their wit’s end. Then they cry out to the Lord and He brings them out of their distress and calms the storm…”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

A telescope set to launch to the moon in 2015 will allow the public to view the earth from the lunar surface. People will see the images they’ve never been able to see before. Talk about a different perspective! As we gain more knowledge about space, the theory that this vast universe just happened by a gigantic accident becomes more and more ridiculous, even though believed by sincere, educated, intelligent people. The Bible assures us, that we can lift up our eyes on high and see who has created all things. Isaiah, in the Bible, explains that it is “by the greatness of His might and strength of His power…the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator. ”Whether we look up from the earth or down from the moon, the evidence is everywhere that God is our Creator, and that He has sent His Son to this world to prepare us for the next life. Since we are alive, there is still time to “seek the Lord while He may be found.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

A new United Nations report, Future Prospects for Food and Feed Security". says it is important we eat insects to help the Earth. It gave three reasons why we should be adding insects to our diet. The first is they are good for our health. "Insects are healthy, nutritious alternatives to mainstream staples such as chicken, pork, beef and even fish." The second reason is they are better for the environment than breeding cows, sheep, and other animals. Finally, "insect farming" would help millions of poor families around the world eat and start a small business. But here is another suggestion for a healthy diet. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” In other words, make Bible reading a part of our spiritual diet. There we learn that in God’s eyes we are spiritual paupers. But there we also learn of His grace and willingness to cleanse, forgive and fit us for heaven. What a meal!

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Have you ever noticed that most of the material in the print and broadcast media which feeds our minds and that of our children is ant-Christian, and sympathetic to an immoral lifestyle? Ever asked yourself why? According to author and film-maker Dr. Timothy LaHaye, known for his book “Battle for the Mind” and his involvement with the movie “ Left Behind,” the answer is Secular Humanism, which leaves God and His Word out and places man at the center. Humanism says mans is basically good and able to handle things. We don’t need God, while God’s Word says, “…from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” Do you suppose that leaving God out and putting man in charge is the reason this world is in such a mess?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Patty Wesner of Greenwich New York had an unusual experience recently. A Brink’s truck she was following hit a bump in the road, and it’s back door flew open. Then, to her surprise, thousands of dollar bills came fluttering out. She honked her horn, but the Brinks driver did not hear her. She pulled over, gathered as much of the money as she could and called 911. Soon a New York State Police trooper and two other policemen arrived, gathered up the rest of the loose money and located the Brink’s drivers. All of the $11,000 lost was recovered. In appreciation, Brink’s donated $2,500 to the community library where Patty Wesner is executive director. For Patty, honesty was the best policy. But even when it does not result in an immediate reward, honesty is still the best policy. It’s more important when it comes to being honest with God. When we admit our spiritual poverty and our need for a personal relationship with Jesus.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Generation Y, also known as the Millennial Generation, are the children of baby boomers. They were born from the late 1970s, or from the early 1980s to the early 2000s. At 80 million strong, they are the largest age group in American history. They have been characterized as the “me, me, me” generation because of their perceived self-centered and materialistic tendencies. They have the highest rate of materialism and technology addiction to date. Of course these are generalities, and many born during that time do not have those traits. Jesus taught the opposite to self-absorption. He said that the way up was the way down. He taught self-denial, asking the rhetorical question, “What shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul.” Whether we are from the boomer, generation, the X generation or the Y generation- we are all spiritual paupers and need Jesus Christ to come into our lives, forgive our sins, help us to live useful productive caring lives, and prepare us for heaven.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Many hearts go out to two women who are experiencing heartache. I’ll call the first one Laura (not her real name). She lost one husband in his forties. then later she lost a second husband in his sixties. Now her son, in his forties has a serious heart condition. She is distressed, and seeking peace, which she does not have. The second woman, whom I’ll call Sarah (not her real name) is young, in her 30s, the mother of four young children, recently widowed. She and her husband had a close personal relationship with Christ, and though sadly missing her life mate, and in mourning, she has peace with God and accepts what has happened. Why the difference? The older widow is still seeking peace. The young widow has peace. She experiences what Paul spoke of, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Are you burdened, by your circumstances? You too can have peace with God.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

“A perfect diamond commands a perfect price.” That’s how a spokesman for Christie’s Auction House said described a huge diamond, unearthed in Botswana which brought an incredible price of 26.7 million dollars recently. It was the record sale price for the largest flawless diamond ever offered at auction.. But a much greater price was paid when Jesus, the sinless Son of God took on Himself the sins of the world. He paid the ultimate price, giving His life, as payment for our sin. Paul described it with these eloquent words, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich.” What God offers is of greater value than any diamond. But He does not force it upon us. May I suggest that you reach out to Him today for this priceless gift? Acceptance for those who humbly, sincerely call is guaranteed!

Pastor Alex Rockwell

New research from the University of California at Berkley suggests that listening to sad music provides comfort for broken hearts. Even though more pleasant alternatives are available, they discovered that people find comfort in tunes that reflect negative moods. Life is full of disappointments and sadness. One old hymn reminds us, that God “… understands our sorrows, He sees the falling tear.” Jesus is described in the Bible as a “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,” and one who has “borne our grief’s and carried our sorrows”. So our Savior invites us with the words, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden., and I will give you rest.” And we are also promised that when darkness comes, and we are hurting “He gives us songs in the night.” So if you are down, you don’t have to listen to sad music to feel better. Peter invites, us to be “casting all our cares upon Him, for He cares….”

Pastor Alex Rockwell