The Book of Life March 3, 2017

“The Book of Life, a 2014 computer animated film, presents a story line that sweeps us into a fantastic presentation of three worlds, the land of the remembered, the land of the forgotten and the land of the living. The film probably gets its title from the Bible, which makes several references to “the book of life”. For example, one passage in the Book of Revelation, speaking of the city of God, Heaven, says, “Nothing impure will enter it nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the “Lamb’s Book of life.” We are told that “all have sinned”, and Jesus gave His life in our place. So when we ask Him for forgiveness and believe in Him, we become “children of God” and our names are then written in the “Book of Life.” I hope you’ll think about that today

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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True Gratitude March 2, 2017

“The most important factor in life is whether one takes life for granted or with gratitude.” Those are the words of one of the most original thinkers of the early twentieth century- G.K. Chesterton, a novelist, poet, critic and essayist. These are words of wisdom from a wise thoughtful man. We have so many things for which to be grateful. Our health, the beauty all around us, provision for our needs, friends, families, and more. But while we are giving thanks, let’s not forget our dear Heavenly Father, Who has given us the best gift of all- His Son, Jesus. John emphasized this in His gospel, writing, “…God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” And Paul encouraged people of his day with the words, “thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” Indeed, gratitude is the best attitude.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Fake News March 1, 2017

“Falsehoods are being spread by people who want to get the most clicks, not the most truth.” Those are the words of Apple’s Chief Executive, Tim Cook. And it’s true, “fake news” is becoming a major problem in communication circles today. By contrast, how reassuring to know that God’s inspired Word, the Bible has stood the test of time. The Psalmist, referring to God the Father, “the entirety of Your Word is truth and everyone of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” Much is said in the Bible about truth, such as Jesus’ words, “you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free Jesus words reveal Who He is- the only way to heaven. He reminds us all, “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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Bodily Exercise and Godliness February 27, 2017

A group of experts have advised that people working in office environments stand for at least 2 hours a day during working hours, to protect those engaged with typically sedentary forms of work. Governments are encouraging active living. Today, we often see walkers and joggers. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to look after his or her physical well-being. This is also true in regards to our spiritual health. Timothy, in the New Testament wrote, “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and that which is to come.” As with our physical well-being, our spiritual health is an individual choice. God has done His part, giving His Son. Now the choice is ours. As Paul, the Apostle wrote, “Whosoever will may come”.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Words changing their Meaning February 24, 2017

Do you remember when “grass” was mowed, “pot” was something your mother cooked in, and a “chip” was a piece of wood? The English language is always in a state of change. Words change their meaning; new words are added regularly. We live in a constantly changing world. So, it is refreshing to find certain essentials which never change. Here are three examples. First- God never changes. He has said, “I am the Lord, I change not.” Second- Jesus never changes. Of Him it is written, “Jesus Christ the same, yesterday and today and forever.” And third- the way to heaven never changes, because our Saviour said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” In this ever-changing world, how good to know that the most important things in life never change.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Only Two Religions February 22, 2017

In 2014, it was reported that there are forty-two hundred religions in the world. Actually, there are only two- the “do religion” and the “done religion.” But all the “do religions” may be lumped into one. They all tell us that by doing good works, turning over a new leaf, or joining their religion, we can be prepared for the next life. In stark contrast, the “Done religion” as taught in the Bible, clearly states that all of us are sinners and unable to please God on our own. God’s Word informs us, “there is none righteous, no not one.” The evidence for this fact is worldwide. However, Jesus has done everything needed to solve this problem. Referring to our forgiveness on the Cross, He cried out, “It is finished.” It is “not by works of righteousness that we have done.” The old-time religion of the Bible is the Done religion!

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Winners and Losers February 20, 2017

“I attended a prestigious college, but 35 years later I have no job. I’m in debt, depressed and battling many phobias.” The writer, was complaining to an advice columnist that her Facebook friends were abandoning her until she felt better. Everyone, it seems, loves a winner, but are not too fussy about hanging out with those they consider losers. Thankfully, there is One Who stands with us whether we succeed or not, win or not. I refer to the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One of Whom it is written that He “sticks closer than a brother.” He is the One of Whom the Psalmist wrote,” when my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” To the discouraged, defeated and friendless, our Lord says, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” What an offer!

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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$86,400 in the Bank February 17, 2017

“Crazy. I am shocked. And I still haven’t fully processed it…” Those were the words of a 19 year old from New Brunswick when she learned she had just won seven million dollars in a lottery. She was very rich. Well we are all very rich. Suppose your Bank credited you each morning with $86,400 and carried over no balance at the end of the day. You’d draw out every penny each day. Every day God gives each of us 86,400 seconds. And each night no balance is carried over to the next day. Each day is never repeated. So what should we do? Draw out or make proper use of every second. Paul in the New Testament reminds us that “now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation,” and he urged his readers to make their peace with God while there is still time, writing, “redeem the time.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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The Real 7 Wonders of the World February 15, 2017

A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the present seven wonders of the world. The teacher, noticing that one student had not turned in her list, asked her if she was having trouble. The girl replied, “Yes, I couldn’t make up my mind.” The teacher said, “well tell us what you have and maybe we can help.” The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are to see, to hear, to touch, to taste, to feel, to laugh and to love. “No wonder the Psalmist was inspired to write that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” But perhaps the greatest wonder of all is the ability to love others, especially the love of God for us. John wrote, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should no perish but have everlasting life.” What a wonder!

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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To Lose or not to Lose February 13, 2017

A study of Canadians’ body mass suggests that slightly overweight people had a lower risk of dying than those of normal weight. For decades, we’ve been encouraged to lose weight. Now we’re being advised to gain weight. The rules about our physical health seem to change from time to time. But when it comes to our spiritual health, the Bible, our guide, is always consistent, instructing us to admit our inability to please God by doing good works. Gaining God’s favour does not come about by what the Bible describes as “works of righteousness that we have done.” And Doctor Luke tells us there is “no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Medical people, being human, occasionally make mistakes. But our Heavenly Father doesn’t. We can trust Him for time and eternity.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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