It is called a "full body scan", and when you pass through US Airport Security checkpoints, you'll get one, or a full body "pat down". Imaging devices are used to scan passengers' bodies and produce X-ray like images which reveal objects concealed beneath clothes.

These measures are deemed necessary, and most people are willing to put up with them rather than be blown out of the skies by the action of some fanatic.

Did you know that God also scans us? Psalm 139 in the Old Testament says, "O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thought afar off, and are acquainted with all my ways."

If you are not a terrorist, you likely won't object to these security scans. And if you have a right relationship with the Lord, the heavenly Father's watching over you is not something to fear but to welcome. I hope you have that good relationship with the Lord.
(Pastor Alex Rockwell)

The noted atheistic philosopher Voltaire, who died in 1778, declared that the Bible had been discredited by so many findings of science, he predicted it would be a museum piece within a century. He enumerated 45 points he claimed were known facts of science of his day on which the Bible and science disagreed.


But a few years ago, a college president, intrigued by the prediction, decided to examine Voltaire's 45 points. He found that present-day facts had disproved every one of Voltaire's so-called scientific theories, and that not a scientist of our day would agree with any of the noted philosopher's 45 points. 

May I suggest that the next time you hear an attack on the authenticity of the Bible and predictions of its demise, you remember Voltaire. The Bible is still here, and still transforming lives. It is the world's most amazing book. Please read it yourself and see what it can do in your life if you heed its teachings.
(Pastor Alex Rockwell)

The modern roundabout is a circular intersection in which all traffic flows in one direction. Drivers must merge into that flow and exit at the appropriate point. They're in Europe, Asia and the United States, and have now arrived here on Prince Edward Island.

Our society puts great emphasis on success and achievement. In a recent advice column, one person wrote, "I attended a prestigious college, but 35 years later I have no job. I'm in debt, depressed and battling many phobias." She said that her Facebook friends only wanted to hear 'positive thing' and planned to deactivate her Facebook acount until she felt better.

Everyone loves a winner, but thankfully, there is one who loves us whether we succeed or not, whether we win or not. His name is Jesus. He is the One of whom it is true, "If my mother and my father forsakes me, the Lord will take me up."

As a matter of fact, our Lord once said, "Come unto me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Please do not suffer in silence. There is help available. Why not reach out to God right now. Pray this prayer: Lord, I'm hurting; please help me. He will!
(Pastor Alex Rockwell)

The Bible reveals that there are two basic requirements for a person to become a genuine Christian. They are first, repentance, and second, faith. Let's take a look at these vital requirements.


First the matter of repentance. In Acts 2, Peter preached a powerful sermon. Those who heard it were convicted of their sins and need for God in their lives. Verse 37 says, "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter, and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter responded by saying, "Repent." This refers to a change of mind and purpose that turns a person from sin to God. Then Peter said, "and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." This is not teaching that we must repent and be baptized in order to be saved. Because when we consider the rest of the Bible's teaching about being saved, we realize that baptism could not possible be a requirement for salvation. The thief on the cross had no opportunity to be baptized, but Jesus told him "this day you shall be with me in paradise."

And Ephesians 2:8,9 says, "by grace are you saved through faith, and not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast." So we ask, what does this verse in Acts 2:38 means? God does not contradict Himself. The answer is that when a person is saved, he or she is told to be baptized (immersed in water) to identify with Christ's death, burial and resurrection. In the early church, baptism was so closely associated with believing and being saved that when a person was baptized, everyone knew he or she was saved. The little word "for" can also be translated "because of" which means that Peter was probably saying, "Repent and be baptized 'because of the remission of sins'."

Second, the matter of faith. When the Philippian jailer wanted to know how to be saved, Paul did not say, get baptized, join the church, turn over a new leaf. He said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Jesus said in Mark 1:15 "Repent and believe in the gospel." Paul summed it up in Romans 1:16 when he wrote "I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God to salvation, for everyone who believes." 

God's only requirements for salvation are Repentance and Faith. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward  experience which has already taken place, not to produce salvation, but to demonstrate a change of heart.
(Pastor Alex Rockwell)

Prince Edward Islanders are giving people... the Fraser's Institute's 2010 generosity index revealed that a higher percentage of Prince Edward Island tax filers gave to charity than any other province or territory in Canada. Frequently, we see how PEI residents react when someone is in need de to sickness, fire, accident, or other tragedies. They step up to the plate and give. They are role models for giving and they're in good company. The greatest giver of all times is our Heavenly Father. One New Testament writer put it this way, "for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." What a gift that was! Have you received it?

At this time of year, gift giving is paramount in many people's thinking. It is one of the traditions that we can sometimes feel we could do without. But when Christmas morning comes, we forget about all the frustration and fatigue.

Of course the greatest gift ever given was when the heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus, as a Babe in Bethlehem... Jesus, the God-Man, who would save His people from their sins. God has also given us the special gifts of family and loved ones. Because we are social beings, we find much joy in the happy faces of children and the reunion of our families.

We could never thank God enough for all His material blessings. We have so much - too much. Christmas should always be a time of sharing with those less fortunate - a wider circle than "me and mine".  god has also given us the gifts of our five senses to enjoy... snowy landscapes, glittering Christmas trees, the aroma of roasting turkey, the reading of the beautiful Christmas story and singing of the old carols. And as we stand before the dying embers of the fire, how precious is the touch of a loved hand. Truly God has given us all things to enjoy!

But what if God, in His wisdom, has sent sickness, sorrow, rejection, or monetary hardship this year? He always sends the best gifts, that is best for our ultimate good. He has not forgotten us, for in sickness we find "His strength made perfect in weakness," in sorrow He calls, "the heavy laden to rest," in being wronged and hurt, He says, "vengeance is mine I will repay."  And in financial hardship, He reminds us, "my God shall supply all your needs."

Does God always give the best gifts? Yes, by His own loving standards, He sends just what we need. Our part is to receive the gift with an accepting and thankful heart.
(Joyce Rockwell)

There is something about Christmas that seems to bring out the best in human nature. Folks make extra efforts to help the less fortunate with food, clothing and where possible gifts for Christmas. Prince Edward Islanders are amongst the most generous in Canada.

I read recently of a five year old refugee being shown the wonders of a large toy department by his foster parents. His eyes grew wide with wonderment, but gradually an expression of disappointment clouded his face. He began to search up and down the aisles and under the tables and counters. At last he burst out, "But where is the child?"

After an embarrassed silence, a store official ordered a Christmas crib to be found at once and set up in a prominent place in the toy department.  At this, the little boy smiled with delight. Young as he was, he had given a lesson in the real significance of Christmas. He was saying, Jesus is, indeed the reason for the season.

Since it is His birthday which we celebrate soon, what part will He have in your Christmas? Will He be ignored as you share gift giving among yourselves? What part does He play in your life? I hope you'll think about that today.
(Pastor Alex Rockwell)

US President, Barak Obama, recently bestowed the Medal of Honour on Dakota Meyer, a young marine, who defied orders to save 36 lives at extraordinary risk to himself. Because of the danger, Meyer's commander had refused his request to head into the fray to rescue his fellow marines and soldiers. But refusing to obey commands, Meyer went in and miraculously survived.

It is a story of great valour. When I read this, I was reminded of a story in the Bible where Jesus had risen from the dead and His disciples went everywhere telling the glad story of Christ's resurrection. But they were imprisoned and told not to preach or teach anymore in the name of Jesus. In reply to this order, they said, "We must obey God rather than men."

If some person or circumstance is keeping you from accepting God's offer of forgiveness and a new life, remember that obedience to God always takes precedence over obedience to men. Will you join the brace people who lived in the time of Christ and say, "I must obey God rather than men."?
(Pastor Alex Rockwell)

North Americans love their "stuff". Sometimes too much. This has resulted in popularity of reality TV shoes such as "Pawn Stars", "American Pickers", "Storage Wars", and of course, the grandfather of all collecting shows, "Antique Road Show". Succumbing to the lure of the treasure hunt, many people are hoping to make a fortune from some treasure inherited from grandmother's attic.

But the greatest treasure is never found in stuff, antiques, collectibles, or riches. Paul the Apostle, writing in the New Testament, put it this way, "My purpose is that they may know the mystery of God, name Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

And Jesus warned, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven." That's because in Christ, when we are properly related to Him by faith, we have forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. That is the greatest treasure anyone could ever find. Have you found it? If I can help in your search, feel free to contact me.
(Pastor Alex Rockwell)