Romans 10:11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed."

How do I know I am forgiven by God? Look to the one who bore the nails. "I feel far away from God" When we did not seek Him, He came to us born of a virgin and took on flesh. "I feel guilty" He bore my guilt on the cross. "Where is God?" Seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. "Life is too hard to live." He said, "In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world." "How do I know God accepts my prayers?" Christ lives to make intercession on my behalf. Soul, why do you doubt the One who came to take your place? "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed." Father, may I come to you boldly through Your precious Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.

But now that the Saviour has raised His body, death is no longer terrible; for all who believe in Christ tread him under as nought, and choose rather to die than to deny their faith in Christ. For they verily know that when they die they are not destroyed, but actually [begin to] live, and become incorruptible through the Resurrection.

Athanasius, On the Incarnation of the Word

It is amazing to see all the things Paul went through to proclaim the Resurrection of the dead. Falsely accused, shipwrecked, beaten, and slandered just to simply testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Luke also shows Paul constantly repeating his testimony to the hostile crowds. My favorite verse is in Acts 20:24 "I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." Paul could connect with many different people because of his relationships. To the Pharisees, he told them that he once was a Pharisee of the strictest sect. To the Romans, he told them that he was a born citizen. All these groups were against him, but he was fulfilling the word of the Lord, "If they hated me, they will also hate you" and "if they persecuted me, they will persecute you." Why do men hate our Lord? He offers forgiveness and eternal life and new life? Men in their pride will refuse to submit to the One who deserves to be worshipped.

How can I apply these readings to my daily life? I believe to realize how important the Resurrection is. Paul wen through all these trials and tribulations to testify about the Resurrection of the righteous and wicked. There will be a Final Day when all things will be brought to light. I can hear Paul saying, "Set your mind on things above, not on things of earth." Open my eyes Lord to see the reality of Your risen life.

Its 10:40 pm and I am exhausted. Started the morning reading Acts about Paul's missionary journeys. I do even remember what I read this morning because of so much activity that has been going on through the day. I do remember Paul reasoning in the synagogues with the Jews about the Resurrection of Christ. Its interesting to see that Paul uses different approaches in different contexts. In Athens, he appeals to intuitive truths about the One True God. After that, went to the gym at 7:30 to go swimming and pump some iron. Went to school and took my cults of America test and passed it!! I have to remember though that all this academic work is only a means to an end, the glory of God.

After school, I proceeded to work at XL learning center. I got to edit some papers and butcher the kids essays with a red marker. Editing horrible papers makes me realize how much I love good writing! But Praise the Lord for providing me with not only with one job, but two! God has truly blessed me because both of my bosses are Christian.

I need to pray more, I feel burdened that I can go on a whole day without talking to God or being aware of His presence. I get caught with so many "things" that I lose focus so easily. Even going to a Christian school and be surrounded by Christian all the time does not guarantee a good relationship with God. I need to make time.

Today's sunday gathering at wonderful Christian Fellowship Bible Church was a blessing. Started off the day teaching the little ninos about what true faith looks like during Sunday School. Man, these kids wear me out! Their attention span is so short! God is teaching me patience in serving these children.

Following Sunday School, Pastor Ed preached on the victorious life of faith in Christ. For some reason, I was thinking about missions concerning the Philippines. Seeing RJ, Tito Alex, and Tita Lolit all excited and refreshed of what God is doing over there really renewed my interest in considering another mission trip over there. The problem is that I need to learn the language. Pastor Ed was preaching about the fall of Jericho. The Israelites already had the victory before they even began the battle. How? God said it and promised us. For us today, we have the victory in Christ. The battle is already won, grace has already been poured out, and we simply believe seeing what miracles God will perform.

I'm hoping and praying that I can make it to the Philippines this summer. I want to go over there and just bless people over there with books, teaching hermneutics, and apologetics. I've been learning that even though this is my desire, I have to be sent out from my own Church. This is a team effort.

After Church, I proceeded to Sierra View where we minister to the old at the convalescent home. It could be discouraging sometimes because you do not know if they are listening because some are so out of it. But I must remember that my labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Can't wait for another great week with all the reading and awesome lectures I am going to be learning at school!

i'm alex. this is my new blog.