Good morning dear brothers and sisters in Christ! How are you!

I believe all of us had gone through different experiences for the past week/s as we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus. May be some of you are victorious and maybe some are still in a quandary and confusion as to what is it to be a Christian and/or still at lost as to what is it going on in this world. Maybe some of you are still in a state of shock as to the tragedy created by the earthquake in Bohol, followed by an unprecedented catastrophe bent by the typhoon Yolanda.

Almost one month had past and still a lot of people, including my students and officemates, are asking me as to what can I say about God seeing innocent children or people suffer or die in a tragic death. I heard questions such as, where was God when the calamity and havoc happened. I thought God is merciful! I thought God will never leave you nor forsake you if you believe in Him! How could that be? The Philippines is a Christian nationpeople are fanatic to GodSome saythere is actually no Godif really there is God, He should have rescued or thwarted the typhoon! Apparently, their faith in God was shaken and their wills stunned. This morning, as we continue with the expository of Pauls Epistle to the Romans, let us allow the Holy Spirit to decipher to us Gods Sovereign will in connection with everything that is happenings. Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to them who are called according to His purpose

We are now chapter 8. Before that, let us pray. In order to fully understand the meaning of Paul s message in all of his epistles, you need to put your eyes out from our modern context. To help you understand it,

allow me to bring you back then from 2000 years ago when Christianity was only more or less 20 to 40 years old, too young compared to an established religion of Judaism, Paganism, Zoroasterism etcan era were uttering the name Jesus Christ and confessing him as Lord is a crime which constitute death penalty, persecution, isolation, expulsion, excommunication, suffering, hunger, seclusion, pain, agony, stress, mental anguish, sleepless nights, wounded feelings, name it and youll have it, and to add more pain to an injury, being identified with Christ would lead you to a change of lifestyle - a deprivation of the indulgence of the carnal flesh. Brother and sisters, we need to understand that Christians, during Pauls time, were also confused and in a quandary or at lost and in danger of giving up their faith in Christ because of the overwhelming circumstances they were experiencing. Paul is not passive or inconsiderate with the feelings of the early Christians. He, as a matter of fact, felt what they felt and suffered what they suffered. But, in spite of that, Paul did not chocolate-coat nor made his message appealing to the senses of his listeners nor, as Karl Marx had accused Christianity, offered the gospel as opium for the people but, he, rather, enforced the gospel with matching encouragement. Thats why, in verse 18, Paul said, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us Notice, Paul mentioned about the sufferings they have undergone in following Christ but he also spoke of the future glory and hope but not on this earth which is diametrically contradictory to the modern message echoed on pulpits and mass media now a days.

To unbelievers or to those who are not born again Christians, (by the way, when I say born again Christians, I am not referring to membership, I, rather, refer to those regenerated by the Holy Spirit) to them, Christianity is a promise of material blessings, hope of a brighter future, a million peso bank account, beautiful house and lot with swimming pool, gorgeous look and fashion, a garage with two or more branded and new cars, 24 karat jewelries, plenty of food, pleasure, enjoyment etc. But, that was not the message of Paul. I believe what Paul meant when he said compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us he is referring to what Jesus said in John 14:2 and I quote, in my Fathers house there are many mansions and in Revelation 21:1-7; and 10-27.

Now, what is Paul belaboring at? Paul is belaboring the fact that Christianity is not a come and dine mentality but rather a come and die reality! Christianity doesnt promise you pretty rainbows and bed of roses, Christianity is a stony road and thorny bushes as the Lord Jesus said, narrow is the road that leads to heaven Christianity is doesnt promise you pleasure and enjoyment but rather trials and sufferings as stated in the book of John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace, in the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world and James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations. Verses 19 22 of Romans speaks more clearly of why the life of Christians are in trials and sufferings. However, despite all those things mentioned awhile ago, here is the best promise that shall come to pass for those who suffered in Christ Jesus to wit; 1. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus v.1 ;

2. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God; they are the sons of God v. 14; 3. Those who suffered with Christ are the heirs of God; joint heirs with Christ and will be glorified together with Christ v. 17; 4. We are saved by faith v. 24; 5. The Spirit helps us in our infirmities and make intercessions for us v. 26; 6. For us who love God and, all things work together for good v. 28; 7. We are called for a purpose v. 28; 8. V. 29 - 39

Wherefore, in view of all these truths, let us therefore stop our illusions of being what we want to be but rather let us be contented with what God has prepared for us for His glory. Am I telling you to just be contented of being poor and miserable? No! What I am telling you is that use your talent, resources, intelligence, character, personality, ability, everything that God has given you, not with an intention to become powerful and oppress the weak nor rich and famous so youll be the center of attraction nor being superior and significant against each other but with an intention to give glory to the name of God and for the edification of the Body of Christ. Christians! You are called for a purpose!