IS GOD REALLY GOOD AND ALL-POWERFUL by J.P. Abecilla

The most striking question from non-believers of God is: "If God is good and all-powerful, why did He allows evil to exist?" It's an inquiry that caters to their argument that God and evil could not exist at the same time. For them, it is contradictory to believe that there is a good and all-powerful God while evil is rampant (e.g., poverty, sickness, calamities, and death). I will make a separate article to answer that. And for now, I am going to try to prove that God is still good and all-powerful despite the existence of evil.

Experiencing a super typhoon after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake is a thought-provoking and heart-breaking scene. It could turn people to think why God allows such a cataclysm to occur. Moreover, these calamities could strengthen the unbelievers' assumption that there is no Supreme Being that exists. However, Jesus said, "There is none good but one, that is, God." That alone can encourage the faithful, but it's not enough to answer the doubts of the skeptics. 

How can we prove that God is good, then? When the earthquake happened in the Visayas, it did not take place between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. when people were deeply sleeping. Instead, it occurred in the morning when most people were already awake. It also happened on a holiday when students, especially children, were not on the school premises where they can be more unsafe. Moreover, shopping malls were not yet open at 8:14 a.m., and churches were not yet filled with devotees, which could cause more lives to be at risk. Super typhoon Yolanda also hit most parts of the Visayas in the daytime when there was no darkness yet, which could cause people to be more fearful enough with a destructive wind. That, you may say, were coincidences. For us who believes, we can still say that God is good. And He is good all the time.

Next with that is, is God all-powerful? The Bible says, "Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee." (Jer. 32:17). Again, that provision of the scripture could not suffice the minds of atheists, agnostics, and skeptics. But how can we say that God is all-powerful? I believe that thousands of faithful believers kneel in prayer during those times when these disasters happen. The other question also would be, does God answer our prayer? I believe God answers our prayers. 

While I was praying on that day of the super typhoon, I was destructed by the shouts of our neighbors because a piece of a roof flew in front of them that almost hit a young person. Nevertheless, I continued praying to the living God, and at the end of the day, no one among us got hurt. 

For more than twelve (12) years of being a Christian, I don't give up on the faith that God can move mountains. He has even created a gigantic galaxy with spectacular planets on it. How much more on controlling a typhoon just to protect His people, isn't it? Yes, the earthquake and typhoon had taken precious lives and destroyed properties, but it could not outweigh the fact that millions of people are still breathing up to this time. God's power has calmed the calamities in most places. The intercession of the believers was heard and answered by God because we believe that He is all-powerful indeed. That again is a bias on our part, but it is true whether you like it or not. Take the truth or leave it.

The last and most critical question of all is, why did God allow these things to happen? I want to be more straightforward with this but as careful as I can. To add more chill, I just want also to ask, is God alone the only cause of these calamities? There are many possible answers to these questions and I will give some: 

1) It is God's punishment; 

2) It is God's way of teaching humans; 

3) It is to enable humans to remember and recognize that God is alive; 

4) It is to show the unbelievers that there is a force more powerful than humans; 

5) It is a sign of the near coming of the Son of God, Jesus Christ; or, 

6) It is purely a result of climate change where people are mostly involved. 

Not all evil things that happen to us should be blamed on God alone because we could have been the great partakers of sin, especially idolatry, or damaging our natural environment. And sometimes, God allows these things to happen not only to teach us but because we provoke Him to be angry with us. Time and time again, we only recognize and remember God when we need Him. But when He is calling us for salvation and service, we are rejecting Him. Allow God to work in your life sometimes, if you can not make it always.

The last thing I want to raise is that I think the other side of the problem is not only on why a good and all-powerful God allows these calamities to occur but on how are we going to react after these devastations happened. 

Throughout history, God has shown His goodness and power. Whether you believe in Him or not, whether you are aware of it or not, He is still knocking on your heart to humble yourself. Ask forgiveness and let Him enter in. Maybe your academic degrees, extravagant wealth, life experiences, religious beliefs, superstitious traditions, philanthropic works, higher position, and overwhelming pride would not allow you to accept the truth of God and the salvation that is of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Nonetheless, I hope and pray that your choice will not be regrettable in the future, especially in eternity. God is good all the time and all-powerful in any way even evil exists. Whether you accept it or not, because your mind could not bear it, still, it will continue to endure as it has endured until eternity. Truth is not subject to one's understanding or logic because it can stand alone. Thousands, if not millions, of lives, have changed because of God's goodness despite many trials coming their way. And see how the Filipinos are working hand-in-hand to help each other to rise again and cling to the truth that God is good and all-powerful.

History and Historians on Question

I posted this question on my Facebook wall yesterday, "If history has a combination of truths, lies, lack of information, religious and political manipulations, to whom are we going to believe then?" In addition, how much trust can we give to BBC, Discovery Chanel, National Geographic, Encarta, Encyclopedia Britannica, and the Holy Bible? What truths are we going to accept, and what lies are we going to reject? How can we know what are truths and lies in the first place? 

You see, history is not a simple subject to be dealt with because it has a lot of complexity on it. History affects the way we understand the past, the present, and the future. Even the Europeans and Americans are divided on their belief if they come from Adam or old rotten apes.

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel said that the only thing we can learn from history is that no one learns anything from history. What can we learn from history then? Why does Hegel think that no one learns anything from history? How can we discriminate the truths and lies in historiographical records that are available for us to learn? 

I have a copy of the April 1991 issue of National Geographic as an example. In one of their featured article entitled Ramses the Great, the editor has written, "Concerning the parting of the Red Sea, modern scholars suggest that Moses may have led his people through a swampy region of lakes east of Pi-Ramses. Perhaps strong winds blew aside shifting waters on one of these lakes. Then, when the pharaoh's charioteers were in hot pursuit, the winds could have turned, swamping the Egyptians." If you are a Christian who believes the Bible, you will in no doubt reject the assumptions of these "modern scholars" but how can you say that they are wrong and that you are right?

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

We can not really learn from history if the truth was denied to us. For this reason, Lord Acton, a Victorian Englishman, insisted to maintain "morality as the sole impartial criterion of men and things." Historians are accountable for the anomalies they have created in narrating human phenomena. 

One of my colleagues believes that the Virgin Mary had other sons and daughters, which I affirmed. But one of us asked if I was there to know if she did. With this, do we really need to be there on that side of history to know what happens? (Read this: "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, a prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." Mark 6:3,4). 

Is it not that historians, academicians, philosophers, scholars, and social scientists should have the moral ascendancy to tell the truth and nothing but the truth for the sake of humanity? How come we believe in something while others believe in another? Faith then is needed for us to believe the truth about what really happened in the past. It takes great faith for us to believe in the existence of the unseen Supreme Being whom we call God. In the same manner, evolutionists and atheists need great faith to believe that everything came from a "Big Bang" though no one had seen and observed how energy resulted in a great expansion that has created millions of species by chance.

A Harvard philosopher, Georg Santayana, uttered that people who forget about the past are condemned to repeat it. Sometimes, an event could happen the same as it did in the past though not exactly the same in detail. World war happened twice and will possibly happen in the future. European colonization happened in different countries many times. Coup d'états, assassinations, cold wars, and ecclesiastical interventions are countless throughout history. Edward Gibbon, the great English historian of the Roman Empire, describes a historical record as containing "crimes, follies, and misfortune of mankind." Things will really repeat to happen again and again if we will forget and not learned from the past.

The 21st-century modern digital humans belong to three groups: those who know much, those who know little, and those who know nothing at all. Or, they belong to those who study well and those who don't care at all. It is up to you what or whom are you going to believe. Whether you believe the Holy Bible or the records of man is yours to choose. 

Some have come up to believe the Textus Receptus and Masoretic Text over Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Rios and other Roman, Arabic, and Coptic codices because they believe the King James Bible to be the word of God. The records of the Authorized Version have passed from numerous textual criticisms but have stood throughout times. The great dilemma, however, is how to filter the things not written in the Bible. How about the so-called hidden records in the archives of the Vatican library, are they authentic? Why are they hidden from all the rest of mankind? As we go through reading and studying history, questions will continue to arise in front of us. The only hope that we can hold onto is that God is graceful enough to lead us into all truths while living in this evil and lying world.

The Rise of Volunteerism, The Death of Apathy

Central Visayas, especially Bohol and Cebu, experienced a fierce 7.2 magnitude earthquake on October 15, 2013. This, somehow, results in a traumatic fear, especially if an aftershock happens. But instead of being apathetic and fearful, people have brought the spirit of volunteerism out of themselves. 

For me, volunteerism is the truest of all kinds of public service. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people with good-heart worked together without receiving payment from taxes, recognition from awarding organizations, and the possibility of corruption from PDAF. It's a noble work indeed. 

 

Designed by NSC Gov. Ray Anne Labra

    

  
The Supreme Student Government, Nightingale Student Council, Educators' Club, and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Students of Cebu Normal University have done a commendable initiative of volunteerism - now on their fourth day. The Bible, the supreme book of all ages, says, "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." This, I believe, should be the driving force of everyone who wants to work to serve others.

The students above are busy not in hiding to fear but in working to serve. The Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest leader and teacher who ever lived, has said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." People who give their time, strength, and treasure are worthy to be blessed. In addition to that, the prayer of the faithful is an unseen force that works great in times of trouble. And we want also to give our commendation for that.

The full force of representatives from CNU-SSG, NSC, EC, and CLASS with SSG Pres. Danrey cooperating with ABS-CBN's Sagip Kapamilya. Photo by Cris Pauline.

Is it not that our plea of uniting the three colleges is not a dream at all but is working out hand-in-hand toward the betterment of our community? Truly, people with the same heart can forget their diversity and can work well for their people who are in need. And of course, greater rewards await. Apostle Paul says, "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."  (No need to talk about the doctrinal issue of that.)

With great joy, I want to say that Bohol and Cebu can rise again because hundreds and thousands of people out there are presently working with government, NGOs, private, and other organizations to bring back the smile on our faces despite natural calamities that happen. Not to forget that our great God who is always good will never leave us nor forsake us. Hoping also that we can see what God wants us to learn from these things that shake our faith. Be safe and be thankful to God. God bless us all.

NORMALITE ALONG THE BOULEVARD

CNU Values Boulevard

...where virtues and good quality traits are enshrined...

SPIRITUALITY Honesty Integrity Respect Competence Commitment Dynamism LOVE PEACE Happiness Freedom Simplicity Unity Humility Responsibility Cooperation Tolerance GENEROSITYCOMPASSION Reconciliation Determination JUSTICE Loyalty Perseverance Service Industry Optimism  Self-reliance Patriotism  Gratitude

"In this university, we value and endeavor to cultivate good character." - E.B.V.

SAVED BY GRACE: An answer to Salvation and Rejection, a Column in The Freeman Newspaper

The Article: http://www.philstar.com/freeman-opinion/2013/08/25/1132541/salvation-and-rejection

Main verse used in the article: "And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and [from] the west, and from the north, and [from] the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last." (Luke 13:22-30)

Arguments raised by the columnist:

1. Luke 13:22-30 debunk the "once saved, always saved" doctrine.
2. "Once saved, always saved" is Calvinist.
3. "Once saved, always saved" is a false doctrine.
4. The believer of "Once saved always saved" are the ones whom the Lord referred to in Luke 13:25.

Counter-arguments:

1. Luke 13:22-30 do not debunk "Once saved, always saved," let alone say that it is applicable in our time. When Jesus answers the question "Are there few that be saved?" He is not yet crucified at that time. Salvation before the crucifixion is different from the time of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. "Once saved, always saved" is a belief that other Christians held a long time before John Calvin and other reformers popped up in the scene. (Read The Trail of Blood and Fox's Books of Martyr).
3. The phrase "Once saved, always saved" like the word "Trinity" can not be found in the Bible but both are supported by it. (Proof below.)
4. The verse (Lu. 13:25) doesn't speak about the believers of "Once saved, always saved" let alone naming a particular church or group of people.

A question is raised in the column, "Who will be saved and how?" And the writer goes on and answers it with these:

• Being a Christian is no guarantee that one can be saved.
• A Catholic who proudly insists that only Catholics can be saved...maybe well-read, but he has no humility in him.
• People from other faiths, as long as they have kind souls, can be saved.
• We can be saved for various reasons.
• Catholics who worship other deities, like the Chinese God of Mercy, have doomed their souls.
• To truly gain eternal life is to eat the flesh and drink the blood of Jesus.

The question "Who will be saved and how?" can be clearly answered by the Bible. A more specific question was raised in Acts 16:30 by a prison keeper, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?" Apostle Paul and Silas answered by saying, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." This is a classic biblical truth that is supported by many other verses. Let me show you. In Romans 10:9, it says there that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Why does the Bible assert that by believing the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be "saved"? It is because only Jesus Christ of Nazareth can save us and no other way but Him alone. Acts 4:12 says, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." And in John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." These verses debunk the argument that "we can be saved for various reasons" let alone saying that we can be saved by being a member of a particular local church. Because there is only one way to heaven, there is only one Savior - the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the column, it is written that "Once saved, always saved" is a doctrine with a thought that... “Christ died on the cross for my sins. All I need to do to go to heaven is to believe. It is a free gift. I do not have to earn my salvation. Christ already paid for my salvation with his Blood.” In the light of the scripture (King James Bible), we will examine this thoroughly. Is it Calvinist, false, or biblical? The scripture recorded, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8). Moreover, it says, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1 Tim. 1:15). Through these verses, we have seen that Christ really died for us, sinners. The second sentence (All I need to do to go to heaven is to believe.) is already answered above and another more below. However, is salvation a free gift? If it is, does it prove that "Once saved, always saved"? The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome that the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 6:23). Before uttering that he already talk about "free gift" in some verse in chapter 15 of the same book.

But not as the offence, so also [is] the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, [which is] by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift: for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom. 5:15-21)

The above quotation from the Bible talks about "free gift" three times and "gift" also three times. Why does salvation become a gift? John 3:16 answers it with this, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God gave His Son because He loves us and gives eternal life to those who believed in His Son. A gift is a gift. You don't really need to work and earn for it. The gift of eternal life is an assurance of man's salvation. Once you will have it, you will have it eternally. It will not be lost.

The word "grace" was also used to refer to the "free gift" and salvation. It is similar to a free gift, it is giving something without payment. The gift of salvation is given not as a debt to be paid by doing good works or "being kind" but as something to be received as a possession. The blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient enough. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Col. 1:12-14,20).

Worthy of note should also be given to Ephesians chapter 2 verses 4, 5, 8, and 9. It is written, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Grace again is used, but for now, take note on the word "saved." The word is not there for an accident and grammarians or English student will understand its use. The "d" at the end of the word assures that you are "saved" already, meaning, the saving is already done, it is finished. Once you are "saved," you can not be unsaved again. Once you are born again, you can not be born again, and again, and again. Once you are "saved," you are always "saved," it can not be "on-and-off," it can not be undone again. Salvation is by grace through faith. It is not by works: giving alms, community service, praying, reading the Bible, going to church, add on. It is the gift of God. Pride can be a hindrance to having it. So you need to repent, accept that you are a sinner, believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be SAVED.

   Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

Smart Test Strategy: Elevate Your Exam Performance

In a world overflowing with advice on test preparation, finding the right strategy can be overwhelming. This guide provides actionable tips to help you develop a smarter test strategy and maximize your exam performance.

1. Nourish Your Brain

Belly to Brain

An empty stomach can hinder your brain's ability to function optimally. Studies show that students who eat breakfast perform better on tests than those who don't. Incorporate brain-boosting foods like peanuts and oily fish rich in omega-3, such as salmon, tilapia, and sardines, into your diet. Additionally, chocolates and bananas have been found to enhance cognitive function.

2. Enhance Cognitive Function with Exercise

Fitness to Greatness

Physical activity can significantly improve brain performance. According to an article in Time magazine, exercising before studying increases blood circulation, which in turn boosts brain function. A regular workout routine can enhance your ability to concentrate and retain information.

3. Optimize Memorization Techniques

Read to Memorize

Reading and rereading class notes, textbooks, and other materials can help alleviate the stress of trying to memorize large amounts of information. Use a dictionary to understand difficult terms, and jot down important points. Employ mnemonic devices to aid memorization, and try reading aloud to reinforce learning—similar to how singing a song can help you remember lyrics.

4. Leverage Group Study Sessions

Grouped to Learn

Collaborating with peers can be incredibly beneficial, especially before a major test. Form study groups with three to seven classmates to share notes, discuss ideas, and develop a collective strategy. Group study sessions can distribute the workload and provide diverse perspectives on the material.

5. Practice with Sample Questions

Tested to Test

Pre-testing yourself with sample questions can help reinforce your knowledge and identify areas that need more focus. Predict possible exam questions and concentrate on challenging subjects, such as practicing spelling, grammar, and vocabulary for an English test, or solving problems for a math exam.

6. Prioritize Restful Sleep

Sleep to Rest

Staying up late, known in Filipino as "pagsusunog ng kilay" (burning the midnight oil), can be detrimental to your health and performance. Aim for six to eight hours of sleep to ensure your body and brain function optimally. Start your review early to avoid last-minute cramming and ensure you are well-rested and alert on exam day.

7. Maintain a Calm Mind

Pray to Pay

A peaceful mind is crucial during exams. Calm your heart and mind with a short prayer or meditation. This practice can help alleviate anxiety and remind you to approach the test with honesty and integrity. Do your best, and let a higher power take care of the rest.

By integrating these strategies into your study routine, you can enhance your test preparation and approach exams with confidence and clarity. Good luck!

Adapted from various sources, including SCHOOLASTIC'S A+ GUIDE TO GOOD GRADES by Louise and Doug Colligan.

Preparing for a Test: Strategies for Success

Preparing for a test can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can enhance your performance and reduce stress. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare effectively for your next big test.

Identify the Test Material

The first step in test preparation is to know what will be covered. Avoid wasting time on irrelevant chapters or sections. Reach out to your instructor or review the syllabus to clarify the specific topics that will be on the test. This targeted approach ensures that your study sessions are focused and productive.

Develop a Study Schedule

Creating a structured study schedule is essential for thorough preparation. Here’s a step-by-step approach to optimize your study time.

Catch Up on Missed Assignments

At the beginning of your study schedule, prioritize catching up on any reading assignments or materials you may have missed. Skim through all your notes to ensure they are complete and legible. This initial phase is about building a solid foundation.

Intensive Review and Concentration Time

As the test date approaches, dedicate the last two nights to an intensive review. This period should be your peak concentration time. Carefully read through all your highlighted notes and study aids. Pay extra attention to materials that have been recently emphasized by your instructor. Use these nights to solidify your memory work, ensuring that key concepts and facts are at your fingertips.

Practice with Anticipated Questions

On the night before the exam, create a list of potential questions that might appear on the test. Try to answer these questions in your head. This exercise not only helps reinforce your knowledge but also gives you insight into the way your teacher might frame questions. Thinking like your instructor can give you a strategic advantage.

Ensure Rest and Readiness

A good night’s sleep is crucial for peak cognitive performance. On the day of the test, review your study aids calmly. Avoid cramming; instead, focus on maintaining a composed and confident mindset. Arrive at the test location a little early with all the necessary supplies, such as pens, pencils, erasers, and any allowed reference materials.

By following these steps, you can approach your test with confidence and poise. Remember, effective preparation is about quality, not just quantity. Good luck!

Source: SCHOOLASTIC'S A+ GUIDE TO GOOD GRADES by Louise and Doug Colligan.