1 Corinthians 10:3-4

3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.

When the Israelites were released from the bondange of salavery in Egypt, they did not enter directly into the land promised by God. Rather, they wandered 40 years in the wilderness before settling in the promised land. During this long journey, they arrived at Rephidim where they could not find any water and became thirsty. They quarreled with Moses and compalined their being led to the desert and died there. By this event, we can see that the Israelites had forgotten the power and grace of God who saved them from the bondage of slavery in Egypt and their continuous protection, guidance and provision in the desert. Their lack of faith and gratitude were revealed in a simple test of thirst. Instead of praying to God for provision, they turned to be a dissatisfying crowd of people and were ready to stone Moses to dead. Again, by God's grace, they were not punished by this offense. Instead, God answered Moses' call and performed a miracle in Horeb to quench their thirst. Moses was asked to strike a rock at a place called Horeb and water would come out of the rock (Exodus 17:6). This miracle is an image of Christ being striken (Isaiah 53:4) such that all sinners who come to Christ may receive the living water such that a sinful, and dissatisfying life can be transformed into a new and abundant life in Christ by the work of the Holy Spirt (John 7:37-39). How gracious is our God who does not remember our sins and paid for the wages of sins by His Son and blesses us with a new life born with the Holy Spirit when we come to Jesus Christ.

Exodus 17:6

6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Isaiah 53:4

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

John 7:37-39

37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

An evidence that we have faith in Jesus is that we have the living water that is the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised. If the Holy Spirit lives in our life, we will be reminded of the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the scriptures John 14:26. When we put His teachings into practice we are like building a house on the solid rock. Difficulties, challenges and temptations in life bound to come to all people including believers of Christ. But, Jesus promises that it will not result in a disastrous collapse as houses built on other temporary and unreliable foundation (Matthew 7:24-27). Indeed Christ is the one we can trust. His words are effective and true that we can depend on until eternity.

John 14:26

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Matthew 7:24-27

24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

1 Timothy 6:15

which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

When Jesus came to the world as a suffering servant, he took the image of a human being in order to communicate and be identified with us. He did not came as a man of nobility or great wealth. He was born as a baby in a manger and grew up in a poor family. When Jesus began His ministry, He was despised and rejected because of His humble social status (Mark 6:2-3). However, this situation had been fortold in the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 53:3). Like the homeown people of Jesus who rejected Him, some people even of today miss the true understanding and faith of who Jesus really is. They only see the human side of Jesus but fail tragically to see the deity of Jesus who is the Word became flesh that wlaked among us (John 1:14). They failed to see that this humble and suffering servant is actually by nature the almighty God who came to the world to save sinners (Philippians 2:5-11). He is indeed the King of kings and Lord of lords. Unlike emperors in world history who expand their domain of rulership by conquest and pluder, Jesus is the Lord of lords by His very nature and ownership right. Firstly, Jesus is the originator of everything - living and non-living things. He owns and holds the title deed of everything in the universe. Therefore it is a reasonable demand that everything to be subject to Him. Secondly, since all things were made through Jesus, He knows how things work and it is wise for every creature with intellectural capacity to listen to His guidance and subject to His rulership. Think about an automobile, the designers and engineers of the automobile are the most qualified and trustworthy persons to prescribe how to operate and maintain the vehicle because they have the intrinsic knowledge of the vehicle: its strengths and weakness, pitfalls to avoid and how to optimize its durability and performance. Likewise, it is wise for us to walk according to the words of God who created the us and the universe. He definitely what will not work and what will work. Thirdly, Jesus does not become the Lord such that He may exploit us when we are subject to his rulership. Conversely, when we went astray and were walking on the path of destruction, He came to save us and guide us to walk on the right path. As a matter of fact, Jesus came to set us free from the bondage of sins and a new and meaningful life that will last forever (John 10:10).

Mark 6:2-3

2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! 3Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Isaiah 53:3

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Philippians 2:5-11

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father

John 1:1-3

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

John 10:10

10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Although the universe is created and owned by Jesus, not every human and angelic being will accept His authority and title. The book of revelation has revealed to us that the anti-christ and his subjects will raise war against Christ at the end time and the Lord of Lords will overcome them (Revelation 17:14). By the way, when we believe in Jesus, it does not mean that we simply acknowledge His existence and has some knowledge about Him because even the demons know about God (James 2:19). Believing in Jesus really implies that we acknowledge and accept His Lordship in our lives such that with the help of the Holy Spirit, we live the new lives abiding in the words of God.

Revelation 17:14

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."

James 2:19

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Jesus came to the world and established His ministry as a humble servant. He was finally arrested and put to death by sinful people. This way, Jesus fulfilled the atonement for sins of all who trust in Him (Hebrews 2:17). After resurrection, Jesus returned to heaven. But, one day He will return (Acts 1:11). However, Jesus will not return with ordinary human appearance but with glory, power and authority to rule and judge all people past and present (Matthew 25:31-32, 16:27;1 Peter 4:5).

Hebrews 2:17

For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

Acts 1:11

11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Matthew 25:31-32

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

1 Peter 4:5

But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

The great white throne judgement will be held before the new heaven and new earth is ushered in to replace the old. This is the judgement of the death (Revelation 20:11-15). This also suggests different degrees of punishment. Friends, without Christ we cannot stand before the Holy God. We might be good citizens having not broken any law. But, we are all sinners in light of God's holiness (Romans 3:23). The only work we can do to satisfy God's requirement is to repent and accept Jesus as the Saviour who has paid in full for the wages of sins for all (John 6:29). Then we may be declared righteous based on the grace and work of atonement of Jesus (Romans 3:24).

Revelation 20:11-15

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Romans 3:23

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

John 6:29

29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

Romans 3:24

and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 2:25

For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Jesus is the good shepherd for He loves and cares for the sheep to such an extent that He suffered and died for the sheep. He actually fulfilled His great love by His suffering and death on the cross so that we who believe in Him will not perish due to judgement and wages of sins. For Jesus has paid it in full for us. He also gives us the Holy Spirit to transform our life from darkness to light and experience a new and abundant life (John 10:10). An abundant life that Jesus gives is not characterized by the world values such as fames and materialistic prosperity as clearly stated by Jesus (Luke 12:15). Rather, an abundant life in the Lord is characterized by satisfaction and peace as described by Psalm 23:1-2. The good shepherd leads the sheep to enjoy a satisfying meal and rest beside quiet waters.

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:11

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Luke 12:15

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Psalm 23:1-2

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

The good shepherd know His sheep and the sheep knows Him and follows His leading (John 10:14). This is a close relationship. Although Jesus is no longer on the earth believers know Jesus through the revelation of the words of God the Bible and the Holy Spirit that dwells in every true believer's life. One evidence that we really know the good shepherd is we are obedient to Jesus' teachings as recorded in the Bible (John 10:16). Incidentally, Jesus also revealed in this verse that there are sheep other than Israel. Gentiles who believe in Jesus can also receive the wonderful blessings God promised to Abraham who is the father of all nations (Genesis 18:18). We now know that these wonderful blessings are the sacrifical love of Christ who redeemed believers of all the world by His sufferings and death (John 3:16). We also receive the Holy Spirit who transforms our lives and we may have an abiding relationship with God forever (John 7:38-39).

John 10:14

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

John 10:16

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

Genesis 18:18

18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 7:38-39

38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

The world is full of strifes, hardships, insecurities, distorted values and temptations because it is a world full of sins. We are bombarded with wrongdoings of each other individually or collectively as a group. Therefore, the common unhealthy words describing the feelings of people are: depressed, bittered, unsatisfied, selfish, agressive, prideful, lewd, envious, deceitful, unfaithful, unforgiving, biased, polarized, guilty. But, Psalm 23:3 tells us that the good Shepherd restores our souls. Soul is concerned our deep inner being and psychological feelings. When we follow the good Shepherd Jesus, He will restore our souls. As Galatians 5:22-23, the Holy Spirit will bring forth fruits in our life and replace those unhealthy attributes of our life with fruits pleasing to God: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and self-control.

Psalm 23:3

he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

John 11:25

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

Some people think that life starts and ends with the physical body. When a baby is born, a new life starts. When a person dies, it is the end of a life. In other words, death is the ultimate final event for a life. This view of life and death is not complete and accurate. The physical aspect of life and death is only part of the picture. Indeed the body is an important component of life but not all. It is also true that one day the physical body will die, but physically only. According to the Bible, death is only a temporary condition. Therefore, death is almost synonymous to sleep for one who sleeps will awake. There are two types of resurrection (Daniel 12:2,Revelation 21:8): resurrection towards eternal life and resurrection towards second death (Revealation 20:18, 21:8). Therefore, the former type of resurrection is the good resurrection that God is pleased to give us and Jesus is the source of this type of resurrection. The second type of resurrection is the consequence of sins for the wages of sins is death according to the judgement of God. The Bible tells us that we are all subject to judgement after this life (Hebrews 9:27). But, we may receive the salvation grace of escaping God's judgement when we put of faith in Jesus who paid for the punishment of all our sins (Romans 3:23-24). God's salvation grace is effective and immediate. Anyone who puts the trust in Jesus will transform his or her life immediately and become united with God and the new life will last to eternity (Romans 6:5-7). For people who have faith in Jesus, death has been conquered and will not be able to set a permanent hook on their new life. The physical death is simply a temporary event for one day they will rise and receive a glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21). Jesus demonstrated His power of resurrection in raising Lazarus who had died for three days in His earthly ministry so that we may put the trust in Him. Also, Jesus Himself was raised from the death so that we who believe in Him will also resurrect with Him.

Daniel 12:2

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Hebrews 9:27

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,

Romans 3:23-24

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:5-7

5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

Philippians 3:20-21

20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

John 11:26

and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Revelation 20:14

Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

Revelation 21:8

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

Life is not restricted only to the perishable physical body which is limited in a short time span. That is, the phsical body is not the source of real life and it weakens day by day as the body grows old until it dies (John 6:63). If life consists of the physical body only, life is really gloomy and has no future. However, God's gift of life is different for it is abundant, imperishable and has a bright future (John 1:4;John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:42). One day, the physical body may die, but a new resurrected body will replace the old physical body which the Bible tells us is a glorious body. Our old life needs to transform into a new life before we may receive this new glorious life which will last forever with God. That is why Jesus teaches us that we must be born again otherwise we will not see the kingdom of God. Being born again is not physically born again but spiritually born again by the Holy Spirt whe we put our trust in Jesus the Lord and Saviour. we can obtain life transformation from nowhere else except from Jesus Christ who is the source of this new and eternal life (John 1:4; John 10:10). The Bible also teaches us that the old life is bounded in darkness which means sin, error or falsehood. The new life that Jesus gives will set us free from darkness and enter light which is a direct contrast to darkness. As a matter of fact, people wihh new life will serve as a witness in the world for most people who are still living in darkness (Ephesians 5:8). Friends, we can put our trust in Jesus who is indeed the resurrection and the life! Friends, when we receive the new life from God, we have the responsibility to shed the light with our new life to people who are still wondering in darkness such that they may see and come and receive God's blessings in Christ Jesus!

John 6:63

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

John 1:4

In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

1 Corinthians 15:42

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;

Ephesians 5:8

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

John 1:29

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

The salvation plan of God by sending Jesus as a sacrifical lamb has been prophecised in various places in the Old Testament. As a matter of fact, the practice of animal sacrifices was only a shadow of the real thing which is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ Himself once and for all such that whoever put their trust in Him (Hebrew 9:28 ) will receive salvation. With His great Love, Jesus suffered great pain and sorrow for all sinners, and died a painful death on the cross. All who trust in Him will become the beneficiaries of his sufferings (Isaiah 53:5-7). JesusChrist took on the punishment that was caused by our transgressions and iniquities such that we may receive peace. Our sins are forgiven and the broken relationship with God can be restored. Christ was afflicted with wounds, but we receive healing from God such that our depressive, sin sick, and spiritually blinded soul can be refreshed with love, and joy. Selfishness, agression, anxiety are replaced with peace, patience, kindness and goodness. Pride, deceitfulness, lewdness, self-indulgence are replaced with faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22).

Hebrew 9:28

28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Isaiah 53:5-7

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self- control. Against such things there is no law.

Jesus was not forced to become the sacrificial lamb, but out of His own will and love (John 10:11; John 15:13). Believers are redeemed by the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18). Notice that Jesus has no sin such that His sacrifice is acceptable to God. This explains why the lambs picked out to celebrate the Passovers must be without blemish as instructed by Moses (Exodus 12:5). As a matter of fact, this is the only effective redemption and salvation acceptable to God (Acts 4:10- 12). Friends, we who trust in Jesus are redeemed at a dear price and therefore we should honor God in our new life (1 Corinthians 6:20).

John 10:11

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

1 Peter 1:18

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Exodus 12:5

5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats.

Acts 4:10-12

10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

1 Corinthians 6:20

20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

1 John 2: 1

1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Jesus is advocate of all believers. Advocate means helper. In modern concept, it has a similar meaning of defense attorney. The persecutor of believers is Satan who persecutes believers day and night before God (Revelation 12:10). Ordinary defense attorneys defend with arguments such that the defendants may be acquitted and will perhaps present a plea for mercy if the defendants are proven guilty. Unlike ordinary attorneys, Jesus defends us with His sacrificial love by settling the requirement of justice by His own death on the cross. However, we should also understand that Jesus does not defend us such that we may stay in sins. Rather, Jesus paid for the penality of sins for us so that we may live a new and free life. He impowers us to become a new creation that glorifies God (2 Corinthians 5:17). The impowerment is through the works of the Holy Spirt who make us a new human being such that believers are spiritually born again. As a matter of fact, Jesus says that being born again is required to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Notice that believers are born again by the works of the Holy Spirit who renews believers with the word of God (Ephesians 5:26) and believers are not giving birth to themselves by their own efforts transforming themselves acceptable to God (Titus 3:5). Jesus promises that he who believe in Him will receive the Holy Spirit who is like streams of living water flowing within the believers (John 7:38-39). The Holy Spirit came when Jesus was crucified, died and resurrected (John 16:7). Believing in Jesus implies loving Him and obeying Jesus' word (John 14:15-17). This fully fulfills the mission of Jesus who came to the world to save sinners (John 3:17).

Revelation 12:10

10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

2 Corinthians 5:17

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

John 3:5

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:26

26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

Titus 3:5

5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

John 7:38-39

38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

John 16:7

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

John 14:15-17

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

John3:17

17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

There will be a very difficult time for the nation of Israel the Bible calls the time of trouble for Jacob (Jeremiah 30:5-7). Althogh Israel has gone through many troubles in history, but none will be like what will happen during this time in the future. This is confirmed by Jesus Himself when Jesus was asked by the disciples about the end times right before His second coming in glory and power (Matthew 24:21-22,30).

Jeremiah 30:5-7

5 "This is what the LORD says: " 'Cries of fear are heard— terror, not peace. Can a man bear children? 6 Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale? 7 None will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it.

Matthew 24:21-22

21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

Matthew 24:30

30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.

The time is the second half of the last week (or seven prophetic years) of the seventy week of the prophecy delivered to Daniel by the angel Gabriel. The antichrist will make a peace treaty with Israel at the beginning of the seventieh week. However, after three and a half year, the antichrist will break the treaty and put Israel in great trouble. The antichrist will forbid Israel's religious activities and render abomination in the temple (Daniel 9:27). This is confirmed by Jesus (Matthew 24:15-16) and apostle Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). Israel's temple was destroyed in A.D. 70, in order for the prophecy of abomination in the temple to occcur, a new temple will be built. As a matter of fact, the project of building of the third temple is being pursued ( see the video presentation). The rebuilding of the third temple will unfortunately almost guarantee conflicts in the region (see this video presentation, and this will happen as the world is winding down fulfilling the prophecy of end times. However, let us encourage each other that God is in control of all these things and all who love God will receive blessings instead of wrath of God out of these (Romans 8:28).

Daniel 9:27

27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.

Matthew 24:15-16

15 "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

However, God will defend Israel during this great tribulation as stated in Jeremiah 30:7. The duration of trouble has already been determined and fortold (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 12:5-6) i.e. 1,260 days or 3 and a half prophetic years (3.5 * 360 = 1,260). The woman mentioned in Revelation 12:5-6 is the symbolic representation of Israel. The male child represents Jesus Christ who is God in flesh as promised by God to Abraham who is known as the father of of all nations because all nations receive blessings from God through Jesus Christ who is the promised Messiah born as an descendent of Abraham (Genesis 12:8; John 1:14).

Revelation 12:5-6

5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.

Genesis 22:18

18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

John 1:14

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

As of today, like the ancestors, the majority of Israel does not accept Jesus as the Messiah. However, during the great tribulation, many will confess their sins and error of not accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior when God will pour out the Holy Spirit on them. Israel will acknowledge Jesus, the Messiah whom they rejected and crucified (Zechariah 12:9-10).

Zechariah 12:9-10

9 On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem. 10 "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

On one Sabbath day, Jesus went into a synagogue in Nazareth and read a prophecy in the book of Isaiah concerning His coming to the world to give hope and salvation from darkness and bondage of sins (Luke 4:17-19). This is the grace of God for we can all be free from sins and reconciled to the holy God and even call Him Father when we believe in Jesus Christ, the son of God, who came to the world to save sinners.

Luke 4:17-19

17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Please note that the good news is preached to the poor as Jesus told us in the sermon of the mount. The poor does not mean people who live in materialistic poverty but people who are humble before God because they realised and confess their spiritual bankcruptcy and are sorrowful of their sins and ask God for forgiveness. Jesus says that they will receive the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3). Conversely, people who are complacent and proud and think that they are righteous by their own standard will not be grateful for the salvation grace of God (Matthew 9:12). When we have Jesus, we will know the truth for His words are in our heart such that we will not be enslaved by sins anymore (John 8:32). Jesus came not to recover sight for a few blind persons physically, but to heal the spiritual blindnesss for all who trust in Him (John 9:39) such that they see the power of the gospel which save them from the enslavery and destruction of sins. They will be very grateful to Jesus' salvation who sacrificed His own body to save us from the wages of sins. Mary Magdelene was a well-known sinner in her hometown and was possessed by evil spirits. Out of her great gratitude for Jesus' forgiveness of her sins and setting her free from the oppression of evil spirits, She broke a jar of very expensive perfume which could be her most precisous possession and poured it to Jesus to prepare for His burial (Luke 7:36-38; Mark 14:7-9). In contrast, Simon the Pharisee who invited Jesus for dinner, seemed to be self-righteous and could not understand the acts of Mary and judged her as a sinner (Luke 7:39).

When we believe in Jesus, it is natural for us to be grateful to Him also for we realized that our sins have been forgiven and paid for by Jesus in full. Therefore, gratitude is a good sign or evidence of faith in Jesus. Therefore, Jesus explained plainly to Simon the Pharisee the motive of Mary Magdalene's act of gratitude which was the evidence of her faith (Luke 7:44-50).

Matthew 5:3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 9:12

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

John 8:32

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 9:39

Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."

Luke 7:36-38

36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

Luke 7:39

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."

Luke 8:2

and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;

Mark 14:7-9

7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Luke 7:44-50

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." 48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

By the way, as of today, we are still living in the year of the Lord's favor. We may receive Jesus' salvation and our debts of sins will be forgiven by God Himself and be reconciled with Him such that we may enter His kingdom with our faith in Jesus Christ. Note that Jesus stopped after reading the year of the Lord's favor at the verse in the book of Isaiah. The later part of the same verse mentions the day of vengeance of God which will be fulfilled when Jesus came again in judgement of all nations (Isaiah 61:2). Friends, let us take this precious opportunity to receive Jesus as the Lord and spread out the good news to all who still do not.

Isaiah 61:2

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

In this part, let us pay attention only to Daniel 9:25-26a which covers the 69 weeks of the seventy weeks in the prophecy. This 69 week period is marked by the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. However, there were four decrees to rebuild Jerusalem as recorded in the Bible and history. The first decree was issed by Cyrus (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4;6:3-5). The decree of Cyrus does not fit well with what the prophecy says because the decree covers only rebuilding of the temple and not the city itself.

Daniel 9:25-26a

25 "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing.

2 Chronicles 36:22-23

22 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing: 23 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: " 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.' "

Ezra 1:1-4

1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing: 2 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: " 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Anyone of his people among you—may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 And the people of any place where survivors may now be living are to provide him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.' "

Ezra 6:3-5

3 In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. It is to be ninety feet high and ninety feet wide, 4 with three courses of large stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid by the royal treasury. 5 Also, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, are to be returned to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; they are to be deposited in the house of God.

The second decree was issued by Darius (Ezra 5:9-15, 6:1-6). Again, this decree only covers rebuilding of the temple. Moreover, it is only a confirmation of Cyrus decree previously issued.

Ezra 5:9-15

9 We questioned the elders and asked them, "Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?" 10 We also asked them their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information. 11 This is the answer they gave us: "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, one that a great king of Israel built and finished. 12 But because our fathers angered the God of heaven, he handed them over to Nebuchadnezzar the Chaldean, king of Babylon, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon. 13 "However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. 14 He even removed from the temple of Babylon the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to the temple in Babylon. "Then King Cyrus gave them to a man named Sheshbazzar, whom he had appointed governor, 15 and he told him, 'Take these articles and go and deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem. And rebuild the house of God on its site.'

Ezra 6:1-6

1 King Darius then issued an order, and they searched in the archives stored in the treasury at Babylon. 2 A scroll was found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media, and this was written on it: Memorandum: 3 In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. It is to be ninety feet high and ninety feet wide, 4 with three courses of large stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid by the royal treasury. 5 Also, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, are to be returned to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; they are to be deposited in the house of God. 6 Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and you, their fellow officials of that province, stay away from there. 7 Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site.

The third decree was issued by Artaxerxes to Ezra (Ezra 7:11-26) in 457 B.C. Again, the decree concerns only the rebuilding of temple with law regulating worship in the temple.

Ezra 7:11-26

11 This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and teacher, a man learned in matters concerning the commands and decrees of the LORD for Israel: 12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. 13 Now I decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who wish to go to Jerusalem with you, may go. 14 You are sent by the king and his seven advisers to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. 15 Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, 16 together with all the silver and gold you may obtain from the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offerings of the people and priests for the temple of their God in Jerusalem. 17 With this money be sure to buy bulls, rams and male lambs, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, and sacrifice them on the altar of the temple of your God in Jerusalem. 18 You and your brother Jews may then do whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold, in accordance with the will of your God. 19 Deliver to the God of Jerusalem all the articles entrusted to you for worship in the temple of your God. 20 And anything else needed for the temple of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may provide from the royal treasury. 21 Now I, King Artaxerxes, order all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates to provide with diligence whatever Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven, may ask of you- 22 up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. 23 Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and of his sons? 24 You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God. 25 And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them. 26 Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.

The fourth decree was issued by Artaxerxes to Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:1-8). in 464 B.C. This decree fits well with the decree mentioned by angel Gabriel in Daniel 9:25 for this decree covers the rebuilding of both the temple and the city. Moreover, Ezra recorded that the rebuilding was done under persecution and trouble (Ezra 4:12-13, 23). Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that this is the decree that marks the beginning of the seventy week prophecy. According to Nehemiah 2:1, the decree is issued in the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes. We know from history that King Artaxerxes's father died shortly after December 17, 465 B.C. and Artaxerxes became King of Persia after his father. However, we need to take into account the custom of Persia which viewed that a year was Nisan to Nisan (March to March in our calendar). In addition, the first year of a king is the month of Nisan following the partial year of succession. Therefore, in king Artaxerxes's case, his first month of kingship was Nisan, 464. Without a specific alternative date, it is reasonable to assume that first year of king Artaxerxes started on Nisan 1, 464 B.C. and the twentieth year of his reign was then Nisan 1, 444 B.C. which can be translated into March 5, 444 B.C. in solar year calendar. From our previous study, we concluded that Jesus was crucified on Nisan 14, 33 A.D. (Friday, April 3, 33 A.D.). Moreover, the prophecy delivered by angel Gabriel aslo mentions the project of rebuilding will take place in times of trouble. This indeed fits well with the actual situation as recorded by the project manager, Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:6-12). People near Jerusalem tried not only to stop the project, but were ready to attack and kill the workers.

Daniel 9:25

25 "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.

Nehemiah 2:1-8

1 In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before; 2 so the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" 4 The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it." 6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, "How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?" It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. 7 I also said to him, "If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king's forest, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?" And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

Ezra 4:12-13

12 The king should know that the Jews who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations. 13 Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and the royal revenues will suffer.

Ezra 4:23

23 As soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum and Shimshai the secretary and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop.

Nehemiah 4:6-12

6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. 7 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. 10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall." 11 Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work." 12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us."

To verify the accuracy of the prophecy, the calculation is more conveniently done in terms of number of days instead of number of years because there are two different kinds of year in our discussion: prophetic year which is 360 days a year [1] and solar years. For simplicity, we may calculate the number of days between the start and end of the sixty-nine week in terms of modern day calendar which is based on solar year. There are 476 solar years between Nisan 1, 444 B.C. to Nisan 1 33 A.D.. One solar year is equal to 365.24219879 days (this explains why the modern day calendar has 365 days a year while adding 1 day every fourth year called the leap year) . Multiplying 476 solar years by 365.24219878, we come to 173,855.28662404 days or 173,855 days [2]. But, 69 weeks is equal to 69 * 7 * 360 days or 173,880 days. There is a difference in 25 days (173,880 - 173,825). Adding 25 days to March 5, 33 A.D. come to March 30, 33 A.D. which was a Monday and is known as the Triumphal entry (Matthew 21:1-11) of Jesus, the Anointed One, into Jerusalem. Jesus was then crucified on April 3, 33 A.D. which was a Passover Friday. Therefore, God fulfilled His salvation plan by sending His one and only son, the Anointed One, the Messiah to become a Passover lamb and died for all mankind so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Matthew 21:1-11

1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' " 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

John 3:16

16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.