Revelation 12 narrates the cosmic battle between Michael and his angels against the dragon, symbolizing Satan. This battle reflects the ascension of Christ, who, by His death on the cross, conquered sin and crushed the serpent's head. Christ's ascension marks His coronation as King, seated at the right hand of God, securing victory over Satan, who no longer has a place in heaven to accuse believers. As Michael and the angels cast Satan out, heaven rejoices, becoming a place of peace. But on earth, the devil's fury is fierce, knowing his time is short.

In our present time, believers await Christ's return to engage in the final battle on earth when Satan and his forces will be defeated, leading to the creation of a new heaven and new earth. Until that day, the faithful are called to fight spiritually, trusting in Christ's victory. This fight against the devil's influence is done by the blood of Christ, the word of their testimony, and a willingness to follow Christ, even unto death.

Mealtime is a moment of rest and receiving gifts. It is not just a time for physical nourishment but also spiritual strengthening and connection with one another. Satan tries to attack these moments, making meals rushed, isolating, and times when evil is done such as the initiative of the Pharisees in the Gospel text. But God designed mealtime for restoration and growth, not only of the body but also of relationships. As we gather at the table, especially at the Lord's Table, we are reminded of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, a meal that grants rest, forgiveness, and strength for the journey ahead. This life is fleeting, but the greatest feast awaits--the marriage feast of the Lamb and His Bride, the Church.

Pastor Rhode emphasizes the unnatural nature of death, its origin through Adam and Eve's rebellion, and the separation it causes from God's goodness. Christ's victory over death through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, transforms death into the beginning of eternal life. By raising the widow's son at Nain, Jesus foreshadows His own resurrection, showing both His compassion for humanity and the ultimate reversal of death. Let us live boldly, grounded in the certainty of the resurrection and future glory each of us has in Christ.

Jesus' calls us to contemplation of God's creation and providence, particularly through His teachings about the ravens and lilies. The life of trust in God's provision is contrasted with one dominated by wealth and materialism (Mammon), which leads to anxiety and disconnection from God. In contrast, God provides not just physical needs but also spiritual blessings, especially the righteousness of Christ. The call is to seek first God's kingdom and live as His beloved children, focusing on eternal rewards and the forgiveness of sins, given in Holy Communion. Trust in God over material concerns because He will provide for all your needs.

In Luke 17:11-19, we hear the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus. As Jesus travels to Jerusalem, he passes through regions inhabited by outcasts from Samaria and Galilee. Ten lepers call out to Jesus for mercy, and he instructs them to show themselves to the priests, a command they obey, leading to their healing along the way.

However, only one leper, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks to Jesus, recognizing him as God. This act of returning is more than just gratitude; it symbolizes repentance and acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority. While all ten were physically healed, Jesus offers more than physical restoration, He desires to bring complete spiritual healing. The Samaritan's faith, which leads him back to Jesus, is what ultimately saves him, illustrating that faith is sufficient when placed in Jesus.

Thanksgiving is both a response to God's grace and a means of spiritual healing. By giving thanks, even in difficult circumstances, believers align themselves with God's will. God's promises comfort believers in Jesus as we live in a state of constant gratitude, trusting in God's goodness and the sufficiency of faith in Jesus.

The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the true nature of the law as fulfilled in love. A man is ambushed, beaten, and left for dead, but those expected to help, a priest and a Levite, pass by without assisting. These figures represent those who know the law but fail to embody its spirit, using it for self-justification. The Samaritan, despised by the Jews, represents Jesus, who, despite being hated, demonstrates selfless love and mercy. His actions parallel Christ's work, binding wounds as Christ heals us, using oil and wine as sacraments, and caring for the man as the Church heals souls. The law is most perfectly fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and we are called to embody this selfless love.

Life under the Old Covenant is fleeting and marked by inevitable change, often for the worse. This "ministry of death" revealed humanity's sin and separation from God. In contrast, the New Covenant in Christ brings life, righteousness, and eternal hope, free from condemnation. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. This New Covenant surpasses the old in glory and permanence, offering confidence and joy despite life's transient nature. While our earthly lives perish, the life given by Christ is eternal and unchanging.

Last week's discussion ended with a look at Psalm 82 and John 10, where we delved deeper into the "decree of the watchers" meaning referenced in Daniel 4. This �Watcher� concept serves as the central theme, connecting various biblical texts, including 1 Kings 22, Job 1 and 2, and Revelation 12, to provide a broader context for understanding the watchers' decree and its significance in the biblical narrative. This teaching also explores Nebuchadnezzar's second dream, which involves a massive tree symbolizing Babylon's great kingdom. The tree is cut down, representing God's curse, but the remaining stump hints at potential regrowth. Analyzing this imagery and its implications is covered in Daniel 4.

There were divisions within the Corinthian church that arose due to arrogance and misuse of spiritual gifts. Paul's teaches on this, stressing that all spiritual gifts, though diverse, come from the same Spirit, and are meant for the common good of the Church. The Pentecostal movement in recent years is critically reviewed, contrasting its practices with the order and peace Paul advocates. Christians are to recognize the diversity of gifts within the Church, use them for the common good, and be filled with Christ's love, the greatest spiritual gift.

Jesus bore all our sins on the cross, providing complete forgiveness and no condemnation for believers. Jesus' death on the cross also signifies the Holy Spirit as a gift, tied to forgiveness and baptism. At Pentecost, the apostles received the Holy Spirit, and Peter preached about repentance and baptism for forgiveness as well as receiving the Holy Spirit, a promise for all believers. In the Corinthian church, pride and division over spiritual gifts were prevalent. The Apostle Paul teaches that all gifts come from the same Spirit and are for the common good, with love being the greatest gift. Pastor Rhode critiques Pentecostalism for its unbiblical practices and emphasizes Paul's message of order and peace in worship and within the congregation. Believers are to use their diverse gifts for the common good, grounded in Christ's love and forgiveness.