Podcasts about Christus Victor

This Sunday we will wrap up our atonement series as we explore one more theory together: Christus Victor. Although this is one of the oldest recorded theories around the atonement, it may offer us new or fresh ways to approach this mystery of at-one-ment. We'll also spend some time thinking about the impact of these atonement theories on the evolution of the Church over time, as well as our own faith formation. How do these theories and approaches inform the songs we may sing and our view of God, humanity and the world? Join us as we bring this series to a close, and have a chance to discuss some of our learning from the last few weeks around discussion tables as well.

The introduction of Acts ends with a surprising scene. In the wake of Christ's ascension, intriguing attention is given to the apostles returning to Jerusalem, praying as they wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and seeking to replace Judas Iscariot—the apostate apostle. This peculiar passage appears obscure to many. How does it connect with Christ's ascension? How does it relate to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? What significance does it have in the book of Acts? Why does it take up so much space and form the conclusion to its introduction? This sermon seeks to unfold these and related observations in this important passage to show that the ascended Christ is reigning from above.

The interval of time within which we now live is designated for proclamation. Christ is worthy of witness and the knowledge of His supremacy must shine forth in this dark world. The introduction to Acts is mounting. A most significant event is now observed: Christ's ascension. The apostles are eyewitnesses to this dramatic exaltation of Christ. By it, His supremacy is formally sounded. Founded upon the apostles, the church is charged with the high privilege and responsibility of making much of this Christ.

Christ is worthy of witness. This is the formal and functional theme of Acts. The entire drama of the book traces the unfolding providence of the apostles bearing witness to Jesus as the Christ. The apostles are a unique and instrumental selection of eyewitnesses assigned to testify that Christ has died, that Christ is risen, and that Christ will come again. Many are the implications of these grand realities. Such are the teachings of the apostles. Whatever the apostles did or taught, their defining appointment was bearing witness to the glory of Christ. What is recorded in these pages is foundational to the church in every age, calling for a living and reverberating echo of the apostolic witness.

Christus Victor

March-April 2025 | Divine Exchange (Wk 4): Relieving Our Judgement (Penal Substitution Theory) | Throughout the season of Lent, we unpack six theories of Jesus's atonement (that great divine exchange), exploring all the possibilities of how Jesus achieved redemption of all the world, wrestling and finding the holes in what Christians have been known to believe, and re-centering God's love in the story of redemption as we consider the lengths to which God would go and all that God would give to be with us.

March-April 2025 | Divine Exchange (Wk 5): Defeating Sin & Death (Christus Victor Theory) | Throughout the season of Lent, we unpack six theories of Jesus's atonement (that great divine exchange), exploring all the possibilities of how Jesus achieved redemption of all the world, wrestling and finding the holes in what Christians have been known to believe, and re-centering God's love in the story of redemption as we consider the lengths to which God would go and all that God would give to be with us.

March-April 2025 | Divine Exchange (Wk 6): Uniting Us with God (Participation/Theosis Theories) | Throughout the season of Lent, we unpack six theories of Jesus's atonement (that great divine exchange), exploring all the possibilities of how Jesus achieved redemption of all the world, wrestling and finding the holes in what Christians have been known to believe, and re-centering God's love in the story of redemption as we consider the lengths to which God would go and all that God would give to be with us.

March-April 2025 | Divine Exchange (Wk 3): Redeeming Our Human Debt (Satisfaction/Ransom Theory) | Throughout the season of Lent, we unpack six theories of Jesus's atonement (that great divine exchange), exploring all the possibilities of how Jesus achieved redemption of all the world, wrestling and finding the holes in what Christians have been known to believe, and re-centering God's love in the story of redemption as we consider the lengths to which God would go and all that God would give to be with us.

March-April 2025 | Divine Exchange (Wk 2): Transforming Our Hardheartedness (Moral Example Theory) | Throughout the season of Lent, we unpack six theories of Jesus's atonement (that great divine exchange), exploring all the possibilities of how Jesus achieved redemption of all the world, wrestling and finding the holes in what Christians have been known to believe, and re-centering God's love in the story of redemption as we consider the lengths to which God would go and all that God would give to be with us.

March-April 2025 | Divine Exchange (Wk 1): Transcending Our Created Limitation (Recapitulation Theory) | Throughout the season of Lent, we unpack six theories of Jesus's atonement (that great divine exchange), exploring all the possibilities of how Jesus achieved redemption of all the world, wrestling and finding the holes in what Christians have been known to believe, and re-centering God's love in the story of redemption as we consider the lengths to which God would go and all that God would give to be with us.

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. These matchless truths must flood the earth. Christ is Lord and is worthy of witness. In the opening scene of Acts, all attention is directed to the risen Christ. He is King of the cosmos and is depicted as commanding and commissioning a military assignment. He reigns and is in sovereign control over all despite His physical absence, and He is on a conquest. His appointed apostles, somewhat like chosen generals, are charged with the humanly impossible task of standing in the stead of Christ as His witnesses to the end of the earth. The gospel will go forth.

Christus Victor - Easter 2025

He is risen—and that changes everything. Celebrate the victory of Jesus over sin and death, and discover what His resurrection means for your life today.

John 3, 19 Luke 23Easter, April 20th, 2025Christmas celebrates God coming down in the flesh as the baby Jesus. The God of the Bible says you can't reach me so I will come down to you. Easter is a 2-part celebration. Part 1: Jesus died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins and to break the power of sin in our lives. Part 2: Jesus resurrects from the dead to break the power of death and to unite us with God our Father, now and later. All resurrections are personal. The life story of each resurrected person is unique… and yet each story has some universal characteristics. Here are my 3 presuppositions for today's message…Everyone lives and makes decisions based on their personal faith system. Any honest interaction with Jesus will cause you to reevaluate what you believe and how you live. Jesus makes a way for all of us to experience a resurrection but He leaves the decision to us. NicodemusJohn 3:16 (NIV)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.Nicodemus came as a curious skeptic. Jesus can work with that.Christianity isn't a religion to adhere to but a person to know and follow. Until you see Jesus as a person, you won't find Jesus as the answer. Jesus doesn't mind curious skeptics because they end up believers and followers!You can't find the answer to life until you realize you don't have one; an answer or a life. Luke 23:39 (NIV)39 One of the criminals who hung there, hurled insults at him: “Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” Luke 23:40-43 (NIV)40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don't you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”It's never too late to not give up.All resurrections are personal but each one follows this path…Confess your need for Jesus. Give Him your life. Receive His life. Luke 24:4-6 (NIV)4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen!Stop looking for life in dead places. The one who raises you to life is the same one you can trust with your life. Jesus doesn't just save your life from death, He changes your life into real living. A Whole life filled with power and purpose. All resurrections are personal.

Easter Sunday 2025

He has Risen and is the Christus Victor!

The cross and resurrection give us victory over sin, evil, and oppression. This includes the suffering associated with addictions and other harmful hangups and behaviors. The Christus Victor atonement theory can help those on a recovery journey discover new power in Christ to overcome their hardships. Reflection Questions:1. Where do you feel powerless right now?2. Which of the ‘false palms'—things we trust in besides Christ—do you find yourself tempted to wave?3. How has community helped you experience freedom in Christ—or how do you hope it could?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Justin LaRosa and Mat Hotho explore the Christus Victor atonement theory and its powerful message of liberation from sin, systems of evil, and spiritual forces. They discuss how this view of the cross offers a broader understanding of salvation and what it means to live out the hope of resurrection in everyday life. Join us as we unpack this compelling perspective and consider its impact on how we see Jesus' victory today.Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In this engaging episode, Brandon Spain, Lindsy Waters, and BT Wallace chat with pastor and author Anthony Delgado about his book, The Gospel is Bigger Than You Think. They delve into the deeper, broader meaning of the gospel, challenging oversimplified views and exploring themes of redemption, penal substitutionary atonement, and Christus Victor. Anthony shares his thoughts on the importance of seeing the gospel through a unified biblical lens, recounts personal experiences, and unpacks the role of storytelling in understanding salvation. They also discuss masculinity in faith and the church's role in embracing a holistic gospel that challenges and inspires.https://www.anthonydelgado.net/Amazon Author page: https://amzn.to/4fYePwThttps://unrefinedpodcast.comTimestamps:00:08 Division and unity in the gospel00:28 Introduction to the episode01:00 Topic overview: Simplicity of the gospel02:00 Guest introduction: Anthony Delgado03:00 Misconceptions about the gospel05:11 The "ticket to heaven" mentality07:35 Salvation: Past, present, and future10:15 Personal experience with legalism12:20 Balancing grace and obedience14:34 Accessibility of the gospel16:58 Approaching the gospel from different angles19:19 Biblical theology vs. modern propositions21:41 Gospel in counseling and real life24:05 Addressing theological differences26:26 Nominalism vs. active faith28:44 Mega church challenges and pragmatism31:06 Gospel response vs. gospel proclamation33:28 Lordship salvation and kingdom living35:52 Cultural and personal struggles with sin38:07 Practical redemption and restitution40:20 Penal substitutionary atonement explained42:37 Christus Victor and spiritual warfare45:02 Authority of Christ and nations' discipleship47:27 The role of blood in atonement52:18 Sufficient vs. superabundant sacrifice54:44 Restitution in theology and life59:16 The beauty of covenantal salvation01:01:36 Challenges of modern theology01:06:22 Responding to God with gratitude and action01:10:56 Masculinity and spiritual warfare01:18:16 Boldness in faith and martyrdom01:22:57 Restoring biblical masculinity01:30:05 Closing thoughts and next steps

In this episode, we dive deep into the profound legacy of Christ’s Atonement. What does it mean for us today? Join us as we explore the theological significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. We’ll look at five key elements of the Atonement: substitution, propitiation, expiation, redemption, and Christus Victor—and how these concepts are foundational to understanding the Christian faith and the hope they bring to the world.

April 6th 2025Sunday 937!“What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” A.W. Tozer “What you believe about the Church impacts her influence and your life.” C.W. WeirActs 2:42-47 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Here is what I know about a growing church…Church growth is realized spiritual impact.When more people are spiritually impacted, more spiritually impactful people are needed.More spiritual impact creates a need for more organization, more resources and more space. The biggest challenge of a growing Church is maintaining unity of purpose/mission. More people can = a splintering of purpose, which in turn minimizes impact. Or more people can = immeasurably more impact. How do we achieve the latter? Immeasurably More ImpactMaintain Personal HumilityPhilippians 2:1-4 (NIV) Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.Immeasurably More ImpactMaintain Personal HumilityIntegrate Giftings1 Corinthians 12. Don't compete for attention. Find your place to serve. Stick the landing.Immeasurably More ImpactMaintain Personal HumilityIntegrate GiftingsUnity of MissionFresh Starts is about an ever-developing relationship with GodGreat Friends is the community shaping, caring, supporting element of the Body of ChristReal Purpose encapsulates that we were built for spiritual influence in every arena in which we work and live.Casting a Big Sail Join ServTeam. Serving fills a hole in you and it fills a hole in others. Pray. Give. “What you believe about the Church impacts her influence and your life.” Dr. C.W. Weir

Christus Victor “An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world.”Christus Victor The evil powers of this world are real and active but not victorious. We were once slaves to sin but now we are free from sin. Sin once separated us from God but the victorious Christ has satisfied our sin and restored our relationship with God. I'm “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” A.W. TozerDo you believe Christ is victorious?This morning I want to unpack… What is sin? What does sin do? How did sin lose? How does sin still lose? The most prevalent Biblical understanding of sin is to “miss the mark”. Whose mark? God's mark. God's road. God's goal. Sin then is the contradiction of God – His word, will and ways.“Man's sin lies in his pretension to be god.” Reinhard Niebuhr “God created us in His image and we have been returning the favor ever since.” Voltaire “To sin” is to act contrary to God. To “live in sin” is to reject God and become a god unto myself.” Charlie WeirRomans 3:23 (NIV) 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. What is sin? Sin is missing God's mark. What does sin do? Sin sends you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place. Matthew 7:13,14 (NIV) 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.Life Lesson: Be careful from whom you take life directions. Wrong directions, even given with good intentions, still take you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place!The Impact of a Dead End#1 We miss the destination & destiny God has for us. #2 If we don't course correct we will be separated from God for all of eternity. “A good God doesn't send people to hell.” God doesn't send people to hell, He came to save people (John 3:16,17) but people choose hell when they reject God. Romans 6:23 (NIV) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What is sin? Sin is missing God's mark. What does sin do? Sin sends you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place. How did sin lose? Jesus nailed it! Colossians 2:13-15 (NIV) 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. “When you were dead.” We were once lifeless thus powerless to change our condition. Let me also add, dead people can't save themselves.“God made you alive with Christ.” Life is God's Gift. Giving life is Christ's work.“Alive with Christ” means to be free from sin. I can't live in sin and freedom at the same time.A “canceled the charge” is a reversal of situation. There is no denial that “it” happened, it's just the consequences have been absorbed by someone else.“Nailed to the cross.” Jesus killed sin and cancelled death. “Disarmed.” Satan still fights back but with limited power and zero authority. The Cross wins – Sin loses, again. What is sin? Sin is missing God's mark. What does sin do? Sin sends you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place. How did sin lose? Jesus nailed it! The cross wins, again!How does sin still lose? Christ won once and for all (Hebrews 7 & 10). By choosing Jesus daily.How do I apply/live in Christ's victory over sin day to day?Pay attention to your walk. Galatians 5:16-18 (NIV) 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. How do I apply/live in Christ's victory over sin day to day?Every day, lay yourself down and pick Jesus up; His will and His ways. Luke 9:23-25 (NIV) 23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? How do I apply/live in Christ's victory over sin day to day?Know Christ & Press on!Philippians 3:10-14 (NIV) 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.The more you align with your thoughts, decisions and actions with your new nature the more life you will experience, the more freedom you will enjoy.

Matthew: The Kingdom Come

Malachi 4 & Matthew 9March 23rd, 2025Christus Victor. “An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world. The evil powers of this world are real and active but not victorious. We were once slaves to sin but now we are free from sin.Sin once separated us from God but the victorious Christ has satisfied our sin and restored our relationship with our Father. A.W. Tozer “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” “What God did, God still does.” Malachi 4:1-6 (AMP) “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant (proud, self-righteous, haughty), and every evildoer shall be stubble; and the day that is coming shall set them on fire,” says the Lord of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who fear My name [with awe-filled reverence] the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go forward and leap [joyfully] like calves [released] from the stall. 3 You will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,” says the Lord of hosts. 4 “Remember [with thoughtful concern] the Law of Moses My servant, the statutes and the ordinances which I commanded him on [Mount] Horeb [to give] to all Israel. 5 “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers [a reconciliation produced by repentance], so that I will not come and strike the land with a curse [of complete destruction].”Matthew 9:18-21 (AMP) 18 While He was saying these things to them, a ruler (synagogue official) entered [the house] and kneeled down and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just now died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and began to accompany the ruler, with His disciples. 20 Then a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the [tassel] fringe of His outer robe; 21 for she had been saying to herself, “If I only touch His outer robe, I will be healed.” Matthew 8 & 9 records… The healing of a Roman soldier's servant, highlighting the faith of the soldierThe healing of Peter's mother in lawThe healing of a lame manThe resurrection of a Jewish ruler's daughterThe healing of a woman who was bold enough to push through a crowd to get to Jesus. The healing of two blind men:In the broadest of brush strokes, Jesus paints a few pictures in these 2 chapters: Access to Jesus has nothing to do with pedigree or prior Jesus knowledge or experience. Wherever Jesus is, His healing power is. Our faith gets us to Jesus but He is the healer.Tallit - Jewish Prayer ShawlTzitzits - Tassels woven into each corner of the TallitKanafayim – The 4 corners of the Tallit are called “wings.” The woman knew who she is reaching to and what she was reaching for “the sun of righteousness who will rise with healing in His wings.” Mark 5:29-34 (NIV)…29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?' ”32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Jesus' brief address added more healing. “Daughter” – Relationship Affirmed. “Your faith has healed you.” The amplified reads [your trust and confidence in My power and My ability to heal]. Our faith moves us. Jesus heals us. “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Go forward free! Isaiah 53:4-5 (NIV). Surely, he (Jesus) took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Why is it so hard for people today to believe that Jesus still divinely, miraculously heals people? Here are a few reasons…We are stuck in Saturday living with Sunday power available. Because not all healing prayers are met with divine healing but all are met with God's compassion. A Healing Prayer:God, I believe you can. I trust you if you don't. Here I come. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (AMP) 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God's strength].Psalm 57:1 (NIV) Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.Psalm 61:1-4 (NIV) Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Mark 9March 16th, 2025Movement is the active ingredient of a victorious faith. Victorious Faith isn't optimism or positive thinking. Victorious Faith is gritty forward movement plowing through doubt and anxiousness. Q: Is it possible for the follower of Christ to carry both doubt and faith? A: Not only is it possible, it's probable.Q: Can doubt and victorious faith coexist long term?A: No, they are not compatible, one will eventually win out.The overarching purpose of this series is to displace your doubt and raise your faith in the power of God in Christ. “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” Pastor/Author A.W. Tozer (Drop in pic of AW Tozer)If you believe God is absent – you will live a self-limited life.If you believe God is angry – you will avoid interaction with the Life Giver.If you believe God to be loving – you will want to be in His presence.If you believe God is powerful – you will live without fear with a forward faith.Christus Victor Defined“An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world.” Gospel ProjectAt-One-MentMotive: The Love of God in Christ. John 3:16,17 (NIV) 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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. At-One-MentObjective: The victorious power of Christ which came to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8b “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” The impact of Christus Victor is that we are freed to live in the love of Christ and under the powerful covering of Christ. Mark 9 teaches us… Spiritual power isn't self-contained it is Christ connected. Christ's presence brings hope.Doubt and faith coexist but they are not compatible.Doubt is overcome by movement. Movement engages the victorious power of Christ. Mark 9:14-29 (NIV) 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy's father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He's dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn't we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”In order to live in the victory of Jesus, you have to walk with the Victorious Christ. We aren't given a personal reservoir of power. We are given personal access to God through Christ. He's the power, we are the conduit to that power. Fresh Power comes out of Fresh Relationship.“I believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” I got him here, didn't I? But this has been hard for a long time, help me overcome the doubt and despair that has taken up residence in my heart! The man's doubt wasn't rooted in a mistrust of Jesus – He came to Jesus. His doubt was sourced by the complexity of the problem and his own limitations. Q: Is it possible for the follower of Christ to carry both doubt and faith? A: Not only is it possible, it's probable.Explanation: Carrying both is a natural response to the hardship of life. In many cases, we have more experience with the hardship than we do with the victorious power of Christ. Doubt isn't a salvation issue, it is a growth issue. Everybody has to grow their faith through their doubt.Q: Can doubt and victorious faith coexist long term?A: No, they are not compatible, one will eventually win out.Explanation: Doubt freezes and plants fear. Faith moves and breeds confidence. Movement is the active ingredient to victorious faith. You build faith strength and resolve one win at a time. I am not sure we will ever be able to discard all self-doubt but what I am confident of is that we can get to the place where self-doubt doesn't dominate faith in Christ.The first faith move God is looking for is prayer. Prayer is an admission of weakness and an acknowledgment of God's power. Prayer is an invitation into a problem that far exceeds my ability to change the outcome. Prayer is a transitional movement from doubt to faith in Christ's victorious power!26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He's dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 This is resurrection language! Resurrections are the best thing Jesus does. Mark 9 RecapSpiritual power isn't self-contained it is Christ connected. Christ's presence brings hope.Doubt and faith do coexist but they are not compatible.Doubt is overcome by movement and movement engages the victorious power of Christ. Hebrews 11:6 (AMP) 6 But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. That is a movement passage. To doubt is human. To trust is divine.You can plow through self-doubt with Christ confidence. Doubt keeps you stuck. Christ confidence keeps you moving forward.

Christus Victor: Victory in JesusColossians EphesiansMarch 9th. 2025Atonement (At-One-Ment) is a theological term used to describe the reconciliation between God and Creation. The Agent of At-One-Ment was life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Motive for the At-One-Ment was love. John 3:16-17 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish (die) but have eternal life.17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” The Objective of the At-One-Ment was to destroy the works of Satan. 1 John 3:8b “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” Christus VictorAn element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world. Gospel ProjectIsaiah 9:6-7 (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. John 10:9-11 (NIV) 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 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. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Satan's Same 3 Tactics Temptation. Deception. Distortion. Satan's Same 2 Lies God is not enough. You are not enough.The Work of Christus VictorColossians 2:6-15 (NIV) 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self, ruled by the flesh, was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” A.W. TozerJames 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.“No one is born a gladiator. No one is born with an inner citadel. If we are going to succeed in achieving our goals despite the obstacles that may come, this strength must be built.” Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph, pg. 137 How do you build overcoming spiritual strength?Cultivate an appetite for Jesus. Build a Spiritual Team. Foster a heart of Worship.

In this episode, I reflect on the Bible's portrayal of life as a constant battle—not just between good and evil, but a personal struggle where the devil attacks us directly, turning us against one another and even against God. From the moment of baptism, this battle begins, and the fight is relentless. Yet, Christ entered the fight on our behalf. In the wilderness, He faced relentless temptation but stood firm by wielding the Word of God. On the cross, He endured ultimate suffering and still entrusted Himself to the Father, achieving victory over sin, death, and the devil. Lent reminds us to prepare for this ongoing battle. We arm ourselves with God's Word, standing firm in faith and fixing our eyes on Jesus. His victory is our victory, His forgiveness our strength, and His life our hope. With Christ as our champion, we fight not alone, but with Him—our Christus Victor—now and forever.

Sunday School | February 23, 2025 | Penal Substitutionary Atonement Christus Victor by Church of the Holy Spirit - Roanoke

Every spiritual battle we face belongs to the Lord. He alone is our deliverer! Subscribe to daily devotions e-mails: https://wcm.link/ddsub

Jesus was tempted in all things as we are yet without sin. In this passage we see the Holy Spirit leading Him into the wilderness for a time of testing, to do battle with the enemy of our soul. See how Jesus overcame Satan's temptation to doubt God's love and care, to take the crown without the cross, and to abuse God's promises. And discover the implication for our lives today as He proved Himself to be our Christus Victor. This message was preached by Pastor Erick Cobb on January 19, 2024.

This week we look at predictions for 2025 - including Escape to the Country;  Luxury Travel;  The New Orleans Attack; Normalisation of Trans and Paedophilia; The Durrells;  The Simpsons;  Dawkins leaves the Freedom from Religion Foundation; German Elections;  The Ukraine War; Jimmy Carter;  Rotherham inquiry denied; Country of the Week - Colombia; Quasi Religious beliefs destroying Western Europe; Woke Hollywood;  The Greatest Song Ever - according to Bob Dylan;  Last Pearl Harbour Veteran dies;  The Declining Church;  Mark Driscoll Again; Feedback; John Webster;  and Christus Victor  with music from Peter, Paul and Mary, Lady Gaga, Alex Campos, Glen Campbell;  and the Gettys....

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.  Hebrews 2:14-15

Send us a textWhat exactly happened on the cross? The answer is more multifaceted than you might think. In this episode, The Remnant Radio is joined by Dr. Sam Storms for a deep dive into the rich theological tapestry of atonement theories found in the book of Romans. From penal substitution to Christus Victor, from ransom theory to moral influence - we'll explore how these different perspectives help us grasp the profound meaning of Christ's sacrifice. Dr. Storms will guide us through: • How Romans presents multiple facets of the atonement • Why understanding various atonement theories matters • The relationship between God's justice and love • Practical implications for believers today • How these theories unite rather than divide the church Whether you're wrestling with questions about Christ's death, seeking deeper theological understanding, or wanting to appreciate the cross in new ways, this conversation will enrich your grasp of salvation's wonderful mystery. Join us for this profound exploration of how Christ's work on the cross brings transformation to our lives today. 

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Pastor Matt talking about the recent election and our hope in Christ the Victor

Jordan Daniel Wood explains how Maximus' notion of the end is the beginning constitutes an understanding of salvation that encompasses and goes beyond legal understandings or ideas of Christus Victor. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider donating to support our work. Become a Patron!

Did God really sacrifice Himself to save us from Himself? The common and somewhat superficial formula cannot support a serious faith. A more serious look at the Gospels reveals that Jesus' sacrifice does not rescue us from God's wrath, but from sin's death.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt concludes our Vision series on the Lord's Prayer and its transformative power in shaping our spiritual journey. Pastor Ben differentiates between character-building trials and temptations that derail us. The petition "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil" serves as our anchor, guiding reflection on liberation from sin's presence and power.He then unpacks the meaning behind "lead us not into temptation," emphasizing that following Jesus is more about our direction than achieving perfection. By drawing on the wisdom of Psalm 23, he turns our attention to trusting Jesus' leadership amid life's darkest moments. He further clarifies the distinction between God's testing and Satan's tempting before encouraging us to seek maturity in our faith. Ultimately, we understand that being led by Jesus sometimes means venturing into uncomfortable territories but it always is aimed at our spiritual growth and freedom from sin's grip.Concluding with a triumphant message, Pastor Ben turns to Hebrews 4 and the cosmic victory of Jesus over evil, reflecting on how Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses and enters into our temptations to redeem us. The concept of Christus Victor reveals our liberation from the fear of death and sin. The significance of the word "amen" is a powerful affirmation of God's promises and how Jesus fulfills our spiritual vision. Seeing the Father answer the Lord's prayer is our vision and living in this prayer offers a transformative guide for our community at NewCity.

In this episode, Rich and Mel interview Pastor Anthony Delgado of Palmdale Church, California, who dives deep into the transformative power of Dr. Michael Heiser's Divine Council worldview and its impact on his predominantly Hispanic, working-class congregation. Anthony shares how his church has woven this theology into their structure, striking a unique balance between formality and community. From addressing real-life challenges like substance abuse to creating an inclusive environment for special needs families, Pastor Delgado discusses the importance of discipleship, allegiance to Christ, and expanding our understanding of the Gospel. A powerful conversation on faith, transformation, and the role of Jesus as Christus Victor.

The revelation of the victory of Jesus reveals to us that his victory is inside the truth that He has saved the world. The way that Jesus has saved the world is not in a repeated prayer. Rather it is in the repairing of our image of the Father. Jesus is precisely what the Father has to say about Himself. In this understanding we see Christus Victor!   The Homestead Mobile - August 3rd, 2024

Victory has already been given and it's just waiting on you and I to unwrap the bow to what Jesus has so effectively paid for. The Lordship of the Holy Spirit has paved the way to become more obsessed with Jesus and allowed us to be more convinced of the revelation of the victory of Jesus.   The Homestead Mobile - August 2nd, 2024

We must now preach Jesus big enough that we begin to recognize that He did not come to put a bandaid on mankind's dysfunction. He came to redeem the innocence that was forfeited through the fall of Adam.   The Homestead Mobile - July 26th, 2024 

Pastor Mattie begins a new series on the doctrine of atonement. Support the Show.

Dr. Anthony Bradley serves as a distinguished research fellow at The Acton Institute and Research Professor of Interdisciplinary and Theological Studies at Kuyper College. He joins Kelsi to discuss his research, interest, and writing on the boy and man crisis and how he believes the Christus Victor articulation of the gospel – or Christ's victory over sin, death and the devil on the cross – has powerful implications for ridding men of shame and giving them a larger purpose to serve their neighbor. Show Notes: ⁠Support 1517⁠ ⁠1517 Podcasts⁠ ⁠The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠1517 on Youtube⁠ More from Kelsi: ⁠Kelsi Klembara⁠ ⁠ Follow Kelsi on Instagram⁠ ⁠Follow Kelsi on Twitter⁠ ⁠Kelsi's Newsletter⁠ Subscribe to the Show: ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠ More from Dr. Bradley: Dr. Bradley's WebsiteDr. Bradley's SubstackFollow Dr. Bradley on XDr. Bradley's latest book, Heroic Fraternities

We may be on the cusp of World War III. Artificial intelligence is stretching our imaginations about what is possible, including the possibility of evil. Political corruption is through the roof, and the American church is in shambles. Are we headed for Armageddon? No. because Armageddon already happened. Details inside this week's podcast.❤️ SHOW YOUR SUPPORT - LINKS BELOW...➡️ DONATE ➡️  Join our team!https://www.givesendgo.com/karlgesslerfamilybandhttps://www.patreon.com/karlgesslerSocial Media➡️Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089357625739➡️Telegram - https://t.me/FaithoftheFathers➡️Truth Social - https://truthsocial.com/@UCLOvq6O4aIXLrkKxwXkq3uA ➡️Gab - https://gab.com/KarlGesslerSupport the show

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley take a look at Exodus 15:1-8 and how imprecatory psalms, songs, prayers show-up throughout the story of Scripture.Questions Covered in This Episode:What is the substance of this song? What is it celebrating?What are imprecatory psalms, songs, prayers? Why do we not use this language anymore?How do we talk about judgment when people don't have a category for it?How do songs of deliverance and redemption show up throughout scripture?What is Christus Victor?What happens right after this song in reference to water?Helpful Definitions:Penal Substitutionary Atonement: Jesus is our substitute for our penalty for sin.Christus victor: Jesus is the victor over his enemies.Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeExodus 15:1-18, 1 Samuel 2:1–10, Luke 1:46-55, Matthew 26:17-30, Judges 5, 2 Samuel 22, Colossians 1, Genesis 3:15“The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. LewisSponsors:Interested in free theological training? Midwestern Seminary recently released three new classes through their For the Church Institute. Study for free and at your own pace through FTCI today! Learn more and sign up at ftcinstitute.comTo learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Starting Place | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron: patreon.com/trainingthechurch