“Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!” I can still hear the crowd in the movie, Rocky, as they chanted and applauded his name after he had surprisingly “gone the distance” and lasted the entire heavyweight championship boxing match against his highly-touted opponent, Apollo Creed, overcoming the extreme odds against him. Instantly Rocky was a champion and hero to multitudes of fans, becoming an overnight sensation and the talk of people everywhere. The movie won the hearts of people of all ages and from all walks of life as it portrayed a down-to-earth, hardworking, and common man who pursued and realized his dream.

Heroes come and heroes go; champions rise and champions fall. However, there is a Champion of all champions and a Hero of all heroes. This Champion and Hero is a proven Warrior who is strong and valiant. He is of high-ranking power and leads in all battles. He is the undefeated, undisputed Champion of the universe. He’s never lost a battle and never forfeited a fight. He’s answered every bell and torments all of Hell. He will never quit, and He cannot lose. He defies time, remains strong, and forever reigns. Nothing can challenge Him and no one can oppose Him. He conquered everything and defeated every foe. Today, He still reigns as Champion of Heaven and Earth and is the Hero of humanity. His name is Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world!

In today’s Bible reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us that one of five titles given to Jesus in “The mighty God.” The term “mighty” here means “hero; champion; proven warrior; strong and valiant; one of high-ranking power who is expected to lead in battle.” “Mighty God” also means, “conquering God.” David said, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:8) The psalmist said, “The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters.” (Psalm 93:4) Isaiah said He is “mighty to save” (Isaiah 63:1). Paul talked of “the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.” (Ephesians 1:19). Jesus is a mighty God! He can’t be beaten, held back, hindered, limited, removed or forgotten!

Now, get this in your spirit — Because He IS Champion, Hero and Conqueror, Jesus owns 2 things that you need never fear: 1.) Death — it has no sting and no hold on you! The Bible says, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is in the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) Jesus is Champion over death and the grave because He personally conquered both, making Him your Hero even today, tomorrow, and forever! In Him, your spirit will never die, you will merely change addresses — from earth to glory! 2.) Satan — Our Lord owns him! Jesus said, “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils…come upon him….overcome him…taketh from him all his armour.”

(Luke 11:20,22). The Bible says that at the cross, Jesus “having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15).

No matter what the devil threw at Jesus, Jesus conquered him. Satan threw disease at Jesus and Jesus said, ‘By My stripes people are healed.’ Satan threw temptation at Jesus and Jesus said, ‘It is written’ and ‘Not My will be done but the will of My Father in Heaven.’ Satan threw demon-possessed people at Jesus and Jesus said, “Get out of them!” Satan threw depressed, hopeless and addicted people at Jesus and Jesus said, “You are whole.” Satan threw hatred at Jesus and Jesus responded, “Father, forgive them.’ Satan threw religion at Jesus and Jesus said, ‘I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail.’ Satan threw politics at Jesus and Jesus said, ‘The government is upon My shoulder.’ Satan threw false accusations against Jesus and Jesus said, ‘On the third day I will arise.’ Satan threw storms at Jesus and Jesus said, ‘Peace, be still!’ Satan threw power at Jesus through Pilate and Jesus said, ‘You could have no power at all unless it was given to you from My Father.’ Satan threw death at Jesus and Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth.’ Listen, whatever the devil may have, Jesus has much more! And never forget, ‘you are more than a conqueror through him that loves you’ (Romans 8:38).

JESUS IS YOUR HERO, YOUR CHAMPION, AND YOUR PROVEN WARRIOR, YOUR STRONG AND VALLIANT ONE, AND YOUR LEADER IN ANY BATTLE YOU FACE!

A blessing for You Today: In the Name of our Mighty Jesus, I bless you to stand victorious over every battle that comes your way. May you fully walk in the knowledge that Jesus has conquered every opponent you will ever face and that He alone reigns as Champion and Hero for you. I bless you to live to conquer because of the Conqueror alive in you!

Your Declaration for Today: Today, declare that I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. He is my Conqueror, my Hero, and my Champion. He leads me in my battles and because He is undefeated, I shall stand victorious today, tomorrow, and forever! In His Name, I declare it. Amen!

(“From the Pulpit” is a weekly sermon provided by the clergy members of The Weirton Ministerial Association)

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