Join Mike for his second article on Land of Redemption this time about the Battle Phase both in Redemption and real life.

In the battle phase of the Redemption Card game, what does it take to come through with a victory and rescue the lost soul? Sometimes the battle comes down to a fight by the numbers. At other times it is a test of special abilities. Occasionally, a dominant card or two get involved to save the day. When you think of game play, the battle phase gets all the excitement. But the battle phase is not the only thing you have to worry about when attempting a rescue.

Just as important is the preparation phase. If you don’t prepare properly for the battle phase, your strategy won’t be fully effective, and you could fail in your rescue attempt. This preparation phase is also important to our real-life struggles. We all have these struggles to do the right thing, make the correct choices, to live a Godly life. In Ephesians, we are told that we need to spiritually equip ourselves because the battle is a spiritual one and not physical.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12 (NASB)

A lot of times in the battle phase, our hero is not strong or tough enough to win the battle. We need enhancements to add strength and or toughness. We need special abilities to turn the dise of battle. We are no different in real life, we can’t win on our own. Since we are ill equipped on our own to handle a battle of the spiritual nature, we must equip ourselves with weapons needed to fend off Satan’s attacks. Thankfully, God’s word provides the list of what we need.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 (NASB)

How do Truth, Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, and God’s Word equip us for spiritual battle? The truth of God’s Word connects everything together. God’s righteousness protects us against false accusations. The Gospel of Peace sets us on the right path. Faith in God makes the enemies attacks ineffective. Salvation gives us the assurance we need to fight the battle, and the Word of God is our offensive weapon needed to clinch the win.

God provided the list, but we are responsible for “putting it on” as the final step towards equipping ourselves for battle. Like Redemption, real life is all about Good vs. Evil. The battle for lost souls is real. We need to be ready to fight and win the battle.

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By Mike Miller

Mike’s introduction to Redemption started back in the early 2000’s after buying a couple of starter decks and a handful of card packs for his two young sons. Fast forward to spring of 2022 when a Redemption play group began meeting in his church. Wanting to show support to the group and its leadership, he joined in the game play. Mike has since become very excited about any opportunity to play and of course to get more cards.