There IS Someone

While reading my Bible recently, I was struck by a passage.

If only there were someone to mediate between us [God and Job], someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot. (Job 9:33-35)

Of course, we now know that there IS someone to bring us together - Jesus Christ. His sacrifice healed the breach between the Father and man, allowing us to approach him without fear. This is shown when the veil separating the Holy of Holies was torn upon Jesus's death.

It is amazing how often (and often quite subtly) the Old Testament foreshadows the coming of Jesus.

Never Fear

It seems that the word of the year for 2020 is FEAR.

There has been so many scary things in this world this year - COVID, riots, murder hornets. What next?!

But our Lord is the antidote to fear. Throughout the Bible, He comforts us.

The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps. 27:1)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps 23:4)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 43:10)

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (Jn. 16:33)

It is easy to let fear win and lose hope when we place our hope on the things of this world. Everything and everyone in this world will ultimately fail. Not so with Christ. When we place our hope on Him, nothing can prevail against our ultimate salvation, our victory, though Christ, over death itself. So there is no need to fear. We are in His good hands.

Happy Birthday USA

On this day 244 years ago, the delegates of the 2nd Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formalizing our political separation from Great Britain and the establishment of the United States of America.

More importantly, this declaration set forth a lofty principle of natural rights.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness

This statement resonates in the heart of all paladins. We commit ourselves to this principle and seek to uphold it.

We acknowledge that our country has not always lived up to this ideal. This saddens us greatly. Yet we remember the many times that this country and especially its young, brave men have stood up for the principles of freedom and democracy. From the green at Lexington to the hills of Gettysburg, the beaches of Normandy, and the sands of the Middle East, Americans have fought and bled and died for liberty. For this, we thank God for the United States of America, and heartily celebrate her founding.

So in the years to come, let us do as Abraham Lincoln recommended and solemnly resolve

that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Amen 

Why I Believe

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone 

who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 

(1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

If you know any non-believers, you may at some time be asked to explain and defend your faith. As Peter wrote (see above), we must be ready to respond in those circumstances. You don't need to have a PhD in theology, philosophy, and history; instead just explain what Jesus has done for you.

Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to know have answers, and more importantly know where to refer people, when they have hard questions about the reality of the Christian faith.

In a nutshell, here's the case for Jesus being God:

1. God really exists.
2. Jesus really existed.
3. He claimed to be divine.
4. He predicted his death and resurrection, then did it.
5. His resurrection proves point # 3.

Do we have hard evidence for these statements? Rather than reiterate them here, let me direct you to some resources that will provide the answers.

• The Case for Christ / Cold Case Christianity - These 2 book were written by trained investigators (one was a journalist and the other was a police officer who worked on murder cold cases). Each has a similar story; they were avowed atheists whose wives became Christians. They decided to use their skills to learn more (and in one case, disprove) the Christian faith. But when they investigated, they became convinced that Jesus was God, and they became Christians. Each provides an excellent overview of the evidence for Jesus's divinity.
• Cross Examined - This is the YouTube channel run by Frank Turek, author of I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. I haven't read the book so I cannot comment on it, but the YouTube channel has dozens of excellent videos about the faith. Turek tackles the various objections and questions about the reality of God and Jesus. Most videos are short (under 10 minutes) so are not too taxing.

This just skims the surface, but is a good start if you are truly interested in learning more about the evidence behind the Christian faith. Alas, as Turek frequently mentions, many people don't really want to know the truth about Jesus - they are on a happiness quest rather than a truth quest, and Christianity prevents them from what they want to do. I pray that you are on a truth quest, and find these resources helpful.

Exodus

Background for Sunday's battlegames

A murmur rippled through the gathered crowd huddled in the basement of the modest villa in the capital city of Airedale. A dozen men and women, all loyal to the King, had congregated to discuss the latest proclamation of Duke Rodrick of Palmyra. The proclamation read:

To All Citizens of Palmyra!

Let it be known that the King is truly dead.

He has left no heir to the throne.

Therefore, we have no recourse but to assert our  own authority.

Henceforth, the Duchy of Palmyra shall be a free and independent state.

Anyone expressing loyalty to the so-called King 

shall be considered a traitor to the Ducal Crown

and subject to all due penalties.

Duke Rodrick I

The crowd wondered: would he really follow through with this threat?

At that moment, the door was flung open. The group recoiled in alarm, but then relaxed when they saw who entered. It was Brother Kayfin, leader of the Paladins of Palmyra - defenders of the King's people.

"'Tis true, my friends. The Duke has begun to make arrests. We need to escape from Airedale."

"Where shall we go?" One of the elders asked.

"Brother Rhobrynd and I have scouted out the southern regions," Kayfin replied. "We found a good spot. It lies upon the banks of a secluded lake. The passage to it runs through swamps and woods. The Duke shan't find us there."

The party agreed that it sounded perfect - a veritable oasis in their time of need.

"Will Rodrick allow us to leave?" asked one of the elders.

"Likely not," Kayfin acknowledged. "We must flee in secret. Spread the word through the community - gather your things and prepare to depart tonight. We leave for our Oasis."

The Setting

Paladins' Quest is set in the Tellurian Isles, a large archipelago consisting of hundreds of islands amidst a vast sea. Far to the east is the continent of Empyrea, home of the Emperor who is also ruler of Telluria.

The Tale of the Good King
The Emperor sent his son to rule over Telluria as king. The son was betrayed and murdered by Inimicus, one of the Emperor's nobles. However, the son rose from the dead and claimed the crown. He then returned to Empyrea but promised to come back to Telluria. His followers patiently await the return of the one they call the Good King.

Inimicus's War and the Paladins
Since then, Inimicus has seized power over much of Telluria and wages war on the supporters of the Good King. In response, the king's followers have formed havens, sanctuaries where they can escape from Inimicus's repression. To protect the havens, the followers formed the Order of Paladins, brave warriors who form the bulwark of defense against Inimicus's attacks.

Palmyra
Our initial campaign will begin on the island of Palmyra. The isle is ruled by Duke Rodrik, once loyal to the Emperor but who has now asserted his independence. He claims that the King is dead and that the Emperor has abandoned the people. Therefore, he is determined to go his own way, ruling from his castle at Airedale.

There are still loyal followers of the Good King on Palmyra, and they have protested the Duke's defection. In return, the Duke has arrested the most vocal critics and is harassing other royalists. They are now looking to create a new safe haven.

Merry Christmas

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:10-11 (KJV)

Paladins, raise a hallelujah to the birth of our King!