Card Talk
Ben Christian
The Angel of Death (Hezekiah 3:18): A ...

It’s now time to address that scythe wielding, six winged, cherub whose coming heralds fear in the heart of humanity [read that reference again] . . .

The Angel of Death (Hezekiah 3:18): A Misunderstood and Theologically Vital Non-Entity
Card Talk
Ben Christian
Peter's need for Ritalin (Mark 9:5-6) OR What ...

"Peter didn't know what the Hell he was talking about. He had no idea what the mountain-top experience really represented...Moses & Elijah represented encouragement and a reminder to be attentive to faithfulness, because dark days are coming..."

Peter's need for Ritalin (Mark 9:5-6) OR What we can learn from The Transfiguration and Other Mountain-Top Experiences
Creed Card Talk
Ben Christian
“Although Surprising to Most, the Kingdom of ...

 . . . one year we’ll defend our belief in an incarnation timed for Sukkoth as there is no way Jesus was born in December, and we’ll write the Card Talk about how the wise men did not show up until He was three years old. Eventually we’ll even address the fact that the little drummer boy was actually a drunk Roman solider looking for his estranged wife (okay, we just made that last one up) . . .

“Although Surprising to Most, the Kingdom of Heaven is really like___________”
Other, Card Talk
Ben Christian
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14) [An ...

Sadly, this Advent Card Talk is applicable every year...

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14) [An Advent Card Talk]
Card Talk
Ben Christian
Jesus looking for a fight (Mark 11:11) -The Two ...

In discussing how fast "faith can move mountains," Matthew cuts Mark's three-day story in half. He speeds up the pace, chronologically and theologically. 

Jesus looking for a fight (Mark 11:11) -The Two Palm Sundays

Holiness

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"For Lent I Am Giving Up_______________." [A Card Talk for Lent]

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"For Lent I Am Giving Up_______________." [A Card Talk for Lent]

We take up or give up, lift or put down, for specific purposes, but whichever we choose, the important thing is remembering that Lent is not about self-improvement—it is not New Year’s take two, a time to re-up on failed resolutions . . .

“Following God’s commands not being that difficult” (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)

“Following God’s commands not being that difficult” (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)

Perhaps holiness is the hardest thing there is. Not because we don't know how we should or should not act. Or because we need someone to explain right and wrong. Or because we need someone to bring us a set of divine revelations to act like decent human beings. But because we simply make excuses.

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Death by Lion for not Punching a Prophet (1 Kings 20:35-36) [A Guest Card Talk]

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Death by Lion for not Punching a Prophet (1 Kings 20:35-36) [A Guest Card Talk]

The neat thing is we don't have to do what God's asking us to do. We don’t have to jump in a muddy river seven times, stroll around a city for seven days, or punch our friends in the face. We have free will. That's how God made us. 

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Wide and Narrow Gates (Matthew 7:13-14) [Guest Card Talk]

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Wide and Narrow Gates (Matthew 7:13-14) [Guest Card Talk]

"When I read this card I hear a guideline and see a lens through which to evaluate what I’m doing with my life,  in a broad, whole picture view, or within a given, specific situation. It helps me make better decisions, informed by my choice to adhere to Jesus’ teachings to the best of my ability. I don’t do this out of a fear of Hell or destruction, but out of love for life – others’ as well as my own. 

The Day I Realized John Was Faster than Peter or The Day the Bible Became Real to Me [A Guest Card Talk]

The Day I Realized John Was Faster than Peter or The Day the Bible Became Real to Me [A Guest Card Talk]

These people that I read about and had put on a pedestal were no better than me. They sucked just as much as I do. But God still used them and told us their stories. That gave me hope.