The BEMA Podcast
The BEMA Podcast is a walk-through of the context of the Bible and the Text itself, as well as surrounding history. We deconstruct our common readings of the Bible and attempt to reconstruct them through the lens of historical context. The main body of work is contained in Seasons 1–5, and we encourage you to start with episode 0 (or even -1) and continue in order through episode 204. Beyond that, we explore new topics, revisit old topics, and dive deeper into practical ways of living out the things we have learned together. BEMA Discipleship is a ministry of Impact Campus Ministries.
S9 Enull · Thu, April 24, 2025
447: Talmudic Matthew — Wages
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks take a spin with Jesus’s concept of rewards or wages. Wealth, Poverty, and Charity in Jewish Antiquity by Gregg E. Gardner BEMA 97: Done in Secret De Re Publica, De Legibus by Cicero — Internet Archive Pietas — Wikipedia Virtus — Wikipedia Politics by Aristotle — Internet Archive Politics (Aristotle) — Wikipedia Euergetism — Wikipedia Synagogue Wall Decorations — Sardis Expedition Inscriptions of the Megiddo Mosaic — Museum of the Bible Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, April 17, 2025
446: Talmudic Matthew — Children
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks take a crack at what it means to be children of God. “What’s Wrong with Winsomeness?” by Russell Moore — Christianity Today The Greatest Prayer by John Dominic Crossan BEMA 80: Silent Years — Pharisees BEMA 102: Son of Man Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Richard James Dr. Anna C. Miller — Xavier University Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, April 10, 2025
445: Talmudic Matthew — Enemies
Brent Billings and Reed Dent team up with Elle Grover Fricks to excavate some ancient ideas about enemies. BEMA 96: But I Say Unto You Jesus and Nonviolence by Walter Wink The Peaceable Kingdom by Stanley Hauerwas Rise and Kill First by Ronen Bergman 1QS 1 (Community Rule) with Matthew 5:43 — Intertextual Bible BEMA 358: Sabbath Practice — Prayer Greek Priest Recreates Excitement of Resurrection Announcement — Instagram Greek Priest Recreates Excitement of Resurrection Announcement — TikTok “‘Flying Priest’ Marks Holy Saturday’s Liturgy in Greece” by Nick Kampouris — Greek Reporter Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, April 03, 2025
444: Karen Stiller — Holiness Here
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Karen Stiller, author of Holiness Here and the author and editor of many other books, magazines, essays, and more. Holiness Here by Karen Stiller Review of Holiness Here — Marty Solomon, Goodreads Review of Holiness Here — Brent Billings, Goodreads Meadow Lake Progress — Wikipedia Books by Frederick Buechner Books by Anne Lamott The Minister’s Wife by Karen Stiller Craft, Cost & Call by Patricia Paddey & Karen Stiller Karen Stiller’s coaching Faith Today Podcast Karen Stiller’s website Karen Stiller on Instagram Karen Stiller on Substack Special Guest: Karen Stiller. Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, March 27, 2025
443: Talmudic Matthew — Oaths
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks investigate Jesus’s teaching on oaths. “Greek Oath-Rituals” by Irene Berti — OpenEdition Books “The Greek Oath in the Roman World” by Serena Connolly — Oxford Academic “Loosing Vows and Oaths in the Roman Empire and Beyond: Authority and Interpretation” by Moshe Blidstein — De Gruyter “The Kinyradai of Paphos” by John Curtis Franklin — The Center for Hellenic Studies Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, March 20, 2025
442: Talmudic Matthew — Marriage
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Elle Grover Fricks to contextualize Jesus’s teaching on divorce in its Jewish and Roman landscape. Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, March 13, 2025
441: Talmudic Matthew — Thymos
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé take a closer look at Jesus’s teachings on desire. BEMA 273: John — Pericope of an Honor Contest Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, March 06, 2025
440: Talmudic Matthew — Reconciliation
Brent Billings joins Elle Grover Fricks to reconsider the topic of reconciliation through a Talmudic lens, featuring Reed Dent. BEMA 36: The Redemption Cycle “Dining in Heaven” by Robin M. Jensen — Biblical Archaeology Society Library Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, February 27, 2025
439: Talmudic Matthew — Anger
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks consider Jesus’s teaching on anger through a Talmudic lens. Matthew 5:22 (Interlinear) — Bible Hub A Rabbi Talks with Jesus by Jacob Neusner Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, February 20, 2025
438: Talmudic Matthew — Truly(?) I Say to You
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks search out what life can be found in two short verses from the Sermon on the Mount. Halakha — Wikipedia BEMA 95: Abolish or Fulfill Book of Tobit — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, February 13, 2025
437: Talmudic Matthew — Mainstream or Marginal
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Elle Grover Fricks to lay the groundwork for another series of Talmudic conversations in Matthew. “Dei Verbum” — Pope Paul VI, November 18, 1965 Magisterium — Wikipedia A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus , Volume I, by John P. Meier Early Jewish Messianism in the New Testament — “Introduction” by Serge Ruzer Judah ha-Nasi — Wikipedia BEMA 107: Donkeys and Rabbis Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, February 06, 2025
436: Brant Hansen — 3D Chiastic Chess
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Brant Hansen, author, nationally syndicated radio host, and advocate for healing children through CURE International. CURE International Tenth Avenue North — Wikipedia Unoffendable by Brant Hansen Linchpin by Seth Godin Life Is Hard, God Is Good, Let's Dance by Brant Hansen Kingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Farrar Capon Brant Hansen on Good Morning America — YouTube The Men We Need by Brant Hansen The (Young) Men We Need by Brant Hansen Unoffendable Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video The Unoffendable Small Group Questions Leaders Guide Brant Hansen’s website Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Brant Hansen. Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, January 30, 2025
435: Hosea — The Hope of Healing
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude an examination of Hosea, finding out what actually gets the last word. Featuring a special appearance by Elle Grover Fricks. 1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox Tradition for Crisis by Walter Brueggemann Amos/Hosea by James M. Ward Hosea: A Commentary by James Luther Mays The Interpreter’s Bible, Volume VI by George Arthur Buttrick Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, January 23, 2025
434: Hosea — Who Among Us?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings approach the penultimate chapter of Hosea’s prophecy, hearing him issue a final challenge to take stock of our idolatrous condition. 1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, January 16, 2025
433: Hosea — Doomed to Repeat It
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings watch the prophet parallel the experience of God’s people with the history of their Patriarch Jacob. “Back to the Future” by Brad Gray (14 minutes) — Walking the Text “Back to the Future” by Brad Gray (55 minutes) — Central Holland Church, YouTube 1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, January 09, 2025
432: Hosea — God’s Avatar
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are with Elle Grover Fricks to venture into Hosea 11, seeing a shift in the prophet’s tone as he talks about who God is and how God feels. Your God Is Too Small by J. B. Phillips Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, January 02, 2025
431: Hosea — Stubborn Soil
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are with Josh Bossé to travel through Hosea 10, finding instructions for what can be done in the face of such idolatrous vanity. BEMA 109: Which Soil? BEMA 12: A Mission Realized Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, December 26, 2024
430: It’s a Wonderful Life
Brent Billings and Reed Dent drive this podcast into a tree and find out how many friends we actually have. It’s a Wonderful Life — Wikipedia It’s a Wonderful Life — JustWatch Reed on Letterboxd Brent on Letterboxd Planet Money Movie Club: It’s a Wonderful Life — NPR CPI Inflation Calculator — US Bureau of Labor Statistics Scorigami Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, December 19, 2024
429: Catherine McNiel — Fearing Bravely
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Catherine McNiel, author of Fearing Bravely. Fearing Bravely by Catherine McNiel Review of Fearing Bravely — Marty Solomon, Goodreads Review of Fearing Bravely — Brent Billings, Goodreads Long Days of Small Things by Catherine McNiel All Shall Be Well by Catherine McNiel Mid-Faith Crisis by Catherine McNiel Women’s Devotional Bible Catherine McNiel’s website Catherine McNiel on Twitter/X Catherine McNiel on Threads Catherine McNiel on Facebook Catherine McNiel on Instagram Catherine McNiel on LinkedIn Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Catherine McNiel. Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, December 12, 2024
428: Hosea — Consequences
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss Hosea 9 and the consequences of participating in imperial rebellion against the Lord. 1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox BEMA 362: Isaiah — Prophetic Pathos Hyacinth — Wikipedia Water Hyacinth — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, December 05, 2024
427: Hosea — How Empty Is Empty?
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent discuss the futility of reaping a whirlwind, and why we would keep going back to empty expecting to find anything else. Presentation for Hosea — How Empty Is Empty? (PDF) Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Mon, November 25, 2024
426: The Chosen S4E8 — “Humble” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with the emotional events of episode 8. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb BEMA 283: John — Missing God in the Name of God BEMA 124: Statement of Triumph Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, November 21, 2024
425: Hosea — Fruit in Keeping with Repentance
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the conversation from the previous episode, considering the call to be different following our repentance. 1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Mon, November 18, 2024
424: The Chosen S4E7 — “The Last Sign” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss Season 4 of The Chosen and the dramatic events of episode 7. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Addendum: James Who? — Marty Solomon, YouTube Gospel of Mary — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, November 14, 2024
423: Hosea — Forgiveness
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings use the first portion of Hosea 6 to examine the relationship between God’s forgiveness and our repentance. BEMA 242: Spiritual Abuse — Commodities and Variables Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Mon, November 11, 2024
422: The Chosen S4E6 — “Dedication” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with episode 6. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Festival Edition: Hiding Miracles — Marty Solomon, YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, November 07, 2024
421: Hosea — When God Goes Missing
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Josh Bossé to consider Hosea 5 and the wisdom it holds, exhorting us to remember the dangers of trying to use God for our own agendas. 1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Mon, November 04, 2024
420: The Chosen S4E5 — “Sitting, Serving, Scheming” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with the struggles of Jesus in episode 5. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, October 31, 2024
419: A. J. Sherrill — Rediscovering Christmas
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Dr. A. J. Sherrill, who has more than twenty years of experience as a pastor, including his current role as lead pastor at St. Peter’s Church in Charleston, South Carolina. He has served as adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, and he is the author of a new book called Rediscovering Christmas. Rediscovering Christmas by AJ Sherrill Being with God by AJ Sherrill The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation by AJ Sherrill Expansive by AJ Sherrill AJ Sherrill’s website AJ Sherrill on Instagram AJ Sherrill on Facebook AJ Sherrill on Twitter/X AJ Sherrill on Threads Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: A. J. Sherrill. Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Mon, October 28, 2024
418: The Chosen S4E4 — “Calm Before” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with a big finally in episode 4. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Tel Dor — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, October 24, 2024
417: Hosea — Staring Brokenness in the Face
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent look to Hosea 4 to answer the question of how we can find ourselves in a mess like this. BEMA 386: Psalms — The Whole Human Experience “Lord’s Supper” by Frederick Buechner Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Mon, October 21, 2024
416: The Chosen S4E3 — “Moon to Blood” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with the controversial episode 3. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb “Leading Like Jesus” sermon by Megan Trischler — University Christian Church Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, October 17, 2024
415: Hosea — Living Metaphor
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture into the biblical Text of Hosea, letting the prophetic story of Hosea lead us into some reflections on wisdom for our day. 1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann BEMA 49b: Verastikh (Hosea) Shirat Ha'azinu: The Song of Moses by Rabbi David Fohrman — Aleph Beta Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Mon, October 14, 2024
414: The Chosen S4E2 — “Confessions” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss some Chosen announcements, offer a mea culpa for episode 1, and continue into Season 4 of The Chosen with episode 2. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, October 10, 2024
413: Hosea — Context and Caution
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks begin a series on Hosea, considering a framework we can use to approach a passage with a fresh lens. The 6-Column Sheet (PDF) BEMA 49: Hosea — Prostitute “Israeli Archaeologists Find Enigmatic 2,500-year-old Burials in the Desert” by Ariel David — Haaretz The Oxford Handbook of Hosea by Brad E. Kelle The Latter Prophets: A Feminist Companion to the Bible by Athalya Brenner-Idan Texts of Terror by Phyllis Trible Gender and Difference in Ancient Israel by Peggy L. Day (contains “‘To Play the Harlot’: An Inquiry into an Old Testament Metaphor” by Phyllis Bird) Harlot or Holy Woman? by Phyllis A. Bird Phyllis Trible — Wikipedia Phyllis Bird — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Mon, October 07, 2024
412: The Chosen S4E1 — “Promises” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finally commence the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen, starting things off with episode 1. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb BEMA 310: The Nativity Story Support The BEMA Podcast
S9 Enull · Thu, October 03, 2024
411: Session 9 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin Session 9 of the podcast and discuss what comes next and what we can look forward to in the months to come. The Story of BEMA Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, September 26, 2024
410: Session 8 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings close out Session 8 with Reed Dent, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, September 19, 2024
409: Sandra Richter — The Epic of Eden
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Dr. Sandra Richter, the Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College, a graduate of Harvard University, and of course the author of The Epic of Eden, including a new study in that series covering Deborah. Debora h by Sandra L. Richter The Epic of Eden by Sandra L. Richter Isaiah by Sandra L. Richter Psalms by Sandra L. Richter The Story of God, the Story of Us by Sean Gladding The Story by Zondervan, Max Lucado, and Randy Frazee NIV Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) Sandra Richter on Facebook Sandra Richter on Instagram Sandra Richter at Westmont College Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Sandra Richter. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, September 12, 2024
408: Practical Shabbat — Deepening
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the depths of Shabbat with Josh Bossé. The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, September 05, 2024
407: Practical Shabbat — Breaking
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are breaking Shabbat with Josh Bossé. The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, August 29, 2024
406: Practical Shabbat — Remembering
Brent Billings and Reed Dent join Josh Bossé in remembering Shabbat. The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel RRR (2022 film) I Asked for Wonder by Abraham Joshua Heschel and Samuel H. Dresner Who Is Man? by Abraham J. Heschel Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, August 22, 2024
405: Practical Shabbat — Keeping
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks keep Shabbat with Josh Bossé. The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel BEMA 331: Sanctuary — Resting with the Mishkan Nerts — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, August 15, 2024
404: Mariko Clark — The Book of Belonging
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks are joined by special guest Mariko Clark, author of The Book of Belonging. She is a mother and a storyteller, and her time as an editor of National Geographic Learning enabled her to make complex topics accessible and engaging. She and her husband live outside of Indianapolis with their three kids. The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark and Rachel Eleanor The Book of Belonging — Substack The Book of Belonging website Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Mariko Clark. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, August 08, 2024
403: Talmudic Matthew — But Actually John
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Elle Grover Fricks to close out this series from the Talmud and return to a well where Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman. Cairo Geniza — Wikipedia Umm el-Qanatir — Wikipedia Pesher — Wikipedia Targum — Wikipedia Peshitta — Wikipedia Onkelos — Wikipedia “Here’s Something about the Bible of the First Christians I Bet Many of You Didn’t Know (You’re Welcome)” by Peter Enns — Patheos Origin of the Old Testament — The Bible for Normal People “Tell all the truth but tell it slant” (poem) by Emily Dickinson “Jacob Traditions and the Interpretation of John 4:10–26” by Jerome H. Neyrey — JSTOR Eliezer ben Hurcanus — Wikipedia Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer — Sefaria Only the Lover Sings by Matthew Clark BEMA 227: The Chosen S1E8 — “I Am He” BEMA 257: John — Wells and Husbands Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, August 01, 2024
402: Talmudic Matthew — Lightly Salted
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé examine one more perspective on the ideas of salt and light found in the Sermon on the Mount. BEMA 257: John — Wells and Husbands BEMA 313: Parables — The Good Samaritan Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, July 25, 2024
401: Talmudic Matthew — Light
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Elle Grover Fricks to consider Jesus’s teaching on light through the lens of the Talmud. BEMA 94: Hope of the World Bava Batra — Wikipedia 1 Corinthians 3: Building a Temple — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship Numbers: The Wilderness Years , volume 4 of Covenant & Conversation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, July 18, 2024
400: Talmudic Matthew — Salt
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks unearth a deeper meaning of salt through a Talmudic lens. “The Salt of the Land and the Light of the World” — BibleProject Podcast BEMA 248: Joy and Lot’s Untitled Wife Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, July 11, 2024
399: Talmudic Matthew — Household of God
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé browse through the Beatitudes one by one. Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing by Søren Kierkegaard Live Q&A with Josh Bossé (April 2024) — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, July 04, 2024
398: Talmudic Matthew — Blessing
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé crack open the question of what a biblical blessing is. To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue Every Moment Holy, Volume I by Douglas Kaine McKelvey Every Moment Holy, Volume II by Douglas Kaine McKelvey Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, June 27, 2024
397: Mitch Lavender — Respect and Dignity
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Mitch Lavender, longtime BEMA listener and group facilitator, and now Lead Campus Minister in Cincinnati with Impact Campus Ministries, about his experiences with a community dealing with the challenges of diversity and how that can lead to transition with family, friends, and faith. A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Mitch Lavender. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, June 20, 2024
396: Talmudic Matthew — Desert and Sea
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Reed Dent revisit Matthew 4 with a Talmudic lens. BEMA 92: How to Bring Order Out of Chaos Ethics Ratings of Nearly All Professions Down in U.S. — Gallup Scutching — Wikipedia Tractate Sanhedrin — Sefaria “Questions About Angels” (poem) by Billy Collins Gospel of Matthew Summary (Part 1) — BibleProject Gospel of Matthew Summary (Part 2) — BibleProject Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, June 13, 2024
395: Talmudic Matthew — Jordan
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks take a closer look at the work of John the Baptist. BEMA 91: Tavilah T'Shuvah BEMA 92: How to Bring Order Out of Chaos Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, June 06, 2024
394: Talmudic Matthew — Stars and Magic
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks take a closer look at the magi and the star of the nativity. BEMA 89: Written in the Stars BEMA 257: Wells and Husbands Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, May 30, 2024
393: Talmudic Matthew — Dreams
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Reed Dent explore how the Talmudic conversation might shed new light on the account of Joseph’s angelic visitation in Matthew 1. BEMA 22: Under the Chuppah BEMA 85: Mark — Roman Gospel BEMA 89: Written in the Stars Berakhot 56 (Talmud) — Sefaria Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, May 23, 2024
392: Talmudic Matthew — Legacy
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are with Elle Grover Fricks to kick off a new series on Talmudic conversations in Matthew. Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon Sefaria: A Living Library of Jewish Texts Brad Gray on the Genealogy of Matthew — Real Life on the Palouse “Matthew’s Begats” by Andrew Peterson — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, May 16, 2024
391: Tommy Brown — The Ache for Meaning
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Tommy Brown, author of The Ache for Meaning. He is a pastor and contemplative teacher with a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry and master’s degrees in divinity and management, and a former little league baseball coach. The Ache for Meaning by Tommy Brown What Is the Palouse? Dark Night of the Soul — Wikipedia The Seven Money Types by Tommy Brown The Torah for Dummies by Arthur Kurzweil The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Tommy Brown’s website Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Tommy Brown. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, May 09, 2024
390: Psalms — Feeling Dumb with a Great Cloud of Witnesses
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks conclude the series on the Psalms and offer a final bit of encouragement to carry with us into the future. Festival of Faith & Writing — Calvin University My Bright Abyss by Christian Wiman Inside Out (2015 film) — JustWatch “Despite My Efforts Even My Prayers Have Turned into Threats” from Pilgrim Bell by Kaveh Akbar “The Only Animal” from Walking to Martha’s Vineyard by Franz Wright “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson — Poetry Foundation “Bless Me” by Maverick City Music (feat. Kirk Franklin) — YouTube Liturgy Prints — Every Moment Holy “A Greek Papyrus Amulet from the Duke Collection with Biblical Excerpts” by Csaba A. La’da and Amphilochios Papathomas — JSTOR Coble Eye Care Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, May 02, 2024
389: Psalms — 23 & Me
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé take a second stroll through the words of Psalm 23. The Gorge Amphitheatre Saving Paradise by Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, April 25, 2024
388: Psalms — Are You Listening?
Brent Billings and Reed Dent listen to the voice of Psalm 19. Firefly [Lightning Bug] — Wikipedia Wishful Thinking by Frederick Buechner Psalm 19: The Heavens Declare the Glory of God — Aleph Beta Reflections: Christianity Makes Sense of the World — C. S. Lewis Institute “The Merton Prayer” — Reflections, Yale Divinity School Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, April 18, 2024
387: Psalms — More Distant Reflections
Brent Billings and Reed Dent mull over the words of Psalm 32. Bad Words Series — BibleProject Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, April 11, 2024
386: Psalms — The Whole Human Experience
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent compare and contrast Psalms 51 and 139. Psalm 139: Take 1 — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship Psalm 139: Take 4 — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, April 04, 2024
385: Psalms — Ultimate Mario Star
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent discuss Psalm 91. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, March 28, 2024
384: Derek Vreeland — Centering Jesus
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Derek Vreeland, author of Centering Jesus. He is the discipleship pastor at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, MO, where he lives with his wife, Jenni. Centering Jesus by Derek Vreeland Review of Centering Jesus — Marty Solomon, Goodreads Man Enough by Nate Pyle God’s Empowering Presence by Gordon D. Fee Benefit of the Doubt by Gregory A. Boyd Salvation by Allegiance Alone by Matthew W. Bates Daily Office Lectionary by Derek Vreeland Book of Common Prayer — Wikipedia Derek Vreeland’s Website Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Derek Vreeland. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, March 21, 2024
383: Psalms — Praying Hate
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks discuss the words of Psalm 137. BEMA 380: Psalms — The Hidden Face Answering God by Eugene H. Peterson BEMA 36: The Redemption Cycle The Message of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, March 14, 2024
382: Psalms — Small, Not Insignificant
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks consider the words of Psalm 8. The Message of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann Visual Commentary on Psalm 8 — BibleProject The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis “Rabbi Simcha Bunem's Favorite Sayings” by Julie Danan — Sefaria Midrash Tehillim on Psalm 8 — Sefaria Psalm 8 — Wikipedia “Stars” by Switchfoot — YouTube “Friend of God” by Israel Houghton — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, March 07, 2024
381: Psalms — A Sheep in the Mirror
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Josh Bossé discuss Psalm 23. “House of God Forever” by Jon Foreman — YouTube Psalm 23 — Wikipedia The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, February 29, 2024
380: Psalms — The Hidden Face
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Josh Bossé discuss Psalm 13. The Message of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann Telling the Truth by Frederick Buechner BEMA 282: John — The Dance of Grief Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, February 22, 2024
379: Psalms — Every Season of Life
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Reed Dent as he launches a series on the Psalms. Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon Free at Last by dc Talk — YouTube “[Psalm] 40” by dc Talk — YouTube The Art of Biblical Poetry by Robert Alter The Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert Alter The Art of Bible Translation by Robert Alter Preaching and the Literary Forms of the Bible by Thomas G. Long BEMA 349: The Chosen S3E8 — “Sustenance” (Bonus Episode) The Message of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott Answering God by Eugene H. Peterson Praying the Psalms by Thomas Merton Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, February 15, 2024
378: Lea Schrumpf — Entering Our Stories
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Lea Schrumpf, Director of Pastoral Care at Purdue Christian Campus House, to discuss how we are shaped by harm, but how we are created for delight and honor, and how we can enter our stories with compassion and kindness. BEMA 242: Spiritual Abuse — Commodities and Variables The Allender Center Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson Being Known Podcast Adam Young Counseling The Place We Find Ourselves podcast The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem The Reconnect Institute Reconnect Marriage Podcast Purdue Christian Campus House Snack-Stadium by Ordi Stefan Hossu — Facebook Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Lea Schrumpf. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, February 08, 2024
377: Isaiah — The Fruit of Faithfulness
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude the journey through Isaiah by looking at his prophetic visions for the future and how hope changes the substance of our conversations, desires, and experiences. BEMA 137: A Dry Tree BEMA 71: The Prophetic Table BEMA 332: Andrew DeCort — Flourishing on the Edge of Faith Friend or Foe #1: The Truth and Proper Place of Guilt sermon — YouTube Overview of Isaiah — BibleProject King Chizkiah, the Almost Messiah — Rabbi David Fohrman, Aleph Beta Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, February 01, 2024
376: Isaiah — Maternal Images of God
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Reed Dent discuss the maternal images seen throughout Isaiah. Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Behavior of a Pallas’s cat — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, January 25, 2024
375: Isaiah — What Perseverance Produces
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings press on into the final chapters of Isaiah’s servant discourse, hearing the famous passage of God’s suffering servant and searching for the fruit of those trials. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, January 18, 2024
374: Isaiah — When Suffering Is the Way
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings enter a new season of Isaiah’s prophecy. Times have changed, circumstances are different, but God’s love remains the same. Tikkun Olam — Wikipedia BEMA 192: Telling a Story BEMA 64: 3 Isaiah — Servant BEMA 289: John — Loved to the End Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, January 11, 2024
373: Preston Ulmer — Deconstruct Faith, Discover Jesus
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Preston Ulmer, author of Deconstruct Faith, Discover Jesus, founder and director of the Doubters’ Club, pastor at North Point Church in Springfield, MO, and many pastoral roles before that. Deconstruct Faith, Discover Jesus by Preston Ulmer The Doubters’ Club (website) The Doubters’ Club (book) by Preston Ulmer Encanto (2021 film) Conversational Intelligence by Judith E. Glaser Preston Ulmer on Instagram Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Preston Ulmer. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, January 04, 2024
372: Isaiah — History and Redaction
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are with Elle Grover Fricks to discuss the historical portion of Isaiah that bridges the two parts of the prophetic work, considering the possibilities for voices and redactions. BEMA 82: The Text — When, Where, Who, and Why Documentary Hypothesis — Wikipedia Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon “The Re-Emergence of Source Criticism: The Neo-Documentary Hypothesis” by Joel S. Baden — Yale Divinity School BEMA 71: The Prophetic Table The Documentary Hypothesis and the Composition of the Pentateuch by Umberto Cassuto (PDF) “You have been weighed, measured, and found wanting” — A Knight’s Tale, YouTube BEMA 365: Isaiah — Prophet vs. Wizard Priests Ašipu — Wikipedia Where God Was Born by Bruce Feiler If All the Seas Were Ink by Ilana Kurshan 2023 NFL Season — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, December 21, 2023
371: Isaiah — The Hulk Factor
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the reality of God’s anger in the next portion of Isaiah. The Jewish Study Bible: Second Edition “JPS Bible Translation Enters Digital Era with Sefaria” — The Jewish Publication Society JPS Tanakh 1917 — BibleHub New Jewish Publication Society of America Tanakh — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, December 14, 2023
370: Isaiah — Woes
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the next portion of Isaiah to see God’s message aimed directly as His own people. BEMA 176: Revelation — Smyrna and Their Crown Beth Moore on the Church in History — Twitter BEMA 136: Each One Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, December 07, 2023
369: Isaiah — The Choice Is Yours
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the universal pronouncement of God’s care and judgment in Isaiah, and then see the response of the prophet to what could lie ahead. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, November 30, 2023
368: Elisa Bosley — Spiritual Eldercare
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks are joined by Elisa Bosley, founder of Spiritual Eldercare. Elisa has decades of experience leading worship services and Bible studies, and also working with adults who have dementia. Combining those efforts, she became a chaplain in 2016 and serves at a long-term memory care community in Boulder, Colorado. Spiritual Eldercare Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Elisa Bosley. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, November 16, 2023
367: Isaiah — Burdens
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear Isaiah communicate the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of how God carries the burdens of all nations, not just the ones that bear His name. Presentation for Isaiah — Burdens (PDF) NIV Archaeological Study Bible NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter Cross Vision by Gregory A. Boyd Crucifixion of the Warrior God by Gregory A. Boyd Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, November 09, 2023
366: Isaiah — Let the Man Cook!
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture further into Isaiah and the days of Ahaz to see God’s invitation to trust the story—and warnings for what might happen if that invitation is not accepted. Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, November 02, 2023
365: Isaiah — Prophet vs. Wizard Priests
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé dig a little deeper into the cultural context of Isaiah 6. “Isaiah's Impure Lips and Their Purification in Light of Akkadian Sources” by Victor (Avigdor) Hurowitz — JSTOR Myths & Legends of Babylonia & Assyria by Lewis Spence Bārû — Wikipedia Bāru (Mesopotamian priest) — Britannica Bārûtu — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, October 26, 2023
364: Isaiah — Opening Provocations
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey into the text of Isaiah, hearing the call of a father to his stubborn children. The Ache for Meaning by Tommy Brown The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter BEMA 51: 1 Isaiah — Vineyard Isaiah: Holy, Holy, Holy — Derrick Rohr, Campus Christian Fellowship Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, October 19, 2023
363: Isaiah — Prophetic Imagination
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are back with Reed Dent to continue the introduction to the prophecy of Isaiah and consider Walter Brueggemann’s ideas about the prophetic imagination. The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann “What Prophecy Is For” — BibleProject Podcast Thought of the Day: Prophetic Imagination — Marty Solomon, YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, October 12, 2023
362: Isaiah — Prophetic Pathos
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are with Reed Dent to begin a journey deep into the prophecy of Isaiah by considering what we can learn from Abraham Joshua Heschel about the prophetic pathos. The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel Isaiah: History — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship A Collision or (3+4=7) by David Crowder*Band Collected Poems of W. H. Auden (see Part IX) Lost in the Cosmos by Walker Percy NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible “I Have a Dream” (Martin Luther King Jr. speech) — Wikipedia “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” (Martin Luther King Jr. speech) — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S8 Enull · Thu, October 05, 2023
361: Session 8 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings return to “Ordinary Time” on the podcast and prepare for some fresh studies of the Text. BEMA 190: Session 4 Capstone BEMA News & Events Impact Campus Ministries BEMA Discord Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, September 28, 2023
360: Session 7 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up Session 7 of the podcast by hearing about Marty’s sabbatical experience and reflecting on what we’ve all been through in this season of rest. “Closing Time” (Marty’s sabbatical recap blog post) Meet the Solomons: Sabbatical Recap — Marty Solomon, YouTube Ignatius of Loyola — Wikipedia BEMA 350: Kat Armstrong — Storyline Bible BEMA 351: Sabbath Reflection Music “Birdsongs alleviate anxiety and paranoia in healthy participants” by E. Stobbe, J. Sundermann, L. Ascone & S. Kühn — Scientific Reports Sound Escapes Podcast Fasting by Scot McKnight Beholding by Strahan Coleman Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, September 25, 2023
359: Dallas Jenkins — Humanity and Historicity (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are back with Dallas Jenkins to mull over the questions that arose from Seasons 2 and 3 of The Chosen. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb 5&2 T-Shirt — The Chosen Ancient Israel by Roland de Vaux Grafted on YouTube Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Dallas Jenkins. Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, September 21, 2023
358: Sabbath Practice — Prayer
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks pontificate on the practice of prayer. Presentation for Sabbath Practice — Prayer (PDF) “Patient Trust” by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwen Prayer by Richard J. Foster This Is Water by David Foster Wallace Every Moment Holy, Volume I by Douglas Kaine McKelvey Every Moment Holy, Volume II by Douglas Kaine McKelvey To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue The Ignatian Examen — Jesuits.org “How to Make Ringtones for iPhone” by Don Reisinger — Tom’s Guide “How to Create Custom Ringtones for Your Android Phone” by Cameron Summerson — How-To Geek Silence (2016 film) The Cast of Rogue One — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, September 14, 2023
357: Sabbath Practice — Fasting
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks traverse the topic of fasting. Didache — Wikipedia Basil of Caesarea — Wikipedia John Wesley (Holy Club section for fasting) — Wikipedia Jewish Fast Days — Chabad.org “Fasting for Religious Observance” — Brandeis University “Intermittent Fasting 101: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide” — Healthline Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, September 07, 2023
356: Sabbath Practice — Friendship w/ Derrick James Rohr III
Brent Billings is considering the practice of friendship with Reed Dent and his best friend and ministry partner Derrick James Rohr III. CCF Truman Staff The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, August 31, 2023
355: Sabbath Practice — Discipline
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore Marty’s spiritual practices and see what has changed or evolved for him over the last seven years. BEMA 24: Creating a Space Thought of the Day: Two Hands of Faith — Marty Solomon, YouTube The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon “Is It Time to Quit ‘Quiet Time’?” by Dru Johnson and Celina Durgin — Christianity Today Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor (via Jim Feicht) A Day in the Life: Spiritual Practices — Marty Solomon, YouTube Thought of the Day: Writing the Text — Marty Solomon, YouTube Finding Our Way Again by Brian McLaren The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Shaping Faith #5: Fasting sermon — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, August 24, 2023
354: Sabbath Practice — Flow
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé discuss his spiritual practices and how they have evolved throughout his journey with God. Schottenstein Interlinear Complete Chumash by Rabbi Menachem Davis Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, August 17, 2023
353: Sabbath Practice — Heart
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks chat about her spiritual practices. Notebook Classic — LEUCHTTURM1917 SHARPIE S-Gel Pen, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink “Advantage of Handwriting Over Typing on Learning Words” by Aya S. Ihara et al. — Frontiers in Human Neuroscience “Is the News Making Us Unhappy?” by Natascha de Hoog and Peter Verboon — British Journal of Psychology Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, August 10, 2023
352: Sabbath Practice — Attentiveness
Brent Billings and Reed Dent consider a different framework for spiritual practice and explore how Reed engages his own practices. BEMA 24: Creating a Space Grasslands National Park — Wikipedia Visiting Grasslands National Park — Brent Billings Big Bend National Park — Wikipedia Four Quartets by T. S. Eliot The Books of Scott Cairns Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community by Pádraig Ó Tuama Poetry Unbound Podcast Making All Things New by Henri Nouwen Eat This Book by Eugene H. Peterson Common Prayer by Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, and Enuma Okoro Endless Life by Scott Cairns Every Moment Holy, Volume I by Douglas Kaine McKelvey Every Moment Holy, Volume II by Douglas Kaine McKelvey Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwen “Introduction to Poetry” by Billy Collins from The Apple That Astonished Paris The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen “Your Kids Aren’t Too Old for Picture Books, and Neither Are You” by Pamela Paul — The New York Times Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, August 07, 2023
351: Sabbath Reflection Music (Bonus Episode)
Brent Billings offers an extended track of music and sounds for spending time in reflection. To maintain a reasonable file size for downloads, this music is presented at a slightly reduced quality compared to the original Sabbath Reflection episodes. Source Music for Session 7 — Soundstripe Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, August 03, 2023
350: Kat Armstrong — Storyline Bible
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Kat Armstrong, a Bible teacher and ministry leader who holds a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. She is the author of the Storyline Bible Studies and is the cofounder of the Polished Network. Mountains by Kat Armstrong Storyline Bible Studies by Kat Armstrong The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing by Jonathan T. Pennington Tree of Life Series — BibleProject Podcast The Art of Reading Scripture by Ellen F. Davis and Richard B. Hays (contains “Reading Scripture as a Coherent Story” by Richard Bauckham) Bono by University Press Reading the Bible for a Change by Ray Lubeck No More Holding Back by Kat Armstrong The In-Between Place by Kat Armstrong Kat Armstrong on Instagram Polished Network Kat Armstrong’s website Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Kat Armstrong. Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, July 31, 2023
349: The Chosen S3E8 — “Sustenance” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the ultimate episode of Season 3 of The Chosen. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb BEMA 71: The Prophetic Table Addendum to BEMA 80 [on Pharisees] — Marty Solomon, YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, July 27, 2023
348: Sabbath Reflection VII — Trust
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude this series of reflection by working to apply the lessons of trust from the Mishkan. Presentation for Sabbath Reflection VII — Trust (PDF) BEMA 331: Sanctuary — Resting with the Mishkan Storyline Bible Studies by Kat Armstrong Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, July 24, 2023
347: The Chosen S3E7 — “Ears to Hear” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the events of the penultimate episode of Season 3 of The Chosen. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, July 20, 2023
346: Sabbath Reflection VI — Wonder
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue this series of reflection, considering the wonder of God’s redemptive, saving work, which isn’t ours to control. Presentation for Sabbath Reflection VI — Wonder (PDF) BEMA 330: Sanctuary — Traversing the Mishkan Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, July 17, 2023
345: The Chosen S3E6 — “Intensity in Tent City” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are introduced to Pilate and watch with the crowd as Jesus does everything except get John the Baptist out of jail. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Rabbi Akiva — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, July 13, 2023
344: Sabbath Reflection V — Place
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a series of reflection, considering our approaches to sin and how we occupy different places. Presentation for Sabbath Reflection V — Place (PDF) BEMA 329: Sanctuary — Moving the Mishkan Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, July 10, 2023
343: The Chosen S3E5 — “Clean, Part 2” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see Jesus engage the act of healing in new ways. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb BEMA 103: Healing in His Wings Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, July 06, 2023
342: Sabbath Reflection IV — Teaching
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue this series of reflection, working to consider the different ways in which we teach others. Presentation for Sabbath Reflection IV — Teaching (PDF) BEMA 328: Sanctuary — Listening by the Mishkan Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, July 03, 2023
341: The Chosen S3E4 — “Clean, Part 1” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see the disciples utilize their healing power and then process what happened. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb BEMA 332: Andrew DeCort — Flourishing on the Edge of Faith BEMA 124: Statement of Triumph Banias Archaeological Dig of 2020 — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, June 29, 2023
340: Sabbath Reflection III — Community
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue this series of reflection, working to apply the lessons of community from the Mishkan. Presentation for Sabbath Reflection III — Community (PDF) BEMA 327: Sanctuary — Feasting at the Mishkan Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, June 26, 2023
339: The Chosen S3E3 — “Physician, Heal Yourself” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings watch as Jesus returns to Nazareth to become a prophet without honor in his hometown. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, June 22, 2023
338: Sabbath Reflection II — Love
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue through this series of reflection, working to apply the lessons of love from the Mishkan. Presentation for Sabbath Reflection II — Love (PDF) BEMA 326: Sanctuary — Entering the Mishkan Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, June 19, 2023
337: The Chosen S3E2 — “Two by Two” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings return to The Chosen to watch as the disciples are commissioned as apostles and sent out in pairs. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Cohortes Urbanae — Wikipedia The Kingdom (Teaching Series) — Marty Solomon, YouTube Addendum: James Who? — Marty Solomon, YouTube BEMA 259: Kevan Chandler — We Carry Kevan Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, June 15, 2023
336: Sabbath Reflection I — Truth
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings start a series of reflection, working to apply the lessons of the Mishkan once again. Presentation for Sabbath Reflection I — Truth (PDF) BEMA 325: Sanctuary — Waking Up in the Mishkan Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Mon, June 12, 2023
335: The Chosen S3E1 — “Homecoming” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings jump back into The Chosen with the first episode of Season 3. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb BEMA 21: With All Your Soul & “Very” Machaerus — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S7 Enull · Thu, June 08, 2023
334: Session 7 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture into new territory and approach the podcast with a different perspective for a season. “The Sabbath Year” by Marty Solomon Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 01, 2023
333: Session 6 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up Session 6 of the podcast and reflect on where we’ve been. Marty on Goodreads The Kingdom (Teaching Series) — Marty Solomon, YouTube Book Tour Recap blog post Book Tour Recap on YouTube BEMA 307: Tohu va Vohu (State of the Podcast) Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 25, 2023
332: Andrew DeCort — Flourishing on the Edge of Faith
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Andrew DeCort, author of Flourishing on the Edge of Faith . He holds a Ph.D. in Religious and Political Ethics and is the founder of the Neighbor-Love Movement and the Institute for Faith and Flourishing. Andrew has taught at a variety of universities around the world, and he and his wife, Lily, live and work between Ethiopia and Chicago. Flourishing on the Edge of Faith by Andrew DeCort BEMA 275: Kate Schmidgall — BitterSweet The Neighbor-Love Movement The Institute for Faith and Flourishing Coming soon: What Is Christianity? by Andrew DeCort Andrew DeCort’s Website Andrew DeCort on Facebook Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Andrew DeCort. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 18, 2023
331: Sanctuary — Resting with the Mishkan
Brent Billings, Josh Bossé, and Elle Grover Fricks muse on the mysteries of rest and holiness, and conclude the anthology on the tabernacle. Presentation for Sanctuary — Resting with the Mishkan (PDF) Strong Bad Email #58: Dragon — YouTube The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel “When You Believe” from The Prince of Egypt — YouTube “Doubting Doubts” by Citizens & Saints — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 11, 2023
330: Sanctuary — Traversing the Mishkan
Brent Billings, Josh Bossé, and Elle Grover Fricks gather once again around the fire and wrestle with the radical implications of putting the Divine Image into practice. Presentation for Sanctuary — Traversing the Mishkan (PDF) “Man as the Image of God in Genesis in the Light of Ancient Near Eastern Parallels” by Edward Mason Curtis — University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Image of God — Wikipedia BEMA 248: Joy and Lot’s Untitled Wife w/ Elle Grover Fricks Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 04, 2023
329: Sanctuary — Moving the Mishkan
Brent Billings is with Josh Bossé and Reed Dent to see how God’s presence shows up in surprising ways throughout the tabernacle. Presentation for Sanctuary — Moving the Mishkan (PDF) BEMA 294: John — Sacrifice, Suffering, and Joy Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 27, 2023
328: Sanctuary — Listening by the Mishkan
Brent Billings is with Josh Bossé and Reed Dent to consider the role of priests in the tabernacle through their clothing. Presentation for Sanctuary — Listening by the Mishkan (PDF) A Commentary on the Book of Exodus by U. Cassuto Diary of a Country Priest (1951 film) Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 20, 2023
327: Sanctuary — Feasting at the Mishkan
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé examine the communal life and stability found in the sacrificial altar. Presentation for Sanctuary — Feasting at the Mishkan (PDF) Ship of Theseus — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 13, 2023
326: Sanctuary — Entering the Mishkan
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are back with Josh Bossé to consider the boundaries established for the tabernacle and the love hidden within them. Presentation for Sanctuary — Entering the Mishkan (PDF) Symbolism of the Biblical World by Othmar Keel Inspiration and Incarnation by Peter Enns Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 06, 2023
325: Sanctuary — Waking Up in the Mishkan
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Josh Bossé to begin a series on the tabernacle of Exodus and the parallels it has to the Creation story, turning those spiritual principles into tangible practices. Presentation for Sanctuary — Waking Up in the Mishkan (PDF) Tabernacle — Wikipedia “What’s So Special About the Tabernacle?” — BibleProject Podcast BEMA 286: John — The Test of Bread Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 30, 2023
324: Anita Grace Brown — Finding Christ in Yoga
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Anita Grace Brown. She has been using yoga for 25 years to heal from trauma, fear, and spiritual struggles. She engages nature and uses art to help others find redemption. Grooveology Website It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere Podcast Kamikaze Yogi by Anita Grace Brown Christians Practicing Yoga The Yoga Abbey I’m Gonna Stress You Out — Online Course Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Anita Grace Brown. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 23, 2023
323: The Forgotten Women of the Apocalypse
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks finish out the series by turning their attention to two figures in the book of Revelation. Cinnabar — Wikipedia Litter (vehicle) [palanquin] — Wikipedia Epiphanius of Salamis — Wikipedia Hippolytus of Rome — Wikipedia Isis — Wikipedia BEMA 300: John — The Migdal Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 16, 2023
322: The Forgotten Women of the New Testament
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to survey the forgotten women of the New Testament. Learning Greek with Elle — Servant (PDF) Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon Trireme — Wikipedia Didache — Wikipedia Junia (New Testament person) — Wikipedia BEMA News & Events Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 09, 2023
321: The Forgotten Women of the Tanakh
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé draw their chairs closer to the fire of the accounts of women who may have been overlooked in the Hebrew Bible. Binders Full of Women — Know Your Meme BEMA 209: Midrash — Noah’s Backstory and the Nephilim Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 02, 2023
320: The Forgotten Women — Sages and Wise Women
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks study sages and wise women of the Text. Nadītu — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 23, 2023
319: The Forgotten Women — Presentism and Primitivism
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to discuss how to navigate the dangers of presentism and primitivism as we start a series on the forgotten women of the Bible. Presentation for The Forgotten Women — Presentism and Primitivism (PDF) Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari BEMA 240: Sin and the Archaeology of Joshua w/ Elle Grover Fricks Levant — Wikipedia The Red Tent by Anita Diamant BEMA 308: The Chosen S2E9 — “The Messengers” BEMA 310: The Nativity Story BEMA 297: Kat Armas — Abuelita Faith Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 16, 2023
318: Alonzo Felder — Discovering A. S. J. Allen
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Alonzo Felder, author of Discovering A. S. J. Allen . Over the course of his career as an IT analyst at Duke University, Alonzo became an expert in a number of research methods and has done extensive work on his own family history. Discovering A. S. J. Allen by Alonzo Felder “Do You Know” Scale Review of Discovering A. S. J. Allen — Marty Solomon, Goodreads Coming soon: Online Course for Family History Research Coming soon: Documentary Film/Series My Roots Foundation Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Alonzo Felder. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 09, 2023
317: Asking Better Questions of the Bible w/ Erin Geiselman
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Erin Geiselman, leader of the launch team for Marty’s book Asking Better Questions of the Bible , to discuss what the experience of writing a book was like for Marty. Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon BEMA 207: J. R. Briggs — The Sacred Overlap The Writing Life Course — Kairos Partnerships From Novice to Expert by Patricia Benner BEMA 57: Lamentations — Lament and Hope Erin Geiselman on Twitter Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Erin Geiselman. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 02, 2023
316: Parables — The Unforgiving Servant
Brent Billings and Reed Dent talk about the story of the unforgiving servant and the end of bookkeeping and seeing our enemies as ourselves. BEMA 121: The Key to Your Own Prison The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Free of Charge by Miroslav Volf Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, January 26, 2023
315: Parables — The Lost Son
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are back with Reed Dent to discuss the lost son of Luke 15 and what it means to be lost. The Pharisees by Joseph Sievers and Amy-Jill Levine Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey Kingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Farrar Capon Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, January 19, 2023
314: Parables — The Barn Builder
Brent Billings and Reed Dent talk about the story of the rich fool and the dynamics of money and relationships. Tell It Slant by Eugene Peterson Hope: The Prophet Candle — The BEMA Liturgy “Tripping Billies” by Dave Matthews Band — YouTube Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey The Parable of the Rich Fool — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, January 12, 2023
313: Parables — The Good Samaritan
Brent Billings is joined by Reed Dent and Elle Grover Fricks to talk about the story of the Good Samaritan and what it looks like to love people we’d rather not. Elle Meets John Piper “On Priests and Jericho in the Second Temple Period” by Joshua Schwartz — ResearchGate The Parable of the Good Samaritan — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, January 05, 2023
312: Parables — Dissecting a Swallow
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are bringing in Reed Dent to launch a miniseries on parables, starting with a discussion about what a parable is and why anyone would want to teach in that way. Tell It Slant by Eugene Peterson The Great Spiritual Migration by Brian McLaren Kingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Farrar Capon “Introduction to Poetry” by Billy Collins from The Apple That Astonished Paris Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey The Orthodox Heretic by Peter Rollins Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, December 29, 2022
311: Keith Simon — Truth Over Tribe
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Keith Simon, co-author of Truth Over Tribe , who co-planted The Crossing, a politically diverse church where he is the co-lead teaching pastor. He hosts a podcast by the same name, Truth Over Tribe, and teaches on Ten Minute Bible Talks. Truth Over Tribe by Patrick Miller and Keith Simon Truth Over Tribe Podcast Ten Minute Bible Talks BEMA 309: On Social Media Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Keith Simon. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, December 22, 2022
310: The Nativity Story
The Nativity Story (2006 film) The Nativity Story on JustWatch BEMA 89: Written in the Stars When God Was a Boy by C. T. Giles Festival Edition: The Birth (w/ Katie Del Rocco) [Adaptation from Frederick Buechner] — Marty Solomon, YouTube Special Guest: Maggi Billings. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Mon, December 19, 2022
309: On Social Media (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings address the Twitter-sized elephant in the room, talk about how each of them use social media, and consider ways all of us can engage this part of our world in a healthy way. BEMA Poll/Survey (valid through 26 April 2023) “Twitter suspends @ElonJet plane-tracking bot after Musk pledged to leave it up” — Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica “Elon Musk offloads another $3.6 billion of Tesla stock” — Dave Lee, Financial Times/Ars Technica “One More for the ‘Everything Is Going Just Fine at Twitter’ File” — John Gruber, Daring Fireball “Musk brings back Twitter Blue with new features to prevent impersonation” — Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica “On the Prevalence of Hate Speech on Twitter” — John Gruber, Daring Fireball “Goodbye, Twitter” — Ken White, Substack Brent’s Tweet on Sabbath “Platformer: Twitter Considering Making Personalized Ads and Location Sharing Mandatory” — John Gruber, Daring Fireball Thought of the Day: The Social Dilemma — Marty Solomon, YouTube Brent’s Tweet on Playback Controls Tweet Thread on Infinite Scrolling BEMA 2: Knowing When to Say “Enough” Thought of the Day: Social Media Beatitudes — Marty Solomon, YouTube Thought of the Day: Disagreement — Marty Solomon, YouTube <a href="https://facebook.com/B
S6 Enull · Thu, December 15, 2022
308: The Chosen S2E9 — “The Messengers”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Maggi Billings to discuss The Chosen S2E9 (the 2021 Christmas special), “The Messengers.” The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Festival Edition: The Birth (w/ Katie Del Rocco) [Adaptation from Frederick Buechner] — Marty Solomon, YouTube The Nativity Story (2006 film) The Nativity Story on JustWatch Special Guest: Maggi Billings. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, December 08, 2022
307: Tohu va Vohu (State of the Podcast)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Brian Truschinger, Elle Grover Fricks, Reed Dent, and Josh Bossé, all together for the very first time to discuss what is happening with BEMA and what we hope for the future. BEMA Poll/Survey (valid through 26 April 2023) The BEMA Liturgy Tell It Slant by Eugene Peterson Elle’s Website for Hebrew Classes The Text In Us Podcast Josh’s Beard Progress (surgery > shaved > 1 month > 3 months) Sermon with Brian’s Toilet Story “How to Speed Listen (for Students or Podfasters)” by Hugh Rayner — University of Melbourne Special Guest: Brian Truschinger. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, December 01, 2022
306: Brian David — Chiasms in John
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Brian David, who spent 37 years coaching people in software, and 25 years coaching high school sports, but now finds himself “coaching” the Text. Chiasms in John by Brian David BEMA 28: Images of the Desert — Ar'ar and Tamarisk Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey Star Wars Ring Theory by Mike Klimo Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham Join the BEMA Slack Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Brian David. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, November 17, 2022
305: Gary Burge — Interpreting the Gospel of John
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Dr. Gary Burge, author of Interpreting the Gospel of John , and one of the foremost authorities on John. He was a professor at Wheaton College for 25 years and now serves as a New Testament scholar at Calvin Theological Seminary. Gary M. Burge, Professor of New Testament — Calvin Theological Seminary Interpreting the Gospel of John by Gary M. Burge James Dunn — Wikipedia The Anointed Community by Gary M. Burge Society of Biblical Literature C. H. Dodd — Wikipedia John Robinson — Wikipedia The Gospel of John: A Commentary by Rudolf Bultmann John’s Wisdom by Ben Witherington III Acts: An Exegetical Commentary by Craig S. Keener The Gospel of John: A Commentary by Craig S. Keener The Historical Reliability of John’s Gospel by Craig L. Blomberg Jesus the Purifier: John’s Gospel and the Fourth Quest for the Historical Jesus by Craig L. Blomberg John: The NIV Application Commentary by Gary M. Burge The Letters of John: The NIV Application Commentary by Gary M. Burge The New Testament in Antiquity by Gary M. Burge and Gene L. Green “The Fifth Gospel — Interview with Gary Burge” — GTI Tours Podcast #4 “Why Context Matters — Interview with Dr. Gary Burge” — GTI Tours Podcast #45 Gary Burge’s website Banias Archaeological Dig of 2020 — YouTube Additional audio
S6 Enull · Thu, November 10, 2022
304: The Construction of the Gospel of John
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the different elements of John’s construction and consider some of the scholarly theories and observations that have been made over the years, seeing what there might be to learn in those possibilities. Interpreting the Gospel of John by Gary M. Burge Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, November 03, 2022
303: The History and Style of the Gospel of John
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a tour through the history of textual criticism that surrounds the Gospel of John and we look at the unique styles and attributes of John’s writing. Interpreting the Gospel of John by Gary M. Burge Historical Tradition and Sources in John Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, October 27, 2022
302: John — Do You Even Like Me?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings listen in on the restoration of Peter and consider the conclusion John writes for his Gospel account. BEMA 131: Betrayal Pre-order: Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, October 20, 2022
301: John — On Doubting and Locked Doors
Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss Thomas—a seemingly strange disciple—and question the nature of doubt and belief. “The Seeing Heart” by Frederick Buechner — YouTube “Frederick Buechner, Novelist With a Religious Slant, Dies at 96” by Robert D. McFadden — The New York Times Wishful Thinking by Frederick Buechner “St. Thomas Didymus” by Denise Levertov The Stream & the Sapphire by Denise Levertov Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, October 13, 2022
300: John — The Migdal
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks witness the resurrection of Jesus and consider the figure of Miriam the Migdal, more commonly known as Mary Magdalene. Isis — Wikipedia Early Christian Women and Pagan Opinion by Margaret Y. MacDonald The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene by Jane Schaberg The Woman Jesus Loved by Antti Marjanen Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, October 06, 2022
299: John — One Pierced
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings pick up after the moment of Jesus’s death on the cross, looking at the preparations for his burial and the work of two unexpected characters who take their own stand in honoring Jesus. Arimathea — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 29, 2022
298: John — Not Forsaken
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into John’s account of Jesus’s crucifixion. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Shmuel Safrai — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 22, 2022
297: Kat Armas — Abuelita Faith
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith , whose earliest theological formation came from her grandmother and ultimately inspired her to tell the stories of those we find on the margins. She teaches people to reflect on the abuelitas in their lives and shows us how to live out this kind of faith on a daily basis. The Protagonistas Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas Abuelita Fe by Kat Armas Sacred Belonging by Kat Armas BEMA 52: Jonah — Potential Kat Armas’s website Kat Armas on Twitter Kat Armas on Instagram Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Kat Armas. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 15, 2022
296: John — I Am He
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see Jesus arrested, finding himself questioned, Peter questioned, finding himself lacking in courage, and Pilate drawn into an argument, finding himself cornered. Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 08, 2022
295: John — Strategy
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at Jesus’s famous prayer for unity. Why is this his foremost concern before he goes to the cross? Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 01, 2022
294: John — Sacrifice, Suffering, and Joy
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks consider the various words for sacrifices in Hebrew before moving on to the second half of John 16 as we work our way through the Farewell Discourses. Learning Hebrew with Elle — Sacrifices (PDF) Consider the Birds by Debbie Blue Michael Pakaluk — The Catholic University of America George Parsenios — Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Urban von Wahlde — Loyola University Chicago Raymond E. Brown — Wikipedia Burton Visotzky — Wikipedia “Wine, Women, and the Polis” by Brigette Ford Russell — JSTOR BEMA 248: Joy and Lot’s Untitled Wife w/ Elle Grover Fricks Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, August 25, 2022
293: John — Sin, Righteousness, Judgment
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue Jesus’s discussion about the place of persecution in the coming days, decades, and centuries. What is the Holy Spirit’s job (or at least one of them) in this process of glorification? Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, August 18, 2022
292: John — The Pruning Work of Persecution
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings spend time in one of the staple passages of Impact Campus Ministries, and a foundational text for intimacy with God. Jesus is the true vine—what can we learn by taking this truth seriously? BEMA 24: Creating a Space About — Impact Campus Ministries Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, August 11, 2022
291: John — Parakletos
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue into Jesus’s discourse in preparation for his death, where he promises the Advocate, the Helper, the Counselor—the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit — BibleProject Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, August 04, 2022
290: John — This Is the Way
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin Jesus’s final discourse in John as he prepares for his imminent arrest, considering what it means that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. BEMA 22: Under the Chuppah The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV) BEMA 87: John — Grafted BEMA 137: A Dry Tree Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, July 28, 2022
289: John — Loved to the End
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin an examination of the “Book of Hours” or the “Book of Glory.” What does it look like to believe in Jesus? John — Loved to the End Presentation (PDF) BEMA 131: Betrayal The Fidelity of Betrayal by Peter Rollins Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, July 21, 2022
288: Steve Park — Little Lights
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Steve Park, founder of Little Lights Urban Ministries in Washington, DC. He teaches race literacy for Christians, provides after-school and summer programs, adult and employment programs, Christian mentoring and Bible studies, and so much more. Little Lights The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck The World’s Religions by Huston Smith Race: The Power of an Illusion — PBS Race Literacy 101 Class Little Lights on YouTube Little Lights on Facebook Little Lights on Instagram Little Lights on LinkedIn Little Lights on Twitter Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Steve Park. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, July 14, 2022
287: John — The Test of Meat
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé resume an reexamination of John 6 as Jesus continues to subvert the expectations of the people as the second Moses. Josh Bossé on CaringBridge Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, July 07, 2022
286: John — The Test of Bread
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé examine John 6 for a second time, looking at the test Jesus gives to his disciples as they prepare to feed the 5000. BEMA 281: John — You Are Gods Josh Bossé on CaringBridge Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 30, 2022
285: John — Book of Signs
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John’s “Book of Signs” and the concluding examination of belief and disbelief. BEMA 64: 3 Isaiah — Servant Thought of the Day: Two Hands of Faith — Marty Solomon, YouTube The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 23, 2022
284: John — The Hour Has Come
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings work toward the closing of the Book of Signs in the Gospel of John as Jesus states that his hour has come. BEMA 124: Statement of Triumph The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV) Voice of God — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 16, 2022
283: John — Missing God in the Name of God
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the Pharisees’ reaction to the raising of Lazarus, as well as the story of Mary anointing Jesus for burial. “Missing God in the Name of God” sermon — University Christian Church, YouTube The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV) Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 09, 2022
282: John — The Dance of Grief
Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss a story about Mary and Martha and Jesus, which also happens to contain an episode about the death and resurrection of Lazarus. “Lazarus Come Forth” by Carmen — YouTube “The Way of Suffering: A Reasoning of the Heart” by Jerome A. Miller Existence of God by John R. Jacobson Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 02, 2022
281: John — You Are Gods
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé discuss spiritual leadership and the conversations with Jesus in the temple courts at the Festival of Dedication. Join the BEMA Slack Josh Bossé on CaringBridge Support Josh Bossé Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 26, 2022
280: The Road Back to Eden
Brent Billings provides an introduction for Marty Solomon to lead us in a special conversation that means a lot to him personally, meant to help us consider one of the things God is inviting us to as we partner with Him to put the world back together. How do we make it back to Eden? BEMA 6: A Tale of a Tower The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Amazon) The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Aleph Beta) Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 19, 2022
279: John — My Sheep, My Voice
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at Jesus’s claim to be the true gate and the good shepherd for his sheep. John — My Sheep, My Voice Presentation (PDF) BEMA 87: John — Grafted BEMA 26: Images of the Desert — Shepherd BEMA 105: An Explosive Kingdom The 7 Great I Ams #3: I Am the Door sermon — YouTube The 7 Great I Ams (Sermon Series) — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 12, 2022
278: John — Only the Blind Can See
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the healing of a blind man and Jesus’s subsequent teaching on a different kind of blindness. Everyman’s Talmud by Abraham Cohen The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann Addendum to BEMA 80 — Marty Solomon, YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 05, 2022
277: John — Before Abraham Was
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider a provocative teaching of Jesus that nearly got him executed. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 28, 2022
276: John — Who Is Your Father?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the dispute Jesus has with those who believed him about who their father is. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 21, 2022
275: Kate Schmidgall — BitterSweet
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Kate Schmidgall, the founder and director of BitterSweet Creative, and the founder and editor of BitterSweet Monthly . National Community Church, Lincoln Theatre Campus NCC Lincoln Theatre Campus Staff Contemplations Series with Walter Brueggemann An Other Kingdom by Peter Block, Walter Brueggemann, and John McKnight Breaking Ground by Anne Snyder and Susannah Black Comment Magazine Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas and William H. Willimon Flourishing on the Edge of Faith by Andrew DeCort Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Kate Schmidgall. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 14, 2022
274: John — Light of the World
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear Jesus talk about his own identity and testimony in the face of those who grapple with his teachings. BEMA 85: Mark — Roman Gospel “Written in the Dust” sermon (Brad Gray) — YouTube Interpreting the Gospel of John by Gary M. Burge Jesus Within Judaism by James H. Charlesworth Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 07, 2022
273: John — Pericope of an Honor Contest
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks talk about the cultural context of Jesus being confronted in the courts with the woman accused of adultery in John 8. The Daniel Scene Brent Could Not Remember (from April 1986) Hebrew Classes with Elle “John 7:53-8:11: A Study in Misreading” by Gail R. O’Day — JSTOR BEMA 82: The Text — When, Where, Who, and Why Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Richard James The Pericope Adulterae, the Gospel of John, and the Literacy of Jesus by Chris Keith “Earth Accuses Earth: Tracing What Jesus Wrote on the Ground” by Jennifer Knust and Tommy Wasserman — JSTOR To Cast the First Stone by Jennifer Knust and Tommy Wasserman Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Mon, April 04, 2022
272: The Chosen S2E8 — “Beyond Mountains” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude a review of Season 2 of The Chosen with a discussion on the eighth episode. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Dallas Regrets This One Thing (Season Finale Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTube BEMA 93: Blessed BEMA 99: Fruit of Fools Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 31, 2022
271: John — The Greatest Day of the Feast
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John 7, discussing the differing opinions about the identity of Jesus. Miracles of Messiah by Ron Miller BEMA 76: Silent Years — Sadducees BEMA 130: The Plot to Kill Jesus Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Mon, March 28, 2022
270: The Chosen S2E7 — “Reckoning” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the seventh episode of Season 2. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 24, 2022
269: John — Any Time Will Do
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings jump into John 7, discussing Jesus’s engagement with the Festival of Tabernacles. Sukkot & Simchat Torah — Chabad.org Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Mon, March 21, 2022
268: The Chosen S2E6 — “Unlawful” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings return to The Chosen with a discussion on the sixth episode of Season 2. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Episode 6: "This line wrecks me." (Director Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 17, 2022
267: John — The Far Side of a Tumultuous Sea
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Reed Dent to finish examining the sixth chapter of John, and attempt to bring some closure to this challenging portion of the Text. I Asked for Wonder by Abraham Joshua Heschel Prototype by Jonathan Martin BEMA 230: Mandy Smith — Unfettered Unfettered by Mandy Smith The Experience of God by David Bentley Hart Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Mon, March 14, 2022
266: The Chosen S2E5 — “Spirit” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the controversial fifth episode of Season 2. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Zealot by Reza Aslan I'm firing back about one criticism — The Chosen, YouTube Whoa! Episode 5 was controversial (Director reacts) — The Chosen, YouTube Our Bible consultants discuss our most controversial moment — The Chosen, YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 10, 2022
265: John — Make Him King
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrestle with the potential interpretations of what is happening in the beginning of John 6. A Harmony of the Gospels (NASB) by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry A Harmony of the Gospels by A. T. Robertson BEMA 115: 5 Loaves, 2 Fish, and 1 Big Lesson Boaty McBoatface — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Mon, March 07, 2022
264: The Chosen S2E4 — “The Perfect Opportunity” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture further into a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the fourth episode of Season 2. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Pool of Bethesda — Wikipedia BEMA 261: John — What Do You Want? Cohortes Urbanae — Wikipedia Our best ever? Episode 4 Director Reaction — The Chosen, YouTube 100 Fold Studio Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 03, 2022
263: John — Weighty Testimony
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the reactions to Jesus healing on the Sabbath in John 5, and discuss the authority of and testimonies about Jesus. Impact Staff Opening at the University of Oregon BEMA 95: Abolish or Fulfill God Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner BEMA 190: Session 4 Capstone Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Mon, February 28, 2022
262: The Chosen S2E3 — “Matthew 4:24” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the third episode of Season 2. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Our most talked about scene ever? Chosen director reacts — The Chosen, YouTube Story by Robert McKee “Who Would Have Dreamed” by Sovereign Grace Music — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 24, 2022
261: John — What Do You Want?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Kevan Chandler of We Carry Kevan to continue through the Gospel of John, exploring the healing of the official’s son and the healing at the pool of Bethesda. BEMA 102: Son of Man Addendum to BEMA 102 — Marty Solomon, YouTube We Carry Kevan (Nonprofit Organization) Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Kevan Chandler. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Mon, February 21, 2022
260: The Chosen S2E2 — “I Saw You” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the second episode of Season 2. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb BEMA 78: Silent Years — Essenes BEMA 253: John — Come and See BEMA 119: The Gates of Hell Banias Archaeological Dig of 2020 — YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 17, 2022
259: Kevan Chandler — We Carry Kevan
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Kevan Chandler, author of the book We Carry Kevan , and founder of the nonprofit organization We Carry Kevan. We Carry Kevan by Kevan Chandler We Carry Kevan (Nonprofit Organization) Andrew Peterson The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Kevan Chandler. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Mon, February 14, 2022
258: The Chosen S2E1 — “Thunder” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are breaking ground with a first-time-ever Monday episode of BEMA, beginning the continuation of our review of The Chosen with a discussion on the first episode of Season 2. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb BEMA 167: James — Mitzvoth Addendum on James — Marty Solomon, YouTube Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 10, 2022
257: John — Wells and Husbands
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to continue through the Gospel of John, exploring who the Samaritans are, the place of women in Jewish and Christian practice around the first century, and a sprinkling of midrash to top it all off. Samaritans Cooking for Passover Targum — Wikipedia Targum Jerusalem, Genesis 28:10 — Sefaria The Samaritan Woman Story: An Alternative View — Israel Institute of Biblical Studies “Women Leaders in the Ancient Synagogue” by Bernadette J. Brooten — Brown University Library Serah — Sefaria Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 03, 2022
256: John — The One from Above
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the Gospel of John, looking at the testimony of John the Baptist as he ratifies the identity and ministry of Christ. Map of the Regions of Israel in Ancient Times Thought of the Day: Imposter Syndrome — Marty Solomon, YouTube sphragizo — Blue Letter Bible Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, January 27, 2022
255: John — Water, Spirit, Darkness, Light
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé continue the journey through the Gospel of John, discussing the meeting of Jesus and Nicodemus, and the themes of their conversation. BEMA 226: The Chosen S1E7 — “Invitations” The Great British Bake Off — Wikipedia The Tree of Life (2011 film) God in Search of Man by Abraham Joshua Heschel Man Is Not Alone by Abraham Joshua Heschel Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, January 20, 2022
254: John — A Wedding and Some Housekeeping
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continuing the journey through the Gospel of John with the wedding at Cana and the clearing of the temple courts. BEMA 79: Silent Years — Zealots BEMA 224: The Chosen S1E5 — “The Wedding Gift” The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV) Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, January 13, 2022
253: John — Come and See
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the Gospel of John with the testimony of John the Baptist and Jesus’s call to his first disciples. Targum — Wikipedia Creation Series: John 1 — BibleProject In the Beginning: John 1 — BibleProject Podcast BEMA 78: Silent Years — Essenes Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, January 06, 2022
252: John — What’s in a Logos?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings start a verse-by-verse journey through the Gospel of John, beginning with a discussion about how John introduces us to Jesus. Reading the Gospel of John Through Palestinian Eyes by Yohanna Katanacho The Fifth Gospel: Interview with Gary Burge — GTI Tours Podcast #4 Why Context Matters: Interview with Dr. Gary Burge — GTI Tours Podcast #45 Interpreting the Gospel of John by Gary M. Burge Publications of Gary M. Burge BEMA 87: John — Grafted Word Pictures by Brian Godawa NIV Archaeological Study Bible John 1 in the New English Translation NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Heart and Mind by Alexander John Shaia John 1–12 — BibleProject John 13–21 — BibleProject Creation Series: John 1 — BibleProject Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, December 30, 2021
251: John Roberts — A Griever’s Guide to Life
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest John Roberts to discuss his book, A Griever’s Guide to Life . A Griever’s Guide to Life by John McNeely Roberts “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire — YouTube Home Video: La Paz, Bolivia Vol. 1 — Olivia Roberts, YouTube “Not for Me to Say” by Johnny Mathis — YouTube B-Olivia Library John’s family in 2015 | Olivia in 2016 Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: John Roberts. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, December 23, 2021
250: The Chosen S1E0 — “The Shepherd”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings go back to where it all started for The Chosen, reviewing what essentially became the pilot episode. “The Shepherd” was created as a short film for Dallas’s church in 2017 and took off like a wildfire. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb The Nativity Story (2006 film) Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, December 16, 2021
249: Michael Burns — Escaping the Beast
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Michael Burns, a teaching minister in the Two Cities Church in Minneapolis-St. Paul. He taught high school history in the central city of Milwaukee for nearly ten years before graduating from Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. He is a national and international biblical teacher at churches, schools of mission, and workshops. He has authored many books, including Crossing the Line ; All Things to All People ; and Escaping the Beast . Michael and his wife, MyCresha, have two adult sons. Marty on the All Things to All People Podcast with Michael Burns Marty’s Sasquatch GIF Escaping the Beast by Michael Burns Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw Crossing the Line by Michael Burns All Things to All People by Michael Burns All Things to All People Podcast Michael Burns Teaching Ministry website Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Michael Burns. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, December 09, 2021
248: Joy and Lot’s Untitled Wife w/ Elle Grover Fricks
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks go through a Hebrew lesson on joy and explore the account of Lot’s wife, examining what is said and what is not said about this character. Learning Hebrew with Elle — Joy (PDF) Elle’s Website Text in Us Podcast Lot’s Wife (crag) — Wikipedia Sanhedrin (tractate) — Wikipedia “Lot’s Wife” by Kristine Batey “Women and Torah: Ancient and Modern Midrashim” by Janelle Glick Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, December 02, 2021
247: Sleepless in Susa w/ Josh Bossé
Brent Billings is joined by Josh Bossé to examine Esther’s plan for getting into the king’s throne room and what she is actually trying to accomplish once she’s there. Discussion Video for BEMA 247 BEMA 70: Esther — Purim Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, November 18, 2021
246: Eugenia Ortega — A Look into Our Window
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Eugenia Ortega to discuss her experience raising a child with autism, and encouraging all of us to have curiosity and empathy for people whose experiences are different than our own. Discussion Video for BEMA 246 A Look into Our Window by Eugenia Ortega John Whittaker BibleProject Eugenia Ortega on Facebook Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Eugenia Ortega. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, November 11, 2021
245: Spiritual Abuse — Liturgy for Repentance and Healing
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to provide a liturgical space for repentance and healing. This episode is adapted from “Prayers of the Faithful” from the Archdiocese of Chicago. Discussion Video for BEMA 245 Rape, Assault & Incest National Network National Domestic Violence Hotline Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, November 04, 2021
244: Spiritual Abuse — The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to discuss The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast. Discussion Video for BEMA 244 The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast “Unintended Consequences of Failure Porn” — Liam Thatcher “Sharing Many of the Same Flaws as its Subject ‘The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill’ Podcast Puts Blame Anywhere But Where It Belongs” — Religion Dispatches “Trouble” by Taylor Swift (Angry Mark Driscoll Edition) Marty’s Interview with Joshua Brown Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, October 28, 2021
243: Spiritual Abuse — The Place We Find Ourselves
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings reflect on a conversation between Rachel Clinton Chen and Adam Young that provided some helpful notes to illuminate the journey into the world of spiritual abuse. Discussion Video for BEMA 243 The Place We Find Ourselves 89: Spiritual Abuse Spiritual Abuse Archives — The Allender Center Spiral Dynamics — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, October 21, 2021
242: Spiritual Abuse — Commodities and Variables
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin a series that reflects on the heartbreaking realities of spiritual abuse, using notes from a recent conference to guide the conversation. Discussion Video for BEMA 242 Thought of the Day: Imposter Syndrome — Marty Solomon, YouTube Campus House at Purdue Join the BEMA Slack Find a BEMA Group Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, October 14, 2021
241: Becky Solomon — Don’t Exasperate Your Kids
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the state of the podcast, and then Marty is joined by Becky Solomon to talk about parenting. Discussion Video for BEMA 241 “How 936 Pennies Will Forever Change How You Parent” — Eryn Lynum Special Guest: Becky Solomon. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, October 07, 2021
240: Sin and the Archaeology of Joshua w/ Elle Grover Fricks
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks discuss sin and the archaeology of Joshua. Learning Hebrew with Elle — Sin (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 240 List of Archaeological Periods (Levant) — Wikipedia History of the Ancient Levant — Wikipedia Doron Ben-Ami — Wikipedia Elle’s Website Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 30, 2021
239: Abraham Considers a Catechism w/ Reed Dent
Brent Billings is joined by Reed Dent to discuss the meaning of faith and the fears associated with deconstruction, both within a person and for those around them. Discussion Video for BEMA 239 Join the BEMA Slack You Have Permission Podcast Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 23, 2021
238: Jewish Roots — What Difference Does It Make?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings follow up on listener feedback from the episode with Jen Rosner before exploring the final three chapters of Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity, discussing the Jewish character of the Church and puzzling through what difference it makes to our lives as Christians. Discussion Video for BEMA 238 Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity by Gerald McDermott The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill — Christianity Today Mark S. Kinzer Archbishop Foley Beach at the Anglican Church in North America Gerald R. McDermott at Samford University Join the BEMA Slack Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 16, 2021
237: Jewish Roots — Ways Parted for a Dark History
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the seventh and eighth chapters of Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity, discussing the divergence of Judaism and Christianity, and analyzing the relationship between the two groups in the centuries since. Jewish Roots — Ways Parted for a Dark History Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 237 Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity by Gerald McDermott Isaac W. Oliver at Bradley University “Seeing What’s Next” (Technology Adoption Rates) — Asymco Rabbi Dr. Eugene Korn — Wikipedia Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 09, 2021
236: Jewish Roots — Paul, Jewish Law, and Atonement in Hebrews
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the fourth and fifth chapters of Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity, discussing Paul’s relationship to Jewish Law and the atonement process we see in Hebrews. Discussion Video for BEMA 236 Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity by Gerald McDermott David Rudolph at The King’s University David M. Moffitt at the University of St. Andrews BEMA 147: Galatians — Two Women, Two Covenants BEMA 165: Hebrews — Running a Better Race BEMA 166: Hebrews — Atonement 101 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, September 02, 2021
235: Jewish Roots — Tanakh and Religion
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture further into the ideas from the book Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity, discussing chapters 2–3 on how the authors of the New Testament used Tanakh and whether Jesus intended to establish a new religion. Discussion Video for BEMA 235 Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity by Gerald McDermott Mark S. Gignilliat at Beeson Divinity School Inspiration and Incarnation by Peter Enns Matthew Thiessen at McMaster University Matthew Thiessen on Twitter Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, August 26, 2021
234: Jen Rosner — The Jewish Roots of Christianity
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Dr. Jennifer Rosner, Affiliate Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. She also holds academic posts at The King’s University, Azusa Pacific University, and the Messianic Jewish Theological Institute. Her passion is to explore the relationship with Judaism and Christianity, and she spent time living in Jerusalem with her husband, Yonah, before returning to the States. They have two children. Discussion Video for BEMA 234 Jen Rosner’s website Keely Boeving, Literary Agent and Freelance Editor At the Foot of the Mountain by Joshua M. Lessard and Jennifer M. Rosner The Torah and the Spirit (Part 1) with Jen Rosner and Josh Lessard The Torah and the Spirit (Part 2) with Jen Rosner and Josh Lessard The God of Israel and Christian Theology by R. Kendall Soulen Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity by Gerald McDermott Healing the Schism by Jennifer M. Rosner Karl Barth — Wikipedia Church Dogmatics by Karl Barth Franz Rosenzweig — Wikipedia Jen Rosner on Twitter Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Jen Rosner. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, August 19, 2021
233: Introducing the Team — Striking the Rock w/ Josh Bossé
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by the next new host, Josh Bossé, to discuss his expanded role on the BEMA team. Josh is the Lead Campus Minister with Impact Campus Ministries in Cincinnati, a newly established team for ICM. He is passionate about digging deep into the Text and finding practical, psychological, cultural, and mystical ways of weaving ourselves into God's story. He and his wife, Sophia, have just purchased a home in College Hill and look forward to building a family. Discussion Video for BEMA 233 BEMA 21: With All Your Soul & “Very” BEMA 30: Lead with Your Voice BEMA 23: Falling on Joyful Faces Join the BEMA Slack Transcript for BEMA 233 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, August 12, 2021
232: Introducing the Team — Jephthah’s Daughter w/ Elle Grover Fricks
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by their next new host, Elle Grover Fricks. Elle has undergraduate degrees in psychology and music from Washington State University, spent four years in mental health as a state-certified behavioral therapist, has a Master of Arts in the Bible & the Ancient Near East from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and is the pastor of Refuge Church in Pullman, Washington. They discuss her new role on the BEMA team, the different words for laws and rules in the Old Testament, Jephthah’s daughter and the subject of violence against women, and other random topics. Learning Hebrew with Elle — Laws, Decrees, Commands, etc. (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 232 Elle Singing at St. Anne’s in Jerusalem — YouTube Refuge Church Pullman on YouTube Elle’s Website Transcript for BEMA 232 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, August 05, 2021
231: Introducing the Team — Deconstruction w/ Reed Dent
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined again by Reed Dent, staff member with Campus Christian Fellowship at Truman State University in Missouri, to discuss his new role on the BEMA team and consider the idea of deconstruction. Discussion Video for BEMA 231 Reed’s Handcrafted Kayak Impossible Constructions — M. C. Escher The Architecture of Dr. Seuss, a Brief History — Architizer Kingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Farrar Capon Campus Christian Fellowship, Truman State University Transcript for BEMA 231 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, July 29, 2021
230: Mandy Smith — Unfettered
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Mandy Smith, pastor, author, and speaker. She is a regular contributor to Christianity Today and Missio Alliance, and a part of the Ecclesia Network. She and her husband, Jamie, a New Testament professor, have two kids. Discussion Video for BEMA 230 St. Lucia Uniting Church The Vulnerable Pastor by Mandy Smith Unfettered by Mandy Smith The Wordless Book by Charles H. Spurgeon The Whole Good News — Missio Alliance [this event happened in 2021] Mandy Smith at Christianity Today Mandy Smith at Missio Alliance Mandy Smith at Ecclesia Network Mandy Smith on Vimeo The Way Is the Way Mandy Smith on Twitter Transcript for BEMA 230 Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Mandy Smith. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, July 22, 2021
229: Dallas Jenkins — Manna Program, Part 2
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a conversation with special guest Dallas Jenkins, creator and director of The Chosen, on Season 1 of this breakout series. Thank you to Drew Schmitz of Harvest Bible Church in Phoenix for helping us set up this interview. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 229 “Can you trust The Chosen?” — The Chosen, YouTube The Chosen’s Channel on YouTube The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Transcript for BEMA 229 Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Dallas Jenkins. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, July 15, 2021
228: Dallas Jenkins — Manna Program, Part 1
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Dallas Jenkins, creator and director of The Chosen, to discuss all of the burning questions from Season 1 of this breakout series. Thank you to Drew Schmitz of Harvest Bible Church in Phoenix for helping us set up this interview. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 228 The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Transcript for BEMA 228 Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Dallas Jenkins. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, July 08, 2021
227: The Chosen S1E8 — “I Am He”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the eighth and final episode of Season 1. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 227 The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb The Gifts of the Jews by Thomas Cahill Forever Changed #3: The Woman at the Well sermon — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 227 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, July 01, 2021
226: The Chosen S1E7 — “Invitations”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the seventh episode. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 226 The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb 180-degree rule — Wikipedia Todd Vaziri on the 180 Line — Twitter Transcript for BEMA 226 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 24, 2021
225: The Chosen S1E6 — “Indescribable Compassion”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the sixth episode. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 225 The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Transcript for BEMA 225 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 17, 2021
224: The Chosen S1E5 — “The Wedding Gift”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the fifth episode. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 224 The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Transcript for BEMA 224 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 10, 2021
223: The Chosen S1E4 — “The Rock on Which It Is Built”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the fourth episode. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 223 The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Transcript for BEMA 223 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, June 03, 2021
222: The Chosen S1E3 — “Jesus Loves the Little Children”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the third episode. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 222 The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Transcript for BEMA 222 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 27, 2021
221: The Chosen S1E2 — “Shabbat”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the second episode. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 221 Eishet Chayil — Aleph Beta Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Transcript for BEMA 221 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 20, 2021
220: The Chosen S1E1 — “I Have Called You by Name”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings commence a review of The Chosen, starting with an overview of what the series is and discussing the first episode. (No) Discussion Video for BEMA 220 The Chosen The Chosen (TV Series) — Wikipedia The Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb Everyman’s Talmud by Abraham Cohen Transcript for BEMA 220 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 13, 2021
219: Becky Solomon — Loving the Adventure
Marty Solomon is joined by his wife, Becky. They talk about what it is like to live their lifestyle, and how that plays out in their marriage and their parenting. Discussion Video for BEMA 219 Family Culture Project (website) Family Culture Project (email) Use code bemalistener for 15% off. Marty’s Holiday Series — YouTube Supersessionism — Wikipedia Cultural Appropriation — Wikipedia BEMA 25: A Kingdom of What? The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Amazon) The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Aleph Beta) Transcript for BEMA 219 Special Guest: Becky Solomon. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, May 06, 2021
218: Midrash — Death at Dinner
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey back into the story of Eliezer finding Rebekah as a wife for Isaac. What is happening at dinner that evening? Why is Laban acting with such authority if the father, Bethuel, is alive and well? Discussion Video for BEMA 218 Map of Abraham’s Servant Finding Isaac a Wife — Headwaters Christian Resources BEMA 12: A Mission Realized Sefaria: A Living Library of Jewish Texts Transcript for BEMA 218 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 29, 2021
217: Midrash — Isaac’s Bad Eyes
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into some of the midrash surrounding the story of the “binding of Isaac.” What really happened to Isaac on that mountain, and what does this have to do with Isaac’s blindness? Discussion Video for BEMA 217 BEMA 11: Here I Am Map of Abraham’s Servant Finding Isaac a Wife — Headwaters Christian Resources Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Sefaria: A Living Library of Jewish Texts Transcript for BEMA 217 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 22, 2021
216: Porshe Chiles — Can We Talk?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Porshe Chiles. She holds a master’s degree in higher education from the University of North Texas, and she is currently the associate director of global research at Wake Forest University. Moving from Texas to Japan to North Carolina, and other places in between, Porshe has a wealth of experience in language and intercultural studies. Discussion Video for BEMA 216 Jude 3 Project Podcast The Disrupters Podcast (Esau McCaulley) Epiphany Fellowship Church Podcast (Eric Mason) BEMA 192: Telling a Story Endurance Consulting Endurance Consulting on Instagram Can We Talk? Facebook Community Transcript for BEMA 216 Additional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Porshe Chiles. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 15, 2021
215: Character Study — Joseph, Part 2
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings merge the studies of Joseph and Jacob. As Joseph eventually experiences a reunification of his family, what more is left to do? Shouldn’t they sit back and enjoy the redemption in Egypt? Apparently not, according to Jacob. Discussion Video for BEMA 215 The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David Fohrman Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 215 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 08, 2021
214: Character Study — Joseph, Part 1
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the arguments surrounding who bought Joseph from his brothers. Discussion Video for BEMA 214 The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David Fohrman Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Rashi — Wikipedia Maimonides — Wikipedia Nachmanides — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 214 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, April 01, 2021
213: Character Study — Jacob, Part 2
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish the conversation for this particular character study of Jacob. They suggested in the last episode that God was with Jacob, even if He did not approve of his actions. Why does God delay justice and/or punishment? Discussion Video for BEMA 213 Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Rashi — Wikipedia Sefaria: A Living Library of Jewish Texts Transcript for BEMA 213 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 25, 2021
212: Character Study — Jacob, Part 1
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a deeper look at the character of Jacob and share some things they’ve learned since the previous episodes on Jacob from 2017. Discussion Video for BEMA 212 Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 212 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 18, 2021
211: John Whittaker — Blue Jeans Theology
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest John Whittaker. He holds degrees in theology and ministry from Boise Bible College and Cincinnati Bible Seminary, plus a doctorate in preaching from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He served as a professor of preaching and the New Testament for 19 years, spent 11 years planting and pastoring a church, and has taught and preached at various places around the world. He has been teaching people to follow Jesus by learning to hear what the Bible says, and his latest endeavors are more accessible to people than ever. He and his wife, Louise, have been married for more than 30 years. Discussion Video for BEMA 211 The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence John Whittaker’s website Bible in Life Podcast Tim Mackie: Skateboards, Jesus, and the Bible — Bible in Life Podcast Brad Gray: The Power of the Original Context — Bible in Life Podcast Brad Gray: The Old Testament Law and the Big Story of the Bible — Bible in Life Podcast Jesus vs. Culture on Money and Wealth — Bible in Life Podcast Core Training for Christians — Video Courses by John Whittaker Prepare Them to Flourish by John Whittaker About Prepare Them to Flourish The Listener’s Commentary Resources from John Whittaker Intro to the Gospels — The Listener’s Commentary Luke — The Listener’s Commentary Transcript for BEMA 211 Special Guest: John Whittaker. <a rel="payment" href
S6 Enull · Thu, March 11, 2021
210: Midrash — The Man in the Fur Coat
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a look at even more midrash that surrounds the character of Noah. Some commentary describes Noah as the man in the fur coat. What is this all about? Discussion Video for BEMA 210 Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 210 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, March 04, 2021
209: Midrash — Noah’s Backstory and the Nephilim
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a look at the backstory of Noah and talk about the midrash surrounding the Nephilim from Genesis 6. Discussion Video for BEMA 209 BEMA 5: A Misplaced Curse “Pete & Jared on Genesis” — The Bible for Normal People Podcast, Episode 100 Genesis for Normal People by Peter Enns and Jared Byas Tallest Person Living — Guinness World Records Hurtaly — Wikipedia Noah (2014 film) Parshat Noach — Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman BEMA 7: The Preface “What’s So Bad about Babel?” — BibleProject Podcast Jewish Women’s Archive Sefaria: A Living Library of Jewish Texts BEMA FAQ: Midrash — Marty Solomon, YouTube The Social Dilemma — Netflix Thought of the Day: The Social Dilemma — Marty Solomon, YouTube Transcript for BEMA 209 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 25, 2021
208: Midrash — Iscah, Sarai, and Birth Orders
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a deeper dive into one of the topics they hear about from listeners the most—midrash—and answer the most commonly asked question from the entire run of the podcast: What is going on with the genealogy of Abraham? Discussion Video for BEMA 208 BEMA 8: Buried in a Genealogy BEMA FAQ: Midrash — Marty Solomon, YouTube Jewish Women’s Archive BEMA 173: Jude — False Teachers Transcript for BEMA 208 Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 18, 2021
207: J. R. Briggs — The Sacred Overlap
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Dr. J. R. Briggs, the founder and director of Kairos Partnerships. His list of ministries and projects spans the gamut of possibility: from coaching pastors to instructing university students, from authoring books to hosting podcasts, J. R. brings a wealth of experience wherever he goes. He and his wife, Megan, have two boys and live just outside of Philadelphia. Discussion Video for BEMA 207 About J. R. Briggs — Kairos Partnerships Publications — Kairos Partnerships Fail by J. R. Briggs The Sacred Overlap by J. R. Briggs Thought of the Day: Sacred Overlap — Marty Solomon, YouTube Monday Morning Pastor Podcast “Rubbing Shoulders with God” with Marty Solomon — Monday Morning Pastor Resilient Leaders Podcast Tweet on Hand Copying Luke Practical Tips and Resources for Hand Copying Scripture — Kairos Partnerships Tweet on Hand Copying John J. R. Briggs on Twitter A Time To Heal by J. R. Briggs Transcript for BEMA 207 Special Guest: J. R. Briggs. Support The BEMA Podcast
S6 Enull · Thu, February 11, 2021
206: Reed Dent — The Nature of Truth
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Reed Dent. He’s been on staff with Campus Christian Fellowship at Truman State University in Missouri for the last twelve years. He and his wife, LeAnn, have three boys, who provide some great sermon illustrations. Discussion Video for BEMA 206 Campus Christian Fellowship, Truman State University Truman State University — Wikipedia Staff — Campus Christian Fellowship The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship The Parable of the Good Samaritan — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship The Wall Street Journal, September 12, 2001 (PDF) “September 11” by Scott Cairns “Trump's name to appear on coronavirus stimulus checks sent to Americans” — Fox News “Trump Seeks To Stimulate Economy By Sending Rare Autographed Photo To Every American” — The Onion Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5 Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak “The Seeing Heart” by Frederick Buechner — YouTube Secrets in the Dark by Frederick Buechner John H. Walton — Wikipedia The Lost World of Genesis One by John H. Walton The Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture Trilogy The War by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick <a href="https://amzn.
S6 Enull · Thu, February 04, 2021
205: Session 6 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Session 6, what they hope to accomplish, and some of the things you can expect to find in the next chapter of the BEMA Podcast. BEMA Merchandise — TeePublic Join the BEMA Slack News — BEMA Discipleship Marty Solomon on YouTube Groups — BEMA Discipleship Transcript for BEMA 205 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, January 28, 2021
204: Session 5 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings officially wrap up the journey through history and talk about what comes next for BEMA… Out of Sorts by Sarah Bessey Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey Join the BEMA Slack Marty Solomon on YouTube Sign Up for the BEMA Messenger Bible Book Timeline by Roger Schmidgall Whole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall) Transcript for BEMA 204 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, January 21, 2021
203: You Are Here
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings try to evaluate the great takeaways from this five-session journey through the Bible and the world of faith, talking about “The Four Pillars of BEMA” and imagining a world that returns to partake in some of the same things those early followers did thousands of years ago. Discussion Video for BEMA 203 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann “Time in Babylon” by Emmylou Harris — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 203 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, January 14, 2021
202: AD 1925 to Today
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings bring the story to our current day, seeing what this last century has done to the world of faith that we call our own. What is Christian fundamentalism and where did it come from? And how does evangelicalism fit into all of this? As believers, we make many assumptions about the world around us, but knowing why it exists is often helpful in accepting what it is. AD 1925 to Today Presentation Discussion Video for BEMA 202 “Jacob Neusner, Judaic Scholar Who Forged Interfaith Bonds, Dies at 84” — The New York Times Jacob Neusner — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 202 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, January 07, 2021
201: AD 1800–1925
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings leave the French Revolution behind and move into the modern era. How was the newfound land of freedom and independence handled? How did it impact the theology and ecclesiology of the people? AD 1800–1925 Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 201 Union in Truth by James B. North Transcript for BEMA 201 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, December 31, 2020
200: AD 1650–1800
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey up to the end of the eighteenth century and follow the world of Protestant history as it moves out of the Reformation and through the Age of Enlightenment. AD 1650–1800 Presentation Discussion Video for BEMA 200 Rediscovering Discipleship by Robby Gallaty Transcript for BEMA 200 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, December 17, 2020
199: AD 1550–1650
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings walk through one century of history that experienced an unbelievable amount of change and progress. Even outside of church history, this evolving world was fertile soil for the Reformation. AD 1550–1650 Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 199 Geocentric Model — Wikipedia Heliocentrism — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 199 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, December 10, 2020
198: AD 1300–1550
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey from the Crusades and head toward the Protestant Reformation—but on the way, it is good to recognize some names that are often underappreciated. These figures truly paved the way for some of the formative changes coming to Christendom. AD 1300–1550 Presentation Discussion Video for BEMA 198 Transcript for BEMA 198 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, December 03, 2020
197: AD 1000–1300
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine one of the darkest chapters in the history of Christendom. AD 1000–1300 Presentation Discussion Video for BEMA 197 Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller Blue Like Jazz (2012 film) The Battle for God by Karen Armstrong Transcript for BEMA 197 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, November 19, 2020
196: AD 700–1000
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings walk through three centuries to see the great and famous East-West Schism, look at the idea of icons, and meet Charlemagne as a major character of this era of history. AD 700–1000 Presentation Discussion Video for BEMA 196 Byzantine Iconoclasm — Wikipedia BEMA 0: Introductory Lesson The Genesis of Science by James Hannam Transcript for BEMA 196 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, November 12, 2020
195: AD 500–700
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey through the sixth and seventh centuries, examining the early monastic movements. AD 500–700 Presentation Discussion Video for BEMA 195 The Source by James A. Michener Transcript for BEMA 195 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, November 05, 2020
194: AD 300–500
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the fourth and fifth centuries and the period of the ecumenical councils of early Christendom. AD 300–500 Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 194 Transcript for BEMA 194 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, October 29, 2020
193: AD 100–300
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings walk through the second and third centuries of Church history. Why are we so not-Jewish in our Christian practice today? What happened to cause such a schism between Jews and Christians? AD 100–300 Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 193 Bar Kokhba revolt — Wikipedia Didache — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 193 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, October 22, 2020
192: Telling a Story
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss what history is, what it isn’t, and give some disclaimers about the intentions of Session 5. Discussion Video for BEMA 192 Making an Impact: Message — Covered in His Dust Constantine’s Sword by James Carroll Church History in Plain Language by Bruce Shelly The History of Christian Thought by Justo L. González Christian History Project The Fall of Rome Podcast Tikkun olam — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 192 Support The BEMA Podcast
S5 Enull · Thu, October 15, 2020
191: Session 5 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings prepare for the beginning of Session 5 and our journey through church history by taking one last look in our rearview mirror. Session 5 Intro Presentation (PDF) Bible Book Timeline by Roger Schmidgall Whole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall) Sign Up for the BEMA Messenger Discussion Groups Map Join the BEMA Slack Transcript for BEMA 191 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, October 15, 2020
190: Session 4 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hold the usual capstone conversation, concluding our journey through the remainder of Scripture and reviewing the entirety thereof. Session 4 Capstone Presentation (PDF) Bible Book Timeline by Roger Schmidgall Whole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall) Join the BEMA Slack Sign Up for the BEMA Messenger Discussion Groups Map Transcript for BEMA 190 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, October 08, 2020
189: Revelation — The End Is a New Beginning
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the book of Revelation and the final verses of our journey through the New Testament, hearing the moving description of a new heaven and a new earth and an old world that has been made new. Discussion Video for BEMA 189 Transcript for BEMA 189 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, October 01, 2020
188: Revelation — The Fall of Greatness
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings confront the great beast of Babylon as it appears in Revelation and consider which part of the story we should align with the most. Discussion Video for BEMA 188 Revelation #14: Babylon’s Demise sermon — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 188 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, September 24, 2020
187: Revelation — The Blessed and Faithful Fallen
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the voices of those who stood against Empire and paid for it with their lives, and are reminded that Revelation is not a book of futuristic code, but an encouragement to those trying to remain faithful almost 2,000 years ago. Discussion Video for BEMA 187 BEMA Discipleship — News Transcript for BEMA 187 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, September 17, 2020
186: Revelation — Mother and Dragons
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see dragons and beasts and women riding on them. Who is this beast of land and sea? The same hermeneutic we’ve used throughout Revelation will help us know more. Revelation — Mother and Dragons Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 186 Transcript for BEMA 186 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, September 10, 2020
185: Revelation — Bittersweet Prophecy
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings press further into Revelation and this epic showdown and holy competition between Empire and Shalom. Discussion Video for BEMA 185 Transcript for BEMA 185 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, September 03, 2020
184: Revelation — Let the Games Begin
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings put some context behind a cultural device that is setting up John’s Apocalypse, seeing the ancient Olympic Games and wrestling with John’s intent for the letter of Revelation. Discussion Video for BEMA 184 Transcript for BEMA 184 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, August 27, 2020
183: Revelation — Seals from Scripture
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine some of the context behind the seals of the scroll that are opened and what happens when they are, taking note of the apocalyptic chaos that ensues. Discussion Video for BEMA 183 Transcript for BEMA 183 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, August 20, 2020
182: Revelation — The Throne Room
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings head into the rest of Revelation and the apocalyptic vision that John is sharing with his persecuted audience, standing in the throne room and paying careful attention to what is seen. Revelation — The Throne Room Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 182 Transcript for BEMA 182 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, August 13, 2020
181: Revelation — Lukewarm Laodicea
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings travel to the last of the seven churches of John’s apocalypse: Laodicea. We’ve heard the warning against being a “lukewarm Christian.” Is there more context to this idea? Revelation — Lukewarm Laodicea Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 181 The Early Church — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . Transcript for BEMA 181 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, August 06, 2020
180: Revelation — Philadelphia and Their New Name
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine John’s apocalyptic letter to the church of Philadelphia and look for context, as well as Text spoken into that context. Discussion Video for BEMA 180 BEMA 161: 1 Thessalonians — Parousia Transcript for BEMA 180 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, July 30, 2020
179: Revelation — Waking Up in Sardis
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wake up in the ancient city of Sardis to see her history and glory, which should help us understand the message in the letter to her church. Revelation — Waking Up in Sardis Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 179 Transcript for BEMA 179 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, July 23, 2020
178: Revelation — Thyatira and Her Jezebel
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the idea that John has been deliberately drawing off of apocalyptic prophets while speaking directly into culture, and we add one more layer to our hermeneutical toolbox as it relates to the book of Revelation. Discussion Video for BEMA 178 Transcript for BEMA 178 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, July 16, 2020
177: Revelation — Pergamum and Satan’s Throne
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the ancient city of Pergamum and hear the letter to their church in its original context. Revelation — Pergamum and Satan’s Throne Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 177 Transcript for BEMA 177 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, July 09, 2020
176: Revelation — Smyrna and Their Crown
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to hone a hermeneutical prowess in the realm of apocalyptic literature, taking a look at the letter to Smyrna and asking, “What is the context?” Discussion Video for BEMA 176 Transcript for BEMA 176 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, July 02, 2020
175: Revelation — Ephesus and Their First Love
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings travel to Ephesus, hearing the first of John’s seven letters in its context. Discussion Video for BEMA 175 BEMA 158: Ephesians — Family Membership Join the BEMA Slack Transcript for BEMA 175 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, June 25, 2020
174: Revelation — A Book for Its Time
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings prepare for a journey through the book of Revelation, remembering the function and method of apocalyptic literature and trying to remove the “crazy” from the study. Discussion Video for BEMA 174 BEMA 68: Zechariah — Apocalyptic Literature Christ and the Caesars by Ethelbert Stauffer The Christians: Their First Two Thousand Years — A Pinch of Incense by the Christian History Project The Seven Cities of the Apocalypse and Roman Culture by Roland H. Worth, Jr. The Seven Cities of the Apocalypse and Greco-Asian Culture by Roland H. Worth, Jr. Imperial Cult and Commerce in John’s Apocalypse by J. Nelson Kraybill The Letters to the Seven Churches by William M. Ramsay The Days of Vengeance by David Chilton The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era by James S. Jeffers Transcript for BEMA 174 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, June 18, 2020
173: Jude — False Teachers
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the short, often forgotten, and confusing book of Jude. Just what is Jude talking about? Discussion Video for BEMA 173 BEMA 169: 2 Peter — The Other Side of a Conversation BEMA 156: 1 Corinthians — Broken Body The Book of Enoch — Wikipedia The Book of Enoch — Academy of Ancient Texts The Assumption of Moses — Wikipedia The Assumption of Moses (text and audio) Jude — BibleProject Transcript for BEMA 173 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, June 11, 2020
172: 3 John — Diotrephes
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a brief but meaningful and reflective journey through the short letter of 3 John, hearing the apostle warn the church about those who are trying to discredit and dismantle the faith. Discussion Video for BEMA 172 BEMA 39: A King After God’s Own Heart Transcript for BEMA 172 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, June 04, 2020
171: 2 John — The “Woman”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the words of 2 John and toy with the question of who the woman is that John addresses his letter to. Discussion Video for BEMA 171 Transcript for BEMA 171 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, May 28, 2020
170: 1 John — Love and Truth
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the letter of 1 John and his insistence on the role that love plays in truth—and not the other way around. Discussion Video for BEMA 170 Docetism — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 170 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, May 21, 2020
169: 2 Peter — The Other Side of a Conversation
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the second letter from the Apostle Peter to see how he utilizes the Midrash to encourage the early believers to keep walking in faithfulness and not give in to the temptation to return to the cultural norms around them. Discussion Video for BEMA 169 Sefaria: A Living Library of Jewish Texts The Bible as It Was by James L. Kugel Noah (2014 film) Transcript for BEMA 169 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, May 14, 2020
168: 1 Peter — Living Stones and a Spiritual House
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the first of two letters penned by Peter, hearing the heart of a man who had went everywhere with Jesus—including betrayal and restoration. Discussion Video for BEMA 168 Transcript for BEMA 168 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, May 07, 2020
167: James — Mitzvoth
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the book of James and its challenging contents. Love it or hate it, this letter often provokes very strong reactions. Addendum on James — Marty Solomon, YouTube Discussion Video for BEMA 167 Transcript for BEMA 167 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, April 30, 2020
166: Hebrews — Atonement 101
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the many different theories and explanations of atonement that have arisen throughout the centuries—a very critical conversation for theology in our day and how we interact with the story. Discussion Video for BEMA 166 A Better Atonement by Tony Jones Did God Kill Jesus? by Tony Jones The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis Crucifixion of the Warrior God by Gregory A. Boyd The Jesus Driven Life by Michael Hardin A Community Called Atonement by Scot McKnight Transcript for BEMA 166 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, April 23, 2020
165: Hebrews — Running a Better Race
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin to examine the letter of Hebrews and learn from its potential context, hearing the call for us to be people who suffer well and persevere in the faith and struggle authored by Jesus himself. Discussion Video for BEMA 165 Hebrews (Sermon Series) — Real Life on the Palouse Hebrews Infographic Transcript for BEMA 165 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, April 16, 2020
164: Philemon — Faith Works
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey through a tiny letter from Paul with a big message to Philemon, enjoying Paul’s light-hearted encouragement to live as Jesus would have us live. Discussion Video for BEMA 164 Transcript for BEMA 164 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, April 09, 2020
163: Pastoral Epistles — Timid Timothy & Tough Titus
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the lives of two very different pastors discipled by Paul—Timothy in Ephesus and Titus on Crete—and hear of their different personalities and how Paul uses each of them in his ministry. Addendum to BEMA 163 — Marty Solomon, YouTube Discussion Video for BEMA 163 Walk as Jesus Walked — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . Kingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Farrar Capon Transcript for BEMA 163 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, April 02, 2020
162: 2 Thessalonians — Man of Lawlessness
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the second letter to Thessalonica, learn about the “Man of Lawlessness,” and wrestle with the implications of this mysterious character. Discussion Video for BEMA 162 Transcript for BEMA 162 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, March 26, 2020
161: 1 Thessalonians — Parousia
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings step into the context of the church in Thessalonica and examine the theme of “parousia.” Discussion Video for BEMA 161 In Search of Paul by John Dominic Crossan and Jonathan L. Reed Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright Transcript for BEMA 161 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, March 19, 2020
160: Colossians — Gnostic Heresy
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the letter to the Colossians, pointing out the unique context that seems to surround the people there and the false thinking that seeks to pervade their lives of worship. Discussion Video for BEMA 160 The Cave: An Adaptation of Plato’s Allegory in Clay — YouTube Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright Transcript for BEMA 160 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, March 12, 2020
159: Philippians — Joy
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear Paul’s warm letter to the Philippians and see him express joy at their faith, love, and generosity as they follow Christ. Discussion Video for BEMA 159 Kingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Farrar Capon Transcript for BEMA 159 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, March 05, 2020
158: Ephesians — Family Membership
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings travel to the second largest city in the Roman Empire and hear the words Paul wrote to the Ephesians. Discussion Video for BEMA 158 Transcript for BEMA 158 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, February 27, 2020
157: 2 Corinthians — Apostleship
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the second letter to the Corinthians and see their continued struggle to live out the gospel in their unique context. Discussion Video for BEMA 157 Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey Transcript for BEMA 157 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, February 20, 2020
156: 1 Corinthians — Broken Body
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a trip to Corinth for an examination of the first letter to that complex city. Discussion Video for BEMA 156 Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey Join the BEMA Slack Transcript for BEMA 156 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, February 13, 2020
155: Romans — God’s Mission, Paul’s Mission
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the verse-by-verse journey through the book of Romans and look back to see Paul’s big argument buried in this brilliant letter. Romans — God’s Mission, Paul’s Mission Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 155 Transcript for BEMA 155 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, February 06, 2020
154: Romans — Therefore
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings watch Paul transition from a larger argument to the massive implications for how we interact in this new Kingdom. An Outline of Romans Discussion Video for BEMA 154 Transcript for BEMA 154 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, January 30, 2020
153: Romans — The Potter
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings tackle the pesky idea of predestination and election. Discussion Video for BEMA 153 In the Dust of the Rabbi — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . BEMA 19: A Strengthened Heart Transcript for BEMA 153 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, January 23, 2020
152: Romans — The Struggle
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings let Paul teach us from the metaphor of covenants and death. If part of us died at baptism, why would we live as if we were bound? Discussion Video for BEMA 152 sarx — Blue Letter Bible Join the BEMA Slack Transcript for BEMA 152 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, January 16, 2020
151: Romans — Buried Alive
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings listen to what Paul says about walking in righteousness. Discussion Video for BEMA 151 The Evolution of Adam by Peter Enns Elementary Principles by D. Thomas Lancaster Didache — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 151 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, January 09, 2020
150: Romans — Righteousness from God
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through Romans, addressing the question of where we find righteousness. Discussion Video for BEMA 150 Prototype by Jonathan Martin Transcript for BEMA 150 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, January 02, 2020
149: Romans — Blended Family
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings enter into a verse-by-verse journey through the book of Romans, looking at Paul’s introductory section as he addresses this diverse group of believers. Discussion Video for BEMA 149 Romans (Sermon Series) — Real Life on the Palouse Pederasty — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 149 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, December 19, 2019
148: Galatians — Set Free to Be Free
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the study of Galatians and try to grapple with the implications of this gospel for Jews and Gentiles. Discussion Video for BEMA 148 The Holy Epistle to the Galatians by D. Thomas Lancaster Transcript for BEMA 148 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, December 12, 2019
147: Galatians — Two Women, Two Covenants
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the importance of covenants and how they are relevant to different audiences. Galatians — Two Women, Two Covenants Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 147 The Epic of Eden by Sandra L. Richter Transcript for BEMA 147 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, December 05, 2019
146: Galatians — The Curse
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the third chapter of Galatians, unpacking big ideas about Gentiles, their relation to the family of God, and a “curse” that Paul seems to suggest the Law brings. Discussion Video for BEMA 146 Gezerah Shavah — Wikipedia The Holy Epistle to the Galatians by D. Thomas Lancaster Transcript for BEMA 146 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, November 21, 2019
145: Galatians — Right Hand of Fellowship
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings spend time in the second chapter of Galatians, bringing some context to a much misunderstood and often misrepresented passage. Addendum on James — Marty Solomon, YouTube Discussion Video for BEMA 145 Backyard Tap House Transcript for BEMA 145 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, November 14, 2019
144: Galatians — Paul’s Gospel
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, listening to Paul describe a gospel he received straight from Jesus, not from any human teaching. Discussion Video for BEMA 144 The Holy Epistle to the Galatians by D. Thomas Lancaster Transcript for BEMA 144 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, November 07, 2019
143: The Epilogue
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings set everything we have studied about Acts back into the context of the larger Textual narrative, wrapping up the greater story and setting the stage for the inspired letters of the New Testament. The Epilogue Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 143 BEMA 7: The Preface Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell and Don Golden BEMA Messenger #3 A New Kind of Christianity by Brian D. McLaren Transcript for BEMA 143 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, October 31, 2019
142: Calling of a Prophet
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings circle back to a question from a few episodes ago: Did Paul experience a conversion, a repentance, or something else entirely? Discussion Video for BEMA 142 BEMA 138: Unclean Sheets Transcript for BEMA 142 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, October 24, 2019
141: Mathetes or Talmidim?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see how Paul’s methodology changes and then draw some conclusions about what we see happening in his ministry. Discussion Video for BEMA 141 Theater at Ephesus Transcript for BEMA 141 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, October 17, 2019
140: Not to Burden You
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine how the early church community handled applying the gospel to a major cultural problem, seeking to learn from their methods and seeing what we might be able to take into our own unique settings. Addendum on James — Marty Solomon, YouTube Discussion Video for BEMA 140 Latest Information on BEMA Trips In Search of Paul by John Dominic Crossan and Jonathan L. Reed Books by N. T. Wright Books by E. P. Sanders Books by James D. G. Dunn Books by Mark D. Nanos Transcript for BEMA 140 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, October 10, 2019
139: Theosabes
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings come back to the story of Saul and see what is impacting his experience and how that is calling him to impact the Greco-Roman world. Discussion Video for BEMA 139 Paul’s First Missionary Journey — Bible History Online Transcript for BEMA 139 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, October 03, 2019
138: Unclean Sheets
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings meet Saul, persecutor of Jesus, and wrestle with the questions of his identity and his experience; they also encounter the entrance of some unlikely characters into God’s narrative. Discussion Video for BEMA 138 The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV) Transcript for BEMA 138 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, September 26, 2019
137: A Dry Tree
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings challenge listeners to consider our methods of advancing God’s agenda and the implications of this new king and new kingdom. Discussion Video for BEMA 137 BEMA 64: 3 Isaiah — Servant Transcript for BEMA 137 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, September 19, 2019
136: Each One
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings make observations about what this early church community was accomplishing together with the help of the Holy Spirit. Discussion Video for BEMA 136 The Story #28: New Beginnings (‘Each One’ Rant) sermon — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 136 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, September 12, 2019
135: Uncut Corners
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the opening of the book of Acts and the beginning of the Spirit-filled movement changing the course of human history. Discussion Video for BEMA 135 Caesar’s Comet — Wikipedia BEMA 22: Under the Chuppah BEMA 37: A Love Story Transcript for BEMA 135 Support The BEMA Podcast
S4 Enull · Thu, September 05, 2019
134: Session 4 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin to see how God’s people apply the reality of Christ into their first-century contexts. Session 4 Intro Presentation (PDF) Donate to BEMA Ministry Donate to Marty or the General Fund Transcript for BEMA 134 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, September 05, 2019
133: Session 3 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hold the usual capstone conversation, concluding a journey through the gospels, and reviewing the story from Genesis to John. Session 3 Capstone Presentation (PDF) Bible Book Timeline by Roger Schmidgall How to Survive a Shipwreck by Jonathan Martin Transcript for BEMA 133 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, August 29, 2019
132: Go
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings bring the discussion of the Gospels to a close with a brief look at the resurrection and the great commission. Discussion Video for BEMA 132 Living Hope sermon — YouTube The Final Week #7: Just One Hope sermon — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 132 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, August 22, 2019
131: Betrayal
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the betrayals of Jesus and discuss which characters are involved in it. Discussion Video for BEMA 131 BEMA 79: Silent Years — Zealots Fidelity of Betrayal by Peter Rollins Transcript for BEMA 131 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, August 15, 2019
130: The Plot to Kill Jesus
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the question of who brought about Jesus’s execution, acknowledging the different characters at play and the role they each had. Discussion Video for BEMA 130 BEMA 76: Silent Years — Sadducees The Last Week by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan Transcript for BEMA 130 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, August 08, 2019
129: The Final Week
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings set the stage for the final week of Jesus’s earthly ministry. Discussion Video for BEMA 129 The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel The Last Week by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan A Better Atonement by Tony Jones Did God Kill Jesus? by Tony Jones A Community Called Atonement by Scot McKnight Transcript for BEMA 129 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, August 01, 2019
128: Faithful and Wise Steward
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at one of the most perplexing passages of Jesus’s ministry, asking if this is about the end times or ancient times. Faithful and Wise Steward Presentation (PDF) Addendum to BEMA 128 — Marty Solomon, YouTube Discussion Video for BEMA 128 Transcript for BEMA 128 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, July 25, 2019
127: Six or Seven?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into the list of woes Jesus gives to the Pharisees and ask what kind of person Jesus is describing. Discussion Video for BEMA 127 The Last Week by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan Transcript for BEMA 127 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, July 18, 2019
126: Trapped by a Question
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see the religious leadership of both Pharisees and Sadducees attempting to trap Jesus with a series of testing questions, and witness the rabbinical brilliance of Jesus as a Jewish teacher. Discussion Video for BEMA 126 Trapped by a Question Presentation (PDF) The Parables by Brad H. Young (cites Flusser extensively) The Parable of the Good Samaritan — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship Transcript for BEMA 126 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, July 11, 2019
125: Are You Talking to Me?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see Jesus go on the offensive, confronting the corrupt priesthood that rules in Jerusalem. Discussion Video for BEMA 125 BEMA 80: Silent Years — Pharisees BEMA 76: Silent Years — Sadducees BEMA 51: 1 Isaiah — Vineyard Transcript for BEMA 125 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, July 04, 2019
124: Statement of Triumph
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the triumphal entry and Jesus’s confrontation of religious corruption on all sides. Discussion Video for BEMA 124 Caesarea Maritima — Wikipedia Map of Israel in New Testament Times — Wikimedia Commons Transcript for BEMA 124 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, June 27, 2019
123: The Heat of the Day
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the parable of the vineyard, a generous God, and the interactions that follow as Jesus makes his way towards Jerusalem. Discussion Video for BEMA 123 Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton Transcript for BEMA 123 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, June 20, 2019
122: A Naked Thing
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings find our understanding of divorce challenged by Jesus, and an ancient discussion taking place between the rabbis about the importance and value of people. Discussion Video for BEMA 122 The Ten Commandments — Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 122 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, June 13, 2019
121: The Key to Your Own Prison
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the many teachings of Matthew 18, including some parables and rabbinic insights from Jesus. Discussion Video for BEMA 121 Love Wins by Rob Bell Erasing Hell by Francis Chan BEMA 36: The Redemption Cycle The Queen You Thought You Knew by Rabbi David Fohrman BEMA 70: Esther — Purim The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship Transcript for BEMA 121 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, June 06, 2019
120: Truth and Light
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration as Jesus talks about his exodus with Moses and Elijah. Discussion Video for BEMA 120 The BEMA Messenger Shaping Faith #5: Fasting sermon — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 120 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, May 30, 2019
119: The Gates of Hell
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine Peter’s great confession at Caesarea Philippi and the intense conversation that follows. The Gates of Hell Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 119 On the Early Church: Conquering the Gates of Hell — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . The BEMA Messenger Transcript for BEMA 119 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, May 23, 2019
118: Eyes That Cannot See
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the story of the feeding of the four thousand and watch the disciples struggle to apply its meaning. Discussion Video for BEMA 118 Map of Tyre and Sidon in relation to the Galilee Sign Up for the BEMA Messenger Transcript for BEMA 118 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, May 16, 2019
117: Jesus Resorts to Name Calling
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, with special guest Dr. Christopher Gambino, talk about Jesus’s critique of rabbinic traditions and the surprise he encounters in the region of Phoenicia. Discussion Video for BEMA 117 Dr. Christopher Gambino on Twitter The Shuvah Project Transcript for BEMA 117 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, May 09, 2019
116: She Giggled
Brent Billings introduces the story of Peter walking on water and Marty Solomon interacts with it by sharing some of his thoughts originally written years ago. Discussion Video for BEMA 116 In the Dust of the Rabbi — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell NOOMA 008: Dust by Rob Bell She Giggled (Part 1) — Covered in His Dust She Giggled (Part 2) — Covered in His Dust Prototype by Jonathan Martin Transcript for BEMA 116 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, May 02, 2019
115: 5 Loaves, 2 Fish, and 1 Big Lesson
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, with special guest Dr. Christopher Gambino, look at Jesus’s time in Nazareth, pass briefly through the beheading of John the Baptist, and land in the story of feeding the 5000. Discussion Video for BEMA 115 Dr. Christopher Gambino on Twitter The Evangelists’ Calendar by M. D. Goulder The Shuvah Project Transcript for BEMA 115 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, April 25, 2019
114: Fish in a Net
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, with special guest Corey Knadler, look at the final parable in the string of teachings found in Matthew 13, searching for the p’shat, remez, and drash found in the story of fish caught in a net. Discussion Video for BEMA 114 Corey Knadler on Twitter Why the Midrash Has Abraham Thrown into Nimrod’s Furnace — TheTorah.com Transcript for BEMA 114 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, April 18, 2019
113: Treasures and Pearls
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, with special guest Corey Knadler, discuss the next two parables of Jesus in Matthew 13. Discussion Video for BEMA 113 Corey Knadler on Twitter Transcript for BEMA 113 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, April 11, 2019
112: Explanations That Don’t Explain
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings try to learn from Jesus’s puzzling explanation for the parable of the weeds. Discussion Video for BEMA 112 Transcript for BEMA 112 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, April 04, 2019
111: A Farmer and a Woman
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at two intimately connected parables in the stories of a crazy farmer and his mustard seed, and a credulous woman and her baked goods. Discussion Video for BEMA 111 BEMA 11: Here I Am The Parable of the Leaven — LeAnn Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship Sermons — Campus Christian Fellowship, Truman State University Transcript for BEMA 111 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, March 28, 2019
110: Jewish Hermeneutics
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings learn how to engage the methods of rabbinical teaching and unpack what a rabbi is trying to accomplish with his cryptic instructions. Addendum to BEMA 110 — Marty Solomon, YouTube Discussion Video for BEMA 110 Hayamim: A Proposal [this event happened in 2019] BEMA 12: A Mission Realized Jewish Hermeneutics — Covered in His Dust Transcript for BEMA 110 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, March 21, 2019
109: Which Soil?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin an exciting trip through the parables of Jesus, starting with his conversation about four different soils. Discussion Video for BEMA 109 Hayamim: A Proposal [this event happened in 2019] BEMA 27: Images of the Desert — Rotem and Acacia Transcript for BEMA 109 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, March 14, 2019
108: The Fruit of Beelzebul
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the critique of the Pharisees who want to write off Jesus’s ministry as the work of evil. They also see Jesus field their request for a sign. Discussion Video for BEMA 108 Beelzebub — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 108 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, March 07, 2019
107: Donkeys and Rabbis
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a verse-by-verse examination of the gospel of Matthew by dealing with the Sabbath and rabbinical arguments surrounding Torah. Discussion Video for BEMA 107 Sefaria: A Living Library of Jewish Texts BEMA 25: A Kingdom of What? Transcript for BEMA 107 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, February 28, 2019
106: Jury Duty in Sodom
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine Jesus as he moves on from John the Baptist and begins to confront the religious worldview around him. Discussion Video for BEMA 106 Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus by David Bivin The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian D. McLaren PaRDeS (Jewish exegesis) — Wikipedia BEMA 61: Ezekiel — Strength Transcript for BEMA 106 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, February 21, 2019
105: An Explosive Kingdom
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear what appears to be the doubt of John the Baptist and the challenging response of Jesus that honors him. An Explosive Kingdom Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 105 BEMA 91: Tavilah T’Shuvah “Sheep going through a gate, North Yorkshire moors” — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 105 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, February 14, 2019
104: Innocent as Doves
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings listen to the second major discourse given by Jesus as he sends out his disciples on a mission to bring the Kingdom. Discussion Video for BEMA 104 Matthew — BibleProject Matthew Poster — BibleProject BEMA 50: Micah — Judge Transcript for BEMA 104 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, February 07, 2019
103: Healing in His Wings
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish the ninth chapter of Matthew, seeing a handful of stories where Jesus brings shalom to the chaos of others. Healing in His Wings Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 103 Transcript for BEMA 103 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, January 31, 2019
102: Son of Man
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the story of a paralyzed man and his faithfully determined friends who inspire his healing. Addendum to BEMA 102 — Marty Solomon, YouTube Discussion Video for BEMA 102 BEMA 80: Silent Years — Pharisees Jesus H. Christ, Part 11: And Now the H — The RobCast, Episode 221 BEMA 62: Daniel — Son of Man Transcript for BEMA 102 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, January 24, 2019
101: The Other Side
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue in Matthew’s narrative by jumping to the gospel of Mark, traveling to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Discussion Video for BEMA 101 BEMA 88: Setting the Stage Transcript for BEMA 101 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, January 17, 2019
100: Healing at Great Cost
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings watch as Jesus brings the Kingdom to the brokenness of the world around him, observing the surprising responses of those who encounter it. Discussion Video for BEMA 100 Transcript for BEMA 100 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, January 10, 2019
99: Fruit of Fools
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish the Sermon on the Mount, talking about gates, trees, fools, and houses. Discussion Video for BEMA 99 Sermon on the Mount #10: Trees and Fruit sermon — YouTube BEMA 29: Images of the Desert — Wadi and En Gedi Transcript for BEMA 99 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, January 03, 2019
98: A Good Eye
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discover how worry leads to judgment, and judgment leads to muddy pearls. Discussion Video for BEMA 98 Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard Transcript for BEMA 98 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, December 20, 2018
97: Done in Secret
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the Sermon on the Mount, looking at Jesus’s teachings on generosity, prayer, and fasting. Discussion Video for BEMA 97 Donate to Impact Campus Ministries Sermon on the Mount #6: Prayer and Fasting sermon — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 97 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, December 13, 2018
96: But I Say Unto You
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish the fifth chapter of Matthew, surveying the many examples Jesus gives for properly interpreting the Text. Discussion Video for BEMA 96 The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne BEMA 25: A Kingdom of What? Transcript for BEMA 96 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, December 06, 2018
95: Abolish or Fulfill
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the next few verses in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus speaks of the relationship between his teaching and the teachings of the Hebrew scriptures. Discussion Video for BEMA 95 BEMA 64: 3 Isaiah — Servant Transcript for BEMA 95 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, November 29, 2018
94: Hope of the World
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings resume looking at the opening teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and how he sets the stage for his interpretation of Torah. Discussion Video for BEMA 94 BEMA 35: Crossroads of the Earth BEMA 56: Jeremiah — Weeping Love Wins by Rob Bell Transcript for BEMA 94 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, November 15, 2018
93: Blessed
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the gospel of Matthew and into the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. Discussion Video for BEMA 93 Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton BEMA 74: Silent Years — Synagogue The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard Transcript for BEMA 93 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, November 08, 2018
92: How to Bring Order Out of Chaos
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the stories of Jesus’s baptism and temptation. How to Bring Order Out of Chaos Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 92 BEMA 1: Trust the Story BEMA 2: Knowing When to Say “Enough” BEMA 4: His Bow in the Clouds BEMA 5: A Misplaced Curse BEMA 20: With All Your Heart BEMA 21: With All Your Soul & “Very” Transcript for BEMA 92 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, November 01, 2018
91: Tavilah T'Shuvah
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into the third chapter of the gospel of Matthew, uncovering the ministry of John the Baptist. Discussion Video for BEMA 91 Complete Jewish Bible by David Stern Jewish New Testament Commentary by David Stern BEMA 42: The Fire of Elijah Transcript for BEMA 91 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, October 25, 2018
90: A Gospel of Two Kingdoms
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish looking at the story of the birth of Jesus, juxtaposing two kings and the kingdoms that they bring. A Gospel of Two Kingdoms Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 90 Herod the Great — Wikipedia Masada — Wikipedia Herodium — Wikipedia Caesar’s Comet — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 90 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, October 18, 2018
89: Written in the Stars
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin the trek through the gospel narrative of Matthew and the life and ministry of Jesus, starting with a look at the story of the birth of Jesus and the visit of the Magi. Discussion Video for BEMA 89 Prepare the Way #5: In Our Present sermon — YouTube Men Askaenos in Antioch of Pisidia — Wikipedia The Real Meaning of the Zodiac by D. James Kennedy The Nativity Story (2006 film) Picture of the Bull in the House Transcript for BEMA 89 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, October 11, 2018
88: Setting the Stage
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings set the stage for our journey through the gospels by looking at the geographical region of the Galilee where Jesus did most of his ministry. Setting the Stage Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 88 Transcript for BEMA 88 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, October 04, 2018
87: John — Grafted
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings spend time in the gospel of John, investigating the different tools he uses in speaking to his particular audience. Discussion Video for BEMA 87 Map of Asia and Asia Minor Transcript for BEMA 87 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, September 27, 2018
86: Luke — Ordered
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the gospel of Luke and wrestle with the many perspectives regarding his audience and his agenda. Discussion Video for BEMA 86 The Evangelists’ Calendar by M. D. Goulder Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey Transcript for BEMA 86 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, September 20, 2018
85: Mark — Roman Gospel
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the gospel narrative of Mark, noting his distinct audience and the intentional methods he used to communicate the euangelion to them. Discussion Video for BEMA 85 Transcript for BEMA 85 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, September 13, 2018
84: Matthew — Mumzer
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the record of Matthew, attempting to understand his unique agenda as he presents the life and ministry of his Rabbi Jesus. Discussion Video for BEMA 84 Didache — Wikipedia Mamzer — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 84 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, September 06, 2018
83: Gospel Narrative
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a look at the ancient use of gospel (euangelion in Greek) and how the New Testament writers are subversively playing off of this Greco-Roman idea. Discussion Video for BEMA 83 The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry Roman air conditioning — Twitter (thread) Transcript for BEMA 83 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, August 30, 2018
82: The Text — When, Where, Who, and Why
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrestle with the questions surrounding the authorship of the Text. Discussion Video for BEMA 82 Documentary Hypothesis — Wikipedia BEMA 71: The Prophetic Table BEMA 62: Daniel — Son of Man Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism Presentation (PDF) Transcript for BEMA 82 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, August 16, 2018
81: Silent Years — Association
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the perfect timing spoken of in Galatians 4:4 in reference to the coming of Jesus in his cultural context. We also wrestle with the personal implications of the different responses to Hellenism in our world today. Discussion Video for BEMA 81 Rising Strong by Brené Brown Transcript for BEMA 81 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, August 02, 2018
80: Silent Years — Pharisees
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, with special guest Megan Gambino, near the end of our journey through the silent years and the context of Jesus’s ministry, examining the Pharisees. Silent Years — Pharisees Presentation (PDF) Addendum to BEMA 80 — Marty Solomon, YouTube Discussion Video for BEMA 80 Megan Gambino on Instagram Megan’s Website [no longer available] BEMA 74: Silent Years — Synagogue Transcript for BEMA 80 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, July 19, 2018
79: Silent Years — Zealots
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, joined by special guest Megan Gambino, continue the journey through the silent years and the context of Jesus’s ministry, examining the group known as the Zealots. Silent Years — Zealots Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 79 Megan Gambino on Instagram Megan’s Website [no longer available] Transcript for BEMA 79 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, July 05, 2018
78: Silent Years — Essenes
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a look at the responses to Hellenism in the world of first-century Judaism, this time examining the group known as the Essenes. Silent Years — Essenes Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 78 Qumran — Wikipedia Dead Sea Scrolls — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 78 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, June 21, 2018
77: Silent Years — Herodians
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a look at the responses to Hellenism in the world of first-century Judaism, this time examining the group known as Herodians. Silent Years — Herodians Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 77 Sepphoris (Zippori) — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 77 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, June 07, 2018
76: Silent Years — Sadducees
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin an in-depth look at the five different responses to Hellenism in the first-century world of Judaism by examining the priestly group known as the Sadducees. Silent Years — Sadducees Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 76 Transcript for BEMA 76 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, May 24, 2018
75: Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, joined by special guest Jim Feicht, continue their examination of the context of the world of Jesus. The last episode covered the context of Judaism specifically, whereas this episode covers the context of the surrounding culture. Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 75 Jim Feicht on Twitter Hellas — Wikipedia Empire of Alexander the Great — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 75 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, May 10, 2018
74: Silent Years — Synagogue
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Jim Feicht. They begin the journey into the historical context of the world of Jesus, looking at the new Judaism that arose from the ashes of exile. Silent Years — Synagogue Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 74 Jim Feicht on Twitter In the Dust of the Rabbi — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . NOOMA 008: Dust by Rob Bell Transcript for BEMA 74 Support The BEMA Podcast
S3 Enull · Thu, April 26, 2018
73: Session 3 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings introduce the third session of the BEMA Podcast with special guest Jim Feicht, discussing what to expect in the upcoming session and reviewing where we have been to this point. Session 3 Intro Presentation (PDF) Jim Feicht on Twitter NOOMA 019: Open by Rob Bell Transcript for BEMA 73 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, April 26, 2018
72: Session 2 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give a summary of the prophets and the writings at the conclusion of Session 2 of the podcast. Session 2 Capstone Presentation (PDF) Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle Impact Campus Ministries Transcript for BEMA 72 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, April 19, 2018
71: The Prophetic Table
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the multifaceted dialogue and the many voices found within the prophets that represent the battling perspectives found in the world of God’s people as they attempt to respond to the effects of exile. Discussion Video for BEMA 71 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann Transcript for BEMA 71 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, April 12, 2018
70: Esther — Purim
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the book of Esther and the story that lies behind the celebration of Purim. Discussion Video for BEMA 70 The Queen You Thought You Knew by Rabbi David Fohrman The Story #20: The Queen of Beauty and Courage sermon — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 70 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, April 05, 2018
69: Malachi — Q&A
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the message of Malachi, seeing how he utilizes a question-and-answer format to prophetically speak to the people of God. Discussion Video for BEMA 69 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann Transcript for BEMA 69 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, March 29, 2018
68: Zechariah — Apocalyptic Literature
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings study the apocalyptic message of Zechariah, a contemporary to Haggai, who sought to encourage God’s people with image-driven messages of forthcoming hope. Discussion Video for BEMA 68 Transcript for BEMA 68 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, March 22, 2018
67: Haggai — Build!
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings read through the prophecy of Haggai and find that the real issues rarely change—past, present, or future. Discussion Video for BEMA 67 Transcript for BEMA 67 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, March 15, 2018
66: Ezra/Nehemiah — Passionate Leadership
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the different leadership styles seen during the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Discussion Video for BEMA 66 BEMA Discipleship on Facebook Transcript for BEMA 66 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, March 08, 2018
65: 4 Isaiah — Hope
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings move into the fourth voice of Isaiah, seen in chapters 55–66. We hear the compelling promise of restoration for God’s people and the invitation for them to become the people they were meant to be. Discussion Video for BEMA 65 1 Isaiah — Vineyard Presentation (PDF) Faith Unraveled by Rachel Held Evans Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Transcript for BEMA 65 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, March 01, 2018
64: 3 Isaiah — Servant
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings challenge the typical understanding of the voice of Isaiah, taking a look at the servant discourse in chapters 40–54. Discussion Video for BEMA 64 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann Transcript for BEMA 64 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, February 22, 2018
63: Job — Perspective
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discover that the famous story of Job is so much more than we ever realized. Discussion Video for BEMA 63 NOOMA 012: Matthew by Rob Bell Literary Structure (Chiasm) of the Bible NOOMA 024: Whirlwind by Rob Bell Transcript for BEMA 63 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, February 15, 2018
62: Daniel — Son of Man
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the book of Daniel and its persistent and sometimes hidden message of perseverance. Daniel — Son of Man Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 62 Double Rainbow — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 62 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, February 08, 2018
61: Ezekiel — Strength
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the apocalyptic visions of Ezekiel and his message of encouragement to a people trapped in exile. Discussion Video for BEMA 61 Transcript for BEMA 61 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, February 01, 2018
60: Joel — Locusts
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the words of prophet Joel speaking to God’s people about the hope that exists, even in the midst of utter destruction. Discussion Video for BEMA 60 Transcript for BEMA 60 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, January 25, 2018
59: Obadiah — Petra
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the shortest prophet in Tanakh—the book of Obadiah—and its condemnation of the nation of Edom for their lack of care for their brother and their neighbor. Obadiah — Petra Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 59 Transcript for BEMA 59 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, January 18, 2018
58: Habakkuk — Watchtower
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into one of Marty’s favorite prophecies: the book of Habakkuk. They examine the complaints submitted by the prophet and his ensuing dialogue with God. Discussion Video for BEMA 58 Transcript for BEMA 58 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, January 11, 2018
57: Lamentations — Lament and Hope
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the often-avoided book of Lamentations and the shocking space it creates for the dark things that need to be grieved. Discussion Video for BEMA 57 Learning to Lament, Part 1: The Culture of Denial — The RobCast, Episode 92 Learning to Lament, Part 2: Widow, Slave, Mother — The RobCast, Episode 93 Learning to Lament, Part 3: She’s Finding Her Voice — The RobCast, Episode 94 Learning to Lament, Part 4: As Deep as the Sea — The RobCast, Episode 95 Learning to Lament, Part 5: Skirts and Virgins — The RobCast, Episode 96 Transcript for BEMA 57 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, January 04, 2018
56: Jeremiah — Weeping
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin our journey through the Babylonian prophets, examining the famous weeping prophet: Jeremiah. Discussion Video for BEMA 56 The Disciple Scroll by Allan Rabinowitz Love Wins by Rob Bell Erasing Hell by Francis Chan Transcript for BEMA 56 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, December 14, 2017
55: 2 Isaiah — Woe
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the Assyrian period of history by looking at one of the most distressing prophets: the voice of 2 Isaiah as he delivers numerous woes to the nations of the world, including God’s people. Yet even this is not void of hope as we see it scattered throughout today’s portion of Text. Discussion Video for BEMA 55 Transcript for BEMA 55 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, December 07, 2017
54: Zephaniah — T'shuvah
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the voice of Zephaniah as he warns the kingdom of Judah of impending judgment. Discussion Video for BEMA 54 Transcript for BEMA 54 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, November 30, 2017
53: Nahum — Diyn
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings juxtapose the book of Jonah against the other Assyrian prophet to Israel—the book of Nahum—looking at the other side of the equation of how God deals with evil. Discussion Video for BEMA 53 Information on BEMA Trips [Marty doesn’t need more emails] Transcript for BEMA 53 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, November 16, 2017
52: Jonah — Potential
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the book of Jonah and try to uncover the message buried in this most unusual prophet. Jonah — Potential Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 52 Challenging God: Why Did Jonah Run? — Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 52 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, November 09, 2017
51: 1 Isaiah — Vineyard
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the first of four voices found in Isaiah — the pre-Assyrian voice that condemned the greed and injustice of the people of Judah. NB: Due to a malfunction with our original recording, this episode was recorded in 2021. Our environments and equipment setups have changed, but we did our best to present it as it was in 2017. 1 Isaiah — Vineyard Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 51 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel Transcript for BEMA 51 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, November 02, 2017
50: Micah — Judge
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the warning of the prophet Micah as he speaks to the people of Judah about what God truly desires. NB: Due to a malfunction with our original recording, this episode was recorded in 2021. Our environments and equipment setups have changed, but we did our best to present it as it was in 2017. Discussion Video for BEMA 50 Transcript for BEMA 50 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, October 26, 2017
Verastikh (Hosea)
A simplified version of the daily prayer from Hosea 2. This recording is meant to follow Episode 49 . Verastikh le l'olam Verastikh lib'tzedek uve'mishpat, uve'chesed, uve'rachamim Verastikh lib'emuna, v'yadat et Adonai I will betroth you to myself forever. I will betroth you to myself in righteousness, and in justice, and in love, and in compassion. I will betroth you to myself in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord . Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, October 26, 2017
49: Hosea — Prostitute
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the message of Hosea as depicted in the prophetic theater of his own life through his marriage to the prostitute Gomer. Verastikh — Learn Hebrew Discussion Video for BEMA 49 Transcript for BEMA 49 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, October 19, 2017
48: Amos — Plumb Line
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the book of Amos on a quest to find the heart of God as expressed in the first of His many mouthpieces. Amos — Plumb Line Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 48 The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel Plumb Line — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 48 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, October 12, 2017
47: The Lord’s Mouthpiece
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the remaining books in Tanakh, most of which are prophets, attempting to understand prophetic history as a whole and the setting for each period of history. The Lord’s Mouthpiece Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 47 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann Transcript for BEMA 47 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, October 05, 2017
46: Song of Sexuality
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the underaddressed book called Song of Songs and explore the ramifications of avoiding the topic of sexuality. Discussion Video for BEMA 46 Sex God by Rob Bell NOOMA 002: Flame by Rob Bell The Zimzum of Love by Rob and Kristen Bell Transcript for BEMA 46 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, September 28, 2017
45: Wisdom and Meaning
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and special guest Kevin Luo continue our study of wisdom literature, examining the collection of Proverbs and the teaching of Ecclesiastes. Discussion Video for BEMA 45 Kevin Luo on Twitter A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans Less Is More Than Enough by Chris McNaught “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Senek — TED NOOMA 012: Matthew by Rob Bell Transcript for BEMA 45 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, September 21, 2017
44: Our Harps in the Trees
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and special guest Kevin Luo discuss the collection of ancient songs known as the Psalms. Discussion Video for BEMA 44 Classifying the Psalms by Genre Kevin Luo on Twitter Transcript for BEMA 44 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, September 14, 2017
43: Go in Peace
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up a look at the kings of Israel, exploring the story of Naaman and its implications for us today. Discussion Video for BEMA 43 Transcript for BEMA 43 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, September 07, 2017
42: The Fire of Elijah
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the story of Elijah and the lessons learned by one of Israel’s greatest prophets. Discussion Video for BEMA 42 Where God Was Born by Bruce Feiler Map of Phoenicia, Late Bronze Age — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 42 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, August 31, 2017
41: The Story Behind the Story
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings revisit the two sources comprising this portion of the biblical narrative, analyzing the agendas found in each. They attempt to look at the differences between the sources to understand the reigns of David and Solomon and the split of the nation of God’s people, ultimately helping us figure out what went wrong. The Story Behind the Story Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 41 Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell and Don Golden Transcript for BEMA 41 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, August 24, 2017
40: One Story, Two Sources
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin the journey to understanding the historical record of the united kingdom of Israel by taking a look at the two sources comprising this biblical narrative. One Story, Two Sources Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 40 Transcript for BEMA 40 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, August 10, 2017
39: A King After God’s Own Heart
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to examine the life of David, looking at the defeat of Goliath and making some general observations about the character of David. Discussion Video for BEMA 39 Promised Land — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . “The Unheard Story of David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell — TED Valley of Elah — Wikipedia Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell and Don Golden Where God Was Born by Bruce Feiler The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Transcript for BEMA 39 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, July 27, 2017
38: A Donkey Herder to Lead Us
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a look at Israel’s first two kings and try to see what the Text is showing us in these two characters. Discussion Video for BEMA 38 A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards Transcript for BEMA 38 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, July 13, 2017
37: A Love Story
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings zoom in on the mini-narrative of Ruth — one story where the mission of God is realized in the way Israel treats the alien, the orphan, and the widow. Discussion Video for BEMA 37 Map of Moab and the Surrounding Region Transcript for BEMA 37 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, June 29, 2017
36: The Redemption Cycle
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the book of Judges and the cycle found therein. Discussion Video for BEMA 36 The Forgiving Flow, Part 2: Drop the Jawbone — The RobCast, Episode 39 Make Your Mark by Brad Gray Transcript for BEMA 36 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, June 15, 2017
35: Crossroads of the Earth
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the discussion of Joshua and bridge the gap toward the book of Judges, pondering the mission of God and His choice of real estate for His people. Crossroads of the Earth Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 35 The Source by James A. Michener Transcript for BEMA 35 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, June 01, 2017
34: The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings address the nagging questions about the book of Joshua and its stories of mass slaughter and genocide. The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me) Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 34 The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me) — Covered in His Dust Stele — Wikipedia The Forest in the Trees: Jesus — Woodland Hills (Greg Boyd) [no longer available] Why Is the Old Testament So Violent? (blog post) What Is the Bible? by Rob Bell The Source by James A. Michener Transcript for BEMA 34 Support The BEMA Podcast
S2 Enull · Thu, May 18, 2017
33: Session 2 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings set the stage for Session 2 of the podcast. We review our journey through Torah to bring everyone up to speed for what we will study next. Session 2 Intro Presentation (PDF) BEMA Discipleship Support BEMA Discipleship on Facebook BEMA Discipleship on Twitter Transcript for BEMA 33 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, May 18, 2017
32: Session 1 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give a summary of the books of Moses at the conclusion of Session 1 of the podcast. Session 1 Capstone Presentation (PDF) BEMA Discipleship on Facebook BEMA Discipleship on Twitter Transcript for BEMA 32 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, May 11, 2017
31: Remember Where You Came From
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings bring our study of Torah to a close by exploring the book of Deuteronomy, examining its call to remember our stories. Remember Where You Came From Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 31 The Epic of Eden by Sandra L. Richter Topic: Deuteronomy 32 — Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 31 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, May 04, 2017
30: Lead with Your Voice
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the discussion of the desert and the book of Numbers with the story of Moses striking the rock and subsequently having his entrance to the Promised Land denied. Lead with Your Voice Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 30 Transcript for BEMA 30 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, April 27, 2017
29: Images of the Desert — Wadi and En Gedi
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the series on images found in the desert. We will see God’s continual use of the desert to minister to us and to teach us how to minister to others. Images of the Desert — Wadi and En Gedi Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 29 Lulav — Chabad.org Flash Floods in Wadi Peres — YouTube Flash Flood in Israel — YouTube Israel: Flash Floods Hit Negev Desert — AP Archive, YouTube Transcript for BEMA 29 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, April 20, 2017
28: Images of the Desert — Ar'ar and Tamarisk
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the series on images found in the desert, discussing the ar'ar and tamarisk trees and what they teach us about living in our own deserts. Images of the Desert — Ar'ar and Tamarisk Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 28 BEMA Schedule (no longer active) — See our current Groups page Noga Hareuveni — Wikipedia Written Works of Noga Hareuveni Hebrew University — Wikipedia BEMA 24: Creating a Space Transcript for BEMA 28 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, April 13, 2017
27: Images of the Desert — Rotem and Acacia
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the series on images found in the desert, discussing the rotem and acacia trees and what they teach us about living in our own deserts. Images of the Desert — Rotem and Acacia Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 27 The Story #28: New Beginnings (‘Each One’ Rant) sermon — YouTube Walking with God in the Desert — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . Hebrew University — Wikipedia Noga Hareuveni — Wikipedia Written Works of Noga Hareuveni “The Broom Usually Grows in the Wilderness” — Bar-Ilan University (via Jim Feicht) Transcript for BEMA 27 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, April 06, 2017
26: Images of the Desert — Shepherd
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the first in a series of images found in the desert — what it means to be a shepherd in the biblical world. Images of the Desert — Shepherd Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 26 Walking with God in the Desert — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler The Good Shepherd by Kenneth Bailey Transcript for BEMA 26 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, March 30, 2017
25: A Kingdom of What?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give an overview of the book of Leviticus. A Kingdom of What? Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 25 Leviticus: A Call to Priesthood (Sermon Series) — Real Life on the Palouse Transcript for BEMA 25 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, March 23, 2017
24: Creating a Space
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the implications of the story of the Tabernacle in our own pursuits of God. Creating a Space Presentation Discussion Video for BEMA 24 Walter Brueggemann, “An Alternative Way” — The Work of the People The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp Finding Our Way Again by Brian McLaren Transcript for BEMA 24 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, March 16, 2017
23: Falling on Joyful Faces
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the construction of the Tabernacle and its call to be a place of rest, covering Exodus 24–40. Falling on Joyful Faces Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 23 With All Your Heart — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . Transcript for BEMA 23 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, March 09, 2017
22: Under the Chuppah
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss Israel’s arrival at Sinai and the ensuing covenant relationship with their God, covering Exodus 19–23. Under the Chuppah Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 22 NIV Archaeological Study Bible Transcript for BEMA 22 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, March 02, 2017
“Jesus Shema”
A simplified version of the daily prayer from Deuteronomy 6 and Leviticus 19. This recording is meant to follow Episode 21 . Sh'ma Israel, adonai elohenu, adonai echad Ve'ahavta et adonai eloiekah b'khol levavkah uve'khol naphshekah uve'khol meodeikah Ve'ahavta reyacha c'mocha Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And love your neighbor as yourself. Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, March 02, 2017
21: With All Your Soul & “Very”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the next two tests of God’s people on their way to Mount Sinai in Exodus 16–17. With All Your Soul & “Very” Presentation (PDF) “Jesus Shema” — Learn Hebrew Discussion Video for BEMA 21 Transcript for BEMA 21 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, February 23, 2017
20: With All Your Heart
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 14, and then dissect their first test on the way to Mount Sinai in Exodus 15. With All Your Heart Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 20 Transcript for BEMA 20 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, February 16, 2017
19: A Strengthened Heart
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into the story of the Passover and its plagues, God’s interaction with Pharaoh, and the call of God’s rescued people. Discussion Video for BEMA 19 The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David Fohrman kavad — Blue Letter Bible hazak — Blue Letter Bible Transcript for BEMA 19 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, February 09, 2017
18: A Tale of Two Kingdoms
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings set up the narrative of God’s story as a contrast between empire and shalom. Discussion Video for BEMA 18 That the World May Know — Faith Lessons, Volumes 1–12 (Amazon) God Heard Their Cry — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . God Heard Their Cry, Lesson 1 — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 18 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, February 02, 2017
17: A God Who Hears the Cry
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the introduction to God’s story and set up the narrative of the remainder of Scripture in an effort to understand what God is rescuing His people from. A God Who Hears the Cry Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 17 That the World May Know — Faith Lessons, Volumes 1–12 (Amazon) God Heard Their Cry — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon) TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) BEMA listeners can use code BEMA12 for 20% off of one purchase. Details . Transcript for BEMA 17 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, January 26, 2017
16: Out of the Pit
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish the study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 41–50. Out of the Pit Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 16 Rabbi David Fohrman — TorahAnytime The Joseph Story — Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 16 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, January 19, 2017
15: Into the Pit
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin a study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 37–40. Into the Pit Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 15 Transcript for BEMA 15 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, January 12, 2017
14: Grappling with God, Part 2
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to look at the life of Jacob, covering Genesis 32–35. Discussion Video for BEMA 14 Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 14 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, January 05, 2017
13: Grappling with God, Part 1
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin a look at the life of Jacob, covering Genesis 25–31. Discussion Video for BEMA 13 Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. God Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner Transcript for BEMA 13 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, December 15, 2016
12: A Mission Realized
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings cover the life of Isaac as told in Genesis 24 and 26, where we begin to see the initial realization of God’s promise to Abraham. Discussion Video for BEMA 12 History of male circumcision — Wikipedia George DeJong, Under the Fig Tree The Epic of Eden by Sandra L. Richter Sandra Richter, Ph.D. The Anchor Bible Dictionary, Volume I Impact Campus Ministries Transcript for BEMA 12 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, December 08, 2016
11: Here I Am
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to look at the kind of partner God has chosen in Abraham. Here I Am Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 11 Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 11 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, December 01, 2016
10: Walking the Blood Path
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings work through Genesis 15–17, continuing to look at the evolving partnership between God and Abram. Walking the Blood Path Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 10 Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 10 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, November 17, 2016
9: Letting Go
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Genesis 12–14: the call of Abram and his initial adventures in the land of Canaan. Discussion Video for BEMA 9 Transcript for BEMA 9 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, November 10, 2016
8: Buried in a Genealogy
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings ask the same question the Rabbis have asked over the centuries: Why did God choose Abraham? Buried in a Genealogy Presentation (PDF) Follow-up 1: BEMA 208: Midrash — Iscah, Sarai, and Birth Orders Follow-up 2: BEMA FAQ: Abram, Sarai & Iscah — Marty Solomon, YouTube Discussion Video for BEMA 8 The Epic of Eden by Sandra L. Richter Transcript for BEMA 8 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, November 03, 2016
7: The Preface
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look back over the first eleven chapters of Genesis and work to understand their significance to the greater narrative of the scriptures. The Preface Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 7 Transcript for BEMA 7 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, October 27, 2016
6: A Tale of a Tower
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the tower of Babel and some of the observations we can take away from the story. BEMA 233: Introducing the Team — Striking the Rock w/ Josh Bossé A Brief History of the World from Adam to Abraham: Babel Tower — Aleph Beta Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 6 The Companion for BEMA 6 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 6 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 10 February 2025 Original audio from 27 October 2016 Transcript for BEMA 6 of 27 October 2016 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, October 20, 2016
5: A Misplaced Curse
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Reed Dent to talk about Noah’s departure from the ark and the tragedy that ensues. Campus Christian Fellowship, Truman State University BEMA 231: Introducing the Team — Deconstruction w/ Reed Dent Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 5 The Companion for BEMA 5 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 5 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 3 February 2025 Original audio from 20 October 2016 Transcript for BEMA 5 of 20 October 2016 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, October 06, 2016
4: His Bow in the Clouds
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to talk about the story of Noah and the Flood and how we have a wide variety of buried treasure from the author. BEMA 232: Introducing the Team — Jephthah’s Daughter w/ Elle Grover Fricks Flood Myth — Wikipedia The Lost World of the Flood by Tremper Longman III & John H. Walton Amarna Letters — Wikipedia Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 4 The Companion for BEMA 4 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 4 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 27 January 2025 Original audio from 6 October 2016 Transcript for BEMA 4 of 6 October 2016 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, September 22, 2016
3: Master the Beast
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Cain and Abel and the idea of how fear and shame ruin the story. BEMA FAQ: Bibles, Translations, Resources The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 3 The Companion for BEMA 3 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 3 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 20 January 2025 Original audio from 22 September 2016 Transcript for BEMA 3 of 22 September 2016 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, September 15, 2016
2: Knowing When to Say “Enough”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and what the story might really be getting at. The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David Fohrman Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 2 The Companion for BEMA 2 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 2 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 13 January 2025 Original audio from 15 September 2016 Transcript for BEMA 2 of 15 September 2016 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, September 08, 2016
1: Trust the Story
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the creation story in Genesis 1 and the foundation it lays for understanding the scriptural narrative correctly. Trust the Story Presentation (PDF) Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel BEMA Discipleship — Groups Join the BEMA Slack Brent on Twitter/X BEMA Discipleship on Twitter/X BEMA Discipleship on Facebook Marty on Instagram Brent on Instagram BEMA Discipleship on Instagram BEMA Discipleship — Subscribe (Recommended Apps) Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 1 The Companion for BEMA 1 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 1 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 6 January 2025 Original audio from 8 September 2016 Transcript for BEMA 1 of 8 September 2016 Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, September 01, 2016
0: Introductory Lesson
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings have an introductory conversation about the world of the Bible, investigating the differences between Eastern and Western perspectives. Introductory Lesson Presentation (PDF) Study Tools The Companion for BEMA 0 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 0 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 30 December 2024 Original audio from 1 September 2016 Transcript for BEMA 0 of 1 September 2016 Special music by Logan Daily Support The BEMA Podcast
S1 Enull · Thu, August 25, 2016
-1: What Is BEMA?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about how BEMA came to be, what it is, and how it works. That the World May Know with Ray Vander Laan Impact Campus Ministries Jacob Neusner — Wikipedia BEMA FAQ: How to ‘Do’ BEMA BEMA Discussion Groups The BEMA Story — Impact Campus Ministries What Is the Palouse? Study Tools The Companion for BEMA -1 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA -1 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 2 December 2024 Original audio from 25 August 2016 Transcript for BEMA -1 of 25 August 2016 Support The BEMA Podcast
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