The BEMA Podcast

Jacob Neusner — Wikipedia

BEMA FAQ: How to ‘Do’ BEMA

BEMA Discussion Groups

The BEMA Story — Impact Campus Ministries

What Is the Palouse?

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 2 December 2024
Original audio from 25 August 2016
Transcript for BEMA -1 of 25 August 2016

Introductory Lesson Presentation (PDF)

0: Introductory Lesson Sep 01, 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings have an introductory conversation about the world of the Bible, investigating the differences between Eastern and Western perspectives.

Study Tools

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

Trust the Story Presentation (PDF)

1: Trust the Story Sep 08, 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the creation story in Genesis 1 and the foundation it lays for understanding the scriptural narrative correctly.

Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann

BEMA Discipleship — Groups

BEMA Discipleship on Twitter/X

Brent on Twitter/X

BEMA Discipleship on Instagram

Marty on Instagram

Brent on Instagram

BEMA Discipleship — Subscribe (Recommended Apps)

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 6 January 2025
Original audio from 8 September 2016
Transcript for BEMA 1 of 8 September 2016

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David Fohrman

2: Knowing When to Say “Enough” Sep 15, 2016

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.

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 13 January 2025
Original audio from 15 September 2016
Transcript for BEMA 2 of 15 September 2016

BEMA FAQ: Bibles, Translations, Resources

3: Master the Beast Sep 22, 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Cain and Abel and the idea of how fear and shame ruin the story.

The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 20 January 2025
Original audio from 22 September 2016
Transcript for BEMA 3 of 22 September 2016

BEMA 232: Introducing the Team — Jephthah’s Daughter w/ Elle Grover Fricks

4: His Bow in the Clouds Oct 06, 2016

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.

Flood Myth — Wikipedia

The Lost World of the Flood by Tremper Longman III & John H. Walton

Amarna Letters — Wikipedia

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 27 January 2025
Original audio from 6 October 2016
Transcript for BEMA 4 of 6 October 2016

Campus Christian Fellowship, Truman State University

5: A Misplaced Curse Oct 20, 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Reed Dent to talk about Noah’s departure from the ark and the tragedy that ensues.

BEMA 231: Introducing the Team — Deconstruction w/ Reed Dent

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 3 February 2025
Original audio from 20 October 2016
Transcript for BEMA 5 of 20 October 2016

BEMA 233: Introducing the Team — Striking the Rock w/ Josh Bossé

6: A Tale of a Tower Oct 27, 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the tower of Babel and some of the observations we can take away from the story.

A Brief History of the World from Adam to Abraham: Babel Tower — Aleph Beta

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 10 February 2025
Original audio from 27 October 2016
Transcript for BEMA 6 of 27 October 2016

The Preface Presentation (PDF)

7: The Preface Nov 03, 2016

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.

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 17 February 2025
Original audio from 3 November 2016
Transcript for BEMA 7 of 3 November 2016

Buried in a Genealogy Presentation (PDF)

8: Buried in a Genealogy Nov 10, 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to ask the question the Rabbis have asked over the centuries: Why did God choose Abraham?

Code of Hammurabi — Wikipedia

“Sarah: Midrash and Aggadah” by Tamar Kadari — Jewish Women’s Archive

[Legacy] Follow-up 1: BEMA 208: Midrash — Iscah, Sarai, and Birth Orders

[Legacy] Follow-up 2: BEMA FAQ: Abram, Sarai & Iscah — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 24 February 2025
Original audio from 10 November 2016
Transcript for BEMA 8 of 10 November 2016

9: Letting Go Nov 17, 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Genesis 12–14, covering the call of Abram and his initial adventures in the land of Canaan.

Study Tools

Legacy Episode Content

Episode updated 3 March 2025
Original audio from 17 November 2016
Transcript for BEMA 9 of 17 November 2016

Walking the Blood Path Presentation (PDF)

10: Walking the Blood Path Dec 01, 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings work through Genesis 15–17, continuing to look at the evolving partnership between God and Abram.

Discussion Video for BEMA 10

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 10

Here I Am Presentation (PDF)

11: Here I Am Dec 08, 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to look at the kind of partner God has chosen in Abraham.

Discussion Video for BEMA 11

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Transcript for BEMA 11

Discussion Video for BEMA 12

12: A Mission Realized Dec 15, 2016

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.

History of male circumcision — Wikipedia

George DeJong, Under the Fig Tree

The Anchor Bible Dictionary, Volume I

Sandra Richter, Ph.D.

Transcript for BEMA 12

Discussion Video for BEMA 13

13: Grappling with God, Part 1 Jan 05, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin a look at the life of Jacob, covering Genesis 25–31.

God Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner

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Transcript for BEMA 13

Discussion Video for BEMA 14

14: Grappling with God, Part 2 Jan 12, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to look at the life of Jacob, covering Genesis 32–35.

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 14

Into the Pit Presentation (PDF)

15: Into the Pit Jan 19, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin a study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 37–40.

Discussion Video for BEMA 15

Transcript for BEMA 15

Out of the Pit Presentation (PDF)

16: Out of the Pit Jan 26, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish the study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 41–50.

Discussion Video for BEMA 16

Rabbi David Fohrman — TorahAnytime

The Joseph Story — Aleph Beta Academy

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 16

A God Who Hears the Cry Presentation (PDF)

17: A God Who Hears the Cry Feb 02, 2017

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 18

18: A Tale of Two Kingdoms Feb 09, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings set up the narrative of God’s story as a contrast between empire and shalom.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 19

19: A Strengthened Heart Feb 16, 2017

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.

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David Fohrman

kavad — Blue Letter Bible

hazak — Blue Letter Bible

Transcript for BEMA 19

With All Your Heart Presentation (PDF)

20: With All Your Heart Feb 23, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 20

Transcript for BEMA 20

With All Your Soul & “Very” Presentation (PDF)

21: With All Your Soul & “Very” Mar 02, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the next two tests of God’s people on their way to Mount Sinai in Exodus 16–17.

“Jesus Shema” — Learn Hebrew

Discussion Video for BEMA 21

Transcript for BEMA 21

“Jesus Shema” Mar 02, 2017

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.

Under the Chuppah Presentation (PDF)

22: Under the Chuppah Mar 09, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss Israel’s arrival at Sinai and the ensuing covenant relationship with their God, covering Exodus 19–23.

Discussion Video for BEMA 22

NIV Archaeological Study Bible

Transcript for BEMA 22

Falling on Joyful Faces Presentation (PDF)

23: Falling on Joyful Faces Mar 16, 2017

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.

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

Creating a Space Presentation

24: Creating a Space Mar 23, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the implications of the story of the Tabernacle in our own pursuits of God.

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

A Kingdom of What? Presentation (PDF)

25: A Kingdom of What? Mar 30, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give an overview of the book of Leviticus.

Discussion Video for BEMA 25

Leviticus: A Call to Priesthood (Sermon Series) — Real Life on the Palouse

Transcript for BEMA 25

Images of the Desert — Shepherd Presentation (PDF)

26: Images of the Desert — Shepherd Apr 06, 2017

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.

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

Images of the Desert — Rotem and Acacia Presentation (PDF)

27: Images of the Desert — Rotem and Acacia Apr 13, 2017

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.

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

Images of the Desert — Ar'ar and Tamarisk Presentation (PDF)

28: Images of the Desert — Ar'ar and Tamarisk Apr 20, 2017

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.

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

Transcript for BEMA 28

Images of the Desert — Wadi and En Gedi Presentation (PDF)

29: Images of the Desert — Wadi and En Gedi Apr 27, 2017

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.

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

Lead with Your Voice Presentation (PDF)

30: Lead with Your Voice May 04, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 30

Transcript for BEMA 30

Remember Where You Came From Presentation (PDF)

31: Remember Where You Came From May 11, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 31

Topic: Deuteronomy 32 — Aleph Beta Academy

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Transcript for BEMA 31

Session 1 Capstone Presentation (PDF)

32: Session 1 Capstone May 18, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give a summary of the books of Moses at the conclusion of Session 1 of the podcast.

BEMA Discipleship on Twitter

Transcript for BEMA 32

Session 2 Intro Presentation (PDF)

33: Session 2 Intro May 18, 2017

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.

BEMA Discipleship Support

BEMA Discipleship on Twitter

Transcript for BEMA 33

The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me) Presentation (PDF)

34: The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me) Jun 01, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings address the nagging questions about the book of Joshua and its stories of mass slaughter and genocide.

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

Crossroads of the Earth Presentation (PDF)

35: Crossroads of the Earth Jun 15, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 35

The Source by James A. Michener

Transcript for BEMA 35

Discussion Video for BEMA 36

36: The Redemption Cycle Jun 29, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the book of Judges and the cycle found therein.

The Forgiving Flow, Part 2: Drop the Jawbone — The RobCast, Episode 39

Make Your Mark by Brad Gray

Transcript for BEMA 36

Discussion Video for BEMA 37

37: A Love Story Jul 13, 2017

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.

Map of Moab and the Surrounding Region

Transcript for BEMA 37

Discussion Video for BEMA 38

38: A Donkey Herder to Lead Us Jul 27, 2017

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.

A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards

Transcript for BEMA 38

Discussion Video for BEMA 39

39: A King After God’s Own Heart Aug 10, 2017

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.

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

One Story, Two Sources Presentation (PDF)

40: One Story, Two Sources Aug 24, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 40

Transcript for BEMA 40

The Story Behind the Story Presentation (PDF)

41: The Story Behind the Story Aug 31, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 41

Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell and Don Golden

Transcript for BEMA 41

Discussion Video for BEMA 42

42: The Fire of Elijah Sep 07, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the story of Elijah and the lessons learned by one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

Where God Was Born by Bruce Feiler

Map of Phoenicia, Late Bronze Age — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 42

Discussion Video for BEMA 43

43: Go in Peace Sep 14, 2017

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.

Transcript for BEMA 43

Discussion Video for BEMA 44

44: Our Harps in the Trees Sep 21, 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and special guest Kevin Luo discuss the collection of ancient songs known as the Psalms.

Classifying the Psalms by Genre

Kevin Luo on Twitter

Transcript for BEMA 44

Discussion Video for BEMA 45

45: Wisdom and Meaning Sep 28, 2017

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 46

46: Song of Sexuality Oct 05, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the underaddressed book called Song of Songs and explore the ramifications of avoiding the topic of sexuality.

Sex God by Rob Bell

NOOMA 002: Flame by Rob Bell

The Zimzum of Love by Rob and Kristen Bell

Transcript for BEMA 46

The Lord’s Mouthpiece Presentation (PDF)

47: The Lord’s Mouthpiece Oct 12, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 47

Transcript for BEMA 47

Amos — Plumb Line Presentation (PDF)

48: Amos — Plumb Line Oct 19, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 48

The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Plumb Line — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 48

Discussion Video for BEMA 49

49: Hosea — Prostitute Oct 26, 2017

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

Transcript for BEMA 49

Verastikh (Hosea) Oct 26, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 50

50: Micah — Judge Nov 02, 2017

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.

Transcript for BEMA 50

1 Isaiah — Vineyard Presentation (PDF)

51: 1 Isaiah — Vineyard Nov 09, 2017

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 51

The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Transcript for BEMA 51

Jonah — Potential Presentation (PDF)

52: Jonah — Potential Nov 16, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the book of Jonah and try to uncover the message buried in this most unusual prophet.

Discussion Video for BEMA 52

Challenging God: Why Did Jonah Run? — Aleph Beta Academy

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 52

Discussion Video for BEMA 53

53: Nahum — Diyn Nov 30, 2017

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.

Information on BEMA Trips [Marty doesn’t need more emails]

Transcript for BEMA 53

Discussion Video for BEMA 54

54: Zephaniah — T'shuvah Dec 07, 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the voice of Zephaniah as he warns the kingdom of Judah of impending judgment.

Transcript for BEMA 54

Discussion Video for BEMA 55

55: 2 Isaiah — Woe Dec 14, 2017

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.

Transcript for BEMA 55

Discussion Video for BEMA 56

56: Jeremiah — Weeping Jan 04, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin our journey through the Babylonian prophets, examining the famous weeping prophet: Jeremiah.

The Disciple Scroll by Allan Rabinowitz

Love Wins by Rob Bell

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan

Transcript for BEMA 56

Discussion Video for BEMA 57

57: Lamentations — Lament and Hope Jan 11, 2018

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 58

58: Habakkuk — Watchtower Jan 18, 2018

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.

Transcript for BEMA 58

Obadiah — Petra Presentation (PDF)

59: Obadiah — Petra Jan 25, 2018

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 59

Transcript for BEMA 59

Discussion Video for BEMA 60

60: Joel — Locusts Feb 01, 2018

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.

Transcript for BEMA 60

Discussion Video for BEMA 61

61: Ezekiel — Strength Feb 08, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the apocalyptic visions of Ezekiel and his message of encouragement to a people trapped in exile.

Transcript for BEMA 61

Daniel — Son of Man Presentation (PDF)

62: Daniel — Son of Man Feb 15, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the book of Daniel and its persistent and sometimes hidden message of perseverance.

Discussion Video for BEMA 62

Double Rainbow — YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 62

Discussion Video for BEMA 63

63: Job — Perspective Feb 22, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discover that the famous story of Job is so much more than we ever realized.

NOOMA 012: Matthew by Rob Bell

Literary Structure (Chiasm) of the Bible

NOOMA 024: Whirlwind by Rob Bell

Transcript for BEMA 63

Discussion Video for BEMA 64

64: 3 Isaiah — Servant Mar 01, 2018

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.

Transcript for BEMA 64

Discussion Video for BEMA 65

65: 4 Isaiah — Hope Mar 08, 2018

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.

1 Isaiah — Vineyard Presentation (PDF)

Faith Unraveled by Rachel Held Evans

Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann

Transcript for BEMA 65

Discussion Video for BEMA 66

66: Ezra/Nehemiah — Passionate Leadership Mar 15, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the different leadership styles seen during the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Transcript for BEMA 66

Discussion Video for BEMA 67

67: Haggai — Build! Mar 22, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings read through the prophecy of Haggai and find that the real issues rarely change—past, present, or future.

Transcript for BEMA 67

Discussion Video for BEMA 68

68: Zechariah — Apocalyptic Literature Mar 29, 2018

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.

Transcript for BEMA 68

Discussion Video for BEMA 69

69: Malachi — Q&A Apr 05, 2018

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.

Transcript for BEMA 69

Discussion Video for BEMA 70

70: Esther — Purim Apr 12, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the book of Esther and the story that lies behind the celebration of Purim.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 71

71: The Prophetic Table Apr 19, 2018

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.

Transcript for BEMA 71

Session 2 Capstone Presentation (PDF)

72: Session 2 Capstone Apr 26, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give a summary of the prophets and the writings at the conclusion of Session 2 of the podcast.

Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle

Transcript for BEMA 72

Session 3 Intro Presentation (PDF)

73: Session 3 Intro Apr 26, 2018

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.

Jim Feicht on Twitter

NOOMA 019: Open by Rob Bell

Transcript for BEMA 73

Silent Years — Synagogue Presentation (PDF)

74: Silent Years — Synagogue May 10, 2018

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.

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

Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism Presentation (PDF)

75: Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism May 24, 2018

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 75

Jim Feicht on Twitter

Hellas — Wikipedia

Empire of Alexander the Great — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 75

Silent Years — Sadducees Presentation (PDF)

76: Silent Years — Sadducees Jun 07, 2018

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 76

Transcript for BEMA 76

Silent Years — Herodians Presentation (PDF)

77: Silent Years — Herodians Jun 21, 2018

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 77

Sepphoris (Zippori) — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 77

Silent Years — Essenes Presentation (PDF)

78: Silent Years — Essenes Jul 05, 2018

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 78

Qumran — Wikipedia

Dead Sea Scrolls — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 78

Silent Years — Zealots Presentation (PDF)

79: Silent Years — Zealots Jul 19, 2018

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 79

Megan Gambino on Instagram

Megan’s Website [no longer available]

Transcript for BEMA 79

Silent Years — Pharisees Presentation (PDF)

80: Silent Years — Pharisees Aug 02, 2018

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 81

81: Silent Years — Association Aug 16, 2018

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.

Rising Strong by Brené Brown

Transcript for BEMA 81

Discussion Video for BEMA 82

82: The Text — When, Where, Who, and Why Aug 30, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrestle with the questions surrounding the authorship of the Text.

Documentary Hypothesis — Wikipedia

BEMA 62: Daniel — Son of Man

Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism Presentation (PDF)

Transcript for BEMA 82

Discussion Video for BEMA 83

83: Gospel Narrative Sep 06, 2018

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.

The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry

Roman air conditioning — Twitter (thread)

Transcript for BEMA 83

Discussion Video for BEMA 84

84: Matthew — Mumzer Sep 13, 2018

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.

Mamzer — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 84

Discussion Video for BEMA 85

85: Mark — Roman Gospel Sep 20, 2018

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.

Transcript for BEMA 85

Discussion Video for BEMA 86

86: Luke — Ordered Sep 27, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the gospel of Luke and wrestle with the many perspectives regarding his audience and his agenda.

The Evangelists’ Calendar by M. D. Goulder

Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey

Transcript for BEMA 86

Discussion Video for BEMA 87

87: John — Grafted Oct 04, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings spend time in the gospel of John, investigating the different tools he uses in speaking to his particular audience.

Map of Asia and Asia Minor

Transcript for BEMA 87

Setting the Stage Presentation (PDF)

88: Setting the Stage Oct 11, 2018

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 88

Transcript for BEMA 88

Discussion Video for BEMA 89

89: Written in the Stars Oct 18, 2018

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.

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

A Gospel of Two Kingdoms Presentation (PDF)

90: A Gospel of Two Kingdoms Oct 25, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish looking at the story of the birth of Jesus, juxtaposing two kings and the kingdoms that they bring.

Discussion Video for BEMA 90

Herod the Great — Wikipedia

Masada — Wikipedia

Herodium — Wikipedia

Caesar’s Comet — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 90

Discussion Video for BEMA 91

91: Tavilah T'Shuvah Nov 01, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into the third chapter of the gospel of Matthew, uncovering the ministry of John the Baptist.

Complete Jewish Bible by David Stern

Jewish New Testament Commentary by David Stern

BEMA 42: The Fire of Elijah

Transcript for BEMA 91

How to Bring Order Out of Chaos Presentation (PDF)

92: How to Bring Order Out of Chaos Nov 08, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the stories of Jesus’s baptism and temptation.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 93

93: Blessed Nov 15, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the gospel of Matthew and into the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.

Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton

BEMA 74: Silent Years — Synagogue

The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Transcript for BEMA 93

Discussion Video for BEMA 94

94: Hope of the World Nov 29, 2018

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.

BEMA 35: Crossroads of the Earth

BEMA 56: Jeremiah — Weeping

Love Wins by Rob Bell

Transcript for BEMA 94

Discussion Video for BEMA 95

95: Abolish or Fulfill Dec 06, 2018

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.

Transcript for BEMA 95

Discussion Video for BEMA 96

96: But I Say Unto You Dec 13, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish the fifth chapter of Matthew, surveying the many examples Jesus gives for properly interpreting the Text.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 97

97: Done in Secret Dec 20, 2018

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the Sermon on the Mount, looking at Jesus’s teachings on generosity, prayer, and fasting.

Donate to Impact Campus Ministries

Sermon on the Mount #6: Prayer and Fasting sermon — YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 97

Discussion Video for BEMA 98

98: A Good Eye Jan 03, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discover how worry leads to judgment, and judgment leads to muddy pearls.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 99

99: Fruit of Fools Jan 10, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish the Sermon on the Mount, talking about gates, trees, fools, and houses.

Sermon on the Mount #10: Trees and Fruit sermon — YouTube

BEMA 29: Images of the Desert — Wadi and En Gedi

Transcript for BEMA 99

Discussion Video for BEMA 100

100: Healing at Great Cost Jan 17, 2019

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.

Transcript for BEMA 100

Discussion Video for BEMA 101

101: The Other Side Jan 24, 2019

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.

BEMA 88: Setting the Stage

Transcript for BEMA 101

Addendum to BEMA 102 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

102: Son of Man Jan 31, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the story of a paralyzed man and his faithfully determined friends who inspire his healing.

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

Healing in His Wings Presentation (PDF)

103: Healing in His Wings Feb 07, 2019

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 103

Transcript for BEMA 103

Discussion Video for BEMA 104

104: Innocent as Doves Feb 14, 2019

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.

Matthew — BibleProject

Matthew Poster — BibleProject

BEMA 50: Micah — Judge

Transcript for BEMA 104

An Explosive Kingdom Presentation (PDF)

105: An Explosive Kingdom Feb 21, 2019

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 105

BEMA 91: Tavilah T’Shuvah

“Sheep going through a gate, North Yorkshire moors” — YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 105

Discussion Video for BEMA 106

106: Jury Duty in Sodom Feb 28, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine Jesus as he moves on from John the Baptist and begins to confront the religious worldview around him.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 107

107: Donkeys and Rabbis Mar 07, 2019

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.

BEMA 25: A Kingdom of What?

Transcript for BEMA 107

Discussion Video for BEMA 108

108: The Fruit of Beelzebul Mar 14, 2019

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.

Beelzebub — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 108

Discussion Video for BEMA 109

109: Which Soil? Mar 21, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin an exciting trip through the parables of Jesus, starting with his conversation about four different soils.

Hayamim: A Proposal [this event happened in 2019]

BEMA 27: Images of the Desert — Rotem and Acacia

Transcript for BEMA 109

Addendum to BEMA 110 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

110: Jewish Hermeneutics Mar 28, 2019

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 111

111: A Farmer and a Woman Apr 04, 2019

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 112

112: Explanations That Don’t Explain Apr 11, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings try to learn from Jesus’s puzzling explanation for the parable of the weeds.

Transcript for BEMA 112

Discussion Video for BEMA 113

113: Treasures and Pearls Apr 18, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, with special guest Corey Knadler, discuss the next two parables of Jesus in Matthew 13.

Corey Knadler on Twitter

Transcript for BEMA 113

Discussion Video for BEMA 114

114: Fish in a Net Apr 25, 2019

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.

Corey Knadler on Twitter

Why the Midrash Has Abraham Thrown into Nimrod’s Furnace — TheTorah.com

Transcript for BEMA 114

Discussion Video for BEMA 115

115: 5 Loaves, 2 Fish, and 1 Big Lesson May 02, 2019

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.

Dr. Christopher Gambino on Twitter

The Evangelists’ Calendar by M. D. Goulder

The Shuvah Project

Transcript for BEMA 115

Discussion Video for BEMA 116

116: She Giggled May 09, 2019

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 117

117: Jesus Resorts to Name Calling May 16, 2019

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.

Dr. Christopher Gambino on Twitter

The Shuvah Project

Transcript for BEMA 117

Discussion Video for BEMA 118

118: Eyes That Cannot See May 23, 2019

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.

Map of Tyre and Sidon in relation to the Galilee

Transcript for BEMA 118

The Gates of Hell Presentation (PDF)

119: The Gates of Hell May 30, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine Peter’s great confession at Caesarea Philippi and the intense conversation that follows.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 120

120: Truth and Light Jun 06, 2019

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.

The BEMA Messenger

Shaping Faith #5: Fasting sermon — YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 120

Discussion Video for BEMA 121

121: The Key to Your Own Prison Jun 13, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the many teachings of Matthew 18, including some parables and rabbinic insights from Jesus.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 122

122: A Naked Thing Jun 20, 2019

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.

The Ten Commandments — Aleph Beta Academy

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 122

Discussion Video for BEMA 123

123: The Heat of the Day Jun 27, 2019

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.

Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton

Transcript for BEMA 123

Discussion Video for BEMA 124

124: Statement of Triumph Jul 04, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the triumphal entry and Jesus’s confrontation of religious corruption on all sides.

Caesarea Maritima — Wikipedia

Map of Israel in New Testament Times — Wikimedia Commons

Transcript for BEMA 124

Discussion Video for BEMA 125

125: Are You Talking to Me? Jul 11, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see Jesus go on the offensive, confronting the corrupt priesthood that rules in Jerusalem.

BEMA 80: Silent Years — Pharisees

BEMA 76: Silent Years — Sadducees

BEMA 51: 1 Isaiah — Vineyard

Transcript for BEMA 125

Discussion Video for BEMA 126

126: Trapped by a Question Jul 18, 2019

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 127

127: Six or Seven? Jul 25, 2019

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.

The Last Week by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan

Transcript for BEMA 127

Faithful and Wise Steward Presentation (PDF)

128: Faithful and Wise Steward Aug 01, 2019

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.

Addendum to BEMA 128 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Discussion Video for BEMA 128

Transcript for BEMA 128

Discussion Video for BEMA 129

129: The Final Week Aug 08, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings set the stage for the final week of Jesus’s earthly ministry.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 130

130: The Plot to Kill Jesus Aug 15, 2019

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.

BEMA 76: Silent Years — Sadducees

The Last Week by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan

Transcript for BEMA 130

Discussion Video for BEMA 131

131: Betrayal Aug 22, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the betrayals of Jesus and discuss which characters are involved in it.

BEMA 79: Silent Years — Zealots

Fidelity of Betrayal by Peter Rollins

Transcript for BEMA 131

Discussion Video for BEMA 132

132: Go Aug 29, 2019

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.

Living Hope sermon — YouTube

The Final Week #7: Just One Hope sermon — YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 132

Session 3 Capstone Presentation (PDF)

133: Session 3 Capstone Sep 05, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hold the usual capstone conversation, concluding a journey through the gospels, and reviewing the story from Genesis to John.

How to Survive a Shipwreck by Jonathan Martin

Transcript for BEMA 133

Session 4 Intro Presentation (PDF)

134: Session 4 Intro Sep 05, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin to see how God’s people apply the reality of Christ into their first-century contexts.

Donate to BEMA Ministry

Donate to Marty or the General Fund

Transcript for BEMA 134

Discussion Video for BEMA 135

135: Uncut Corners Sep 12, 2019

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.

Caesar’s Comet — Wikipedia

BEMA 22: Under the Chuppah

BEMA 37: A Love Story

Transcript for BEMA 135

Discussion Video for BEMA 136

136: Each One Sep 19, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings make observations about what this early church community was accomplishing together with the help of the Holy Spirit.

The Story #28: New Beginnings (‘Each One’ Rant) sermon — YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 136

Discussion Video for BEMA 137

137: A Dry Tree Sep 26, 2019

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.

Transcript for BEMA 137

Discussion Video for BEMA 138

138: Unclean Sheets Oct 03, 2019

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.

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

Transcript for BEMA 138

Discussion Video for BEMA 139

139: Theosabes Oct 10, 2019

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.

Paul’s First Missionary Journey — Bible History Online

Transcript for BEMA 139

140: Not to Burden You Oct 17, 2019

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 141

141: Mathetes or Talmidim? Oct 24, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see how Paul’s methodology changes and then draw some conclusions about what we see happening in his ministry.

Theater at Ephesus

Transcript for BEMA 141

Discussion Video for BEMA 142

142: Calling of a Prophet Oct 31, 2019

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?

BEMA 138: Unclean Sheets

Transcript for BEMA 142

The Epilogue Presentation (PDF)

143: The Epilogue Nov 07, 2019

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 144

144: Galatians — Paul’s Gospel Nov 14, 2019

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.

The Holy Epistle to the Galatians by D. Thomas Lancaster

Transcript for BEMA 144

145: Galatians — Right Hand of Fellowship Nov 21, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings spend time in the second chapter of Galatians, bringing some context to a much misunderstood and often misrepresented passage.

Discussion Video for BEMA 145

Backyard Tap House

Transcript for BEMA 145

Discussion Video for BEMA 146

146: Galatians — The Curse Dec 05, 2019

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.

Gezerah Shavah — Wikipedia

The Holy Epistle to the Galatians by D. Thomas Lancaster

Transcript for BEMA 146

Galatians — Two Women, Two Covenants Presentation (PDF)

147: Galatians — Two Women, Two Covenants Dec 12, 2019

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the importance of covenants and how they are relevant to different audiences.

Discussion Video for BEMA 147

Transcript for BEMA 147

Discussion Video for BEMA 148

148: Galatians — Set Free to Be Free Dec 19, 2019

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.

The Holy Epistle to the Galatians by D. Thomas Lancaster

Transcript for BEMA 148

Discussion Video for BEMA 149

149: Romans — Blended Family Jan 02, 2020

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.

Romans (Sermon Series) — Real Life on the Palouse

Pederasty — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 149

Discussion Video for BEMA 150

150: Romans — Righteousness from God Jan 09, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through Romans, addressing the question of where we find righteousness.

Prototype by Jonathan Martin

Transcript for BEMA 150

Discussion Video for BEMA 151

151: Romans — Buried Alive Jan 16, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings listen to what Paul says about walking in righteousness.

The Evolution of Adam by Peter Enns

Elementary Principles by D. Thomas Lancaster

Transcript for BEMA 151

Discussion Video for BEMA 152

152: Romans — The Struggle Jan 23, 2020

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?

sarx — Blue Letter Bible

Transcript for BEMA 152

Discussion Video for BEMA 153

153: Romans — The Potter Jan 30, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings tackle the pesky idea of predestination and election.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 154

154: Romans — Therefore Feb 06, 2020

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

Transcript for BEMA 154

Romans — God’s Mission, Paul’s Mission Presentation (PDF)

155: Romans — God’s Mission, Paul’s Mission Feb 13, 2020

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 155

Transcript for BEMA 155

Discussion Video for BEMA 156

156: 1 Corinthians — Broken Body Feb 20, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a trip to Corinth for an examination of the first letter to that complex city.

Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey

Transcript for BEMA 156

Discussion Video for BEMA 157

157: 2 Corinthians — Apostleship Feb 27, 2020

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.

Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey

Transcript for BEMA 157

Discussion Video for BEMA 158

158: Ephesians — Family Membership Mar 05, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings travel to the second largest city in the Roman Empire and hear the words Paul wrote to the Ephesians.

Transcript for BEMA 158

Discussion Video for BEMA 159

159: Philippians — Joy Mar 12, 2020

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.

Transcript for BEMA 159

Discussion Video for BEMA 160

160: Colossians — Gnostic Heresy Mar 19, 2020

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.

The Cave: An Adaptation of Plato’s Allegory in Clay — YouTube

Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright

Transcript for BEMA 160

Discussion Video for BEMA 161

161: 1 Thessalonians — Parousia Mar 26, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings step into the context of the church in Thessalonica and examine the theme of “parousia.”

In Search of Paul by John Dominic Crossan and Jonathan L. Reed

Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright

Transcript for BEMA 161

Discussion Video for BEMA 162

162: 2 Thessalonians — Man of Lawlessness Apr 02, 2020

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.

Transcript for BEMA 162

Addendum to BEMA 163 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

163: Pastoral Epistles — Timid Timothy & Tough Titus Apr 09, 2020

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.

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.

Transcript for BEMA 163

Discussion Video for BEMA 164

164: Philemon — Faith Works Apr 16, 2020

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.

Transcript for BEMA 164

Discussion Video for BEMA 165

165: Hebrews — Running a Better Race Apr 23, 2020

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.

Hebrews (Sermon Series) — Real Life on the Palouse

Hebrews Infographic

Transcript for BEMA 165

Discussion Video for BEMA 166

166: Hebrews — Atonement 101 Apr 30, 2020

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.

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

167: James — Mitzvoth May 07, 2020

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 167

Transcript for BEMA 167

Discussion Video for BEMA 168

168: 1 Peter — Living Stones and a Spiritual House May 14, 2020

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.

Transcript for BEMA 168

Discussion Video for BEMA 169

169: 2 Peter — The Other Side of a Conversation May 21, 2020

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.

The Bible as It Was by James L. Kugel

Noah (2014 film)

Transcript for BEMA 169

Discussion Video for BEMA 170

170: 1 John — Love and Truth May 28, 2020

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.

Docetism — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 170

Discussion Video for BEMA 171

171: 2 John — The “Woman” Jun 04, 2020

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.

Transcript for BEMA 171

Discussion Video for BEMA 172

172: 3 John — Diotrephes Jun 11, 2020

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.

BEMA 39: A King After God’s Own Heart

Transcript for BEMA 172

Discussion Video for BEMA 173

173: Jude — False Teachers Jun 18, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the short, often forgotten, and confusing book of Jude. Just what is Jude talking about?

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 174

174: Revelation — A Book for Its Time Jun 25, 2020

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 175

175: Revelation — Ephesus and Their First Love Jul 02, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings travel to Ephesus, hearing the first of John’s seven letters in its context.

BEMA 158: Ephesians — Family Membership

Transcript for BEMA 175

Discussion Video for BEMA 176

176: Revelation — Smyrna and Their Crown Jul 09, 2020

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?”

Transcript for BEMA 176

Revelation — Pergamum and Satan’s Throne Presentation (PDF)

177: Revelation — Pergamum and Satan’s Throne Jul 16, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the ancient city of Pergamum and hear the letter to their church in its original context.

Discussion Video for BEMA 177

Transcript for BEMA 177

Discussion Video for BEMA 178

178: Revelation — Thyatira and Her Jezebel Jul 23, 2020

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.

Transcript for BEMA 178

Revelation — Waking Up in Sardis Presentation (PDF)

179: Revelation — Waking Up in Sardis Jul 30, 2020

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 179

Transcript for BEMA 179

Discussion Video for BEMA 180

180: Revelation — Philadelphia and Their New Name Aug 06, 2020

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.

BEMA 161: 1 Thessalonians — Parousia

Transcript for BEMA 180

Revelation — Lukewarm Laodicea Presentation (PDF)

181: Revelation — Lukewarm Laodicea Aug 13, 2020

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?

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

Revelation — The Throne Room Presentation (PDF)

182: Revelation — The Throne Room Aug 20, 2020

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 182

Transcript for BEMA 182

Discussion Video for BEMA 183

183: Revelation — Seals from Scripture Aug 27, 2020

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.

Transcript for BEMA 183

Discussion Video for BEMA 184

184: Revelation — Let the Games Begin Sep 03, 2020

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.

Transcript for BEMA 184

Discussion Video for BEMA 185

185: Revelation — Bittersweet Prophecy Sep 10, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings press further into Revelation and this epic showdown and holy competition between Empire and Shalom.

Transcript for BEMA 185

Revelation — Mother and Dragons Presentation (PDF)

186: Revelation — Mother and Dragons Sep 17, 2020

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 186

Transcript for BEMA 186

Discussion Video for BEMA 187

187: Revelation — The Blessed and Faithful Fallen Sep 24, 2020

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.

BEMA Discipleship — News

Transcript for BEMA 187

Discussion Video for BEMA 188

188: Revelation — The Fall of Greatness Oct 01, 2020

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.

Revelation #14: Babylon’s Demise sermon — YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 188

Discussion Video for BEMA 189

189: Revelation — The End Is a New Beginning Oct 08, 2020

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.

Transcript for BEMA 189

Session 4 Capstone Presentation (PDF)

190: Session 4 Capstone Oct 15, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hold the usual capstone conversation, concluding our journey through the remainder of Scripture and reviewing the entirety thereof.

Whole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall)

Discussion Groups Map

Transcript for BEMA 190

Session 5 Intro Presentation (PDF)

191: Session 5 Intro Oct 15, 2020

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.

Whole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall)

Discussion Groups Map

Transcript for BEMA 191

Discussion Video for BEMA 192

192: Telling a Story Oct 22, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss what history is, what it isn’t, and give some disclaimers about the intentions of Session 5.

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

AD 100–300 Presentation (PDF)

193: AD 100–300 Oct 29, 2020

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?

Discussion Video for BEMA 193

Bar Kokhba revolt — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 193

AD 300–500 Presentation (PDF)

194: AD 300–500 Nov 05, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the fourth and fifth centuries and the period of the ecumenical councils of early Christendom.

Discussion Video for BEMA 194

Transcript for BEMA 194

Discussion Video for BEMA 195

195: AD 500–700 Nov 12, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey through the sixth and seventh centuries, examining the early monastic movements.

AD 500–700 Presentation

The Source by James A. Michener

Transcript for BEMA 195

Discussion Video for BEMA 196

196: AD 700–1000 Nov 19, 2020

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

Byzantine Iconoclasm — Wikipedia

BEMA 0: Introductory Lesson

The Genesis of Science by James Hannam

Transcript for BEMA 196

AD 1000–1300 Presentation

197: AD 1000–1300 Dec 03, 2020

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine one of the darkest chapters in the history of Christendom.

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

AD 1300–1550 Presentation

198: AD 1300–1550 Dec 10, 2020

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 198

Transcript for BEMA 198

AD 1550–1650 Presentation (PDF)

199: AD 1550–1650 Dec 17, 2020

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 199

Geocentric Model — Wikipedia

Heliocentrism — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 199

AD 1650–1800 Presentation

200: AD 1650–1800 Dec 31, 2020

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 200

Rediscovering Discipleship by Robby Gallaty

Transcript for BEMA 200

AD 1800–1925 Presentation (PDF)

201: AD 1800–1925 Jan 07, 2021

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?

Discussion Video for BEMA 201

Union in Truth by James B. North

Transcript for BEMA 201

AD 1925 to Today Presentation

202: AD 1925 to Today Jan 14, 2021

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 203

203: You Are Here Jan 21, 2021

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.

“Time in Babylon” by Emmylou Harris — YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 203

Out of Sorts by Sarah Bessey

204: Session 5 Capstone Jan 28, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings officially wrap up the journey through history and talk about what comes next for BEMA…

Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey

Marty Solomon on YouTube

Whole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall)

Transcript for BEMA 204

BEMA Merchandise — TeePublic

205: Session 6 Intro Feb 04, 2021

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.

Groups — BEMA Discipleship

News — BEMA Discipleship

Marty Solomon on YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 205

Discussion Video for BEMA 206

206: Reed Dent — The Nature of Truth Feb 11, 2021

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.

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

The Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert Alter

The Art of Biblical Poetry by Robert Alter

The Art of Bible Translation by Robert Alter

The Poetics of Biblical Narrative by Meir Sternberg

What Is the Bible? by Rob Bell

Inspired by Rachel Held Evans

Transcript for BEMA 206

Special Guest: Reed Dent.

Discussion Video for BEMA 207

207: J. R. Briggs — The Sacred Overlap Feb 18, 2021

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.

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 208

208: Midrash — Iscah, Sarai, and Birth Orders Feb 25, 2021

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?

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 209

209: Midrash — Noah’s Backstory and the Nephilim Mar 04, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a look at the backstory of Noah and talk about the midrash surrounding the Nephilim from Genesis 6.

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

Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

BEMA 7: The Preface

“What’s So Bad about Babel?” — BibleProject Podcast

Jewish Women’s Archive

BEMA FAQ: Midrash — Marty Solomon, YouTube

The Social Dilemma — Netflix

Thought of the Day: The Social Dilemma — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 209

Discussion Video for BEMA 210

210: Midrash — The Man in the Fur Coat Mar 11, 2021

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?

Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 210

Discussion Video for BEMA 211

211: John Whittaker — Blue Jeans Theology Mar 18, 2021

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.

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 212

212: Character Study — Jacob, Part 1 Mar 25, 2021

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.

Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 212

Discussion Video for BEMA 213

213: Character Study — Jacob, Part 2 Apr 01, 2021

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?

Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Rashi — Wikipedia

Transcript for BEMA 213

Discussion Video for BEMA 214

214: Character Study — Joseph, Part 1 Apr 08, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the arguments surrounding who bought Joseph from his brothers.

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David Fohrman

Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 215

215: Character Study — Joseph, Part 2 Apr 15, 2021

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.

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David Fohrman

Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 215

Discussion Video for BEMA 216

216: Porshe Chiles — Can We Talk? Apr 22, 2021

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.

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 217

217: Midrash — Isaac’s Bad Eyes Apr 29, 2021

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?

BEMA 11: Here I Am

Map of Abraham’s Servant Finding Isaac a Wife — Headwaters Christian Resources

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 217

Discussion Video for BEMA 218

218: Midrash — Death at Dinner May 06, 2021

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?

Map of Abraham’s Servant Finding Isaac a Wife — Headwaters Christian Resources

BEMA 12: A Mission Realized

Transcript for BEMA 218

Discussion Video for BEMA 219

219: Becky Solomon — Loving the Adventure May 13, 2021

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.

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.

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 220

220: The Chosen S1E1 — “I Have Called You by Name” May 20, 2021

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.

Everyman’s Talmud by Abraham Cohen

Transcript for BEMA 220

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 221

221: The Chosen S1E2 — “Shabbat” May 27, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the second episode.

Eishet Chayil — Aleph Beta

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

Transcript for BEMA 221

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 222

222: The Chosen S1E3 — “Jesus Loves the Little Children” Jun 03, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the third episode.

Transcript for BEMA 222

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 223

223: The Chosen S1E4 — “The Rock on Which It Is Built” Jun 10, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the fourth episode.

Transcript for BEMA 223

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 224

224: The Chosen S1E5 — “The Wedding Gift” Jun 17, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the fifth episode.

Transcript for BEMA 224

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 225

225: The Chosen S1E6 — “Indescribable Compassion” Jun 24, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the sixth episode.

Transcript for BEMA 225

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 226

226: The Chosen S1E7 — “Invitations” Jul 01, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the seventh episode.

180-degree rule — Wikipedia

Todd Vaziri on the 180 Line — Twitter

Transcript for BEMA 226

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 227

227: The Chosen S1E8 — “I Am He” Jul 08, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the eighth and final episode of Season 1.

The Gifts of the Jews by Thomas Cahill

Forever Changed #3: The Woman at the Well sermon — YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 227

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 228

228: Dallas Jenkins — Manna Program, Part 1 Jul 15, 2021

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.

Transcript for BEMA 228

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Dallas Jenkins.

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 229

229: Dallas Jenkins — Manna Program, Part 2 Jul 22, 2021

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.

“Can you trust The Chosen?” — The Chosen, YouTube

The Chosen’s Channel on YouTube

Transcript for BEMA 229

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Dallas Jenkins.

Discussion Video for BEMA 230

230: Mandy Smith — Unfettered Jul 29, 2021

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.

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 231

231: Introducing the Team — Deconstruction w/ Reed Dent Aug 05, 2021

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.

Reed’s Handcrafted Kayak

Impossible Constructions — M. C. Escher

The Architecture of Dr. Seuss, a Brief History — Architizer

Campus Christian Fellowship, Truman State University

Transcript for BEMA 231

Learning Hebrew with Elle — Laws, Decrees, Commands, etc. (PDF)

232: Introducing the Team — Jephthah’s Daughter w/ Elle Grover Fricks Aug 12, 2021

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 233

233: Introducing the Team — Striking the Rock w/ Josh Bossé Aug 19, 2021

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.

BEMA 21: With All Your Soul & “Very”

BEMA 30: Lead with Your Voice

BEMA 23: Falling on Joyful Faces

Transcript for BEMA 233

Discussion Video for BEMA 234

234: Jen Rosner — The Jewish Roots of Christianity Aug 26, 2021

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.

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

Transcript for BEMA 234

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Jen Rosner.

Discussion Video for BEMA 235

235: Jewish Roots — Tanakh and Religion Sep 02, 2021

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.

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

Transcript for BEMA 235

Discussion Video for BEMA 236

236: Jewish Roots — Paul, Jewish Law, and Atonement in Hebrews Sep 09, 2021

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.

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

Jewish Roots — Ways Parted for a Dark History Presentation (PDF)

237: Jewish Roots — Ways Parted for a Dark History Sep 16, 2021

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 238

238: Jewish Roots — What Difference Does It Make? Sep 23, 2021

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.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 239

239: Abraham Considers a Catechism w/ Reed Dent Sep 30, 2021

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.

You Have Permission Podcast

Learning Hebrew with Elle — Sin (PDF)

240: Sin and the Archaeology of Joshua w/ Elle Grover Fricks Oct 07, 2021

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks discuss sin and the archaeology of Joshua.

Discussion Video for BEMA 240

List of Archaeological Periods (Levant) — Wikipedia

History of the Ancient Levant — Wikipedia

Doron Ben-Ami — Wikipedia

Elle’s Website

Discussion Video for BEMA 241

241: Becky Solomon — Don’t Exasperate Your Kids Oct 14, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the state of the podcast, and then Marty is joined by Becky Solomon to talk about parenting.

“How 936 Pennies Will Forever Change How You Parent” — Eryn Lynum

Special Guest: Becky Solomon.

Discussion Video for BEMA 242

242: Spiritual Abuse — Commodities and Variables Oct 21, 2021

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.

Thought of the Day: Imposter Syndrome — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Campus House at Purdue

Find a BEMA Group

Discussion Video for BEMA 243

243: Spiritual Abuse — The Place We Find Ourselves Oct 28, 2021

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.

The Place We Find Ourselves 89: Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual Abuse Archives — The Allender Center

Spiral Dynamics — Wikipedia

Discussion Video for BEMA 244

244: Spiritual Abuse — The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Nov 04, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to discuss The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast.

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

Discussion Video for BEMA 245

245: Spiritual Abuse — Liturgy for Repentance and Healing Nov 11, 2021

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.

Rape, Assault & Incest National Network

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Discussion Video for BEMA 246

246: Eugenia Ortega — A Look into Our Window Nov 18, 2021

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.

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.

Discussion Video for BEMA 247

247: Sleepless in Susa w/ Josh Bossé Dec 02, 2021

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.

BEMA 70: Esther — Purim

Learning Hebrew with Elle — Joy (PDF)

248: Joy and Lot’s Untitled Wife w/ Elle Grover Fricks Dec 09, 2021

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.

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

Marty on the All Things to All People Podcast with Michael Burns

249: Michael Burns — Escaping the Beast Dec 16, 2021

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’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.

250: The Chosen S1E0 — “The Shepherd” Dec 23, 2021

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 Nativity Story (2006 film)

A Griever’s Guide to Life by John McNeely Roberts

251: John Roberts — A Griever’s Guide to Life Dec 30, 2021

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest John Roberts to discuss his book, A Griever’s Guide to Life.

“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.

Reading the Gospel of John Through Palestinian Eyes by Yohanna Katanacho

252: John — What’s in a Logos? Jan 06, 2022

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.

The Fifth Gospel: Interview with Gary Burge — GTI Tours Podcast #4

Why Context Matters: Interview with Dr. Gary Burge — GTI Tours Podcast #45

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

Heart and Mind by Alexander John Shaia

John 1–12 — BibleProject

John 13–21 — BibleProject

Creation Series: John 1 — BibleProject

Creation Series: John 1 — BibleProject

253: John — Come and See Jan 13, 2022

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

In the Beginning: John 1 — BibleProject Podcast

BEMA 78: Silent Years — Essenes

BEMA 79: Silent Years — Zealots

254: John — A Wedding and Some Housekeeping Jan 20, 2022

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 224: The Chosen S1E5 — “The Wedding Gift”

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

BEMA 226: The Chosen S1E7 — “Invitations”

255: John — Water, Spirit, Darkness, Light Jan 27, 2022

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.

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

Map of the Regions of Israel in Ancient Times

256: John — The One from Above Feb 03, 2022

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.

Thought of the Day: Imposter Syndrome — Marty Solomon, YouTube

sphragizo — Blue Letter Bible

Samaritans Cooking for Passover

257: John — Wells and Husbands Feb 10, 2022

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.

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

258: The Chosen S2E1 — “Thunder” (Bonus Episode) Feb 14, 2022

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.

BEMA 167: James — Mitzvoth

We Carry Kevan by Kevan Chandler

259: Kevan Chandler — We Carry Kevan Feb 17, 2022

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 (Nonprofit Organization)

Andrew Peterson

The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kevan Chandler.

260: The Chosen S2E2 — “I Saw You” (Bonus Episode) Feb 21, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the second episode of Season 2.

BEMA 78: Silent Years — Essenes

BEMA 253: John — Come and See

BEMA 119: The Gates of Hell

Banias Archaeological Dig of 2020 — YouTube

Addendum to BEMA 102 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

261: John — What Do You Want? Feb 24, 2022

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

We Carry Kevan (Nonprofit Organization)

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kevan Chandler.

262: The Chosen S2E3 — “Matthew 4:24” (Bonus Episode) Feb 28, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the third episode of Season 2.

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

Impact Staff Opening at the University of Oregon

263: John — Weighty Testimony Mar 03, 2022

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.

BEMA 95: Abolish or Fulfill

God Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner

BEMA 190: Session 4 Capstone

264: The Chosen S2E4 — “The Perfect Opportunity” (Bonus Episode) Mar 07, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture further into a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the fourth episode of Season 2.

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

A Harmony of the Gospels (NASB) by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry

265: John — Make Him King Mar 10, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrestle with the potential interpretations of what is happening in the beginning of John 6.

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

266: The Chosen S2E5 — “Spirit” (Bonus Episode) Mar 14, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the controversial fifth episode of Season 2.

I'm firing back about one criticism — The Chosen, YouTube

Zealot by Reza Aslan

Whoa! Episode 5 was controversial (Director reacts) — The Chosen, YouTube

Our Bible consultants discuss our most controversial moment — The Chosen, YouTube

I Asked for Wonder by Abraham Joshua Heschel

267: John — The Far Side of a Tumultuous Sea Mar 17, 2022

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.

Prototype by Jonathan Martin

BEMA 230: Mandy Smith — Unfettered

Unfettered by Mandy Smith

The Experience of God by David Bentley Hart

268: The Chosen S2E6 — “Unlawful” (Bonus Episode) Mar 21, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings return to The Chosen with a discussion on the sixth episode of Season 2.

Episode 6: "This line wrecks me." (Director Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTube

Sukkot & Simchat Torah — Chabad.org

269: John — Any Time Will Do Mar 24, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings jump into John 7, discussing Jesus’s engagement with the Festival of Tabernacles.

Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton

270: The Chosen S2E7 — “Reckoning” (Bonus Episode) Mar 28, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the seventh episode of Season 2.

Miracles of Messiah by Ron Miller

271: John — The Greatest Day of the Feast Mar 31, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John 7, discussing the differing opinions about the identity of Jesus.

BEMA 76: Silent Years — Sadducees

BEMA 130: The Plot to Kill Jesus

272: The Chosen S2E8 — “Beyond Mountains” (Bonus Episode) Apr 04, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude a review of Season 2 of The Chosen with a discussion on the eighth episode.

Dallas Regrets This One Thing (Season Finale Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTube

BEMA 93: Blessed

BEMA 99: Fruit of Fools

The Daniel Scene Brent Could Not Remember (from April 1986)

273: John — Pericope of an Honor Contest Apr 07, 2022

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.

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

BEMA 85: Mark — Roman Gospel

274: John — Light of the World Apr 14, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear Jesus talk about his own identity and testimony in the face of those who grapple with his teachings.

“Written in the Dust” sermon (Brad Gray) — YouTube

Jesus Within Judaism by James H. Charlesworth

National Community Church, Lincoln Theatre Campus

275: Kate Schmidgall — BitterSweet Apr 21, 2022

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.

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.

276: John — Who Is Your Father? Apr 28, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the dispute Jesus has with those who believed him about who their father is.

277: John — Before Abraham Was May 05, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider a provocative teaching of Jesus that nearly got him executed.

Everyman’s Talmud by Abraham Cohen

278: John — Only the Blind Can See May 12, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the healing of a blind man and Jesus’s subsequent teaching on a different kind of blindness.

The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann

Addendum to BEMA 80 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

John — My Sheep, My Voice Presentation (PDF)

279: John — My Sheep, My Voice May 19, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at Jesus’s claim to be the true gate and the good shepherd for his sheep.

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

BEMA 6: A Tale of a Tower

280: The Road Back to Eden May 26, 2022

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?

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)

281: John — You Are Gods Jun 02, 2022

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé discuss spiritual leadership and the conversations with Jesus in the temple courts at the Festival of Dedication.

Josh Bossé on CaringBridge

Support Josh Bossé

“Lazarus Come Forth” by Carmen — YouTube

282: John — The Dance of Grief Jun 09, 2022

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.

“The Way of Suffering: A Reasoning of the Heart” by Jerome A. Miller

Existence of God by John R. Jacobson

“Missing God in the Name of God” sermon — University Christian Church, YouTube

283: John — Missing God in the Name of God Jun 16, 2022

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.

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

BEMA 124: Statement of Triumph

284: John — The Hour Has Come Jun 23, 2022

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.

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

Voice of God — Wikipedia

285: John — Book of Signs Jun 30, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John’s “Book of Signs” and the concluding examination of belief and disbelief.

Thought of the Day: Two Hands of Faith — Marty Solomon, YouTube

The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr

BEMA 281: John — You Are Gods

286: John — The Test of Bread Jul 07, 2022

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.

Josh Bossé on CaringBridge

Josh Bossé on CaringBridge

287: John — The Test of Meat Jul 14, 2022

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.

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

288: Steve Park — Little Lights Jul 21, 2022

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 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.

John — Loved to the End Presentation (PDF)

289: John — Loved to the End Jul 28, 2022

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?

BEMA 131: Betrayal

The Fidelity of Betrayal by Peter Rollins

BEMA 22: Under the Chuppah

290: John — This Is the Way Aug 04, 2022

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.

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

BEMA 87: John — Grafted

BEMA 137: A Dry Tree

Holy Spirit — BibleProject

291: John — Parakletos Aug 11, 2022

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.

292: John — The Pruning Work of Persecution Aug 18, 2022

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?

About — Impact Campus Ministries

293: John — Sin, Righteousness, Judgment Aug 25, 2022

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?

Learning Hebrew with Elle — Sacrifices (PDF)

294: John — Sacrifice, Suffering, and Joy Sep 01, 2022

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.

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

295: John — Strategy Sep 08, 2022

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?

296: John — I Am He Sep 15, 2022

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.

Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas

297: Kat Armas — Abuelita Faith Sep 22, 2022

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 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.

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

298: John — Not Forsaken Sep 29, 2022

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into John’s account of Jesus’s crucifixion.

Shmuel Safrai — Wikipedia

299: John — One Pierced Oct 06, 2022

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

Early Christian Women and Pagan Opinion by Margaret Y. MacDonald

300: John — The Migdal Oct 13, 2022

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

The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene by Jane Schaberg

The Woman Jesus Loved by Antti Marjanen

“The Seeing Heart” by Frederick Buechner — YouTube

301: John — On Doubting and Locked Doors Oct 20, 2022

Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss Thomas—a seemingly strange disciple—and question the nature of doubt and belief.

“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

Pre-order: Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

302: John — Do You Even Like Me? Oct 27, 2022

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

303: The History and Style of the Gospel of John Nov 03, 2022

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.

Historical Tradition and Sources in John

304: The Construction of the Gospel of John Nov 10, 2022

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.

Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

Gary M. Burge, Professor of New Testament — Calvin Theological Seminary

305: Gary Burge — Interpreting the Gospel of John Nov 17, 2022

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.

The Anointed Community by Gary M. Burge

James Dunn — Wikipedia

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 production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Gary Burge.

Chiasms in John by Brian David

306: Brian David — Chiasms in John Dec 01, 2022

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.

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

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Brian David.

BEMA Poll/Survey (valid through 26 April 2023)

307: Tohu va Vohu (State of the Podcast) Dec 08, 2022

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.

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.

308: The Chosen S2E9 — “The Messengers” Dec 15, 2022

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

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.

BEMA Poll/Survey (valid through 26 April 2023)

309: On Social Media (Bonus Episode) Dec 19, 2022

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.

“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

Brent’s Mastodon Invite Link

THINGS THAT TRANSPIRED BETWEEN RECORDING AND PUBLISHING

Elon’s Poll for Leadership of Twitter

Brent’s Tweet Commenting on How This Episode Quickly Became Outdated

Dave Lee’s Tweet on Linking to Mastodon

Aaron Levie’s Tweet on External Linking Policy

The Nativity Story (2006 film)

310: The Nativity Story Dec 22, 2022

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.

Truth Over Tribe by Patrick Miller and Keith Simon

311: Keith Simon — Truth Over Tribe Dec 29, 2022

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 Podcast

Ten Minute Bible Talks

BEMA 309: On Social Media

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Keith Simon.

Tell It Slant by Eugene Peterson

312: Parables — Dissecting a Swallow Jan 05, 2023

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.

The Great Spiritual Migration by Brian McLaren

“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

“On Priests and Jericho in the Second Temple Period” by Joshua Schwartz — ResearchGate

313: Parables — The Good Samaritan Jan 12, 2023

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

The Parable of the Good Samaritan — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship

Tell It Slant by Eugene Peterson

314: Parables — The Barn Builder Jan 19, 2023

Brent Billings and Reed Dent talk about the story of the rich fool and the dynamics of money and relationships.

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

The Pharisees by Joseph Sievers and Amy-Jill Levine

315: Parables — The Lost Son Jan 26, 2023

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.

Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey

BEMA 121: The Key to Your Own Prison

316: Parables — The Unforgiving Servant Feb 02, 2023

Brent Billings and Reed Dent talk about the story of the unforgiving servant and the end of bookkeeping and seeing our enemies as ourselves.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship

Free of Charge by Miroslav Volf

Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

317: Asking Better Questions of the Bible w/ Erin Geiselman Feb 09, 2023

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.

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.

Discovering A. S. J. Allen by Alonzo Felder

318: Alonzo Felder — Discovering A. S. J. Allen Feb 16, 2023

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.

“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.

Presentation for The Forgotten Women — Presentism and Primitivism (PDF)

319: The Forgotten Women — Presentism and Primitivism Feb 23, 2023

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.

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

320: The Forgotten Women — Sages and Wise Women Mar 02, 2023

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks study sages and wise women of the Text.

Nadītu — Wikipedia

Binders Full of Women — Know Your Meme

321: The Forgotten Women of the Tanakh Mar 09, 2023

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.

BEMA 209: Midrash — Noah’s Backstory and the Nephilim

Learning Greek with Elle — Servant (PDF)

322: The Forgotten Women of the New Testament Mar 16, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to survey the forgotten women of the New Testament.

Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

Trireme — Wikipedia

Junia (New Testament person) — Wikipedia

BEMA News & Events

Litter (vehicle) [palanquin] — Wikipedia

323: The Forgotten Women of the Apocalypse Mar 23, 2023

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks finish out the series by turning their attention to two figures in the book of Revelation.

Cinnabar — Wikipedia

Epiphanius of Salamis — Wikipedia

Hippolytus of Rome — Wikipedia

Isis — Wikipedia

BEMA 300: John — The Migdal

It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere Podcast

324: Anita Grace Brown — Finding Christ in Yoga Mar 30, 2023

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

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.

Presentation for Sanctuary — Waking Up in the Mishkan (PDF)

325: Sanctuary — Waking Up in the Mishkan Apr 06, 2023

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.

Tabernacle — Wikipedia

“What’s So Special About the Tabernacle?” — BibleProject Podcast

BEMA 286: John — The Test of Bread

Presentation for Sanctuary — Entering the Mishkan (PDF)

326: Sanctuary — Entering the Mishkan Apr 13, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are back with Josh Bossé to consider the boundaries established for the tabernacle and the love hidden within them.

Symbolism of the Biblical World by Othmar Keel

Inspiration and Incarnation by Peter Enns

Presentation for Sanctuary — Feasting at the Mishkan (PDF)

327: Sanctuary — Feasting at the Mishkan Apr 20, 2023

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé examine the communal life and stability found in the sacrificial altar.

Ship of Theseus — Wikipedia

Presentation for Sanctuary — Listening by the Mishkan (PDF)

328: Sanctuary — Listening by the Mishkan Apr 27, 2023

Brent Billings is with Josh Bossé and Reed Dent to consider the role of priests in the tabernacle through their clothing.

A Commentary on the Book of Exodus by U. Cassuto

Diary of a Country Priest (1951 film)

Presentation for Sanctuary — Moving the Mishkan (PDF)

329: Sanctuary — Moving the Mishkan May 04, 2023

Brent Billings is with Josh Bossé and Reed Dent to see how God’s presence shows up in surprising ways throughout the tabernacle.

BEMA 294: John — Sacrifice, Suffering, and Joy

Presentation for Sanctuary — Traversing the Mishkan (PDF)

330: Sanctuary — Traversing the Mishkan May 11, 2023

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.

“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

Presentation for Sanctuary — Resting with the Mishkan (PDF)

331: Sanctuary — Resting with the Mishkan May 18, 2023

Brent Billings, Josh Bossé, and Elle Grover Fricks muse on the mysteries of rest and holiness, and conclude the anthology on the tabernacle.

Strong Bad Email #58: Dragon — YouTube

“When You Believe” from The Prince of Egypt — YouTube

“Doubting Doubts” by Citizens & Saints — YouTube

Flourishing on the Edge of Faith by Andrew DeCort

332: Andrew DeCort — Flourishing on the Edge of Faith May 25, 2023

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.

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.

The Kingdom (Teaching Series) — Marty Solomon, YouTube

333: Session 6 Capstone Jun 01, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up Session 6 of the podcast and reflect on where we’ve been.

Marty on Goodreads

Book Tour Recap blog post

Book Tour Recap on YouTube

BEMA 307: Tohu va Vohu (State of the Podcast)

“The Sabbath Year” by Marty Solomon

334: Session 7 Intro Jun 08, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture into new territory and approach the podcast with a different perspective for a season.

335: The Chosen S3E1 — “Homecoming” (Bonus Episode) Jun 12, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings jump back into The Chosen with the first episode of Season 3.

BEMA 21: With All Your Soul & “Very”

Machaerus — Wikipedia

Presentation for Sabbath Reflection I — Truth (PDF)

336: Sabbath Reflection I — Truth Jun 15, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings start a series of reflection, working to apply the lessons of the Mishkan once again.

BEMA 325: Sanctuary — Waking Up in the Mishkan

337: The Chosen S3E2 — “Two by Two” (Bonus Episode) Jun 19, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings return to The Chosen to watch as the disciples are commissioned as apostles and sent out in pairs.

Cohortes Urbanae — Wikipedia

The Kingdom (Teaching Series) — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Addendum: James Who? — Marty Solomon, YouTube

BEMA 259: Kevan Chandler — We Carry Kevan

Presentation for Sabbath Reflection II — Love (PDF)

338: Sabbath Reflection II — Love Jun 22, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue through this series of reflection, working to apply the lessons of love from the Mishkan.

BEMA 326: Sanctuary — Entering the Mishkan

339: The Chosen S3E3 — “Physician, Heal Yourself” (Bonus Episode) Jun 26, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings watch as Jesus returns to Nazareth to become a prophet without honor in his hometown.

Presentation for Sabbath Reflection III — Community (PDF)

340: Sabbath Reflection III — Community Jun 29, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue this series of reflection, working to apply the lessons of community from the Mishkan.

BEMA 327: Sanctuary — Feasting at the Mishkan

341: The Chosen S3E4 — “Clean, Part 1” (Bonus Episode) Jul 03, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see the disciples utilize their healing power and then process what happened.

BEMA 332: Andrew DeCort — Flourishing on the Edge of Faith

BEMA 124: Statement of Triumph

Banias Archaeological Dig of 2020 — YouTube

Presentation for Sabbath Reflection IV — Teaching (PDF)

342: Sabbath Reflection IV — Teaching Jul 06, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue this series of reflection, working to consider the different ways in which we teach others.

BEMA 328: Sanctuary — Listening by the Mishkan

343: The Chosen S3E5 — “Clean, Part 2” (Bonus Episode) Jul 10, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see Jesus engage the act of healing in new ways.

BEMA 103: Healing in His Wings

Presentation for Sabbath Reflection V — Place (PDF)

344: Sabbath Reflection V — Place Jul 13, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a series of reflection, considering our approaches to sin and how we occupy different places.

BEMA 329: Sanctuary — Moving the Mishkan

345: The Chosen S3E6 — “Intensity in Tent City” (Bonus Episode) Jul 17, 2023

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.

Rabbi Akiva — Wikipedia

Presentation for Sabbath Reflection VI — Wonder (PDF)

346: Sabbath Reflection VI — Wonder Jul 20, 2023

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.

BEMA 330: Sanctuary — Traversing the Mishkan

347: The Chosen S3E7 — “Ears to Hear” (Bonus Episode) Jul 24, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the events of the penultimate episode of Season 3 of The Chosen.

Presentation for Sabbath Reflection VII — Trust (PDF)

348: Sabbath Reflection VII — Trust Jul 27, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude this series of reflection by working to apply the lessons of trust from the Mishkan.

BEMA 331: Sanctuary — Resting with the Mishkan

Storyline Bible Studies by Kat Armstrong

349: The Chosen S3E8 — “Sustenance” (Bonus Episode) Jul 31, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the ultimate episode of Season 3 of The Chosen.

Addendum to BEMA 80 [on Pharisees] — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Mountains by Kat Armstrong

350: Kat Armstrong — Storyline Bible Aug 03, 2023

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.

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.

Source Music for Session 7 — Soundstripe

351: Sabbath Reflection Music (Bonus Episode) Aug 07, 2023

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.

352: Sabbath Practice — Attentiveness Aug 10, 2023

Brent Billings and Reed Dent consider a different framework for spiritual practice and explore how Reed engages his own practices.

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

Notebook Classic — LEUCHTTURM1917

353: Sabbath Practice — Heart Aug 17, 2023

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks chat about her spiritual practices.

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

Schottenstein Interlinear Complete Chumash by Rabbi Menachem Davis

354: Sabbath Practice — Flow Aug 24, 2023

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé discuss his spiritual practices and how they have evolved throughout his journey with God.

355: Sabbath Practice — Discipline Aug 31, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore Marty’s spiritual practices and see what has changed or evolved for him over the last seven years.

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

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

356: Sabbath Practice — Friendship w/ Derrick James Rohr III Sep 07, 2023

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 Four Loves by C. S. Lewis

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

357: Sabbath Practice — Fasting Sep 14, 2023

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks traverse the topic of fasting.

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

Presentation for Sabbath Practice — Prayer (PDF)

358: Sabbath Practice — Prayer Sep 21, 2023

Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks pontificate on the practice of prayer.

“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

359: Dallas Jenkins — Humanity and Historicity (Bonus Episode) Sep 25, 2023

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.

Ancient Israel by Roland de Vaux

5&2 T-Shirt — The Chosen

Grafted on YouTube

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Dallas Jenkins.

“Closing Time” (Marty’s sabbatical recap blog post)

360: Session 7 Capstone Sep 28, 2023

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.

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

BEMA 190: Session 4 Capstone

361: Session 8 Intro Oct 05, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings return to “Ordinary Time” on the podcast and prepare for some fresh studies of the Text.

BEMA News & Events

BEMA Discord

The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel

362: Isaiah — Prophetic Pathos Oct 12, 2023

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.

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

“I Have a Dream” (Martin Luther King Jr. speech) — Wikipedia

“I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” (Martin Luther King Jr. speech) — Wikipedia

The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann

363: Isaiah — Prophetic Imagination Oct 19, 2023

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.

“What Prophecy Is For” — BibleProject Podcast

Thought of the Day: Prophetic Imagination — Marty Solomon, YouTube

The Ache for Meaning by Tommy Brown

364: Isaiah — Opening Provocations Oct 26, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey into the text of Isaiah, hearing the call of a father to his stubborn children.

The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter

BEMA 51: 1 Isaiah — Vineyard

Isaiah: Holy, Holy, Holy — Derrick Rohr, Campus Christian Fellowship

“Isaiah's Impure Lips and Their Purification in Light of Akkadian Sources” by Victor (Avigdor) Hurowitz — JSTOR

365: Isaiah — Prophet vs. Wizard Priests Nov 02, 2023

Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé dig a little deeper into the cultural context of Isaiah 6.

Myths & Legends of Babylonia & Assyria by Lewis Spence

Bārû — Wikipedia

Bāru (Mesopotamian priest) — Britannica

Bārûtu — Wikipedia

366: Isaiah — Let the Man Cook! Nov 09, 2023

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.

Presentation for Isaiah — Burdens (PDF)

367: Isaiah — Burdens Nov 16, 2023

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.

NIV Archaeological 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

368: Elisa Bosley — Spiritual Eldercare Nov 30, 2023

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.

369: Isaiah — The Choice Is Yours Dec 07, 2023

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.

BEMA 176: Revelation — Smyrna and Their Crown

370: Isaiah — Woes Dec 14, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the next portion of Isaiah to see God’s message aimed directly as His own people.

Beth Moore on the Church in History — Twitter

BEMA 136: Each One

The Jewish Study Bible: Second Edition

371: Isaiah — The Hulk Factor Dec 21, 2023

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the reality of God’s anger in the next portion of Isaiah.

“JPS Bible Translation Enters Digital Era with Sefaria” — The Jewish Publication Society

JPS Tanakh 1917 — BibleHub

New Jewish Publication Society of America Tanakh — Wikipedia

BEMA 82: The Text — When, Where, Who, and Why

372: Isaiah — History and Redaction Jan 04, 2024

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.

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

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

Deconstruct Faith, Discover Jesus by Preston Ulmer

373: Preston Ulmer — Deconstruct Faith, Discover Jesus Jan 11, 2024

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.

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.

BEMA 192: Telling a Story

374: Isaiah — When Suffering Is the Way Jan 18, 2024

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 289: John — Loved to the End

375: Isaiah — What Perseverance Produces Jan 25, 2024

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.

376: Isaiah — Maternal Images of God Feb 01, 2024

Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Reed Dent discuss the maternal images seen throughout Isaiah.

Behavior of a Pallas’s cat — YouTube

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

377: Isaiah — The Fruit of Faithfulness Feb 08, 2024

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 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

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

BEMA 242: Spiritual Abuse — Commodities and Variables

378: Lea Schrumpf — Entering Our Stories Feb 15, 2024

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.

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.

Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

379: Psalms — Every Season of Life Feb 22, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Reed Dent as he launches a series on the Psalms.

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)

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott

Answering God by Eugene H. Peterson

Praying the Psalms by Thomas Merton

380: Psalms — The Hidden Face Feb 29, 2024

Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Josh Bossé discuss Psalm 13.

Telling the Truth by Frederick Buechner

BEMA 282: John — The Dance of Grief

“House of God Forever” by Jon Foreman — YouTube

381: Psalms — A Sheep in the Mirror Mar 07, 2024

Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Josh Bossé discuss Psalm 23.

Psalm 23 — Wikipedia

The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter

382: Psalms — Small, Not Insignificant Mar 14, 2024

Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks consider the words of Psalm 8.

Visual Commentary on Psalm 8 — BibleProject

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

BEMA 380: Psalms — The Hidden Face

383: Psalms — Praying Hate Mar 21, 2024

Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks discuss the words of Psalm 137.

Answering God by Eugene H. Peterson

BEMA 36: The Redemption Cycle

Centering Jesus by Derek Vreeland

384: Derek Vreeland — Centering Jesus Mar 28, 2024

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.

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.

385: Psalms — Ultimate Mario Star Apr 04, 2024

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent discuss Psalm 91.

Psalm 139: Take 1 — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship

386: Psalms — The Whole Human Experience Apr 11, 2024

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent compare and contrast Psalms 51 and 139.

Psalm 139: Take 4 — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship

The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge

Bad Words Series — BibleProject

387: Psalms — More Distant Reflections Apr 18, 2024

Brent Billings and Reed Dent mull over the words of Psalm 32.

Firefly [Lightning Bug] — Wikipedia

388: Psalms — Are You Listening? Apr 25, 2024

Brent Billings and Reed Dent listen to the voice of Psalm 19.

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

Saving Paradise by Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker

389: Psalms — 23 & Me May 02, 2024

Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé take a second stroll through the words of Psalm 23.

The Gorge Amphitheatre

Festival of Faith & Writing — Calvin University

390: Psalms — Feeling Dumb with a Great Cloud of Witnesses May 09, 2024

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.

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

The Ache for Meaning by Tommy Brown

391: Tommy Brown — The Ache for Meaning May 16, 2024

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.

What Is the Palouse?

Dark Night of the Soul — Wikipedia

The Seven Money Types by Tommy Brown

The Torah for Dummies by Arthur Kurzweil

Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann

Tommy Brown’s website

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Tommy Brown.

Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

392: Talmudic Matthew — Legacy May 23, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are with Elle Grover Fricks to kick off a new series on Talmudic conversations in Matthew.

Brad Gray on the Genealogy of Matthew — Real Life on the Palouse

“Matthew’s Begats” by Andrew Peterson — YouTube

BEMA 22: Under the Chuppah

393: Talmudic Matthew — Dreams May 30, 2024

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 85: Mark — Roman Gospel

BEMA 89: Written in the Stars

Berakhot 56 (Talmud) — Sefaria

BEMA 89: Written in the Stars

394: Talmudic Matthew — Stars and Magic Jun 06, 2024

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks take a closer look at the magi and the star of the nativity.

BEMA 257: Wells and Husbands

BEMA 91: Tavilah T'Shuvah

395: Talmudic Matthew — Jordan Jun 13, 2024

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks take a closer look at the work of John the Baptist.

BEMA 92: How to Bring Order Out of Chaos

BEMA 92: How to Bring Order Out of Chaos

396: Talmudic Matthew — Desert and Sea Jun 20, 2024

Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Reed Dent revisit Matthew 4 with a Talmudic lens.

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

A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer

397: Mitch Lavender — Respect and Dignity Jun 27, 2024

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.

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Mitch Lavender.

To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue

398: Talmudic Matthew — Blessing Jul 04, 2024

Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé crack open the question of what a biblical blessing is.

Every Moment Holy, Volume I by Douglas Kaine McKelvey

Every Moment Holy, Volume II by Douglas Kaine McKelvey

Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing by Søren Kierkegaard

399: Talmudic Matthew — Household of God Jul 11, 2024

Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé browse through the Beatitudes one by one.

Live Q&A with Josh Bossé (April 2024) — YouTube

“The Salt of the Land and the Light of the World” — BibleProject Podcast

400: Talmudic Matthew — Salt Jul 18, 2024

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks unearth a deeper meaning of salt through a Talmudic lens.

BEMA 248: Joy and Lot’s Untitled Wife

BEMA 94: Hope of the World

401: Talmudic Matthew — Light Jul 25, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Elle Grover Fricks to consider Jesus’s teaching on light through the lens of the Talmud.

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

BEMA 257: John — Wells and Husbands

402: Talmudic Matthew — Lightly Salted Aug 01, 2024

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 313: Parables — The Good Samaritan

Umm el-Qanatir — Wikipedia

403: Talmudic Matthew — But Actually John Aug 08, 2024

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

“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

The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark and Rachel Eleanor

404: Mariko Clark — The Book of Belonging Aug 15, 2024

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 — Substack

The Book of Belonging website

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Mariko Clark.

405: Practical Shabbat — Keeping Aug 22, 2024

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks keep Shabbat with Josh Bossé.

BEMA 331: Sanctuary — Resting with the Mishkan

Nerts — Wikipedia

406: Practical Shabbat — Remembering Aug 29, 2024

Brent Billings and Reed Dent join Josh Bossé in remembering Shabbat.

I Asked for Wonder by Abraham Joshua Heschel and Samuel H. Dresner

RRR (2022 film)

Who Is Man? by Abraham J. Heschel

407: Practical Shabbat — Breaking Sep 05, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are breaking Shabbat with Josh Bossé.

408: Practical Shabbat — Deepening Sep 12, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the depths of Shabbat with Josh Bossé.

Deborah by Sandra L. Richter

409: Sandra Richter — The Epic of Eden Sep 19, 2024

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.

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.

410: Session 8 Capstone Sep 26, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings close out Session 8 with Reed Dent, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé.

411: Session 9 Intro Oct 03, 2024

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

412: The Chosen S4E1 — “Promises” (Bonus Episode) Oct 07, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finally commence the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen, starting things off with episode 1.

BEMA 310: The Nativity Story

BEMA 49: Hosea — Prostitute

413: Hosea — Context and Caution Oct 10, 2024

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)

“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

414: The Chosen S4E2 — “Confessions” (Bonus Episode) Oct 14, 2024

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.

1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox

415: Hosea — Living Metaphor Oct 17, 2024

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.

The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann

BEMA 49b: Verastikh (Hosea)

Shirat Ha'azinu: The Song of Moses by Rabbi David Fohrman — Aleph Beta

BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.

416: The Chosen S4E3 — “Moon to Blood” (Bonus Episode) Oct 21, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with the controversial episode 3.

“Leading Like Jesus” sermon by Megan Trischler — University Christian Church

BEMA 386: Psalms — The Whole Human Experience

417: Hosea — Staring Brokenness in the Face Oct 24, 2024

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.

“Lord’s Supper” by Frederick Buechner

418: The Chosen S4E4 — “Calm Before” (Bonus Episode) Oct 28, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with a big finally in episode 4.

Tel Dor — Wikipedia

Rediscovering Christmas by AJ Sherrill

419: A. J. Sherrill — Rediscovering Christmas Oct 31, 2024

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.

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.

420: The Chosen S4E5 — “Sitting, Serving, Scheming” (Bonus Episode) Nov 04, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with the struggles of Jesus in episode 5.

1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox

421: Hosea — When God Goes Missing Nov 07, 2024

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.

422: The Chosen S4E6 — “Dedication” (Bonus Episode) Nov 11, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with episode 6.

Festival Edition: Hiding Miracles — Marty Solomon, YouTube

BEMA 242: Spiritual Abuse — Commodities and Variables

423: Hosea — Forgiveness Nov 14, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings use the first portion of Hosea 6 to examine the relationship between God’s forgiveness and our repentance.

424: The Chosen S4E7 — “The Last Sign” (Bonus Episode) Nov 18, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss Season 4 of The Chosen and the dramatic events of episode 7.

Addendum: James Who? — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Gospel of Mary — Wikipedia

1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox

425: Hosea — Fruit in Keeping with Repentance Nov 21, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the conversation from the previous episode, considering the call to be different following our repentance.

426: The Chosen S4E8 — “Humble” (Bonus Episode) Nov 25, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up discussion of Season 4 of The Chosen with the emotional events of episode 8.

BEMA 283: John — Missing God in the Name of God

BEMA 124: Statement of Triumph

Presentation for Hosea — How Empty Is Empty? (PDF)

427: Hosea — How Empty Is Empty? Dec 05, 2024

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.

1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox

428: Hosea — Consequences Dec 12, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss Hosea 9 and the consequences of participating in imperial rebellion against the Lord.

BEMA 362: Isaiah — Prophetic Pathos

Hyacinth — Wikipedia

Water Hyacinth — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Fearing Bravely by Catherine McNiel

429: Catherine McNiel — Fearing Bravely Dec 19, 2024

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Catherine McNiel, author of Fearing Bravely.

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.

It’s a Wonderful Life — Wikipedia

430: It’s a Wonderful Life Dec 26, 2024

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 — 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

BEMA 12: A Mission Realized

431: Hosea — Stubborn Soil Jan 02, 2025

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?

Your God Is Too Small by J. B. Phillips

432: Hosea — God’s Avatar Jan 09, 2025

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.

“Back to the Future” by Brad Gray (14 minutes) — Walking the Text

433: Hosea — Doomed to Repeat It Jan 16, 2025

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 (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

1994 Minister’s Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox

434: Hosea — Who Among Us? Jan 23, 2025

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

435: Hosea — The Hope of Healing Jan 30, 2025

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.

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