The BEMA Podcast
509 episodes — Page 5 of 11
304: The Construction of the Gospel of John
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the different elements of John’s construction and consider some of the scholarly theories and observations that have been made over the years, seeing what there might be to learn in those possibilities.Discussion Video for BEMA 304Interpreting the Gospel of John by Gary M. BurgeAsking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon
303: The History and Style of the Gospel of John
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a tour through the history of textual criticism that surrounds the Gospel of John and we look at the unique styles and attributes of John’s writing.Discussion Video for BEMA 303Interpreting the Gospel of John by Gary M. BurgeHistorical Tradition and Sources in John
302: John — Do You Even Like Me?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings listen in on the restoration of Peter and consider the conclusion John writes for his Gospel account.Discussion Video for BEMA 302BEMA 131: BetrayalPre-order: Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon
301: John — On Doubting and Locked Doors
Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss Thomas—a seemingly strange disciple—and question the nature of doubt and belief.Discussion Video for BEMA 301“The Seeing Heart” by Frederick Buechner — YouTube“Frederick Buechner, Novelist With a Religious Slant, Dies at 96” by Robert D. McFadden — The New York TimesWishful Thinking by Frederick Buechner“St. Thomas Didymus” by Denise LevertovThe Stream & the Sapphire by Denise LevertovJoin the BEMA Slack
300: John — The Migdal
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks witness the resurrection of Jesus and consider the figure of Miriam the Migdal, more commonly known as Mary Magdalene.Discussion Video for BEMA 300Isis — WikipediaEarly Christian Women and Pagan Opinion by Margaret Y. MacDonaldThe Resurrection of Mary Magdalene by Jane SchabergThe Woman Jesus Loved by Antti Marjanen
299: John — One Pierced
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings pick up after the moment of Jesus’s death on the cross, looking at the preparations for his burial and the work of two unexpected characters who take their own stand in honoring Jesus.Discussion Video for BEMA 299Arimathea — Wikipedia
298: John — Not Forsaken
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into John’s account of Jesus’s crucifixion.Discussion Video for BEMA 298The Case for Christ by Lee StrobelShmuel Safrai — Wikipedia
297: Kat Armas — Abuelita Faith
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith, whose earliest theological formation came from her grandmother and ultimately inspired her to tell the stories of those we find on the margins. She teaches people to reflect on the abuelitas in their lives and shows us how to live out this kind of faith on a daily basis.Discussion Video for BEMA 297The ProtagonistasAbuelita Faith by Kat ArmasAbuelita Fe by Kat ArmasSacred Belonging by Kat ArmasBEMA 52: Jonah — PotentialKat Armas’s websiteKat Armas on TwitterKat Armas on InstagramAdditional audio production by Gus SimpsonSpecial Guest: Kat Armas.
296: John — I Am He
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see Jesus arrested, finding himself questioned, Peter questioned, finding himself lacking in courage, and Pilate drawn into an argument, finding himself cornered.Discussion Video for BEMA 296Join the BEMA Slack
295: John — Strategy
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at Jesus’s famous prayer for unity. Why is this his foremost concern before he goes to the cross?Discussion Video for BEMA 295
294: John — Sacrifice, Suffering, and Joy
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks consider the various words for sacrifices in Hebrew before moving on to the second half of John 16 as we work our way through the Farewell Discourses.Learning Hebrew with Elle — Sacrifices (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 294Consider the Birds by Debbie BlueMichael Pakaluk — The Catholic University of AmericaGeorge Parsenios — Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of TheologyUrban von Wahlde — Loyola University ChicagoRaymond E. Brown — WikipediaBurton Visotzky — Wikipedia“Wine, Women, and the Polis” by Brigette Ford Russell — JSTORBEMA 248: Joy and Lot’s Untitled Wife w/ Elle Grover Fricks
293: John — Sin, Righteousness, Judgment
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue Jesus’s discussion about the place of persecution in the coming days, decades, and centuries. What is the Holy Spirit’s job (or at least one of them) in this process of glorification?Discussion Video for BEMA 293Join the BEMA Slack
292: John — The Pruning Work of Persecution
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings spend time in one of the staple passages of Impact Campus Ministries, and a foundational text for intimacy with God. Jesus is the true vine—what can we learn by taking this truth seriously?Discussion Video for BEMA 292BEMA 24: Creating a SpaceAbout — Impact Campus Ministries
291: John — Parakletos
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue into Jesus’s discourse in preparation for his death, where he promises the Advocate, the Helper, the Counselor—the Holy Spirit.Discussion Video for BEMA 291Holy Spirit — BibleProjectJoin the BEMA Slack
290: John — This Is the Way
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin Jesus’s final discourse in John as he prepares for his imminent arrest, considering what it means that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.Discussion Video for BEMA 290BEMA 22: Under the ChuppahThe Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)BEMA 87: John — GraftedBEMA 137: A Dry Tree
289: John — Loved to the End
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin an examination of the “Book of Hours” or the “Book of Glory.” What does it look like to believe in Jesus?John — Loved to the End Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 289BEMA 131: BetrayalThe Fidelity of Betrayal by Peter Rollins
288: Steve Park — Little Lights
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Steve Park, founder of Little Lights Urban Ministries in Washington, DC. He teaches race literacy for Christians, provides after-school and summer programs, adult and employment programs, Christian mentoring and Bible studies, and so much more.Discussion Video for BEMA 288Little LightsThe Road Less Traveled by M. Scott PeckThe World’s Religions by Huston SmithRace: The Power of an Illusion — PBSRace Literacy 101 ClassLittle Lights on YouTubeLittle Lights on FacebookLittle Lights on InstagramLittle Lights on LinkedInLittle Lights on TwitterAdditional audio production by Gus SimpsonSpecial Guest: Steve Park.
287: John — The Test of Meat
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé resume an reexamination of John 6 as Jesus continues to subvert the expectations of the people as the second Moses.Discussion Video for BEMA 286/287Josh Bossé on CaringBridgeJoin the BEMA Slack
286: John — The Test of Bread
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé examine John 6 for a second time, looking at the test Jesus gives to his disciples as they prepare to feed the 5000.Discussion Video for BEMA 286/287BEMA 281: John — You Are GodsJosh Bossé on CaringBridge
285: John — Book of Signs
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John’s “Book of Signs” and the concluding examination of belief and disbelief.Discussion Video for BEMA 285BEMA 64: 3 Isaiah — ServantThought of the Day: Two Hands of Faith — Marty Solomon, YouTubeThe Universal Christ by Richard Rohr
284: John — The Hour Has Come
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings work toward the closing of the Book of Signs in the Gospel of John as Jesus states that his hour has come.Discussion Video for BEMA 284BEMA 124: Statement of TriumphThe Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)Voice of God — Wikipedia
283: John — Missing God in the Name of God
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the Pharisees’ reaction to the raising of Lazarus, as well as the story of Mary anointing Jesus for burial.Discussion Video for BEMA 283“Missing God in the Name of God” sermon — University Christian Church, YouTubeThe Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)
282: John — The Dance of Grief
Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss a story about Mary and Martha and Jesus, which also happens to contain an episode about the death and resurrection of Lazarus.Discussion Video for BEMA 282“Lazarus Come Forth” by Carmen — YouTube“The Way of Suffering: A Reasoning of the Heart” by Jerome A. MillerExistence of God by John R. Jacobson
281: John — You Are Gods
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé discuss spiritual leadership and the conversations with Jesus in the temple courts at the Festival of Dedication.Discussion Video for BEMA 281Join the BEMA SlackJosh Bossé on CaringBridgeSupport Josh Bossé
280: The Road Back to Eden
Brent Billings provides an introduction for Marty Solomon to lead us in a special conversation that means a lot to him personally, meant to help us consider one of the things God is inviting us to as we partner with Him to put the world back together. How do we make it back to Eden?Discussion Video for BEMA 280BEMA 6: A Tale of a TowerThe Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Amazon)The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Aleph Beta)
279: John — My Sheep, My Voice
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at Jesus’s claim to be the true gate and the good shepherd for his sheep.John — My Sheep, My Voice Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 279BEMA 87: John — GraftedBEMA 26: Images of the Desert — ShepherdBEMA 105: An Explosive KingdomThe 7 Great I Ams #3: I Am the Door sermon — YouTubeThe 7 Great I Ams (Sermon Series) — YouTube
278: John — Only the Blind Can See
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the healing of a blind man and Jesus’s subsequent teaching on a different kind of blindness.Discussion Video for BEMA 278Everyman’s Talmud by Abraham CohenThe Prophetic Imagination by Walter BrueggemannAddendum to BEMA 80 — Marty Solomon, YouTube
277: John — Before Abraham Was
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider a provocative teaching of Jesus that nearly got him executed.Discussion Video for BEMA 277
276: John — Who Is Your Father?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the dispute Jesus has with those who believed him about who their father is.Discussion Video for BEMA 276
275: Kate Schmidgall — BitterSweet
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Kate Schmidgall, the founder and director of BitterSweet Creative, and the founder and editor of BitterSweet Monthly.Discussion Video for BEMA 275National Community Church, Lincoln Theatre CampusNCC Lincoln Theatre Campus StaffContemplations Series with Walter BrueggemannAn Other Kingdom by Peter Block, Walter Brueggemann, and John McKnightBreaking Ground by Anne Snyder and Susannah BlackComment MagazineResident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas and William H. WillimonFlourishing on the Edge of Faith by Andrew DeCortAdditional audio production by Gus SimpsonSpecial Guest: Kate Schmidgall.
274: John — Light of the World
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear Jesus talk about his own identity and testimony in the face of those who grapple with his teachings.Discussion Video for BEMA 274BEMA 85: Mark — Roman Gospel“Written in the Dust” sermon (Brad Gray) — YouTubeInterpreting the Gospel of John by Gary M. BurgeJesus Within Judaism by James H. Charlesworth
273: John — Pericope of an Honor Contest
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks talk about the cultural context of Jesus being confronted in the courts with the woman accused of adultery in John 8.Discussion Video for BEMA 273The Daniel Scene Brent Could Not Remember (from April 1986)Hebrew Classes with Elle“John 7:53-8:11: A Study in Misreading” by Gail R. O’Day — JSTORBEMA 82: The Text — When, Where, Who, and WhyMisreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Richard JamesThe 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 — JSTORTo Cast the First Stone by Jennifer Knust and Tommy Wasserman
272: The Chosen S2E8 — “Beyond Mountains” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude a review of Season 2 of The Chosen with a discussion on the eighth episode.(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 272The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbDallas Regrets This One Thing (Season Finale Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTubeBEMA 93: BlessedBEMA 99: Fruit of Fools
271: John — The Greatest Day of the Feast
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John 7, discussing the differing opinions about the identity of Jesus.Discussion Video for BEMA 271Miracles of Messiah by Ron MillerBEMA 76: Silent Years — SadduceesBEMA 130: The Plot to Kill Jesus
270: The Chosen S2E7 — “Reckoning” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the seventh episode of Season 2.(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 270The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb
269: John — Any Time Will Do
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings jump into John 7, discussing Jesus’s engagement with the Festival of Tabernacles.Discussion Video for BEMA 269Sukkot & Simchat Torah — Chabad.orgRabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton
268: The Chosen S2E6 — “Unlawful” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings return to The Chosen with a discussion on the sixth episode of Season 2.(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 268The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbEpisode 6: "This line wrecks me." (Director Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTube
267: John — The Far Side of a Tumultuous Sea
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Reed Dent to finish examining the sixth chapter of John, and attempt to bring some closure to this challenging portion of the Text.Discussion Video for BEMA 267I Asked for Wonder by Abraham Joshua HeschelPrototype by Jonathan MartinBEMA 230: Mandy Smith — UnfetteredUnfettered by Mandy SmithThe Experience of God by David Bentley HartJoin the BEMA Slack
266: The Chosen S2E5 — “Spirit” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the controversial fifth episode of Season 2.(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 266The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbZealot by Reza AslanI'm firing back about one criticism — The Chosen, YouTubeWhoa! Episode 5 was controversial (Director reacts) — The Chosen, YouTubeOur Bible consultants discuss our most controversial moment — The Chosen, YouTube
265: John — Make Him King
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrestle with the potential interpretations of what is happening in the beginning of John 6.Discussion Video for BEMA 265A Harmony of the Gospels (NASB) by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. GundryThe NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. GundryA Harmony of the Gospels by A. T. RobertsonBEMA 115: 5 Loaves, 2 Fish, and 1 Big LessonBoaty McBoatface — Wikipedia
264: The Chosen S2E4 — “The Perfect Opportunity” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture further into a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the fourth episode of Season 2.(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 264The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbPool of Bethesda — WikipediaBEMA 261: John — What Do You Want?Cohortes Urbanae — WikipediaOur best ever? Episode 4 Director Reaction — The Chosen, YouTube100 Fold Studio
263: John — Weighty Testimony
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the reactions to Jesus healing on the Sabbath in John 5, and discuss the authority of and testimonies about Jesus.Discussion Video for BEMA 263Impact Staff Opening at the University of OregonBEMA 95: Abolish or FulfillGod Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence KushnerBEMA 190: Session 4 Capstone
262: The Chosen S2E3 — “Matthew 4:24” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the third episode of Season 2.(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 262The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbOur most talked about scene ever? Chosen director reacts — The Chosen, YouTubeStory by Robert McKee“Who Would Have Dreamed” by Sovereign Grace Music — YouTube
261: John — What Do You Want?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Kevan Chandler of We Carry Kevan to continue through the Gospel of John, exploring the healing of the official’s son and the healing at the pool of Bethesda.Discussion Video for BEMA 261BEMA 102: Son of ManAddendum to BEMA 102 — Marty Solomon, YouTubeWe Carry Kevan (Nonprofit Organization)Additional audio production by Gus SimpsonSpecial Guest: Kevan Chandler.
260: The Chosen S2E2 — “I Saw You” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the second episode of Season 2.(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 260The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbBEMA 78: Silent Years — EssenesBEMA 253: John — Come and SeeBEMA 119: The Gates of HellBanias Archaeological Dig of 2020 — YouTube
259: Kevan Chandler — We Carry Kevan
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Kevan Chandler, author of the book We Carry Kevan, and founder of the nonprofit organization We Carry Kevan.Discussion Video for BEMA 259We Carry Kevan by Kevan ChandlerWe Carry Kevan (Nonprofit Organization)Andrew PetersonThe Wingfeather Saga by Andrew PetersonAdditional audio production by Gus SimpsonSpecial Guest: Kevan Chandler.
258: The Chosen S2E1 — “Thunder” (Bonus Episode)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are breaking ground with a first-time-ever Monday episode of BEMA, beginning the continuation of our review of The Chosen with a discussion on the first episode of Season 2.(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 258The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbBEMA 167: James — MitzvothAddendum on James — Marty Solomon, YouTube
257: John — Wells and Husbands
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to continue through the Gospel of John, exploring who the Samaritans are, the place of women in Jewish and Christian practice around the first century, and a sprinkling of midrash to top it all off.Discussion Video for BEMA 257Samaritans Cooking for PassoverTargum — WikipediaTargum Jerusalem, Genesis 28:10 — SefariaThe Samaritan Woman Story: An Alternative View — Israel Institute of Biblical Studies“Women Leaders in the Ancient Synagogue” by Bernadette J. Brooten — Brown University LibrarySerah — Sefaria
256: John — The One from Above
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the Gospel of John, looking at the testimony of John the Baptist as he ratifies the identity and ministry of Christ.Discussion Video for BEMA 256Map of the Regions of Israel in Ancient TimesThought of the Day: Imposter Syndrome — Marty Solomon, YouTubesphragizo — Blue Letter BibleTranscript for BEMA 256
255: John — Water, Spirit, Darkness, Light
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé continue the journey through the Gospel of John, discussing the meeting of Jesus and Nicodemus, and the themes of their conversation.Discussion Video for BEMA 255BEMA 226: The Chosen S1E7 — “Invitations”The Great British Bake Off — WikipediaThe Tree of Life (2011 film) — LetterboxdGod in Search of Man by Abraham Joshua HeschelMan Is Not Alone by Abraham Joshua HeschelTranscript for BEMA 255