The BEMA Podcast

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings officially wrap up the journey through history and talk about what comes next for BEMA…Out of Sorts by Sarah BesseyJesus Feminist by Sarah BesseyJoin the BEMA SlackMarty Solomon on YouTubeSign Up for the BEMA MessengerBible Book Timeline by Roger SchmidgallWhole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall)Transcript for BEMA 204

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings try to evaluate the great takeaways from this five-session journey through the Bible and the world of faith, talking about “The Four Pillars of BEMA” and imagining a world that returns to partake in some of the same things those early followers did thousands of years ago.Discussion Video for BEMA 203Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann“Time in Babylon” by Emmylou Harris — YouTubeTranscript for BEMA 203

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings bring the story to our current day, seeing what this last century has done to the world of faith that we call our own. What is Christian fundamentalism and where did it come from? And how does evangelicalism fit into all of this? As believers, we make many assumptions about the world around us, but knowing why it exists is often helpful in accepting what it is.AD 1925 to Today PresentationDiscussion Video for BEMA 202“Jacob Neusner, Judaic Scholar Who Forged Interfaith Bonds, Dies at 84” — The New York TimesJacob Neusner — WikipediaTranscript for BEMA 202

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings leave the French Revolution behind and move into the modern era. How was the newfound land of freedom and independence handled? How did it impact the theology and ecclesiology of the people?AD 1800–1925 Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 201Union in Truth by James B. NorthTranscript for BEMA 201

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey up to the end of the eighteenth century and follow the world of Protestant history as it moves out of the Reformation and through the Age of Enlightenment.AD 1650–1800 PresentationDiscussion Video for BEMA 200Rediscovering Discipleship by Robby GallatyTranscript for BEMA 200

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings walk through one century of history that experienced an unbelievable amount of change and progress. Even outside of church history, this evolving world was fertile soil for the Reformation.AD 1550–1650 Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 199Geocentric Model — WikipediaHeliocentrism — WikipediaTranscript for BEMA 199

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey from the Crusades and head toward the Protestant Reformation—but on the way, it is good to recognize some names that are often underappreciated. These figures truly paved the way for some of the formative changes coming to Christendom.AD 1300–1550 PresentationDiscussion Video for BEMA 198Transcript for BEMA 198

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine one of the darkest chapters in the history of Christendom.AD 1000–1300 PresentationDiscussion Video for BEMA 197Blue Like Jazz by Donald MillerBlue Like Jazz (2012 film)The Battle for God by Karen ArmstrongTranscript for BEMA 197

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 PresentationDiscussion Video for BEMA 196Byzantine Iconoclasm — WikipediaBEMA 0: Introductory LessonThe Genesis of Science by James HannamTranscript for BEMA 196

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey through the sixth and seventh centuries, examining the early monastic movements.AD 500–700 PresentationDiscussion Video for BEMA 195The Source by James A. MichenerTranscript for BEMA 195

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the fourth and fifth centuries and the period of the ecumenical councils of early Christendom.AD 300–500 Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 194Transcript for BEMA 194

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings walk through the second and third centuries of Church history. Why are we so not-Jewish in our Christian practice today? What happened to cause such a schism between Jews and Christians?AD 100–300 Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 193Bar Kokhba revolt — WikipediaDidache — WikipediaTranscript for BEMA 193

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss what history is, what it isn’t, and give some disclaimers about the intentions of Session 5.Discussion Video for BEMA 192Making an Impact: Message — Covered in His DustConstantine’s Sword by James CarrollChurch History in Plain Language by Bruce ShellyThe History of Christian Thought by Justo L. GonzálezChristian History ProjectThe Fall of Rome PodcastTikkun olam — WikipediaTranscript for BEMA 192

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings prepare for the beginning of Session 5 and our journey through church history by taking one last look in our rearview mirror.Session 5 Intro Presentation (PDF)Bible Book Timeline by Roger SchmidgallWhole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall)Sign Up for the BEMA MessengerDiscussion Groups MapJoin the BEMA SlackTranscript for BEMA 191

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hold the usual capstone conversation, concluding our journey through the remainder of Scripture and reviewing the entirety thereof.Session 4 Capstone Presentation (PDF)Bible Book Timeline by Roger SchmidgallWhole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall)Join the BEMA SlackSign Up for the BEMA MessengerDiscussion Groups MapTranscript for BEMA 190

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the book of Revelation and the final verses of our journey through the New Testament, hearing the moving description of a new heaven and a new earth and an old world that has been made new.Discussion Video for BEMA 189Transcript for BEMA 189

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings confront the great beast of Babylon as it appears in Revelation and consider which part of the story we should align with the most.Discussion Video for BEMA 188Revelation #14: Babylon’s Demise sermon — YouTubeTranscript for BEMA 188

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the voices of those who stood against Empire and paid for it with their lives, and are reminded that Revelation is not a book of futuristic code, but an encouragement to those trying to remain faithful almost 2,000 years ago.Discussion Video for BEMA 187BEMA Discipleship — NewsTranscript for BEMA 187

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see dragons and beasts and women riding on them. Who is this beast of land and sea? The same hermeneutic we’ve used throughout Revelation will help us know more.Revelation — Mother and Dragons Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 186Transcript for BEMA 186

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings press further into Revelation and this epic showdown and holy competition between Empire and Shalom.Discussion Video for BEMA 185Transcript for BEMA 185

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings put some context behind a cultural device that is setting up John’s Apocalypse, seeing the ancient Olympic Games and wrestling with John’s intent for the letter of Revelation.Discussion Video for BEMA 184Transcript for BEMA 184

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine some of the context behind the seals of the scroll that are opened and what happens when they are, taking note of the apocalyptic chaos that ensues.Discussion Video for BEMA 183Transcript for BEMA 183

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings head into the rest of Revelation and the apocalyptic vision that John is sharing with his persecuted audience, standing in the throne room and paying careful attention to what is seen.Revelation — The Throne Room Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 182Transcript for BEMA 182

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings travel to the last of the seven churches of John’s apocalypse: Laodicea. We’ve heard the warning against being a “lukewarm Christian.” Is there more context to this idea?Revelation — Lukewarm Laodicea Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 181The Early Church — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)Transcript for BEMA 181

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine John’s apocalyptic letter to the church of Philadelphia and look for context, as well as Text spoken into that context.Discussion Video for BEMA 180BEMA 161: 1 Thessalonians — ParousiaTranscript for BEMA 180

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wake up in the ancient city of Sardis to see her history and glory, which should help us understand the message in the letter to her church.Revelation — Waking Up in Sardis Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 179Transcript for BEMA 179

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the idea that John has been deliberately drawing off of apocalyptic prophets while speaking directly into culture, and we add one more layer to our hermeneutical toolbox as it relates to the book of Revelation.Discussion Video for BEMA 178Transcript for BEMA 178

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the ancient city of Pergamum and hear the letter to their church in its original context.Revelation — Pergamum and Satan’s Throne Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 177Transcript for BEMA 177

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to hone a hermeneutical prowess in the realm of apocalyptic literature, taking a look at the letter to Smyrna and asking, “What is the context?”Discussion Video for BEMA 176Transcript for BEMA 176

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings travel to Ephesus, hearing the first of John’s seven letters in its context.Discussion Video for BEMA 175BEMA 158: Ephesians — Family MembershipJoin the BEMA SlackTranscript for BEMA 175

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings prepare for a journey through the book of Revelation, remembering the function and method of apocalyptic literature and trying to remove the “crazy” from the study.Discussion Video for BEMA 174BEMA 68: Zechariah — Apocalyptic LiteratureChrist and the Caesars by Ethelbert StaufferThe Christians: Their First Two Thousand Years — A Pinch of Incense by the Christian History ProjectThe 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 KraybillThe Letters to the Seven Churches by William M. RamsayThe Days of Vengeance by David ChiltonThe Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era by James S. JeffersTranscript for BEMA 174

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the short, often forgotten, and confusing book of Jude. Just what is Jude talking about?Discussion Video for BEMA 173BEMA 169: 2 Peter — The Other Side of a ConversationBEMA 156: 1 Corinthians — Broken BodyThe Book of Enoch — WikipediaThe Book of Enoch — Academy of Ancient TextsThe Assumption of Moses — WikipediaThe Assumption of Moses (text and audio)Jude — BibleProjectTranscript for BEMA 173

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a brief but meaningful and reflective journey through the short letter of 3 John, hearing the apostle warn the church about those who are trying to discredit and dismantle the faith.Discussion Video for BEMA 172BEMA 39: A King After God’s Own HeartTranscript for BEMA 172

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the words of 2 John and toy with the question of who the woman is that John addresses his letter to.Discussion Video for BEMA 171Transcript for BEMA 171

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the letter of 1 John and his insistence on the role that love plays in truth—and not the other way around.Discussion Video for BEMA 170Docetism — WikipediaTranscript for BEMA 170

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the second letter from the Apostle Peter to see how he utilizes the Midrash to encourage the early believers to keep walking in faithfulness and not give in to the temptation to return to the cultural norms around them.Discussion Video for BEMA 169Sefaria: A Living Library of Jewish TextsThe Bible as It Was by James L. KugelNoah (2014 film)Transcript for BEMA 169

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the first of two letters penned by Peter, hearing the heart of a man who had went everywhere with Jesus—including betrayal and restoration.Discussion Video for BEMA 168Transcript for BEMA 168

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the book of James and its challenging contents. Love it or hate it, this letter often provokes very strong reactions.Addendum on James — Marty Solomon, YouTubeDiscussion Video for BEMA 167Transcript for BEMA 167

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the many different theories and explanations of atonement that have arisen throughout the centuries—a very critical conversation for theology in our day and how we interact with the story.Discussion Video for BEMA 166A Better Atonement by Tony JonesDid God Kill Jesus? by Tony JonesThe Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. LewisThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. LewisCrucifixion of the Warrior God by Gregory A. BoydThe Jesus Driven Life by Michael HardinA Community Called Atonement by Scot McKnightTranscript for BEMA 166

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin to examine the letter of Hebrews and learn from its potential context, hearing the call for us to be people who suffer well and persevere in the faith and struggle authored by Jesus himself.Discussion Video for BEMA 165Hebrews (Sermon Series) — Real Life on the PalouseHebrews InfographicTranscript for BEMA 165

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey through a tiny letter from Paul with a big message to Philemon, enjoying Paul’s light-hearted encouragement to live as Jesus would have us live.Discussion Video for BEMA 164Transcript for BEMA 164

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the lives of two very different pastors discipled by Paul—Timothy in Ephesus and Titus on Crete—and hear of their different personalities and how Paul uses each of them in his ministry.Addendum to BEMA 163 — Marty Solomon, YouTubeDiscussion Video for BEMA 163Walk as Jesus Walked — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)Kingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Farrar CaponTranscript for BEMA 163

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the second letter to Thessalonica, learn about the “Man of Lawlessness,” and wrestle with the implications of this mysterious character.Discussion Video for BEMA 162Transcript for BEMA 162

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings step into the context of the church in Thessalonica and examine the theme of “parousia.”Discussion Video for BEMA 161In Search of Paul by John Dominic Crossan and Jonathan L. ReedSurprised by Hope by N. T. WrightTranscript for BEMA 161

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the letter to the Colossians, pointing out the unique context that seems to surround the people there and the false thinking that seeks to pervade their lives of worship.Discussion Video for BEMA 160The Cave: An Adaptation of Plato’s Allegory in Clay — YouTubeSurprised by Hope by N. T. WrightTranscript for BEMA 160

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear Paul’s warm letter to the Philippians and see him express joy at their faith, love, and generosity as they follow Christ.Discussion Video for BEMA 159Kingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Farrar CaponTranscript for BEMA 159

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings travel to the second largest city in the Roman Empire and hear the words Paul wrote to the Ephesians.Discussion Video for BEMA 158Transcript for BEMA 158

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the second letter to the Corinthians and see their continued struggle to live out the gospel in their unique context.Discussion Video for BEMA 157Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth E. BaileyTranscript for BEMA 157

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a trip to Corinth for an examination of the first letter to that complex city.Discussion Video for BEMA 156Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth E. BaileyJoin the BEMA SlackTranscript for BEMA 156

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the verse-by-verse journey through the book of Romans and look back to see Paul’s big argument buried in this brilliant letter.Romans — God’s Mission, Paul’s Mission Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 155Transcript for BEMA 155