The BEMA Podcast is a walk-through of the context of the Bible and the Text itself, as well as surrounding history.
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Listeners of BEMA Session 1: Torah that love the show mention: thank you marty, thanks marty, better questions, see god, understanding of scripture, brent, understanding of the bible, encouraging and convicting, studying the bible, heretical, start at episode, read the bible, understand the bible, hebrew, passages, episode 0, deepening, eastern, old testament, reading the bible.
The BEMA Session 1: Torah podcast is an incredibly informative and enlightening resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible. The hosts, Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, provide extensive analysis and commentary on the Torah, drawing from their knowledge of Jewish customs, history, and perspective. Their teachings challenge traditional interpretations and offer fresh insights into biblical texts. This podcast has truly been a game-changer in my spiritual journey.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the way it encourages listeners to think critically and ask questions about the text. Marty and Brent are not afraid to tackle tough topics or explore controversial ideas. They provide a safe space for dialogue, allowing listeners to engage with the material in a meaningful way. The depth of their knowledge is evident in each episode, as they skillfully navigate through complex subjects without overwhelming their audience.
Another great aspect of this podcast is its emphasis on community. Marty and Brent frequently mention the importance of discussing these teachings with others and sharing insights with fellow believers. They inspire listeners to dive deeper into scripture together and foster an environment where different perspectives can be explored respectfully. This sense of community adds another layer of richness to the learning experience.
While there are many positive aspects to this podcast, one potential drawback is that it may be overwhelming for those who are new to biblical studies or have limited knowledge of Jewish culture. Some episodes delve into deep theological concepts that might require prior understanding or additional research to fully grasp. However, this can also be seen as a positive challenge for listeners who want to expand their understanding.
In conclusion, The BEMA Session 1: Torah podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Bible. It offers fresh perspectives on familiar stories and challenges traditional interpretations in a thought-provoking way. The emphasis on community engagement makes it even more impactful, as listeners are encouraged to connect with others while exploring these teachings. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of scripture.
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Josh Bossé talk about the capital vice known as sloth—or rather, acedia.David Hume's Moral Philosophy: The Natural Virtues — Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyMaking All Things New by Henri NouwenInside Out 2 (2024 film)Glittering Vices by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoungAcedia & Me by Kathleen NorrisThe Message in the Bottle by Walker PercyBEMA 2: Knowing When to Say “Enough”1 Corinthians 3 — Reed Dent, Campus Christian FellowshipBEMA 400: Talmudic Matthew — SaltBEMA 401: Talmudic Matthew — LightBEMA 402: Talmudic Matthew — Lightly SaltedMark 11 (aroma reference) — Reed Dent, Campus Christian FellowshipWhere the Wild Things Are by Maurice SendakBEMA 136: Each OneThe Book of Delights by Ross Gay“Patient Trust” by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin“Followers, Not Admirers” by Søren Kierkegaard in Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and EasterPrayer of St. Teresa of Avila — Catholic Health Association of the United StatesLost in the Cosmos by Walker PercyThe Sabbath by Abraham Joshua HeschelThe Screwtape Letters by C. S. LewisCalorie — WikipediaCanada Geese and Diet Dr. Pepper — The Anthropocene Reviewed
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue analyzing Season 5 of The Chosen with a discussion of the seventh episode.The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb
Brent Billings and Reed Dent talk about wrath (and anger and revenge).“Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks — YouTubeSlow to Anger — BibleProject“Justice” by George MacDonald, Unspoken Sermons — The Literature NetworkGlittering Vices by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoungSteve Holt! — YouTubeThe West Wing S1E3, “A Proportional Response” (Part 1) — YouTubeThe West Wing S1E3, “A Proportional Response” (Part 2) — YouTube
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue analyzing Season 5 of The Chosen with a discussion of the sixth episode.
Brent Billings and Reed Dent talk about envy.The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999 film) — LetterboxdGlittering Vices by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung“The Other Six Deadly Sins” by Dorothy L. SayersThe Cardinal and the Deadly by Karl Clifton-SoderstromNo Exit (1944 play) by Jean-Paul Sartre — WikipediaBEMA 39: A King After God's Own Heart
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue analyzing Season 5 of The Chosen with a discussion of the fifth episode.The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbJesus and the Victory of God by N. T. Wright
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent talk about pride (or, rather, vainglory).The King of Comedy (1982 film) — LetterboxdWishful Thinking by Frederick BuechnerThere Will Be Blood (2007 film) — LetterboxdWhiplash (2014 film) — LetterboxdSoli Deo Gloria — WikipediaJohn Chrysostom — Wikipedia“This Is Water” by David Foster Wallace (YouTube)“This Is Water” by David Foster Wallace (Amazon)Glittering Vices by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoungJesus and the Victory of God by N. T. WrightThe Weight of Glory by C. S. LewisRaiders of the Lost Ark (1981 film) — Letterboxd
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue analyzing Season 5 of The Chosen with a discussion of the fourth episode.The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbDayenu — Wikipedia
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks talk about greed.Wall Street (1987 film) — LetterboxdGlengarry Glen Ross (1992 film) — LetterboxdThe Wolf of Wall Street (2013 film) — LetterboxdWishful Thinking by Frederick Buechner“Is Greed Good? On God and Wealth” by Donald Goergen — Church Life JournalTo Have or to Be? by Eric FrommFight Club (1999 film) – LetterboxdBEMA 356: Sabbath Practice — Friendship w/ Derrick James Rohr IIIThe Cardinal and the Deadly by Karl Clifton-SoderstromBEMA 314: Parables — The Barn BuilderLa Pachanga Mexican Restaurant
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue analyzing Season 5 of The Chosen with a discussion of the third episode.The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbJesus and the Victory of God by N. T. Wright
Brent Billings and Reed Dent gorge themselves on gluttony and its many forms.“Living Lent” by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton in Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and EasterGlittering Vices by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoungThe Screwtape Letters by C. S. LewisWhen Harry Met Sally (1989 film) — JustWatchThe Cardinal and the Deadly by Karl Clifton-Soderstrom“Hungry Mungry” by Shel Silverstein in Where the Sidewalk Ends“The Satisfactions of the Mad Farmer” by Wendell Berry in The Mad Farmer Poems
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the analysis of Season 5 of The Chosen with a discussion of the second episode.The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDb
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent dive into the first of our vices, lust.Confessions by Augustine of Hippo (Amazon)Confessions by Augustine of Hippo (Project Gutenberg)Glittering Vices by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoungGame Genie — WikipediaThe Cardinal and the Deadly by Karl Clifton-SoderstromThe Four Loves by C. S. LewisWishful Thinking by Frederick Buechner“The Two Loves” from The Hungering Dark by Frederick BuechnerNOOMA 002: Flame by Rob BellThe Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus — WikipediaThe Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into Season 5 of The Chosen with a discussion of the first episode.The ChosenThe Chosen (TV Series) — WikipediaThe Chosen (2017 TV Series) — IMDbThe Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci — Wikipedia
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent embark on a journey through the vices and virtues.The Gospel of Being Human by Marty Solomon and Reed DentConfessions by Augustine of Hippo (Amazon)Confessions by Augustine of Hippo (Project Gutenberg)Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas — WikipediaGlittering Vices by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoungThe Cardinal and the Deadly by Karl Clifton-SoderstromThe Seven Deadly Sins by Kevin VostThe Seven Deadly Sins by Solomon SchimmelThe Inferno by Dante Alighieri (Amazon)The Inferno by Dante Alighieri (Project Gutenberg)Seven (1995 film) — Letterboxd
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Ethan Bryan, author of A Year of Playing Catch, along with many other books. He has found himself in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the White House, and he is self-proclaimed “one of the best benchwarmers [from his] high school junior varsity baseball team.”A Year of Playing Catch by Ethan D. BryanBaltimore Orioles at Kansas City Royals, May 28, 1979 — Baseball Reference“Remembrance of Royals' Krispy Kreme promotion in 2000s strikes a chord with KC fans” by Pete Grathoff — The Kansas City StarThe Center for Healing and Justice Through SportField of Dreams (1989 film) — LetterboxdField of Dreams (Dubuque County, Iowa) — WikipediaMary Moore (infielder) — WikipediaA League of Their Own (1992 film) — LetterboxdPerry Barber — Grassroots BaseballPerry Barber — J! ArchiveThe Art of Asking Better Questions by J. R. BriggsCommunity Partnership of the OzarksThe Life-Saving Adventure of Gracelyn Gordon and Her Dog by Ethan D. BryanBraum's Ice Cream & Dairy StoreTen (Mostly) Recent Novels, Including Two Wonderful Reads You Haven't Heard Of by Byron Borger — Hearts & MindsReview of The Life-Saving Adventure of Gracelyn Gordon and Her Dog — Brent Billings, GoodreadsAmerica at the Seams by Nathan Rueckert with Ethan D. BryanFor the Life of the World 63: Passionate God, Crucified God, Joyful God — Yale Center for Faith and Culture, April 10, 2021, with Jürgen Moltmann & Miroslav VolfGrit by Angela DuckworthQuiet by Susan CainThe Catch-Playing Wedding StoryEthan Bryan on FacebookCatch 365 with the Nashville SoundsEthan Bryan's website Special Guest: Ethan Bryan.
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé close out this series, and—instead of letting Qohelet do the talking—consider the reflection of Qohelet in our hearts and in our lives.The Jesus Quest by Ben Witherington IIISabbath as Resistance by Walter BrueggemannOpportunities — Impact Campus MinistriesCampuses — Impact Campus MinistriesSign up for Josh's newsletter — Constant Contact
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé see Qohelet peacefully on her way.
Brent Billings, Josh Bossé, and Reed Dent join Qohelet by the pond.“Go to the Limits of Your Longing” by Rainer Maria Rilke — The On Being Project
Brent Billings, Josh Bossé, and Elle Grover Fricks sharpen the ax with their friend Qohelet.
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé join Qohelet as she draws us closer to a conclusion.Abel Beth Maachah — Wikipedia
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé turn their ears to Qohelet and learn to avert disaster.
Brent Billings, Josh Bossé, and Elle Grover Fricks consider what is truly important.Persona (1966 film) — JustWatch
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by the BEMA Kokomo discussion group from Indiana, which launched in 2021, to share their story and give everyone an idea of what a healthy, thriving group can look like.BEMA 317: Asking Better Questions of the Bible w/ Erin GeiselmanBridgeway Church in Kokomo, IndianaAsking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty SolomonEvolving Faith Podcast 1: Evolution, Apocalypse, and Remembering Rachel Held EvansCrossroads Community Church in Kokomo, IndianaTrust Fall by Brent FaulknerReview of Trust Fall — Marty Solomon, GoodreadsCitizenship Papers by Wendell Berry Special Guest: Erin Geiselman.
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé reflect on the tension of human evil and the problem of desire.
Brent Billings, Josh Bossé, and Qohelet herself look deeply at the roots of evil.“Let My Words Be Few” by Rebecca St. James — YouTube
Brent Billings and Josh Bossé watch Qohelet cast her gaze on injustice and oppression.
Brent Billings, Josh Bossé, and Reed Dent consider the appointed time for everything.BEMA 382: Psalms — Small, Not InsignificantFirst Reformed (2018 film) — JustWatch
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé follow Qohelet into many parties to see if we can find any meaning in joy.
Brent Billings, Josh Bossé, and Elle Grover Fricks launch an exploration of one of the least understood books of Tanakh (Ecclesiastes).BEMA 320: The Forgotten Women — Sages and Wise WomenThe Wind Rises (2013 film) — JustWatch
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Ashlee Eiland, author of Say Good, and someone who seeks to join in God's redemptive work on Earth. Ashlee is the head of school at Living Stones Academy, and formerly served as co-lead pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in western Michigan. Ashlee and her family live in Grand Rapids.Say Good by Ashlee EilandThought of the Day: Say Good — Marty Solomon, YouTubeMyles and His Many Friends by Ashlee EilandBooks by Steve CarterHuman(Kind) by Ashlee EilandThe Colossian ForumLeap of Faith (2024 film)The Van Lunen Center Fellows ProgramAshlee Eiland on Instagram Special Guest: Ashlee Eiland.
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé truly cap off this series by taking a second gander at the Lord's Prayer.One Thousand Gifts by Ann VoskampBEMA 286: John — The Test of BreadWhy Is Shavuot Celebrated — Aleph Beta
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé close out this series by taking a gander at the Lord's Prayer.BEMA 97: Done in SecretBEMA 332: Andrew DeCort — Flourishing on the Edge of FaithTextus Receptus — WikipediaCodex Sinaiticus — WikipediaCodex Vaticanus — WikipediaAlexandrian Text-Type — WikipediaByzantine Text-Type — Wikipedia“Ancient Amulets with Incipits” — Biblical Archaeology Society“The Lord's Prayer” (Live from Jerusalem in 2001) — Charlotte Church, YouTubeBEMA 325: Sanctuary — Waking Up in the Mishkan
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks step into their prayer closets and shut the door on the babbling pagans.BEMA 97: Done in SecretLares — WikipediaBornless Ritual — Wikipedia
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks take a spin with Jesus's concept of rewards or wages.Wealth, Poverty, and Charity in Jewish Antiquity by Gregg E. GardnerBEMA 97: Done in SecretDe Re Publica, De Legibus by Cicero — Internet ArchivePietas — WikipediaVirtus — WikipediaPolitics by Aristotle — Internet ArchivePolitics (Aristotle) — WikipediaEuergetism — WikipediaSynagogue Wall Decorations — Sardis ExpeditionInscriptions of the Megiddo Mosaic — Museum of the Bible
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks take a crack at what it means to be children of God.“What's Wrong with Winsomeness?” by Russell Moore — Christianity TodayThe Greatest Prayer by John Dominic CrossanBEMA 80: Silent Years — PhariseesBEMA 102: Son of ManMisreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Richard JamesDr. Anna C. Miller — Xavier University
Brent Billings and Reed Dent team up with Elle Grover Fricks to excavate some ancient ideas about enemies.BEMA 96: But I Say Unto YouJesus and Nonviolence by Walter WinkThe Peaceable Kingdom by Stanley HauerwasRise and Kill First by Ronen Bergman1QS 1 (Community Rule) with Matthew 5:43 — Intertextual BibleBEMA 358: Sabbath Practice — PrayerGreek Priest Recreates Excitement of Resurrection Announcement — InstagramGreek Priest Recreates Excitement of Resurrection Announcement — TikTok“‘Flying Priest' Marks Holy Saturday's Liturgy in Greece” by Nick Kampouris — Greek Reporter
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Karen Stiller, author of Holiness Here and the author and editor of many other books, magazines, essays, and more.Holiness Here by Karen StillerReview of Holiness Here — Marty Solomon, GoodreadsReview of Holiness Here — Brent Billings, GoodreadsMeadow Lake Progress — WikipediaBooks by Frederick BuechnerBooks by Anne LamottThe Minister's Wife by Karen StillerCraft, Cost & Call by Patricia Paddey & Karen StillerKaren Stiller's coachingFaith Today PodcastKaren Stiller's websiteKaren Stiller on InstagramKaren Stiller on Substack Special Guest: Karen Stiller.
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks investigate Jesus's teaching on oaths.“Greek Oath-Rituals” by Irene Berti — OpenEdition Books“The Greek Oath in the Roman World” by Serena Connolly — Oxford Academic“Loosing Vows and Oaths in the Roman Empire and Beyond: Authority and Interpretation” by Moshe Blidstein — De Gruyter“The Kinyradai of Paphos” by John Curtis Franklin — The Center for Hellenic Studies
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Elle Grover Fricks to contextualize Jesus's teaching on divorce in its Jewish and Roman landscape.
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé take a closer look at Jesus's teachings on desire.BEMA 273: John — Pericope of an Honor Contest
Brent Billings joins Elle Grover Fricks to reconsider the topic of reconciliation through a Talmudic lens, featuring Reed Dent.BEMA 36: The Redemption Cycle“Dining in Heaven” by Robin M. Jensen — Biblical Archaeology Society Library
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks consider Jesus's teaching on anger through a Talmudic lens.Matthew 5:22 (Interlinear) — Bible HubA Rabbi Talks with Jesus by Jacob Neusner
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks search out what life can be found in two short verses from the Sermon on the Mount.Halakha — WikipediaBEMA 95: Abolish or FulfillBook of Tobit — Wikipedia
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Elle Grover Fricks to lay the groundwork for another series of Talmudic conversations in Matthew.“Dei Verbum” — Pope Paul VI, November 18, 1965Magisterium — WikipediaA Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus, Volume I, by John P. MeierEarly Jewish Messianism in the New Testament — “Introduction” by Serge RuzerJudah ha-Nasi — WikipediaBEMA 107: Donkeys and Rabbis
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Brant Hansen, author, nationally syndicated radio host, and advocate for healing children through CURE International.CURE InternationalTenth Avenue North — WikipediaUnoffendable by Brant HansenLinchpin by Seth GodinLife Is Hard, God Is Good, Let's Dance by Brant HansenKingdom, Grace, Judgment by Robert Farrar CaponBrant Hansen on Good Morning America — YouTubeThe Men We Need by Brant HansenThe (Young) Men We Need by Brant HansenThe Unoffendable Small Group Questions Leaders GuideBrant Hansen's websiteAdditional audio production by Gus Simpson Special Guest: Brant Hansen.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude an examination of Hosea, finding out what actually gets the last word. Featuring a special appearance by Elle Grover Fricks.1994 Minister's Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. CoxTradition for Crisis by Walter BrueggemannAmos/Hosea by James M. WardHosea: A Commentary by James Luther MaysThe Interpreter's Bible, Volume VI by George Arthur Buttrick
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
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings watch the prophet parallel the experience of God's people with the history of their Patriarch Jacob.“Back to the Future” by Brad Gray (14 minutes) — Walking the Text“Back to the Future” by Brad Gray (55 minutes) — Central Holland Church, YouTube1994 Minister's Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. Cox
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are with Elle Grover Fricks to venture into Hosea 11, seeing a shift in the prophet's tone as he talks about who God is and how God feels.Your God Is Too Small by J. B. Phillips
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are with Josh Bossé to travel through Hosea 10, finding instructions for what can be done in the face of such idolatrous vanity.BEMA 109: Which Soil?BEMA 12: A Mission Realized
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