The BEMA Podcast
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The BEMA Podcast is a walk-through of the context of the Bible and the Text itself, as well as surrounding history.
212 Episodes
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8For the pilot episode of the BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the hopes and dreams for this series in the years to come.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings have an introductory conversation about the world of the Bible, investigating the differences between eastern and western perspectives.Introductory Lesson Presentation (PDF)Special music by Logan Daily.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the creation story in Genesis 1 and the foundation it lays for understanding the scriptural narrative correctly.Trust the Story Presentation (PDF)The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua HeschelBEMA Discipleship — GroupsJoin the BEMA Slack (I forgot to mention this!)Marty on TwitterBrent on TwitterBEMA Discipleship on TwitterBEMA Discipleship on FacebookMarty on InstagramBrent on InstagramBEMA Discipleship — Subscribe (Recommended Apps)
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.
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 (Amazon)The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Aleph Beta)Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the story of Noah and the Flood, digging through a wide variety of buried treasure from the author.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Noah’s departure from the ark and the tragedy that ensues.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the tower of Babel and some of the observations we can take away from the story.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look back over the first eleven chapters of Genesis and work to understand their significance to the greater narrative of the scriptures.The Preface Presentation (PDF)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings ask the same question the Rabbis have asked over the centuries: Why did God choose Abraham?Buried in a Genealogy Presentation (PDF)Follow-up: BEMA 208: Midrash — Iscah, Sarai, and Birth OrdersThe Epic of Eden by Sandra L. Richter
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Genesis 12–14: the call of Abram and his initial adventures in the land of Canaan.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings work through Genesis 15–17, continuing to look at the evolving partnership between God and Abram.Walking the Blood Path Presentation (PDF)Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to look at the kind of partner God has chosen in Abraham.Here I Am Presentation (PDF)Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.
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 — WikipediaGeorge DeJong, Under the Fig TreeThe Epic of Eden by Sandra L. RichterSandra Richter, Ph.D.The Anchor Bible Dictionary, Volume IImpact Campus Ministries
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin a look at the life of Jacob, covering Genesis 25–31.Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.God Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to look at the life of Jacob, covering Genesis 32–35.Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin a study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 37–40.Into the Pit Presentation (PDF)
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish the study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 41–50.Out of the Pit Presentation (PDF)Rabbi David Fohrman — TorahAnytimeThe Joseph Story — Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the introduction to God’s story and set up the narrative of the remainder of Scripture in an effort to understand what God is rescuing His people from.A God Who Hears the Cry Presentation (PDF)That the World May Know — Faith Lessons, Volumes 1–12God Heard Their Cry — Ray Vander Laan
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 1–12God Heard Their Cry — Ray Vander LaanGod Heard Their Cry, Lesson 1 — YouTube
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Really reflecting on this concept of restorative justice vs retributive justice. It seems that when living under God's wrath, in sin, God does use retributive justice to try to restore our hearts to a place of Shalom. Yet, he calls us to seek restorative justice in how we live in conjunction with others. What I am witnessing, however is that people are seeking retributive justice instead of leaving that to God and focusing on restorative justice. Seeking restorative justice calls for mutual responsibility to seek God and his will in all things. That is hard for some people in the face of their oppression. It requires a level of forgiveness and humility that takes much self discipline and self awareness.
For me it would have to be in dealing with my teenage children who have not grown up in the church. I became a Christian late in their years and was just getting foundations as they came into teenage. Some of their big life decisions have been influenced by their sin and they have adopted that into their core identity. It is hard to teach Christ and love in the face of opposition and their thought that by choosing to live in sin( which they see as just being true to themselves) you can be excluded from receiving the inheritance of the Almighty God in eternal life. I have had to choose to love, let go and respect their journey, pray and petition for their deliverance, wisdom and repentant hearts, putting all things in the hands of the creator. I have had to say, Go in Peace.
I was introduced to BEMA late October. First time ever heard of it. Listened to the first podcast on what BEMA was about...interested enough that I listened to the 1st lesson. I was blown away! I had goosebumps..I listened to it for at least 3 hours on and off..rewinding and letting it sink in. I am as Western as a Western can be. I am hungry to understand the bible more, I am hungry and thirsty to experience Jesus and God so much deeper. I am so glad that I am not narrow minded or live in a box. Its good to broaden our thinking. Knowledge is gold, finding BEMA is gold. Starting next month will start reading the Bible chronologically. I cannot wait to read it as well with the mind of an Easterner. It makes since that it was written in ancient time by Hebrews for Hebrew audience. I do not see this in anyway abandoning my Christian faith, I see it as strengthening my faith and reading the Bible through a different lens. Thank you for sharing this with the world!
Regarding the commment that praise songs and christian music doesn't sell if it's not happy. my favorite "christian" band is 16horsepower, woven hand, Dave Eugene Edwards... check them out for the darker, struggle side of our walk with God
why is the audio quality so off?
Is there a point in which we go from a narrative of 2 kingdoms to something different? Or is that not in this lifetime? Do we just have to choose one and stick to it until we die/Jesus returns?
Convictions though can change if reasoned out... I think Paul is steering the people to first love one another before trying to deepen another's faith. Disputable matters can become divisive even destructive if propped up as gospel. Such as, the men that serve in the church must wear a tie and jacket in order to pass communion plates...
First I'm told to hang on until the very end and then you leave me waiting to hear you say something for those that hang on until the end... That's like the joke about how to keep a Pollock in suspense (turn over page for answer) ... You write this statement on both sides and hand it to them...
Is it also possible the Ar'ar tree is representative of the tree in the garden that Adam and Eve were told not to eat from as well as sin itself. It's appearance is inviting and tempting, but what it delivers is death and suffering.
Thanks for sharing these Marty! While I've been a disciple at North River in Atlanta for 7 years now, I am just in the past year really finding myself trying to get away from the milk and on to solid food. I seek a deeper intimacy with God and understanding of the scriptures, the culture of His people and ultimately to hear his voice each day guiding me in all that I do.
regarding the story of Ruth and how Naomi and her husband went off to Moab. someone had mentioned that their sons names were not typical Jewish names and if perhaps the father was not a good Jew but running after the false gods of the Moab. of course they owe me being the dutiful wife had to go with him but it seems that God was not pleased with him he destroyed his family line. and I do believe Naomi was bitter because of our life was turning out. but I think because she turned to the Lord and her people and worked on being redeemed God blessed her as he so often does the people who turn back.
"...see if I can be called a heretic here..." lol
Honestly the absolute best podcast, teachings, sermons, WHATEVER people want to call it, I've learned SO much from this, I just ordered some fancy notebooks so I can sit down, start alllll over at the very first show and take some organized, color coded notes, this podcast has been better than any schooling I ever could have signed up and paid for. My life's literally been changed by this show, and if anyone out there is the the Weirton WV/Pittsburgh PA area, I would LOVE to find a study group or start one in the area, please reach out if your interested
There is so much to digest here! Great podcast. I have never seen Sabbath and The beginning of Genesis "Creation" from this perspective very interesting. I have been delighted with the explanation of Sabbath. Also, thanks for the reference to read more about it.
Regarding Genesis 1 in the beginning God said, let there be light... Could it be he was referring to life and Jesus? Could Because he is the light of life? Could Jesus have been created in the beginning? Could Jesus be the Light God spoke into existence? I know the sun was mentioned on day three so I don't think the light was that but there was light. In John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. 4In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. Perhaps also the division of light and darkness, refers to darkness as the division between Good and evil... 5The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
This is THE BEST podcast for a Bible study. I'm so glad I found this podcast. Completely life changing.
Marty, I have a serious question. Isn't possible that Jesus's father Joseph was still living during his ministry? In one of the passages the people identify Jesus as "the carpenter's son" to me meaning the carpenter is still around working his craft. There is also a passage that identifies Jesus as the carpenter so I wonder about this. Joseph isn't mentioned during Jesus's ministry and there's no statement that he died either. Jesus kind of denied Joseph early on saying, he needed to be about his Father's business meaning God. I can picture how this might alienate Joseph from Jesus who clearly knew he was not Joseph's son but God's...
In Episode 8 there is talk about having tools to look up and study phrases. I think they said it was in a discussion group. Do you have information about these tools?
"You're only as valuable as the number of bricks you can make." Your value comes from who you are, not what you can do.
What a great podcast!