varostreamThe BEMA Podcast is a walk-through of the context of the Bible and the Text itself, as well as surrounding history. We deconstruct our common readings of the Bible and attempt to reconstruct them through the lens of historical context. The main body of work is contained in Seasons 1–5, and we encourage you to start with episode 0 (or even -1) and continue in order through episode 204. Beyond that, we explore new topics, revisit old topics, and dive deeper into practical ways of living out the things we have learned together. BEMA Discipleship is a ministry of Impact Campus Ministries.
Episodes
95: Abolish or Fulfill
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 95 BEMA 64: 3 Isaiah — Servant Transcript for BEMA 95
37:5594: Hope of the World
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 94 BEMA 35: Crossroads of the Earth BEMA 56: Jeremiah — Weeping Love Wins by Rob Bell Transcript for BEMA 94
25:5693: Blessed
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the gospel of Matthew and into the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. Discussion Video for BEMA 93 Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton BEMA 74: Silent Years — Synagogue The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard Transcript for BEMA 93
37:5092: How to Bring Order Out of Chaos
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the stories of Jesus’s baptism and temptation. How to Bring Order Out of Chaos Presentation (PDF) 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
27:2591: Tavilah T'Shuvah
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into the third chapter of the gospel of Matthew, uncovering the ministry of John the Baptist. Discussion Video for BEMA 91 Complete Jewish Bible by David Stern Jewish New Testament Commentary by David Stern BEMA 42: The Fire of Elijah Transcript for BEMA 91
37:4190: A Gospel of Two Kingdoms
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish looking at the story of the birth of Jesus, juxtaposing two kings and the kingdoms that they bring. A Gospel of Two Kingdoms Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 90 Herod the Great — Wikipedia Masada — Wikipedia Herodium — Wikipedia Caesar’s Comet — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 90
23:4289: Written in the Stars
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 89 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
44:0988: Setting the Stage
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. Setting the Stage Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 88 Transcript for BEMA 88
26:5987: John — Grafted
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings spend time in the gospel of John, investigating the different tools he uses in speaking to his particular audience. Discussion Video for BEMA 87 Map of Asia and Asia Minor Transcript for BEMA 87
40:3586: Luke — Ordered
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the gospel of Luke and wrestle with the many perspectives regarding his audience and his agenda. Discussion Video for BEMA 86 The Evangelists’ Calendar by M. D. Goulder Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey Transcript for BEMA 86
22:1285: Mark — Roman Gospel
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 85 Transcript for BEMA 85
39:3284: Matthew — Mumzer
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 84 Didache — Wikipedia Mamzer — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 84
32:1283: Gospel Narrative
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 83 The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry Roman air conditioning — Twitter (thread) Transcript for BEMA 83
32:0982: The Text — When, Where, Who, and Why
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrestle with the questions surrounding the authorship of the Text. Discussion Video for BEMA 82 Documentary Hypothesis — Wikipedia BEMA 71: The Prophetic Table BEMA 62: Daniel — Son of Man Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism Presentation (PDF) Transcript for BEMA 82
49:2181: Silent Years — Association
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 81 Rising Strong by Brené Brown Transcript for BEMA 81
36:0880: Silent Years — Pharisees
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. Silent Years — Pharisees Presentation (PDF) 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
24:3779: Silent Years — Zealots
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. Silent Years — Zealots Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 79 Megan Gambino on Instagram Megan’s website [no longer available] Transcript for BEMA 79
40:4978: Silent Years — Essenes
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. Silent Years — Essenes Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 78 Qumran — Wikipedia Dead Sea Scrolls — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 78
21:4577: Silent Years — Herodians
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. Silent Years — Herodians Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 77 Sepphoris (Zippori) — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 77
31:1576: Silent Years — Sadducees
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. Silent Years — Sadducees Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 76 Transcript for BEMA 76
32:2475: Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism
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. Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism Presentation (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 75 Jim Feicht on Twitter Hellas — Wikipedia Empire of Alexander the Great — Wikipedia Transcript for BEMA 75
31:1774: Silent Years — Synagogue
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. Silent Years — Synagogue Presentation (PDF) 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) NOOMA 008: Dust by Rob Bell Transcript for BEMA 74
42:0073: Session 3 Intro
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. Session 3 Intro Presentation (PDF) Jim Feicht on Twitter NOOMA 019: Open by Rob Bell Transcript for BEMA 73
18:0572: Session 2 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give a summary of the prophets and the writings at the conclusion of Session 2 of the podcast. Presentation for Session 2 Capstone (PDF) Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle Impact Campus Ministries Transcript for BEMA 72
26:3271: The Prophetic Table
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 71 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann Transcript for BEMA 71
22:3070: Esther — Purim
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the book of Esther and the story that lies behind the celebration of Purim. Discussion Video for BEMA 70 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
34:4369: Malachi — Q&A
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 69 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann Transcript for BEMA 69
17:5968: Zechariah — Apocalyptic Literature
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 68 Transcript for BEMA 68
15:5367: Haggai — Build!
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings read through the prophecy of Haggai and find that the real issues rarely change—past, present, or future. Discussion Video for BEMA 67 Transcript for BEMA 67
23:0766: Ezra/Nehemiah — Passionate Leadership
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the different leadership styles seen during the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Discussion Video for BEMA 66 BEMA Discipleship on Facebook Transcript for BEMA 66
23:0665: 4 Isaiah — Hope
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 65 1 Isaiah — Vineyard Presentation (PDF) Faith Unraveled by Rachel Held Evans Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Transcript for BEMA 65
24:5264: 3 Isaiah — Servant
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 64 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann Transcript for BEMA 64
25:4363: Job — Perspective
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discover that the famous story of Job is so much more than we ever realized. Discussion Video for BEMA 63 NOOMA 012: Matthew by Rob Bell Literary Structure (Chiasm) of the Bible NOOMA 024: Whirlwind by Rob Bell Transcript for BEMA 63
26:2662: Daniel — Son of Man
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the book of Daniel and its persistent and sometimes hidden message of perseverance. Presentation for Daniel — Son of Man (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 62 Double Rainbow — YouTube Transcript for BEMA 62
21:0561: Ezekiel — Strength
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the apocalyptic visions of Ezekiel and his message of encouragement to a people trapped in exile. Discussion Video for BEMA 61 Transcript for BEMA 61
24:0360: Joel — Locusts
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 60 Transcript for BEMA 60
25:3859: Obadiah — Petra
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. Presentation for Obadiah — Petra (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 59 Transcript for BEMA 59
21:2058: Habakkuk — Watchtower
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 58 Transcript for BEMA 58
26:3157: Lamentations — Lament and Hope
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 57 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
25:4856: Jeremiah — Weeping
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin our journey through the Babylonian prophets, examining the famous weeping prophet: Jeremiah. Discussion Video for BEMA 56 The Disciple Scroll by Allan Rabinowitz Love Wins by Rob Bell Erasing Hell by Francis Chan Transcript for BEMA 56
40:2355: 2 Isaiah — Woe
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 55 Transcript for BEMA 55
32:0154: Zephaniah — T'shuvah
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the voice of Zephaniah as he warns the kingdom of Judah of impending judgment. Discussion Video for BEMA 54 Transcript for BEMA 54
35:1253: Nahum — Diyn
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. Discussion Video for BEMA 53 Information on BEMA Trips [Marty doesn’t need more emails] Transcript for BEMA 53
22:5652: Jonah — Potential
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the book of Jonah and try to uncover the message buried in this most unusual prophet. Presentation for Jonah — Potential (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 52 The Meaning of the Story of Jonah — Aleph Beta Academy Subscribe to Aleph Beta Academy BEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Transcript for BEMA 52
35:1151: 1 Isaiah — Vineyard
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. Presentation for 1 Isaiah — Vineyard (PDF) Discussion Video for BEMA 51 Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel Transcript for BEMA 51
37:3250: Micah — Judge
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. Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 50 The Companion for BEMA 50 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 50 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 31 August 2026 Original audio from 2 November 2017 Transcript for BEMA 50 of 2 November 2017
36:58Verastikh (Hosea)
A simplified version of the daily prayer from Hosea 2. This recording is meant to follow Episode 49. Verastikh le l'olam I will betroth you to myself forever. Lord.
1:0849: Hosea — Garden
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks examine the questions of Hosea from a bird’s eye view. Verastikh — Learn Hebrew Domestic Violence Statistics — The Hotline “The Scars of World War I Battlefields a Century Later” by Lucy Westcott — Newsweek “Scars of the Somme” by Kathryn Hansen — NASA Science Lochnagar Mine — Wikipedia Guns to Gardens Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 49 The Companion for BEMA 49 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 49 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 24 August 2026 Original audio from 26 October 2017 Transcript for BEMA 49 of 26 October 2017
58:0248: Amos — Plumb Line
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. Presentation for Amos — Plumb Line (PDF) The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel Plumb Line — Wikipedia Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 48 The Companion for BEMA 48 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 48 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 17 August 2026 Original audio from 19 October 2017 Transcript for BEMA 48 of 19 October 2017
36:2347: The Lord’s Mouthpiece
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. Presentation for The Lord’s Mouthpiece (PDF) Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 47 The Companion for BEMA 47 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 47 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 10 August 2026 Original audio from 12 October 2017 Transcript for BEMA 47 of 12 October 2017
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