The BEMA Podcast
BEMA Discipleship
The 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.
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
Mentioned books
Sep 11, 2025 • 58min
467: Vice & Virtue — Introduction
The hosts delve into the intriguing interplay between vices and virtues, revealing how personal experiences and family shape our moral landscape. They explore historical insights from figures like Augustine and philosophical perspectives on sin and human nature. The discussion emphasizes the significance of embodying virtues in our lives, highlighting how they can transform our relationships. They also provide a resource guide for those wanting to dive deeper into the themes, covering literature and even film related to these timeless concepts.
Sep 4, 2025 • 49min
466: Ethan Bryan — If You Were Brave
Ethan Bryan, author of "A Year of Playing Catch" and known for his unique storytelling, dives into how personal narratives can combat fear and foster faith. He shares his heartfelt journey of overcoming anxiety while crafting emotional connections through creative writing. The discussion also explores the importance of community-building through collaborative projects and mentorship in youth sports. Plus, hear about his nostalgic ties to baseball, illustrating how simple moments of playing catch strengthen family bonds and create lasting relationships.
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 3min
465: Qohelet’s Reflection
The speakers delve into the profound themes of Qohelet, addressing justice and existentialism. They highlight the shift from existential futility to proactive activism, urging a deeper understanding of life beyond materialism. The discussion also touches on the spiritual identity struggles faced by the younger generation in today's society. Emphasizing the value of community and relationships, they advocate for mindfulness and presence, sharing personal reflections and insights into navigating challenges in college ministry and the virtual landscape.
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 36min
464: Qohelet Goes Home
Explore the poetic nuances of Qohelet's final chapter with a lighthearted take on youth and divine gifts. Delve into reflections on aging, mortality, and the transient nature of life through vivid metaphors like locusts and almond trees. The discussion highlights joy's fleeting moments contrasted with enduring struggles, emphasizing life's impermanence. Unpack complexities in biblical texts, including irony and the challenge of understanding ancient wisdom. Engage in philosophical debates about duty, divine judgment, and the quest for deeper meaning.
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 21min
463: Qohelet Feeds the Ducks
The hosts discuss the serene backdrop of a pond while unraveling the philosophical themes of Qohelet. They tackle the nuances of generosity through biblical translations and the unpredictable nature of sharing resources. The conversation dives into the importance of resilience amid uncertainty, using agrarian metaphors to illustrate life’s randomness. They highlight the beauty in life's dualities, embracing joy and sorrow, and stress the role of community and introspection in personal transformation.
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
462: Qohelet Rolls the Dice
Elle Grover Fricks, a keen interpreter of ancient texts, joins Brent Billings and Josh Bossé to dissect the philosophical layers of Qohelet. They explore the dance between wisdom and folly, revealing how minor foolish acts can shape reputations. The conversation delves into power dynamics through the characters of Haman and Mordecai, shedding light on their contrasting traits. They also touch on genuine healing versus mere stoicism, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the repercussions of personal choices in communal contexts.
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 16min
461: Qohelet Gives a Pep Talk
Dive into a philosophical journey where individuality meets communal identity through Eastern thought. Explore the complexities of righteousness and wisdom while grappling with life's inevitable mortality. Uncover deeper meanings in Hebrew language and emotions as they relate to fate and hardship. Embrace the joy of daily life amid divine approval and life’s unpredictability. Reflect on the value of wisdom, even when overshadowed by reputation. The narrative of a small city serves as a metaphor for deeper connections and the importance of a sacred calling in today’s world.
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
460: Qohelet Hears Bad Words
Delve into the complex themes of the Book of Qohelet, highlighting individualism and community responsibility. Explore the challenges of translating ancient wisdom and the transformative impact of divine encounters. Discover the weight of leadership words and the moral duties that come with them. Examine the tension between obedience and morality, using metaphors to illustrate unpredictable consequences. Finally, engage with anti-authoritarian sentiments in biblical literature and the intricacies of justice, urging personal responsibility in navigating life's moral landscape.
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 24min
459: Qohelet Buys a Coffin
Elle Grover Fricks, an insightful voice on biblical texts, joins Brent Billings and Josh Bossé to delve into the profound messages of the book of Kohelet. They explore the true essence of personal legacy, emphasizing the importance of reputation over wealth. The conversation navigates the balance between joy and sorrow, urging reflection on life's experiences. Fricks also discusses the complexities of righteousness versus empathy and challenges traditional interpretations of femininity in wisdom literature, encouraging a richer understanding of identity and community.
Jul 10, 2025 • 51min
458: BEMA Kokomo — The Body of Christ
A vibrant group from Kokomo, Indiana shares how community has transformed their faith journeys. They discuss the power of vulnerability, inclusivity, and building supportive spaces among pastors. Personal stories about grief and loss resonate, especially during the Blue Christmas season. The importance of compassionate care for women and children is highlighted, along with the role of thoughtful leadership. Authentic connections and the impact of collective storytelling bring excitement to their experiences, illustrating the profound effects of fellowship.
