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
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 4min
479: Vice & Virtue — Wrath
Exploring the complexities of wrath, Brent and Reed dive into the allure of revenge and its biblical implications. They discuss how God's anger, slow and restorative, contrasts with human anger's vengeful tendencies. Referencing scripture, they examine what provokes divine wrath and its ultimate goal of healing. The conversation highlights the dangers of misdirected anger and the use of pop culture to process feelings of revenge. They encourage self-reflection on anger's role in our lives and its potential for motivating compassion.
Oct 20, 2025 • 38min
478: The Chosen S5E6 — “Reunions” (Bonus Episode)
Dive into a gripping analysis of the latest episode, where the hosts dissect the intricate dynamics surrounding the Passover and Last Supper. Explore the tension between Nicodemus and Mary, highlighting their differing views on Jesus. Delve into Judas' secret negotiations with the high priest and the gripping political landscape under Pilate’s watch. Hear about Kofni’s vengeance and the reveal of Barabbas, culminating in Nicodemus's ominous scriptural reflections on Jesus' fate. This discussion uncovers layers of intrigue and character motivations!
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
477: Vice & Virtue — Envy
Brent and Reed dive into the complexities of envy, using The Talented Mr. Ripley to illustrate its consuming nature. They differentiate envy from covetousness, highlighting how it distorts identity and fosters zero-sum thinking. Exploring Aquinas' views, they discuss envy’s harmful social effects and its opposition to love and joy. The hosts examine cultural tendencies to leverage envy for competition, lined with biblical examples of Cain and Abel. Practical strategies to combat envy are shared, promoting self-examination and celebrating others.
Oct 13, 2025 • 31min
476: The Chosen S5E5 — “Because of Me” (Bonus Episode)
Marty and Brent dive deep into the intricacies of character development in The Chosen, exploring themes of betrayal and personal growth among the disciples. They discuss the intentional use of camera techniques and reflect on biblical moments, like Judas' possession and Thomas' anger. The market confrontation adds social tension while Claudia’s dream hints at Pilate’s domestic issues. Conversations around Sanhedrin politics reveal deeper power dynamics, leading to surprising character returns and suspenseful moments, such as Mary's kidnapping.
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
475: Vice & Virtue — Vainglory
Dive into the intriguing world of vainglory as the hosts explore its connection to fame and applause. They dissect pride through the lens of literature and cinema, showcasing how films like Whiplash and There Will Be Blood illustrate its complexities. John Chrysostom’s insights on pride’s impact on believers highlight the vice's subtle grip. Social media's role in fostering vainglory comes under scrutiny, revealing how recognition can distort self-worth. A monastic tale about burning baskets underscores the value of genuine, unrecognized effort.
Oct 6, 2025 • 42min
474: The Chosen S5E4 — “The Same Coin” (Bonus Episode)
Marty and Brent dive deep into Season 5 of The Chosen, analyzing key moments like the Passover scene and its structure. They explore the significance of Dayenu and the Seder elements. The portrayal of Judas and his controversial exit from the meal sparks a conversation about his motivations and political frustrations. The hosts also discuss how the disciples react to tension, the dynamics of the Sanhedrin plotting against Jesus, and the emotional depth of women's roles during the Seder. Their insights weave together history, drama, and character development.
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 14min
473: Vice & Virtue — Greed
Elle Grover Fricks, a scholar in Christian ethics and reception history, joins the conversation to explore the complex nature of greed. They discuss iconic films like Wall Street and The Wolf of Wall Street, relating them to the disordered desire of greed. Elle emphasizes how greed obstructs kingdom living and shapes identity in consumer culture. The hosts examine the isolation it causes, the psychological toll it takes, and challenge norms around ownership and community practices, advocating for a mindset of liberality and reflection on our possessions.
Sep 29, 2025 • 38min
472: The Chosen S5E3 — “Woes” (Bonus Episode)
Join the hosts as they dive into the emotional intensity of Jesus weeping during the triumphal entry. They explore the disciples' confusion during the Passover, shedding light on the promise of the Holy Spirit. The episode challenges the authority of Jesus post-temple cleansing, unveiling the reactions of religious leaders debating their next moves. Judas’s character takes center stage, revealing his inner conflicts. The commentary includes a thought-provoking look at Jesus' teachings on the end times and the powerful portrayal of his lament over Jerusalem.
6 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 3min
471: Vice & Virtue — Gluttony
Brent and Reed dive into gluttony, exploring its forms beyond food, including media and ideas. They discuss the tension between indulgence and self-control in modern culture. Delving into delightful versus excessive consumption, they share personal insights and global consequences of overconsumption. They reflect on biblical critiques of appetite-worship and emphasize the importance of community in meals. With a call for magnanimity and practices like fasting and feasting, they encourage a mindful approach to consumption, restoring joy and connection.
Sep 22, 2025 • 28min
470: The Chosen S5E2 — “House of Cards” (Bonus Episode)
Hosts dive deep into the intricacies of the second episode from Season 5 of a beloved series. They discuss the bold narrative design choices, including flashbacks and the unique portrayal of significant events like the Last Supper. Character dynamics steal the show, with insights into mercy, cleanliness, and the political intrigue surrounding key figures. The delicate reunion of Thomas and Naomi adds emotional weight, while the analysis of temple-cleansing scenes reveals how production choices influence storytelling.
