The BEMA Podcast

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 BibleSupport The BEMA Podcast

Dive into the profound theme of what it means to be children of God, featuring insights on loving enemies and the impact of kindness. Explore the biblical concept of Divine Fatherhood, contrasting it with modern individualism. The discussion delves into the complexities of relationships in biblical cultures and navigates the philosophical dimensions of the Gospel of Matthew. Emphasizing wholeness over unattainable perfection, the hosts encourage spiritual growth and deeper engagement with faith amid contemporary challenges.

Join excavation leaders Elle Grover Fricks and Reed Dent as they dig deep into ancient ideas about enemies alongside Brent Billings. They explore the Gospel of Matthew’s teachings on loving adversaries, contrasting them with traditional attitudes of vengeance. From retributive justice to the ethics of non-resistance, the conversation navigates biblical perspectives on aggression and challenges hypocrisy in moral attitudes. With humor and insight, they advocate for compassion and proactive conflict resolution in today’s complex world.

In this engaging conversation, author Karen Stiller shares her insightful journey through grief and creativity, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of writing. She highlights the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in storytelling, revealing how personal narratives intertwine with themes of holiness. Stiller also explores walking as a source of inspiration and connection, and reflects on her spiritual memoir, 'The Minister's Wife,' while discussing future ambitions. Additionally, she dives into the joys of reading, contrasting the pleasures of fiction and nonfiction.

Elle Grover Fricks, a guest speaker and expert on biblical teachings, joins Brent Billings to dive into Jesus' teachings on oaths. They explore the weight and historical significance of oaths in scripture, contrasting true devotion with hollow rituals. The conversation highlights the implications of Jesus' critique of oaths within the community and draws connections to modern integrity and communication. Insights on the cultural expectations of language and the power of uplifting words are also discussed, providing a rich exploration of faith and commitment.

Elle Grover Fricks, a guest speaker specializing in the contextual analysis of Jesus's teachings, joins Marty Solomon and Brent Billings for a deep dive into marriage and divorce in historical context. They unpack the nuances of biblical divorce, contrasting ancient Jewish and Roman customs. The conversation touches on how societal power dynamics influenced these teachings and humorously examines the absurdity within Talmudic divorce laws. They also discuss the importance of understanding marriage's complexities in a contemporary setting while maintaining a focus on community and safety.

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 ContestSupport The BEMA Podcast

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 LibrarySupport The BEMA Podcast

Elle Grover Fricks, a renowned guest speaker, dives into the complexities of Jesus' teachings on anger through a Talmudic lens. The discussion highlights the significance of accountability in church leadership and the need for community support in conflict resolution. The episode also emphasizes the power of language in fostering faith, contrasting contemporary slander with biblical principles. Listeners are invited to reflect on reconciliation and the restorative process in community relationships, making it a thought-provoking exploration of anger's implications.

Elle Grover Fricks, a guest speaker specializing in biblical teaching, joins Brent Billings to unpack two pivotal verses from the Sermon on the Mount. They dive deep into the Hebrew phrase 'Lech Lecha,' connecting it to Abraham's journey and exploring the nuances of law and prophecy. The discussion highlights the interrelation of Torah and Jesus’ teachings, emphasizing justice, gender equality in early Christianity, and the transformative power of the term 'Amen' in affirming truth and authority. Their insights prompt a re-evaluation of personal faith practices.