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
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.
Jul 3, 2025 • 57min
457: Qohelet Checks the Time
The hosts tackle the tension between human evil and desires in a light-hearted yet profound discussion. They unpack the philosophical insights of Qohelet, exploring the paradox of wealth and the emptiness that often accompanies it. Insights into the existential dilemmas of seeking fulfillment amidst life's complexities are shared. The reflection on the nature of abundance versus scarcity captures the transient nature of existence. Listeners are invited to navigate life's uncertainties and contemplate what truly constitutes a good life.
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 10min
456: Qohelet Weeds the Garden
Dive into the roots of evil and oppression, exploring their impact on solidarity and philosophy. Discover the power of listening over speaking, especially in sacred contexts. Reflect on self-examination in faith through the lives of biblical figures like Saul and David. Unravel the significance of mindful vows and the lessons from Yosef's dreams. Examine the intricate dance between power, injustice, and personal experience. Finally, contemplate the paradox of wealth and true contentment found in appreciating life's simplest moments.
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 7min
455: Qohelet Fights the Power
Brent Billings hosts Josh Bossé, a thought leader on biblical narratives, to explore Qohelet's insights into injustice and oppression. They dissect Ecclesiastes, reflecting on the futility of labor and the burden of envy. The discussion highlights the significance of community and connection, accentuating how relationships enrich life's purpose. Through powerful biblical metaphors and narratives, they emphasize the importance of solidarity in facing societal challenges, urging listeners to find balance between toil and tranquility.
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 17min
454: Qohelet Goes Off
Reed Dent, a biblical context expert, joins Brent Billings and Josh Bossé to explore deep philosophical themes found in Kohelet. They discuss the cyclical nature of life, focusing on the tension between birth and death. The dynamics of conflict resolution emerge as they advocate for healing over violence. They also reflect on humanity's search for meaning amid uncertainty, examining the relationship between divine purpose and personal narratives. Provocative insights challenge listeners to appreciate the complexities of faith, existence, and human dignity.
Jun 5, 2025 • 56min
453: Qohelet Tries to Party
Dive into the philosophical joys and perplexities of Qohelet as he navigates the party scene. Discover the paradoxes of pleasure and wisdom found in Ecclesiastes, exploring how hedonism often leads to existential dilemmas. Reflect on the intertwining themes of legacy and creativity in the face of uncertainty. Join the conversation about finding meaning and joy amidst life's fleeting moments, questioning the pursuit of fulfillment and the essence of a worthwhile existence.
May 29, 2025 • 1h 27min
452: Qohelet Gets Out of Bed
Elle Grover Fricks, a passionate speaker on Hebrew language and culture, joins Brent Billings and Josh Bossé to unlock the mysteries of Ecclesiastes. They dive into the book's philosophical depths, exploring gender perspectives and challenging traditional narratives. Key themes like the futility of life and cyclical existence are dissected, alongside the tension between wisdom and folly. The group encourages a reevaluation of genuine passion over obligation, offering profound insights into the human experience and spiritual journeys.
