The BEMA Podcast

The hosts discuss God's presence with Jacob despite his actions, exploring divine justice, Jacob and Rachel's heartfelt encounter, the importance of being buried together, the historical context of Jacob's tears, and his journey of redemption and transformation to Israel.

Hosts reflect on their changing views of Jacob's character and share insights from Rabbi David Fohrman's book. They explore the contrasting personalities of Esau and Jacob, discuss the absence of touch in Jacob's blessing, and analyze Jacob's struggle with identity and deception. They also compare Avraham and Jacob's responses to God's promises.

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest John Whittaker. He holds degrees in theology and ministry from Boise Bible College and Cincinnati Bible Seminary, plus a doctorate in preaching from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He served as a professor of preaching and the New Testament for 19 years, spent 11 years planting and pastoring a church, and has taught and preached at various places around the world. He has been teaching people to follow Jesus by learning to hear what the Bible says, and his latest endeavors are more accessible to people than ever. He and his wife, Louise, have been married for more than 30 years.Discussion Video for BEMA 211The Pursuit of God by A. W. TozerThe Practice of the Presence of God by Brother LawrenceJohn Whittaker’s websiteBible in Life PodcastTim Mackie: Skateboards, Jesus, and the Bible — Bible in Life PodcastBrad Gray: The Power of the Original Context — Bible in Life PodcastBrad Gray: The Old Testament Law and the Big Story of the Bible — Bible in Life PodcastJesus vs. Culture on Money and Wealth — Bible in Life PodcastCore Training for Christians — Video Courses by John WhittakerPrepare Them to Flourish by John WhittakerAbout Prepare Them to FlourishThe Listener’s CommentaryResources from John WhittakerIntro to the Gospels — The Listener’s CommentaryLuke — The Listener’s CommentaryTranscript for BEMA 211Special Guest: John Whittaker.Support The BEMA Podcast

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a look at even more midrash that surrounds the character of Noah. Some commentary describes Noah as the man in the fur coat. What is this all about?Discussion Video for BEMA 210Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David FohrmanAleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.Transcript for BEMA 210Support The BEMA Podcast

Peter Enns and Jared Byas join Marty Solomon and Brent Billings to explore the backstory of Noah and the Nephilim from Genesis 6. They discuss the importance of approaching midrash with humility and openness, the increase in human population and the marriage of the 'sons of God,' the presence of the Nephilim before and after the flood, interpretations of Ham's actions and the curse of Canaan, and the role of the hosts as tour guides and facilitators of learning.

The hosts discuss the significance of Midrash and being both a teacher and a student. They explore theories about the birth order of Avram and Huron. The nature of Midrash is discussed, drawing parallels to church tradition. The importance of Midrash as a commentary is emphasized. The significance of midrash in uncovering deeper meanings within biblical stories is highlighted.

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Dr. J. R. Briggs, the founder and director of Kairos Partnerships. His list of ministries and projects spans the gamut of possibility: from coaching pastors to instructing university students, from authoring books to hosting podcasts, J. R. brings a wealth of experience wherever he goes. He and his wife, Megan, have two boys and live just outside of Philadelphia.Discussion Video for BEMA 207About J. R. Briggs — Kairos PartnershipsPublications — Kairos PartnershipsFail by J. R. BriggsThe Sacred Overlap by J. R. BriggsThought of the Day: Sacred Overlap — Marty Solomon, YouTubeMonday Morning Pastor Podcast“Rubbing Shoulders with God” with Marty Solomon — Monday Morning PastorResilient Leaders PodcastTweet on Hand Copying LukePractical Tips and Resources for Hand Copying Scripture — Kairos PartnershipsTweet on Hand Copying JohnJ. R. Briggs on TwitterA Time To Heal by J. R. BriggsTranscript for BEMA 207Special Guest: J. R. Briggs.Support The BEMA Podcast

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Reed Dent. He’s been on staff with Campus Christian Fellowship at Truman State University in Missouri for the last twelve years. He and his wife, LeAnn, have three boys, who provide some great sermon illustrations.Discussion Video for BEMA 206Campus Christian Fellowship, Truman State UniversityTruman State University — WikipediaStaff — Campus Christian FellowshipThe Parable of the Unforgiving Servant — Reed Dent, Campus Christian FellowshipThe Parable of the Good Samaritan — Reed Dent, Campus Christian FellowshipThe Wall Street Journal, September 12, 2001 (PDF)“September 11” by Scott Cairns“Trump's name to appear on coronavirus stimulus checks sent to Americans” — Fox News“Trump Seeks To Stimulate Economy By Sending Rare Autographed Photo To Every American” — The OnionDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak“The Seeing Heart” by Frederick Buechner — YouTubeSecrets in the Dark by Frederick BuechnerJohn H. Walton — WikipediaThe Lost World of Genesis One by John H. WaltonThe Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture TrilogyThe War by Ken Burns and Lynn NovickThe Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert AlterThe Art of Biblical Poetry by Robert AlterThe Art of Bible Translation by Robert AlterThe Poetics of Biblical Narrative by Meir SternbergWhat Is the Bible? by Rob BellInspired by Rachel Held EvansTranscript for BEMA 206Special Guest: Reed Dent.Support The BEMA Podcast

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Session 6, what they hope to accomplish, and some of the things you can expect to find in the next chapter of the BEMA Podcast.BEMA Merchandise — TeePublicJoin the BEMA SlackNews — BEMA DiscipleshipMarty Solomon on YouTubeGroups — BEMA DiscipleshipTranscript for BEMA 205Support The BEMA Podcast

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings officially wrap up the journey through history and talk about what comes next for BEMA…Out of Sorts by Sarah BesseyJesus Feminist by Sarah BesseyJoin the BEMA SlackMarty Solomon on YouTubeSign Up for the BEMA MessengerBible Book Timeline by Roger SchmidgallWhole Bible Story — BibleTelling, YouTube (via Roger Schmidgall)Transcript for BEMA 204Support The BEMA Podcast