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

Join Reed Dent, a dedicated staff member at Campus Christian Fellowship, as he dives into his ministry journey and the role of storytelling in education. They explore the innocence of childhood through heartwarming anecdotes, emphasizing compassion in adult interactions. The conversation also tackles the complexities of truth in biblical narratives, highlighting the importance of genre and context in interpretation. With humor and camaraderie, Reed shares personal reflections, making for a lively and relatable discussion.

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

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings try to evaluate the great takeaways from this five-session journey through the Bible and the world of faith, talking about “The Four Pillars of BEMA” and imagining a world that returns to partake in some of the same things those early followers did thousands of years ago.Discussion Video for BEMA 203Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann“Time in Babylon” by Emmylou Harris — YouTubeTranscript for BEMA 203Support The BEMA Podcast

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings bring the story to our current day, seeing what this last century has done to the world of faith that we call our own. What is Christian fundamentalism and where did it come from? And how does evangelicalism fit into all of this? As believers, we make many assumptions about the world around us, but knowing why it exists is often helpful in accepting what it is.AD 1925 to Today PresentationDiscussion Video for BEMA 202“Jacob Neusner, Judaic Scholar Who Forged Interfaith Bonds, Dies at 84” — The New York TimesJacob Neusner — WikipediaTranscript for BEMA 202Support The BEMA Podcast

Delve into the fascinating aftermath of the French Revolution and its impact on Christianity. Discover how the Second Great Awakening blossomed in response to cultural shifts. Explore the rise of Pentecostalism and the Stone-Campbell Movement, striving for unity among denominations. Key figures like Ellen G. White challenge traditional narratives. Uncover the spiritual independence of movements like Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses. Finally, witness how cultural diversity reshaped Christian thought amidst scientific and political pressures.

Dive into the transformative journey from the Reformation to the Age of Enlightenment! Discover the groundbreaking contributions of figures like Newton and Locke that shaped modern science and political thought. Uncover the emergence of new Christian movements, particularly Methodism, and the influence of Enlightenment thinkers advocating for religious freedom. Explore Voltaire’s legacy on church-state separation and the cultural shifts that paved the way for the French Revolution. Plus, enjoy insights on the evolution of first-century Judaism to contemporary reflections!