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.

Episodes

Mentioned books

Nov 3, 2016 • 19min

7: The Preface

Exploring the first eleven chapters of Genesis, the discussion emphasizes their crucial role in the overarching biblical narrative. Key stories, like creation and Noah's Ark, reveal themes of mistrust and creativity amid tragedy. The examination of duality highlights God's preservation of creation against human folly. Intriguingly, chiastic structures in these narratives enrich storytelling, pointing to profound insights. Lastly, the connection of Noah's name to divine design invites a re-evaluation of scripture's collaborative message.

Oct 27, 2016 • 40min

6: A Tale of a Tower

Discover the tale of the Tower of Babel, where humanity's ambition meets divine intervention. Explore deep themes of unity, pride, and the consequences of ignoring boundaries. The discussion also dives into geographical symbolism in biblical narratives, revealing a pattern of separation from the divine. Examine the complexities of language and rebellion, emphasizing the moral implications of technological progress. Finally, uncover God's mission for His people in the West and the need for community and collaboration in faith.

Oct 20, 2016 • 37min

5: A Misplaced Curse

Dive into the intriguing aftermath of Noah's journey as he departs the ark, uncovering the mysteries of his family dynamics and the unusual birth order of his sons. Explore the symbolism behind Noah’s vineyard and the tragic events stemming from his drunkenness, including Ham's controversial actions. Discover parallels between the stories of Noah and Adam and Eve through the lens of Midrash, revealing deep insights. Finally, the emphasis on community learning advocates for richer, collaborative exploration of these complex narratives.

Oct 6, 2016 • 34min

4: His Bow in the Clouds

Dive into the fascinating story of Noah and the Flood, unpacking its rich biblical narrative from an Eastern perspective. Discover how the themes of divine judgment resonate across various ancient cultures through their own flood myths. Explore the covenant God establishes with Noah, revealing deep connections back to creation. Delve into the significance of odd numbers in biblical texts and how they relate to divine covenants. The discussion highlights God's desire for a partnership with humanity, contrasting it with ancient deities.

Sep 22, 2016 • 26min

3: Master the Beast

Dive into the biblical tale of Cain and Abel, where fear and shame weave a complex narrative. Explore how the significance of names reflects identity and the quest for success, highlighting our dependence on others. Discover the emotional struggles behind their offerings, revealing deeper insights into jealousy and divine expectations. Small steps in personal growth connect to biblical stories, while a lively discussion on Genesis genealogies uncovers cultural perspectives. A thought-provoking exploration of faith and transformation awaits!

Sep 15, 2016 • 53min

2: Knowing When to Say “Enough”

Discover the profound insights behind the story of Adam and Eve, exploring the symbolic meanings of the Garden of Eden's trees and contrasting biblical accounts. Delve into the significance of companionship in the divine relationship between man and woman, challenging traditional views. The podcast also delves into the complexities of temptation and identity through the character of the serpent, inviting reflections on desire, shame, and divine acceptance in the context of human relationships.

Sep 8, 2016 • 53min

1: Trust the Story

Dive into the captivating Genesis 1 creation story and uncover its profound impact on the scriptural narrative. Explore themes of chaos and order through the poetic structure of ancient texts. Discover the literary tool of chiasm, revealing deeper storytelling layers in Eastern narratives. Reflect on the vital role of Sabbath, emphasizing rest as a cornerstone of identity beyond work. Lastly, gain insights into social media dynamics and the value of authentic connections amidst modern distractions.

Sep 1, 2016 • 48min

0: Introductory Lesson

Dive into the fascinating world of biblical interpretation with a focus on Eastern versus Western perspectives. Discover how different cultural lenses can enrich our understanding of scripture, much like seeing through various windows. This journey addresses the dangers of proof texting and emphasizes the value of context. Explore the dynamic interpretations of truth across cultures, and embrace the uncertainties of faith as a community. It's all about deepening engagement with the text and opening the door to meaningful discussions.

Aug 25, 2016 • 43min

-1: What Is BEMA?

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about how BEMA came to be, what it is, and how it works.That the World May Know with Ray Vander LaanImpact Campus MinistriesJacob Neusner — WikipediaBEMA FAQ: How to ‘Do’ BEMABEMA Discussion GroupsThe BEMA Story — Impact Campus MinistriesWhat Is the Palouse? Study Tools The Companion for BEMA -1 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA -1 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 2 December 2024 Original audio from 25 August 2016 Transcript for BEMA -1 of 25 August 2016 Support The BEMA Podcast

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