

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

64 snips
Dec 8, 2016 • 59min
11: Here I Am
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé continue to look at the kind of partner God has chosen in Abraham.Here I Am Presentation (PDF)BEMA 210: Midrash — The Man in the Fur CoatAnd They Walked Together: More Than Blind Loyalty — Aleph BetaAleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 11
The Companion for BEMA 11
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 11
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 17 March 2025
Original audio from 8 December 2016
Transcript for BEMA 11 of 8 December 2016
Support The BEMA Podcast

72 snips
Dec 1, 2016 • 45min
10: Walking the Blood Path
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings work through Genesis 15–17, continuing to look at the evolving partnership between God and Abram.Walking the Blood Path Presentation (PDF)Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.History of male circumcision — WikipediaThe Epic of Eden by Sandra L. RichterSandra Richter, Ph.D.George DeJong, Under the Fig TreeThe Anchor Bible Dictionary, Volume I
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 10
The Companion for BEMA 10
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 10
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 10 March 2025
Original audio from 1 December 2016
Transcript for BEMA 10 of 1 December 2016
Support The BEMA Podcast

66 snips
Nov 17, 2016 • 45min
9: Letting Go
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Genesis 12–14, covering the call of Abram and his initial adventures in the land of Canaan.
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 9
The Companion for BEMA 9
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 9
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 3 March 2025
Original audio from 17 November 2016
Transcript for BEMA 9 of 17 November 2016
Support The BEMA Podcast

60 snips
Nov 10, 2016 • 44min
8: Buried in a Genealogy
Dive into the intriguing reasons behind God's selection of Abraham and what it reveals about his character. Explore the complex familial dynamics within Genesis, especially concerning Terah and his sons, and the shadows cast by Haran's death and Sarai's barrenness. Uncover the role of women in ancient genealogies and how societal norms shape biblical narratives. Reflect on themes of selflessness and humility as contrasting virtues in stories like that of Cain. Discover how Avram's journey exemplifies divine qualities, inspiring personal reflection and growth.

51 snips
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.

49 snips
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.

53 snips
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.

53 snips
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.

65 snips
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!

149 snips
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.


