

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

Aug 1, 2024 • 56min
402: Talmudic Matthew — Lightly Salted
Dive into the rich metaphors of salt and light as they relate to the Sermon on the Mount. Discover how these symbols redefine righteousness and highlight the transformative power of community. Explore the flavorful implications of faith and the spiritual significance of contentment versus complaint. Unearth the complexities of light, especially in the context of a city on a hill, and how Talmudic influences shape Jesus’ messages. Finally, embrace the importance of inclusion and hospitality in fostering understanding and unity.

Jul 25, 2024 • 50min
401: Talmudic Matthew — Light
Biblical scholars Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss Jesus's teaching on light through the Talmud, exploring the concepts of being a 'city on a hill' and 'light of the world'. They emphasize embodying light through community engagement, humility, and good works, stressing the importance of shining before God and spreading positivity.

Jul 18, 2024 • 39min
400: Talmudic Matthew — Salt
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks explore the Talmudic perspective on salt, linking it to Matthew 5:13. They discuss the symbolism of salt in ancient Jewish practices, sacrifices, and its metaphorical meanings like distinctiveness and preservation. The podcast delves into the significance of salt in relation to biblical teachings, historical events, and the concept of being the salt of the earth in bringing goodness and holiness to the earthly realm.

18 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 37min
399: Talmudic Matthew — Household of God
Experts Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks, along with host Josh Bossé, delve into the Beatitudes from a Talmudic perspective. They discuss concepts like mourning in Talmudic literature, meekness, purity of heart, mercy, and righteousness within the Kingdom of God. The conversation emphasizes community building, peacemaking, and embracing diversity in the Kingdom for a redemptive familial connection with God.

Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 5min
398: Talmudic Matthew — Blessing
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé explore the concept of biblical blessings, discussing their impact on divine actions and human declarations in Judaism. They delve into the propulsive nature of blessings, their mystical aspects, and their significance in biblical narratives. The chapter also touches upon hand movements in worship, Jesus' blessings, and analyzing blessings in Matthew 5.

Jun 27, 2024 • 59min
397: Mitch Lavender — Respect and Dignity
Mitch Lavender, Lead Campus Minister, shares his experiences with diversity and transitions in Cincinnati. He discusses navigating different perspectives in a predominantly white church community and embracing empathy in times of struggle. The podcast explores survival mode, trust, biblical teachings, and the importance of embracing diversity and understanding different perspectives in Christianity.

Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 18min
396: Talmudic Matthew — Desert and Sea
Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Reed Dent analyze Matthew 4 through a Talmudic lens, discussing testing, triumph over temptation, strategies to defeat Satan, and the significance of 40 days and nights in biblical stories. They explore the cultural significance of Galilee and emphasize embracing vulnerability and joy in answering God's call.

Jun 13, 2024 • 53min
395: Talmudic Matthew — Jordan
Jordan and Talmudic Matthew dissect John the Baptist's work in Matthew 3 through a Talmudic lens. They explore symbolism in John's attire, locusts in kosher law, baptism practices, ancestry in Judaism, and the significance of good fruit for repentance.

Jun 6, 2024 • 46min
394: Talmudic Matthew — Stars and Magic
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks discuss the Magi, the star of the nativity, and explore ancient Talmudic perspectives. They delve into the significance of the Magi, symbolism of the star, the Magi's gifts, and Jesus in Jewish literature. The episode also touches on holiday traditions and tattoo taboos, offering insightful and engaging discussions.

6 snips
May 30, 2024 • 1h 11min
393: Talmudic Matthew — Dreams
Guests Brent Billings, Elle Grover Fricks, and Reed Dent delve into Talmudic insights on Joseph's angelic visitation in Matthew 1. They explore ancient Jewish betrothal customs, Mary's role in the Virgin Birth, Talmudic laws on infidelity, and the importance of dreams in divine communication. The podcast discusses divine messages, Jesus's redemption, and dream interpretations with a touch of humor.