
The BEMA Podcast
The BEMA Podcast explores the Bible by examining its text, historical context, and surrounding history. It aims to deconstruct common interpretations and reconstruct them with a deeper understanding of the original context. The main content spans Seasons 1 through 5, starting with episode 0, and later episodes cover new topics and practical applications. The podcast is produced by BEMA Discipleship, a ministry of Impact Campus Ministries.
Episodes

-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

0: Introductory Lesson
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings have an introductory conversation about the world of the Bible, investigating the differences between Eastern and Western perspectives.Presentation for Introductory Lesson (PDF)
Study Tools
The Companion for BEMA 0
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 0
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 30 December 2024
Original audio from 1 September 2016
Tra

1: Trust the Story
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about the creation story in Genesis 1 and the foundation it lays for understanding the scriptural narrative correctly.Presentation for Trust the Story (PDF)Sabbath as Resistance by Walter BrueggemannThe Sabbath by Abraham Joshua HeschelBEMA Discipleship — GroupsJoin the BEMA SlackBrent on Twitter/XBEMA Discipleship on Twitter/XBEMA Discipleship on Fac

2: Knowing When to Say “Enough”
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and what the story might really be getting at.The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David Fohrman
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 2
The Companion for BEMA 2
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 2
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 13 January 2025
Original audio from 15 Septembe

3: Master the Beast
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Cain and Abel and the idea of how fear and shame ruin the story.BEMA FAQ: Bibles, Translations, ResourcesThe Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David FohrmanAleph 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 3

4: His Bow in the Clouds
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to talk about the story of Noah and the Flood and how we have a wide variety of buried treasure from the author.BEMA 232: Introducing the Team — Jephthah’s Daughter w/ Elle Grover FricksFlood Myth — WikipediaThe Lost World of the Flood by Tremper Longman III & John H. WaltonAmarna Letters — Wikipedia
Study Tools

5: A Misplaced Curse
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Reed Dent to talk about Noah’s departure from the ark and the tragedy that ensues.Campus Christian Fellowship, Truman State UniversityBEMA 231: Introducing the Team — Deconstruction w/ Reed Dent
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 5
The Companion for BEMA 5
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 5
Legacy Episode Content
Episode update

6: A Tale of a Tower
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé talk about the tower of Babel and some of the observations we can take away from the story.BEMA 233: Introducing the Team — Striking the Rock w/ Josh BosséA Brief History of the World from Adam to Abraham: Babel Tower — Aleph Beta
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Discussion Video for BEMA 6
The Companion for BEMA 6
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 6

7: The Preface
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look back over the first eleven chapters of Genesis and work to understand their significance to the greater narrative of the scriptures.Presentation for The Preface (PDF)
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Discussion Video for BEMA 7
The Companion for BEMA 7
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Transcript for BEMA 7
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 17 February 2025
Original audio fro

8: Buried in a Genealogy
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to ask the question the Rabbis have asked over the centuries: Why did God choose Abraham?Presentation for Buried in a Genealogy (PDF)Code of Hammurabi — WikipediaThe Epic of Eden by Sandra L. Richter“Sarah: Midrash and Aggadah” by Tamar Kadari — Jewish Women’s Archive[Legacy] Follow-up 1: BEMA 208: Midrash — Iscah

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.
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Discussion Video for BEMA 9
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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

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.Presentation for Walking the Blood Path (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. Richt

11: Here I Am
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé continue to look at the kind of partner God has chosen in Abraham.Presentation for Here I Am (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 members

12: A Mission Realized
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings cover the life of Isaac as told in Genesis 24 and 26, where we begin to see the initial realization of God’s promise to Abraham.Impact Campus Ministries
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Discussion Video for BEMA 12
The Companion for BEMA 12
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Transcript for BEMA 12
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 24 March 2025
Original audio from 15 December 2016

13: Grappling with God, Part 1
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent begin our look at the life of Jacob, starting with Genesis 25 and moving through Chapter 31.Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.God Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence KushnerGenesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David

14: Grappling with God, Part 2
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent continue to look at the life of Jacob, covering Genesis 32–35.Uncut Gems (2019 film) — JustWatchAleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.
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Discussion Video for BEMA 14
The Companion for BEMA 14
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Transcript for BEMA

15: Into the Pit
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks begin our study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 37–40.Presentation for Into the Pit (PDF)
Biblical Clothing — WikipediaWhat Is the Palouse?Yibbum — Wikipedia
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Discussion Video for BEMA 15
The Companion for BEMA 15
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 15
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 14 Apr

16: Out of the Pit
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks finish the study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 41–50.Presentation for Out of the Pit (PDF)Rabbi David Fohrman — TorahAnytimeThe Joseph Story — Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David

17: A God Who Hears the Cry
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the introduction to God’s story and set up the narrative of the remainder of Scripture in an effort to understand what God is rescuing His people from.Presentation for A God Who Hears the Cry (PDF)Biblical Theme: Justice — BibleProjectVocab Insight: Tse’aqah / Outcry — BibleProjectThat the World May Know — Faith Lessons, Volumes 1–12 (Amazon)G

18: A Tale of Two Kingdoms
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé set up the narrative of God’s story as a contrast between Empire and Shalom.That the World May Know — Faith Lessons, Volumes 1–12 (Amazon)God Heard Their Cry — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)
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Discussion Video for BEMA 18
The Companion for BEMA 18
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript

19: A Strengthened Heart
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into the story of the Passover and its plagues, God’s interaction with Pharaoh, and the call of God’s rescued people.The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David FohrmanTefillin — WikipediaHistory of Monopoly — Wikipediakavad — Blue Letter Biblechazak — Blue Letter Bible
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 19
The Companion for BEMA 1

20: With All Your Heart
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent look at the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and dissect their first test on the way to Mount Sinai.Presentation for With All Your Heart (PDF)Walking the Bible by Bruce FeilerThe Poetics of Biblical Narrative by Meir SternbergThe Torah: A Modern Commentary, edited by Rabbi W. Gunther PlautThat the World May Know — Faith Lessons, Vol

21: With All Your Soul & “Very”
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent explore the next two tests of God’s people on their way to Mount Sinai.Presentation for With All Your Soul & “Very” (PDF)“Jesus Shema” — Learn HebrewThe Parable of the Leaven — LeAnn Dent, Campus Christian FellowshipGod Spreads a Table in the Wilderness — LeAnn Dent, Campus Christian FellowshipCampus Christian Fellowship, Truman State

“Jesus Shema”
A simplified version of the daily prayer from Deuteronomy 6 and Leviticus 19. This recording is meant to follow Episode 21.
Sh'ma Israel, adonai elohenu, adonai echad
Ve'ahavta et adonai eloiekah
b'khol levavkah
uve'khol naphshekah
uve'khol meodeikah
Ve'ahavta lereyacha c'mocha
Hear, O Israel! The

22: Under the Chuppah
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss Israel’s arrival at Sinai and the ensuing covenant relationship with their God, covering Exodus 19–23.Presentation for Under the Chuppah (PDF)NIV Archaeological Study BibleNIV Cultural Backgrounds Study BibleAncient Israel by Roland de VauxFamilies in Ancient Israel by Leo G. Perdue, Joseph Blenkinsopp, John J. Collins, and Carol MeyersJerusalem in

23: Falling on Joyful Faces
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the construction of the Tabernacle and its call to be a place of rest, covering Exodus 24–40.Presentation for Falling on Joyful Faces (PDF)With All Your Heart — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 23
The Companion for BEMA 23
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for

24: Creating a Space
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé consider the implications of the story of the Tabernacle in our own pursuits of God.Presentation for Creating a Space (PDF)With All Your Heart — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)Walter Brueggemann, “An Alternative Way” — The Work of the PeopleThe Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawr

25: A Kingdom of What?
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give an overview of the book of Leviticus.Presentation for A Kingdom of What? (PDF)Leviticus: The Book of Holiness, volume 3 of Covenant & Conversation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (Amazon)Leviticus: The Book of Holiness, volume 3 of Covenant & Conversation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (Sefaria)Leviticus: A Call to Priesthood (Sermon Series) — Real Life on t

26: Images of the Desert — Shepherd
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks discuss the first in a series of images found in the desert—what it means to be a shepherd in the biblical world.Presentation for Images of the Desert — Shepherd (PDF)Walking with God in the Desert — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)Walking the Bible by Bruce FeilerThe Good Shepherd by

27: Images of the Desert — Rotem and Acacia
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the rotem and acacia trees and what they teach us about living in our own deserts.Presentation for Images of the Desert — Rotem and Acacia (PDF)The Story #28: New Beginnings (‘Each One’ Rant) sermon — YouTubeWalking with God in the Desert — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)Hebrew University — Wikip

28: Images of the Desert — Ar'ar and Tamarisk
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks continue the series on images we find in the desert, learning about the ar'ar and tamarisk trees and what they teach us about living in our own deserts.Presentation for Images of the Desert — Ar'ar and Tamarisk (PDF)Noga Hareuveni — WikipediaWritten Works of Noga HareuveniHebrew University — WikipediaNational Botanic Garden of Israel —

29: Images of the Desert — Wadi and En Gedi
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks continue the series on images found in the desert, seeing God’s continual use of the desert to minister to us and to teach us how to minister to others.Presentation for Images of the Desert — Wadi and En Gedi (PDF)Lulav — Chabad.orgFlash Floods in Wadi Peres — YouTubeFlash Flood in Israel — YouTubeIsrael: Flash Floods Hit Negev Desert

30: Lead with Your Voice
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the discussion of the desert and the book of Numbers with the story of Moses striking the rock and subsequently having his entrance to the Promised Land denied.Why Was Moses Not Allowed into the Promised Land? — Aleph BetaWhy Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? — Aleph Beta
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 30
The Companion for BEMA 30
T

31: Remember Where You Came From
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent bring our study of Torah to a close by exploring the book of Deuteronomy, examining its call to remember our stories.Presentation for Remember Where You Came From (PDF)The Epic of Eden by Sandra L. RichterTopic: Deuteronomy 32 — Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a mon

32: Session 1 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give a summary of the Books of Moses at the conclusion of Session 1 of the podcast.Presentation for Session 1 Capstone (PDF)
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No Discussion Video for BEMA 32
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Transcript for BEMA 32
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 11 August 2025
Original audio from 18 May 2017
Transcript for BEMA 32 of 18

33: Session 2 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings set the stage for Session 2 of the podcast, reviewing our journey through Torah to bring everyone up to speed for what we will study next.
Presentation for Session 2 Intro (PDF)
BEMA 487: Sitting Shiva for Josh Bossé
BEMA 488: [Brent and Reed discuss Josh’s passing]
BEMA 489: [Marty and Elle discuss Josh’s passing]
Study Tools
No Discussion Video for

34: The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me)
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks address the nagging questions about the book of Joshua and its stories of mass slaughter and genocide.
Presentation for The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me) (PDF)
The Gospel of Being Human by Marty Solomon and Reed Dent
BEMA 240: Sin and the Archaeology of Joshua w/ Elle Grover Fricks
Stele — Wikipedia
Stele of King Sennacherib

Special Announcement for July 2026
Marty Solomon shares the news about the live event for our 10-year anniversary celebration.Buy Tickets for the Anniversary CelebrationBEMA 500: [10-Year Anniversary Announcement]

35: Crossroads of the Earth
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the discussion of Joshua and bridge the gap toward the book of Judges, pondering the mission of God and His choice of real estate for His people.Presentation for Crossroads of the Earth (PDF)The Source by James A. Michener
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Discussion Video for BEMA 35
The Companion for BEMA 35
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Transcript for BEMA 35
Legacy Episod

36: The Redemption Cycle
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the book of Judges and the cycle found therein.
“Judges Cycle” on Google
“Judges Cycle” on DuckDuckGo
“Judges Cycle” on Bing
“Judges Cycle” on Kagi
BEMA 232: Introducing the Team — Jephthah’s Daughter w/ Elle Grover Fricks
The Forgiving Flow, Part 2: Drop the Jawbone — The RobCast, Episode 39
Make Your Mark by Brad Gray
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Discuss

37: A Love Story
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks zoom in on the mini-narrative of Ruth and gather tools for flourishing in the midst of trauma.Map of Moab and the Surrounding Region
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Discussion Video for BEMA 37
The Companion for BEMA 37
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 37
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 1 June 2026
Original audio from 13 July 2017
Transcript for BEMA 3

38: A Donkey Herder to Lead Us
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a look at Israel’s first two kings and try to see what the Text is showing us in these two characters.
Brock Lesnar — Wikipedia
A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
Leap Over a Wall by Eugene H. Peterson
David (2025 film)
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Discussion Video for BEMA 38
The Companion for BEMA 38
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 38
Legacy

39: A King After God’s Own Heart
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to examine the life of David, looking at the defeat of Goliath and making some general observations about the character of David.Promised Land — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)“The Unheard Story of David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell — TEDValley of Elah — WikipediaChampion Warfare — 

40: One Story, Two Sources
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin the journey to understanding the historical record of the united kingdom of Israel by taking a look at the two sources comprising this biblical narrative.
Presentation for One Story, Two Sources (PDF)
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Discussion Video for BEMA 40
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Transcript for BEMA 40
Legacy Episode Content
Episode upda

41: The Story Behind the Story
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings revisit the two sources comprising this portion of the biblical narrative, analyzing the agendas found in each. They attempt to look at the differences between the sources to understand the reigns of David and Solomon and the split of the nation of God’s people, ultimately helping us figure out what went wrong.Presentation for The Story Behind the Story (P

42: The Fire of Elijah
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent look at the story of Elijah and the lessons learned by one of Israel’s greatest prophets.
The Gospel of Being Human by Marty Solomon and Reed Dent
Where God Was Born by Bruce FeilerMap of Phoenicia, Late Bronze Age — Wikipedia
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Discussion Video for BEMA 42
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Transcript for BEMA 42

43: Go in Peace
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up a look at the kings of Israel, exploring the story of Naaman and its implications for us today.
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Discussion Video for BEMA 43
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Transcript for BEMA 43
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 13 July 2026
Original audio from 14 September 2017
Transcript for BEMA 43 of 14 September 2017

44: Our Harps in the Trees
Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss the collection of ancient songs known as the Psalms.
The Message of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann
Answering God by Eugene H. Peterson
The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter
The Art of Biblical Poetry by Robert Alter
Praying the Psalms by Thomas Merton
Classifying the Psalms by Genre
Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott
P

45: Wisdom and Meaning
Brent Billings and Reed Dent continue our study of wisdom literature, examining the collection of Proverbs and the teaching of Ecclesiastes.
As Kingfishers Catch Fire by Eugene H. Peterson
Inspired by Rachel Held Evans
Ecclesiastes — BibleProject
An Introduction to Joy — Rob Bell, YouTube
Wisdom Books: Introduction — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship
A Year of Biblical Wom

46: Song of Sexuality
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the underaddressed book called Song of Songs and explore the ramifications of avoiding the topic of sexuality.
God Draws Near by Collin Cornell
Shame-Free Sex Talks by Kelly Edmiston
Review of Shame-Free Sex Talks — Brent Billings, Goodreads
The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire et al.
Sex God by Rob Bell
The Zimzum of Love by Rob

47: The Lord’s Mouthpiece
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the remaining books in Tanakh, most of which are prophets, attempting to understand prophetic history as a whole and the setting for each period of history.
Presentation for The Lord’s Mouthpiece (PDF)
Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon
The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel
Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann
Study Tools

48: Amos — Plumb Line
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the book of Amos on a quest to find the heart of God as expressed in the first of His many mouthpieces.Presentation for Amos — Plumb Line (PDF)The Prophets by Abraham Joshua HeschelPlumb Line — Wikipedia
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Discussion Video for BEMA 48
The Companion for BEMA 48
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Transcript for BEMA 48
Legacy Episode Content
Episode

49: Hosea — Garden
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks examine the questions of Hosea from a bird’s eye view.Verastikh — Learn Hebrew
Domestic Violence Statistics — The Hotline
“The Scars of World War I Battlefields a Century Later” by Lucy Westcott — Newsweek
“Scars of the Somme” by Kathryn Hansen — NASA Science
Lochnagar Mine — Wikipedia
Guns to Gardens
Study Tools
Discussion

Verastikh (Hosea)
A simplified version of the daily prayer from Hosea 2. This recording is meant to follow Episode 49.
Verastikh le l'olam
Verastikh lib'tzedek
uve'mishpat, uve'chesed, uve'rachamim
Verastikh lib'emuna, v'yadat et Adonai
I will betroth you to myself forever.
I will betroth you to myself in righteousness,
and in justice, and in lo

50: Micah — Judge
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the warning of the prophet Micah as he speaks to the people of Judah about what God truly desires.
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 50
The Companion for BEMA 50
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 50
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 31 August 2026
Original audio from 2 November 2017
Transcript for BEMA 50 of 2 November 2017

51: 1 Isaiah — Vineyard
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the first of four voices found in Isaiah — the pre-Assyrian voice that condemned the greed and injustice of the people of Judah.
Presentation for 1 Isaiah — Vineyard (PDF)
Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann
The Prophets by Abraham Joshua HeschelStudy Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 51
The Companion for BEMA 51
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript f

52: Jonah — Potential
Brent Billings and Reed Dent look at the book of Jonah and try to uncover the message buried in this most unusual prophet.Presentation for Jonah — Potential (PDF)
The Gospel of Being Human by Marty Solomon and Reed Dent
The Meaning of the Story of Jonah — Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium mem

53: Nahum — Diyn
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings juxtapose the book of Jonah against the other Assyrian prophet to Israel—the book of Nahum—looking at the other side of the equation of how God deals with evil.
The Gospel of Being Human by Marty Solomon and Reed Dent
The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 53
The Companion for BEMA 53
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript

54: Zephaniah — T'shuvah
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the voice of Zephaniah as he warns the kingdom of Judah of impending judgment.
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 54
The Companion for BEMA 54
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 54
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 28 September 2026
Original audio from 7 December 2017
Transcript for BEMA 54 of 7 December 2017

55: 2 Isaiah — Woe
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the Assyrian period of history by looking at one of the most distressing prophets: the voice of 2 Isaiah as he delivers numerous woes to the nations of the world, including God’s people. Yet even this is not void of hope as we see it scattered throughout today’s portion of Text.
The Sacred Thread
Bringing Heaven Here by Brad Gray and Brad Nelson

56: Jeremiah — Weeping
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin our journey through the Babylonian prophets, examining the famous weeping prophet, Jeremiah.The Disciple Scroll by Allan RabinowitzLove Wins by Rob BellErasing Hell by Francis Chan
Study Tools
Discussion Video for BEMA 56
The Companion for BEMA 56
Take Your Own Notes
Transcript for BEMA 56
Legacy Episode Content
Episode updated 12 October 2026
O

57: Lamentations — Lament and Hope
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the often-avoided book of Lamentations and the shocking space it creates for the dark things that need to be grieved.Discussion Video for BEMA 57Learning to Lament, Part 1: The Culture of Denial — The RobCast, Episode 92Learning to Lament, Part 2: Widow, Slave, Mother — The RobCast, Episode 93Learning to Lament, Part 3: She’s Finding Her Voice — Th

58: Habakkuk — Watchtower
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into one of Marty’s favorite prophecies: the book of Habakkuk. They examine the complaints submitted by the prophet and his ensuing dialogue with God.Discussion Video for BEMA 58Transcript for BEMA 58

59: Obadiah — Petra
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the shortest prophet in Tanakh—the book of Obadiah—and its condemnation of the nation of Edom for their lack of care for their brother and their neighbor.Presentation for Obadiah — Petra (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 59Transcript for BEMA 59

60: Joel — Locusts
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the words of prophet Joel speaking to God’s people about the hope that exists, even in the midst of utter destruction.Discussion Video for BEMA 60Transcript for BEMA 60

61: Ezekiel — Strength
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the apocalyptic visions of Ezekiel and his message of encouragement to a people trapped in exile.Discussion Video for BEMA 61Transcript for BEMA 61

62: Daniel — Son of Man
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the book of Daniel and its persistent and sometimes hidden message of perseverance.Presentation for Daniel — Son of Man (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 62Double Rainbow — YouTubeTranscript for BEMA 62

63: Job — Perspective
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discover that the famous story of Job is so much more than we ever realized.Discussion Video for BEMA 63NOOMA 012: Matthew by Rob BellLiterary Structure (Chiasm) of the BibleNOOMA 024: Whirlwind by Rob BellTranscript for BEMA 63

64: 3 Isaiah — Servant
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings challenge the typical understanding of the voice of Isaiah, taking a look at the servant discourse in chapters 40–54.Discussion Video for BEMA 64Out of Babylon by Walter BrueggemannTranscript for BEMA 64

65: 4 Isaiah — Hope
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings move into the fourth voice of Isaiah, seen in chapters 55–66. We hear the compelling promise of restoration for God’s people and the invitation for them to become the people they were meant to be.Discussion Video for BEMA 651 Isaiah — Vineyard Presentation (PDF)Faith Unraveled by Rachel Held EvansSabbath as Resistance by Walter BrueggemannTranscript for BE

66: Ezra/Nehemiah — Passionate Leadership
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the different leadership styles seen during the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.Discussion Video for BEMA 66BEMA Discipleship on FacebookTranscript for BEMA 66

67: Haggai — Build!
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings read through the prophecy of Haggai and find that the real issues rarely change—past, present, or future.Discussion Video for BEMA 67Transcript for BEMA 67

68: Zechariah — Apocalyptic Literature
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings study the apocalyptic message of Zechariah, a contemporary to Haggai, who sought to encourage God’s people with image-driven messages of forthcoming hope.Discussion Video for BEMA 68Transcript for BEMA 68

69: Malachi — Q&A
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the message of Malachi, seeing how he utilizes a question-and-answer format to prophetically speak to the people of God.Discussion Video for BEMA 69Out of Babylon by Walter BrueggemannTranscript for BEMA 69

70: Esther — Purim
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the book of Esther and the story that lies behind the celebration of Purim.Discussion Video for BEMA 70The Queen You Thought You Knew by Rabbi David FohrmanThe Story #20: The Queen of Beauty and Courage sermon — YouTubeTranscript for BEMA 70

71: The Prophetic Table
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the multifaceted dialogue and the many voices found within the prophets that represent the battling perspectives found in the world of God’s people as they attempt to respond to the effects of exile.Discussion Video for BEMA 71Out of Babylon by Walter BrueggemannTranscript for BEMA 71

72: Session 2 Capstone
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give a summary of the prophets and the writings at the conclusion of Session 2 of the podcast.Presentation for Session 2 Capstone (PDF)Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory BoyleImpact Campus MinistriesTranscript for BEMA 72

73: Session 3 Intro
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings introduce the third session of the BEMA Podcast with special guest Jim Feicht, discussing what to expect in the upcoming session and reviewing where we have been to this point.Session 3 Intro Presentation (PDF)Jim Feicht on TwitterNOOMA 019: Open by Rob BellTranscript for BEMA 73

74: Silent Years — Synagogue
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Jim Feicht. They begin the journey into the historical context of the world of Jesus, looking at the new Judaism that arose from the ashes of exile.Silent Years — Synagogue Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 74Jim Feicht on TwitterIn the Dust of the Rabbi — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital

75: Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, joined by special guest Jim Feicht, continue their examination of the context of the world of Jesus. The last episode covered the context of Judaism specifically, whereas this episode covers the context of the surrounding culture.Silent Years — Welcome to Hellenism Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 75Jim Feicht on TwitterHellas — WikipediaE
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