The BEMA Podcast

David Rudolph, Messianic Jewish scholar and professor focused on Second Temple Judaism and Jewish–Christian relations. He traces how the Council of Nicaea reshaped Easter dating, recounts early disputes like Polycarp’s Nisan 14 practice versus Rome’s Sunday tradition, and explores Constantine’s role and the resulting church–Jewish separation and its long-term effects.

Reed Dent, a minister and teacher who writes on theology and biblical reading, explores how we talk about scripture and what it does. He contrasts seeing scripture as divine breath or human words. He discusses genres, Meir Sternberg’s narrative faders, and how stories and imagination convey truth. Practical reading tips and a call to choose love over certainty round out the conversation.

A launch of a 12-part reflection on the Four Pillars with a focus on Text. Personal stories and mentors shape a contemplative prayer life rooted in scripture. Key passages like Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joshua, and Romans are read and reflected on. Practical disciplines like memorization, writing, and artistic engagement are highlighted as ways to carry and live the text.

Brad Nelson, former pastor and pastoral writer; Brad Gray, former pastor and multimedia creator. They explore the Lord’s Prayer through a film, series, book, and immersive trips. They discuss production stories, surprising filming access across countries, why the prayer matters as a daily blueprint, and practical ways it reshaped family and ministry.

They introduce a slower rhythm for the season and explain why releases will be biweekly. Jewish mourning practices and a 40-day grieving period for Josh are described. Plans for memorial events and a future memorial installment are announced. Upcoming interview and teaching series topics, new YouVersion reading plans, and expanded ministry and website resources are previewed.

They close a session with personal updates, family news, and production plans. New book announcements and series reflections pop up, including Hosea, Kohelet, and Talmud-Matthew deep dives. Conversations honor Walter Brueggemann and his influence. Health updates, interviews roundup, and behind-the-scenes team life keep the tone personal and reflective.

A reflective conversation exploring 1 Corinthians 13 and what it means to be fully known and fully loved. They examine Frederick Buechner’s three stages of love and a striking wound-care metaphor for love entering messy places. Scriptural passages from Isaiah and reflections on Jesus’ costly, inclusive love are woven through the discussion.

Join Josh Bossé, a seasoned contributor to BEMA Discipleship, as he dives deep into the virtue of hope. The discussion critiques thin cultural versions of hope versus a robust biblical understanding. Explore how hope interacts with reality—acknowledging struggles while expecting Christ's victory. Josh shares personal experiences of finding hope amidst illness. The conversation challenges listeners to embrace active waiting and expand their vision of hope to include the marginalized, ultimately reimagining hope as community and shared future.

Reed Dent, a Campus Christian Fellowship leader, joins the conversation to unpack the virtue of faith. They explore the difference between faith as mere intellectual assent and as an actionable trust in God. Reed emphasizes the balance of belief and action, suggesting that doubt can enrich faith rather than diminish it. The hosts reflect on personal faith journeys, revealing how formative experiences shape their understanding. They playfully connect first-century sects to missing virtues, urging a deeper exploration of the nature of faith in one's life.

Sandra Richter, Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies and author of Abigail and the Waterfall, joins the conversation with insights on environmental theology and stewardship. She discusses the importance of Sabbath as a foundation for ecological health and highlights how marginalized communities suffer most from environmental harm. Sandra reflects on her experiences in Appalachia and the impact of short political cycles on long-term stewardship. She emphasizes engaging the younger generation and calls for a shift in how Christians approach environmental issues amidst political polarization.