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
18 snips
Aug 20, 2020 • 23min
182: Revelation — The Throne Room
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings delve into Revelation's apocalyptic vision, exploring Roman imperial context, worship practices, the symbolic scroll with seals, and the importance of interpreting stories within a community for a deeper understanding.
14 snips
Aug 13, 2020 • 26min
181: Revelation — Lukewarm Laodicea
Delving into the city of Laodicea, the podcast explores the concept of being a 'lukewarm Christian' and offers insight into the historical significance of the ancient cities of Heropolis, Colossi, and Leo de Sia. The message to the lukewarm church emphasizes repentance and true spiritual richness over material wealth, with reflections on the impact of Revelation on the church's history.
16 snips
Aug 6, 2020 • 15min
180: Revelation — Philadelphia and Their New Name
Marty and Brent dive into John's letter to the church in Philadelphia, exploring its historical context and unique challenges like repeated earthquakes and imperial policies. They analyze powerful imagery such as the 'open door' and 'synagogue of Satan,' shedding light on local tensions. The discussion connects promises of protection with the themes of imperial presence and new identities, drawing from Isaiah's prophetic motifs. Listeners gain insights into the significance of names and symbols, linking them to deeper spiritual meanings in the text.
27 snips
Jul 30, 2020 • 39min
179: Revelation — Waking Up in Sardis
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the history and significance of the ancient city of Sardis, drawing connections to the message in the letter to the church. They discuss catastrophic events in Revelation, legends, invasions, and the call for the church in Sardis to awaken, repent, and strengthen what remains amidst chaos and deception.
9 snips
Jul 23, 2020 • 27min
178: Revelation — Thyatira and Her Jezebel
Exploring the cultural background of Thyatira in Revelation, the legacy of King Solomon's choices, divine commendations and admonitions in the letter to Thyatira, and the importance of cultural context in understanding the Book of Revelation.
20 snips
Jul 16, 2020 • 34min
177: Revelation — Pergamum and Satan’s Throne
Exploring the ancient city of Pergamum in Revelation, delving into its cultural and political significance, architectural wonders like tricliniums and asclapiion, healing rituals, symbolism, and the message to the church about perseverance amidst challenges, false teachings, and Satan's throne.
35 snips
Jul 9, 2020 • 20min
176: Revelation — Smyrna and Their Crown
Exploring the historical context and cultural significance of Smyrna, including its unique relationship with the Roman Empire and emphasis on death and resurrection. Discussing the church's endurance through poverty and persecution, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and the promise of victory and eternal life. Delving into Polycarp's role and the symbolism of 10 days in apocalyptic literature, along with the significance of crowns, the concept of the second death, and the encouragement provided in the letters to cities like Ephesus and Smyrna in the book of Revelation.
27 snips
Jul 2, 2020 • 17min
175: Revelation — Ephesus and Their First Love
Exploring the historical context of John's first letter in Revelation, the significance of Ephesus, the impact of Mount Vesuvius's eruption, the struggles of the early church in Ephesus, the concept of 'first love' in Revelation, and engaging with the BEMA experience.
35 snips
Jun 25, 2020 • 29min
174: Revelation — A Book for Its Time
Exploring apocalyptic literature in the Book of Revelation, the hosts dive into contextual understanding, recommending key resources like 'Christ and the Caesars' and exploring symbolism and connections to the Old Testament. They discuss the impact of beliefs on daily life, authorial intent, suffering as a backdrop, and intentional symbolism in ancient visions.
10 snips
Jun 18, 2020 • 24min
173: Jude — False Teachers
Exploring parallels between Jude and 2 Peter on false teachers leading astray through compromised values for wealth in Roman idolatry. Exposing false teachers perverting grace for immoral behavior and consequences of disobedience. Emphasizing studying the Bible canon, exploring Apocrypha and Book of Enoch. Jude unmasking false teachers through fallen angels, Nephilim, Sodom and Gomorrah stories, and critiquing their harmful actions.
