This is BEMA Melbourne. (Not the one in Florida.)
That’s right, BEMA made it to Australia and we have a lot of listeners Down Under. Like so many during this time of quanantine, they had to shift to online, virtual spaces for their group. We’ve had such a great time hearing about how groups have continued to meet, many of them finding a lot of encouragement in these spaces during this time.
Here are some thoughts from members of BEMA Melbourne:
[BEMA] has essentially changed everything. Two of the biggest aspects are the continual growth and formation of my mind, beliefs, and the constant growth about God and his father’s heart. Second, the idea of “trusting the story” has made a new way to connect with and inject with my friends who don’t know God. I can’t wait to see how God uses this group to grow us, and to grow God’s kingdom.
–Jarryd
BEMA has helped me fall back in love with the written Word. I have been a Christian for my whole life and as an adult, reading the Word was becoming routine and lifeless. This resource has helped me to trust the story in its entirety, and not be afraid to ask questions about what is stated. In particular, BEMA has completely transformed my understanding of the importance of Shabbat. My husband and I are continually learning and improving our family’s sabbath, and we have noticed such a difference!
–Kelly
For me, BEMA revealed the true story of who God is and how he is trying to work with his creation. Explaining things from a Jewish/eastern perspective has helped me to see the beauty and complexity of the Text, and resonated so deeply in my spirit. Having permission to question the Text was a new concept for me (I grew up in a Pentecostal church where we didn’t really wrestle or question difficult scriptures). The way Marty explained chiasms and design patterns has made me fall in love with the Word. Now when I see something strange, it is a giant flag that God is trying to tell me something else. It’s almost a personal invitation from God himself to go on a journey with him. Through the BEMA Podcast, I have fallen in love with the Word and can’t stop telling random people about the Bible. I am so thankful for Marty and Brent to share the treasures they have found. The BEMA Podcast is actually changing the world.
–Anna
