In this episode, Ben and Spencer delve into the story of Nicodemus and his encounter with Jesus, exploring themes of spiritual rebirth, the significance of light and darkness, and the transformative power of faith.

They discuss the importance of understanding Jesus' teachings in the context of the Torah and the prophetic writings, particularly Ezekiel.

The conversation emphasizes the necessity of being 'born again' to truly comprehend the kingdom of God and the role of believers in bringing light to the world.

In this episode of the Love and Context podcast, Spencer and Les delve into the life of Jesus, focusing on his role as a rabbi and the significance of his disciples.

They explore the cultural context of discipleship, the radical nature of Jesus' calls to those who were not traditionally seen as candidates for rabbinical training, and the implications of his first miracle at a wedding.

The discussion also covers the cleansing of the temple, emphasizing the need for churches to remain open and welcoming to all. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the transformational power of Jesus in the lives of individuals and communities.

In this conversation, Ben and Les explore the themes of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, drawing parallels to Israel's experiences and the significance of trials and testing in faith.

They discuss the role of the Satan, the nature of worship, and the importance of trusting God's provision. The conversation emphasizes the need for spiritual growth through challenges and the understanding that every success is rooted in God's grace.

Ultimately, it highlights the invitation to a deeper communion with God and the importance of reflecting His love in our relationships.

In this conversation, Ben and Les explore the significance of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, delving into the cultural and theological implications of these events.

They discuss the concept of mikvah, the role of repentance, and how Jesus' baptism serves as a public declaration of His ministry.

The conversation also connects these themes to the Old Testament, highlighting the continuity of God's plan through Jesus.

Bema Episode About Essenes

Ben's Book - Beautiful Chaos, Infinite Love

This podcast episode explores the life of Jesus, focusing on his early years, the socio-political context of his time, and the various religious sects that existed.

The hosts discuss the significance of Jesus' upbringing as a carpenter, the religious tensions among different Jewish groups, and the Hellenistic influences on Jewish culture.

They also delve into the role of parables in Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and the different levels of interpretation of these stories.

Bema Podcast Episode on Trees

Brad Young Book on Parables

Klyne Snodgrass Book on Parables

In this episode, Ben and Les Cronk delve into the life of Jesus, focusing on his early years, particularly the incident at the temple when he was twelve.

They explore themes of identity, growth, and the significance of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the importance of love and community in living out one's faith.

The conversation also touches on the silent years of Jesus and how they set the stage for his ministry, highlighting the connections between Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' life.

The Divine Conspiracy - Dallas Willard

Beautiful Chaos, Infinite Love - Benjamin Edwards

In this episode, Ben Edwards and Les Cronk explore the visit of the Magi as described in Matthew 2:1-12. They discuss the significance of the Magi's journey, the gifts they brought, and the implications of their recognition of Jesus as the King of the Jews.

The conversation delves into themes of prophecy, the role of Gentiles in the story of Jesus, and the nature of justice and love in the context of God's kingdom.

The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding Jesus' identity and mission, as well as the ongoing work of God in the world today.

Links for this episode

Bema Podcast - Episode 89 Written in the Stars

Not What You Think - Jefferson Bethke

Ben's Book - Beautiful Chaos, Infinite Love

In this conversation, Ben and Spencer explore the significance of Jesus' birth and the roles of various figures in the Nativity story, including the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

They discuss the marginalized status of shepherds, the angelic proclamation of Jesus' birth, and the presentation of Jesus at the temple, highlighting the prophetic messages delivered by Simeon and Anna.

The discussion emphasizes the themes of redemption, the call to the marginalized, and the unveiling of truth through Jesus.