The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith explores one of the perplexing questions in the Book of Exodus. Delving into the logistics and historical context, Lance discusses how just two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, could have managed the births of an entire Hebrew nation under Pharaoh's orders. Through historical insights and scholarly interpretations, he reve...

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the complex topic of whether Old Testament laws are still relevant for Christians today. Are the 613 commandments of the Old Testament still binding, or has Jesus' coming changed everything? Discussing both sides, Lance explores scriptural evidence from Deuteronomy, Psalms, Matthew, Luke, Romans, Ephesians,...

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into the intriguing prophecies surrounding the tribe of Issachar as described in Genesis 49 and Deuteronomy 33. We examine the apparent contradiction between predictions of burden and servitude from Jacob and promises of prosperity and divine favor from Moses. Join us as we explore the hist...

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. This week, host Lance Smith navigates the often-debated topic of whether the Bible sends mixed signals about letting our good deeds be seen by others. Are there contradictions, or is there a deeper consistency that ties these messages together? Join us as we explore key scriptures like Matthew 5:16 and 1 Pe...

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of why Israel's first king, Saul, hailed from the tribe of Benjamin instead of Judah, as suggested by the prophecy in Genesis 49:10. Exploring the historical and scriptural context, Lance discusses the political and geographical reasons behind Saul's selection and how his reign set t...

Welcome to the latest episode of "Bible Difficulties and Answers." Join host Lance Smith as he delves into the intriguing question from Matthew 5:9 - Did Jesus come to bring peace or a sword? Explore both sides of these seemingly contradictory teachings, with insights on spiritual versus worldly peace, peace as a consequence over time, division as a result of choice, and achieving peace through ne...

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. In this episode, host Lance Smith delves into the profound mystery behind Genesis 49:10, exploring the enigmatic reference to Shiloh. Is this a hidden prophecy pointing to the Messiah? Through examining various Bible translations, historical interpretations, and scholarly insights, we uncover the layers of meaning in this significant biblical...

Join us in this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith delves into one of the intriguing questions that often puzzles Bible readers: Did Jesus preach his first sermon on a mountain or a plain? This session examines Matthew 5 and Luke 6, comparing their accounts of Jesus' sermons and addressing whether these gospel narratives truly conflict or merely complemen...

Welcome to the latest episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where we dive into one of the most intriguing paradoxes in Scripture. Have you ever wondered how a curse can transform into a blessing? Join host Lance Smith as he unravels the mystery behind Jacob's curse on Levi and Moses' subsequent blessing in what appears to be a contradiction within the Bible. In this episode, we ex...

Join host Lance Smith in this intriguing episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where we delve into what seems like a contradiction between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John regarding the timeline of events surrounding the calling of Peter and Andrew versus the imprisonment of John the Baptist. This episode explores these scriptural accounts, examining them closely to uncover...

Welcome to this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast where we delve into the intriguing question of the 12 tribes of Israel. How can the Bible consistently mention 12 tribes when lists sometimes include more than that? Join host Lance Smith as we explore the historical and theological reasons behind this numerical conundrum. Learn about the unique roles of the tribe of Levi and th...

Welcome to another episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this episode, we explore the intriguing question about Jesus' destination after his crucifixion: did he go to hell or paradise? We delve into Luke 23:43 and the Apostles' Creed, shedding light on historical interpretations and scriptural contexts that address this debate. Uncover the confusion broug...

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the profound promise made by God to Jacob, as recorded in Genesis 46:4. The discussion navigates through Jacob's emotional journey to Egypt, his reunion with his son Joseph, and the multifaceted interpretations of God's promise to bring Jacob back from Egypt. Explore three distinct fulfillments of this divi...

Welcome to another episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, where we dissect so-called contradictions in the Scriptures to reveal deeper truths. This episode explores the provocative question: should you serve God alone? Host Lance Smith examines the implications of biblical texts like Matthew 4:10 and their relationship with commands for slaves, wives, and children. Through historical context a...

Welcome to this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith delves into one of the most puzzling questions in scripture: Can we truly see God's face? What does it mean when the Bible states that Moses spoke to God face-to-face, yet also mentions that no one can see God and live? In today's discussion, we examine these intriguing biblical accounts, focusing on the...

Welcome to the "Bible Difficulties and Answers" podcast, where host Lance Smith delves into a fascinating theological question: If Jesus is God, can he be tempted? In this episode, Lance explores the apparent contradiction between Matthew 4:1 and James 1:13 to uncover the profound truths behind Jesus' dual nature. Through a deep examination of Scripture and theological insights, learn how Jesus' t...

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a perplexing biblical narrative from Genesis 31, exploring the actions of Rachel, who steals her father Laban's idols and lies about it. The discussion centers on the intriguing moral and theological questions her actions raise, particularly concerning divine justice and human responsibility. Lance examines...

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of where John the Baptist baptized. While the Gospels of Matthew and Mark emphasize baptisms in the Jordan River, the Gospel of John mentions Bethany beyond the Jordan, also known as Bethabara, providing a more precise location. Lance explores the historical and spiritual significanc...

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith unpacks the intriguing biblical question: How could God bless Jacob after he deceived Laban? Dive into a profound exploration of divine grace, human flaws, and the mysterious ways of God's plans through the narratives of Jacob and Laban. Discover how Jacob's character development, God's sovereign plan, and the fulfillm...

Welcome to another episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! In this episode, host Lance Smith delves into the fascinating topic of Jesus' temptations by the devil as recounted in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. While both accounts describe the same events, they differ in the order of the temptations—raising questions about potential contradictions or deeper meanings. Join us as we e...

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! Join our host, Lance Smith, as we delve into the fascinating intersection between ancient biblical stories and modern scientific insights. In this episode, we tackle the puzzling account of Jacob's unconventional breeding strategy from Genesis 30, examining whether environmental influence and genetics played a role. Discover how science and di...

Welcome to a special episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast where host Lance Smith takes a look back at the journey throughout 2024. This episode marks a departure from the usual topics as we dive into the numbers, milestones, and the fascinating growth of the podcast over the past year. From humble beginnings with just 329 downloads for the first six episodes, the podcast has surge...

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing differences in the gospel accounts of Jesus' baptism. Focusing on whether God's voice was meant for Jesus directly or for the crowd, Lance explores the significance behind these variations and how they highlight the affirmation of Jesus' divine identity and mission. The discussion includes an...

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where we tackle tough questions about Scripture and uncover profound lessons within its stories. In this episode, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing and puzzling story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. Explore the complexities behind when Rachel was given to Jacob as a wife, and how this narrative challenges us to consider themes of human d...

Welcome to another episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. In today's Contradictions episode, hosted by Lance Smith, we delve into the intriguing question of whether Jesus personally baptized anyone during his earthly ministry. We'll examine seemingly contradictory biblical passages and explore the context behind them. Join us as we analyze verses from the Gospels and uncover insigh...