The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:45 - Is Anyone Truly Good? Exploring Theological Contradictions

Join host Lance Smith on the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as he delves into the perplexing question of whether anyone can truly be good. This episode navigates through the apparent contradictions found in biblical scriptures, such as Matthew 5:45, to unravel how God’s grace blesses both the righteous and the unrighteous. With humor, analogies, and deep theological insights, discover how faith makes us relatively good and learn to love like Him. Immerse yourself in an engaging exploration of morality, divine grace, and the transformative power of faith.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/enemies.html 
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/5/Matthew-5-45.html 
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/why-does-the-lord-send-rain-on-the-righteous-and-the-unrighteous.html 
https://www.gotquestions.org/rain-just-unjust.html 
https://milehighhallelujah.wordpress.com/2020/11/14/matthew-543-48-loving-until-it-hurts/ 
https://carm.org/doctrine-and-theology/god-and-evil-a-philosophical-contradiction/

Exodus 6:10-13 – Unraveling Moses' Divine Calling: Midian or Egypt?

Join host Lance Smith on the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as we delve into the puzzling journey of Moses' divine calling. Was Moses called by God in Midian or Egypt? Explore the twist-filled narrative of Exodus 6:10-13, where Moses confronts Pharaoh amidst rejection and doubt, reflecting on how this story mirrors our own faith journeys when facing discouragement. Discover whether this episode of Moses’ story is a contradiction or a profound reminder of divine encouragement.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://westhills.org/blog/2024/10/09/exodus-6-2-30-study-guide-the-same-yesterday-today-and-forever 
https://claudemariottini.com/2023/03/06/exodus-moses-in-midian/ 
 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:44 - The Divine Dichotomy: Love vs. Judgment in Scripture

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we dive into the complex and often contradictory biblical commands regarding how to treat our enemies and non-believers. Are we to love unconditionally as Jesus taught, or are there times when judgment and exclusion are justified, as some Old Testament scriptures suggest? Join us as we explore the tension between love and justice, navigate the erratic waters between compassion and condemnation, and seek to understand the broader biblical narrative. Together, we aim to uncover whether these scriptures represent conflict or harmony and how these teachings influence our lives today.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/enemies.html 
https://crossexamined.org/coexist-biblical-command/ 
https://crossexamined.org/penalty-apostasy-according-islam/ 
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/why-lump-islam-in-a-negative-category-of-religions 
https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/why-would-a-good-god-allow-so-much-christian-evil/ 
https://carm.org/atheism/why-are-atheists-hated/ 
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2017/05/19/how-should-believers-treat-and-think-about-non-believers/ 

Exodus 6:9 – "Why Trust Feels Impossible: The Israelites' Struggle in Exodus 6"

Welcome to another episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. This episode dives deep into the heart of Exodus 6-9, exploring why the Israelites, burdened by the brutality of slavery, refused to heed Moses' message of hope and deliverance from God. We relate this ancient struggle to our modern lives, drawing parallels with how life's pressures can mute the good news we desperately need. Through an engaging discussion, discover the profound lesson that God's faithfulness doesn't waver, even when our spirits are crushed. Tune in to explore the significance of hope and trust amidst life's challenges.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/6 
https://www.bibleref.com/Exodus/6/Exodus-6-9.html 
https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-6/ 
https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/EXO.6.12 
https://www.coffeeandabible.com/listen-to-moses/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:38-39 - Turning the Other Cheek: A Fresh Perspective on Biblical Justice

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a timeless debate: "An eye for an eye" versus "Turn the other cheek." Explore how these seemingly contradictory teachings from the Old and New Testaments aren't at odds but complement each other in guiding justice and mercy. Discover the historical context behind lex talionis and Jesus' radical message of grace.
Through personal anecdotes and deep dives into scriptural passages, Lance unpacks the nuanced roles of proportional justice and nonviolent resistance. Learn how turning the other cheek isn't about passivity but choosing reconciliation and embodying a dignity that refuses to be defined by offense.
Join the conversation and reflect on how these principles can transform personal conflicts and societal justice systems today. Engage with this provocative discussion and find inspiration in ancient wisdom to handle modern challenges with grace and justice.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/eye.html 
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/5/Matthew-5-38.html
https://www.wearehebrew.com/eye-for-an-eye-turn-the-other-cheek
https://hummedia.manchester.ac.uk/schools/law/main/research/MSLR_Vol2_4(Goh).pdf
https://www.feedingonchrist.com/blog/post/justice-mercy-and-the-gospel 
https://practicalchristianityfoundation.com/blogs/what-does-it-mean/2015/07/02/matthew-539-what-does-it-mean/ 
https://bibleproject.com/articles/what-jesus-meant-turn-other-cheek-matthew-539/ 

Exodus 6:3 – Diving into the Yahweh Revelation

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith invites listeners to explore the intriguing complexities of Exodus 6:3, a verse that has puzzled both skeptics and believers. The discussion revolves around the names of God, specifically Yahweh and El Shaddai, and how these reveal different aspects of God's character to the patriarchs and to Moses. Join Lance as he unravels this biblical mystery, examining the perspectives of scholars and offering fresh analogies to help understand the theological depth and continuity within scriptures. Grab your Bible and dive deep into this thought-provoking exploration.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.equip.org/articles/did-abraham-know-god-as-yahweh-or-not/ 
https://lannononabraham.wordpress.com/category/yahweh-jireh-with-exodus-6-verse-3/ 
https://www.bibleref.com/Exodus/6/Exodus-6-3.html 
https://bibleproject.com/podcast/yahweh-and-exodus/ 
https://www.coffeeandabible.com/when-god-reveals-his-name/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:34 - Swearing Oaths: Biblical Insights Revealed

Welcome to today's deep dive on the "Bible Difficulties and Answers" podcast! Join host Lance Smith as we explore the intriguing topic of swearing oaths, navigating through biblical teachings and cultural contexts. Are oaths allowed in Christianity? What did Jesus really mean when he advised against making vows? Dive into biblical inconsistencies concerning oaths from the Old and New Testaments and discover their relevance in modern times, including legal settings like courtrooms and military service. Get ready to uncover a fresh perspective on how integrity and honesty form the cornerstone of Christian life. Tune in now and let’s unravel this complex issue together!
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/oaths.html 
https://sabbathreflections.org/swearing-of-oaths-does-matthew-5_34-forbid-them/ 
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/5/Matthew-5-34.html 
https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-answers/is-it-wrong-to-swear-upon-the-bible-in-a-court-of-law 
https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/68477/how-to-reconcile-matthew-519-and-matthew-534-and-numbers-302-on-the-issue-of 

Exodus 5:2 – Unmasking the Pharaoh: The Exodus Mystery

Join host Lance Smith on the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as he delves into the age-old mystery of the unnamed Pharaoh of the Exodus. Was it the famed Ramesses II or the enigmatic Amenhotep II? With a mix of biblical clues and archaeological evidence, Lance explores the theories and timelines that surround one of history's greatest mysteries. Could the Bible's silence on Pharaoh's identity be intentional, highlighting the dramatic contrast between man's pride and God's enduring legacy? This episode promises a deep dive into ancient history, complete with twists, intriguing theories, and fascinating insights into a biblical saga that still captivates the world today.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://tms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tmsj17f.pdf 
https://newcreation.blog/who-was-the-pharaoh-of-the-exodus/