The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 7:21 – "Divine Calls: Are They Heard or Lost in Translation?"

In this episode of "Bible Difficulties and Answers," host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of whether calling on God guarantees deliverance. Through a blend of humor and deep theological insight, the discussion navigates the lines between sincere prayer and hollow words, examining scriptural passages from Joel, Acts, Romans, Matthew, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and more. Explore how true faith, rooted in sincerity, repentance, and obedience, dictates the divine response, offering a balance between grace and accountability. Join the conversation and challenge your understanding of what it means to truly call on the Lord.
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 
Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/found.html 
Hamilton, J. (2014). “The Center of Biblical Theology in Acts: Deliverance and Damnation Display the Divine.” www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-center-of-biblical-theology-in-acts-deliverance-and-damnation-display-the-divine 
Johnson, L. T. (2002). “Septuagintal Midrash in the Speeches of Acts.” Père Marquette Lecture in Theology. epublications.marquette.edu.
MacArthur, J. (2000). “Deliverance: The Neglected Doctrine.” Grace to You. www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/42-111/deliverance-the-neglected-doctrine 
Miller, E. (2009). “Deliverance Ministry in Historical Perspective.” Christian Research Journal. www.equip.org/article/deliverance-ministry-in-historical-perspective 
GotQuestions.org. (2023). “What does it mean that not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven?” www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-7-21-23.html 
BibleRef. (n.d.). “Matthew 7:21 Commentary.” www.bibleref.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-7-21.html 
Fitzmyer, J. A. (n.d.). “The Prophetic Call for Deliverance in Joel.” Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. journals.sagepub.com 
Chistyakova, O., & Chistyakov, V. (2023). “The Concept of Deliverance in Early Church Fathers.” Journal of the Bible and Its Reception. www.degruyter.com 

Sunday Series-Episode #6: Six Super-Precise Numbers That Fine-Tune our Universe for Life

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith guides us through week six of a 20-week series on J. Steve Miller's Faith is Not Blind. This episode explores the fascinating topic of the universe's fine-tuning, examining six crucial numbers that make life possible. Drawing from Miller's evidence and expert perspectives, we delve into the intricacies of cosmic calibration, akin to a maestro conducting a universal symphony.
We revisit the fine-tuning argument, weighing the odds of such precise settings against naturalistic explanations, and explore alternative theories like multiverse speculation. Experts like Richard Dawkins and Martin Rees ponder these cosmic constants, while theistic perspectives suggest intelligent design as a more plausible explanation. This episode challenges listeners to follow the evidence and reconsider their views on the universe's origins.
Whether you're a skeptic or believer, this exploration offers thrilling insights into the universe's mysteries, pointing toward a design that's anything but random. Join us next week as we uncover the order and laws governing our cosmos. Don't forget to check the show notes for additional resources and links.
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 
Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd
Craig, W. L. (2008). Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics (3rd ed.). Crossway Books.
Strobel, L. (2004). The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God. Zondervan.
Rees, M. (2000). Just Six Numbers: The Deep Forces That Shape the Universe. Basic Books.
Barnes, L. A. (2012). “The Fine-Tuning of the Universe for Intelligent Life.” Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, 29, 529–564.
Collins, R. Articles on fine-tuning: http://home.messiah.edu/~rcollins/

Exodus 14:21-29 – Crossing the Red Sea: Miracle or Logistical Marvel?

In this intriguing episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith tackles the age-old mystery of how two million Israelites could have crossed the Red Sea in a single night as described in Exodus 14:21-29. Was it a logistical challenge or a divine intervention?
Lance delves into historical and cultural contexts, explores scholarly insights, and crunches the numbers to uncover the truth behind this miraculous event. Listeners will gain fascinating perspectives on how God showcased His dominion over chaos and delivered His people against all odds. Tune in to explore the blend of faith and strategy that underpinned one of the Bible's most dramatic moments.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
Knowable Word: https://www.knowableword.com/2023/03/27/overlooked-details-of-the-red-sea-crossing/) 
Institute for Creation Research: https://www.icr.org/article/2163/)
ScriptSwitch Insight: https://scriptureinsight.org/study/exodus/14&rut=2ed71af5ee07361f47026d73acce3330336a02106f62fe84be0def7d005c0ce5
Learn the Bible: https://www.learnthebible.org/crossing-the-red-sea.html
The Lost World of the Israelite Conquest by John H. Walton and J. Harvey Walton

Sidebar Episode: Midyear Review and What’s up with the Bible and Yeast?

Welcome to a special mid-year review of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. In this episode, we reflect on the achievements and growth of the podcast in the first half of 2025, showcasing our expanding reach and engaging content that has captivated listeners from around the globe.
We delve into listener inquiries with a focus on the intriguing question of yeast in the Bible. Discover the symbolic meanings behind yeast used in scripture, contrasting its representation of sin and impurity with its positive illustration of God's kingdom.
Join us to celebrate our podcast's momentum as we continue to tackle thought-provoking biblical questions and connect with listeners old and new, making every download count as we strive to reach new heights in 2025.
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 
Miller, J. Steve. Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to a Reasonable Christian Faith. Acworth, GA: Wisdom Creek Press, 2016.
MacDonald, John B. “The Dangers of Yeast.” John B. MacDonald, https://www.johnbmacdonald.com/blog/the-dangers-of-yeast 
“Symbols in Leviticus: Yeast & Honey.” Meeting God in the Margin, https://meetinggodinthemargin.com/2020/02/13/symbols-in-leviticus-yeast-honey/ 
“The Yeast Factor.” The Well, InterVarsity, https://thewell.intervarsity.org/focus/focus-yeast-factor 
“Stop Telling People That Yeast Is Sin.” Christian Learning, https://www.christianlearning.com/stop-telling-people-that-yeast-is-sin/ 
“The Symbolism of Yeast in the Bible.” A Student, https://astudent.wordpress.com/2011/09/20/the-symbolism-of-yeast-in-the-bible/ 
“What Does Yeast Symbolize in the Bible?” Christian Pure, https://christianpure.com/learn/yeast-symbolism-bible/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 7:8 – Unlocking the Mystery of Prayer: Does God Always Listen?

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith explores the timeless question: Does God listen to and answer prayers? Drawing insights from Matthew 7:8, Lance delves into the nuances of prayer, illustrating how God responds to sincere and faith-filled prayers while addressing apparent contradictions in Scripture. Listeners are invited to discover how persistence, sincerity, and alignment with God’s will play a crucial role in connecting with the divine. Through relatable stories and biblical insights, this episode offers a deeper understanding of how to maintain a strong prayer signal with God.
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 
Black, S. W., et al. (2021). “Is God Listening to My Prayers? Initial Validation of a Brief Measure of Perceived Divine Engagement and Disengagement in Response to Prayer.” Religions, 12(2).
GotQuestions.org. “Does God Answer Prayers?” https://www.gotquestions.org/does-God-answer-prayers.html 
Piper, J. “Do Answered Prayers Depend on My Holiness?” DesiringGod.org. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/do-answered-prayers-depend-on-my-holiness 
Vickers, J. E. (2019). A Wesleyan Theology of Prayer. Asbury Theological Seminary. https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2476&context=ecommonsatsdissertations 
Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/found.html 
Brooks, G. (1990). “Unanswered Prayers.” No Fences.
Lewis, C.S. (1947). Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer.

Sunday Series-Episode #5: The Universe - A Detective Story

Join host Lance Smith as he navigates life’s biggest theistic questions in the fifth week of the Sunday series, "Unpacking J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind." In this episode, the focus shifts to the origins of the universe, delving into the Big Bang theory, cosmic beginnings, and the philosophical and scientific arguments that point to a purposeful creation.
Explore the three main contenders for the universe's origin: an eternal universe, spontaneous creation from nothing, and an intelligent designer that transcends time and space. Listen as Lance evaluates these concepts like a detective unraveling clues at a cosmic crime scene, referencing insights from J. Steve Miller’s book and philosophical heavyweights like the Kalam cosmological argument.
Discover why naturalistic viewpoints fall short and what makes the theistic perspective compelling. Whether you're skeptical or a believer, this episode invites you to examine the evidence and theories critically, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the universe's inception.
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 
Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
Craig, W. L. The Kalam Cosmological Argument. Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Flew, A. (2007). There Is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind. HarperOne.
Kragh, H. (2008). Entropic Creation. Ashgate.
Kragh, H. (1999). Cosmology and Controversy. Princeton University Press.

Exodus 12:29 – The Firstborn Dilemma: Can Divine Love and Justice Coexist?

In episode 131 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith delves into one of Scripture's most challenging moments, Exodus 12:29. The episode examines the tenth plague, where God struck down the firstborn of Egypt, questioning the balance between divine love and justice. By exploring the historical and spiritual context, listeners are invited to understand the complex interplay between God's judgment and mercy. The discussion offers insights into why this event is not just about punishment, but also a significant step in God's redemptive plan. Listeners are encouraged to ponder how this ancient narrative resonates with our present-day challenges and choices.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
Slick, Matt. “What Type of God Would Kill the Firstborn of Egypt?” CARM.org, December 11, 2008. https://carm.org/about-god/what-type-of-god-would-kill-the-firstborn-of-egypt/
West Hills Community Church. “Exodus 12:29-32 Study Guide: The Judgment of God.” December 4, 2024. https://westhills.org/blog/2024/12/04/exodus-12-29-32-study-guide-the-judgment-of-god
Evidence Unseen. “Why Would God Slay the Firstborn of the Egyptians?” https://evidenceunseen.com/old-testament/exodus/difficulties/why-would-god-slay-the-firstborn-of-the-egyptians
Sprinkle, Preston. “Pulpit Speech: A Divine Cover-Up.” Reformed Theological Seminary Journal, April 2021. https://journal.rts.edu/article/pulpit-speech-a-divine-cover-up/
Dolch, Martin. “Does Passover Celebrate the Death of Innocent Egyptians?” HuffPost, April 5, 2013. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/does-passover-celebrate-the-death-of-innocent-egyptians_b_2821971

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 7:1 –"The Great Judging Debate: Balancing Discernment and Humility"

In episode 130 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith tackles the intriguing question of judgment in the Bible. As he delves into Matthew 7:1, he explores whether Scripture commands us to judge or refrain from judging others. This episode unravels the distinction between hypocritical and righteous judgment, emphasizing the importance of discernment, humility, and love. Discover how seemingly contradictory verses fit together, offering a cohesive message about living a life balanced in truth and compassion. Join Lance on this enlightening journey to discern the true path of righteous judgment as laid out by the Bible.
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 
Alisa Childers, “Biblical Judgment in a ‘Don’t Judge Me’ World,” CrossExamined.org: https://crossexamined.org/biblical-judgment-in-a-dont-judge-me-world/ 
Frank Turek, Answering the Call podcast: https://answeringthecall.simplecast.com/episodes/frank-turek-on-the-philosophical-6d5feac5 
Bible Project, “What Matthew 7:1–5 Means”: https://bibleproject.com/articles/what-matthew-71-5-judge-not-lest-ye-be-judged-means/ 
BibleRef.com, Matthew 7:1: https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-7-1.html 
Veritas Domain, “Quick Devotional from Matthew 7:1”: https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2021/10/07/quick-devotional-from-matthew-71-observation-from-the-greek/ 
Jiří Moskala, “Toward a Theology of Judgment”: https://www.andrews.edu/sem/inministry/uploads/2018syllabi/2018fallsyllabi/gsem530-articles/toward-a-theology-of-judgment.j.moskala.pdf 
Women in Apologetics, “Matthew 7:1 – A World Without Judgment?”: https://womeninapologetics.com/matthew-71-%EF%80%AD-a-world-without-judgement/ 
Skeptics Annotated Bible, Contradictions: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/material.html