The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 1:16-Unraveling Jesus' Genealogies: A Deep Dive into Gospel Discrepancies

Welcome back to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. In this Tuesday edition, host Lance Smith explores one of the most debated contradictions in the Gospels: the differing genealogies of Jesus. Was Jesus' paternal grandfather Jacob, as Matthew suggests, or Heli, as Luke presents? This episode dives deep into these discrepancies, examining ancient customs, historical contexts, and theological perspectives to uncover the truths behind the genealogies.
Delve into the scholarly insights from the Jesus Seminar and other biblical scholars, as Lance discusses theories like Levirate marriage, maternal-grandfather lineage, and textual analysis. Each perspective offers a unique lens through which to understand Jesus' identity and mission, demonstrating the Gospels' cultural and theological richness.
Join the conversation as we unravel these fascinating complexities and explore how these genealogies affirm Jesus' messianic credentials. Tune in, think critically, and engage with Scripture on a deeper level. Don't forget to send in your questions and interact with us on our Facebook page. Subscribe, review, and help spread the word about this enlightening journey through the Bible's most intriguing narratives.
References to items discussed 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)
Marcus J. Borg, John Dominic Crossan, The First Christmas (HarperCollins, 2009) page 95
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/levirate-marriage-and-halitzah/

Genesis 23:1-6--Unveiling the Hittites: A Biblical and Archaeological Exploration

Welcome back to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into the intriguing question of how the Hittites could have been present in Hebron in 2050 BC, despite their kingdom being in modern-day Turkey. This mystery has long puzzled scholars and skeptics who question the biblical timeline and ancient migrations.
Join us as we explore archaeological evidence and scriptural insights to uncover the surprising presence of the Hittites in Canaan during Abraham's time. We examine seven key factors supporting this historical possibility, including early settlements, Hittite expansion, and linguistic evidence, among others. Discover how these findings align with the biblical narrative and what they reveal about ancient cultures and migrations.
By the end of this episode, you'll see how the presence of Hittites in Canaan isn't just plausible but a reality grounded in both archaeology and history. Tune in next week as we explore another biblical puzzle: Why does Genesis 25:1 call Keturah Abraham's wife, while 1 Chronicles 1:32 refers to her as his concubine? Don't miss out on this captivating dive into ancient family dynamics!
References to items discussed 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://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.icr.org/books/defenders/408
https://armstronginstitute.org/954-finding-the-hittites
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1955242
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-near-eastern-world/who-were-the-hittites/
Bryce, Trevor (1998). The Kingdom of the Hittites. Oxford: Clarendon Press. pp. 389–391. ISBN 0-19-814095-9
https://armstronginstitute.org/958-are-biblical-hittites-in-canaan-anachronistic 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 1:6-Untangling Jesus' Lineage: Solomon or Nathan?

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith tackles one of the most debated contradictions in the Bible: Jesus' descent from David. Does Jesus' lineage trace back to Solomon or Nathan? Join Lance as he dives into the genealogies presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, exploring how they can both be true.
Discover the insights of scholars like Dr. William Lane Craig and Dr. Mikel Del Rosario as they address common skeptic arguments about the authenticity and accuracy of biblical genealogies. Lance also examines the purpose behind Matthew and Luke's genealogical presentations and how these reinforce Jesus' claim as the Messiah.
Throughout the episode, Lance provides a clear explanation of the significance of Jesus' dual lineage, legal versus biological descent, and addresses specific concerns raised by skeptics. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, this episode offers a deeper understanding of the complexities and harmony found in the genealogies of Jesus.
Get ready for an engaging and insightful journey as the podcast continues to unravel the fascinating complexities of Scripture in the upcoming series on biblical genealogies. Tune in, send your questions, and join the conversation!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
https://www.compellingtruth.org/Jesus-son-of-David.html
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/question-answer/P50/dating-the-gospels
https://apologeticsguy.com/2016/10/jesus-disciples-illiterate-peasants/
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-genealogy.html 
https://answersingenesis.org/jesus/jesus-genealogies-in-matthew-and-luke/
https://isjesusalive.com/why-do-matthew-and-luke-give-us-two-different-genealogies-for-jesus/

Genesis 22:12-Exploring Abraham's Test: Omniscience and Faith

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a thought-provoking question from Genesis 22: Did God really need to test Abraham to know his response? Join us as we explore whether this passage challenges the notion of God's omniscience and what it reveals about divine knowledge.
Through four key perspectives, we unpack the theological implications of Abraham's test. Was it a demonstration of faith for Abraham, a revelation for others, or an example of God's anthropomorphic language? Discover how these interpretations offer insight into understanding God's perfect knowledge.
Tune in next week as we tackle the archaeological mystery of the sons of Heth in Hebron, circa 2050 BC. Don't miss this intriguing dive into ancient history!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/abraham-passes-his-test 
https://carm.org/open-theism/genesis-2212-for-now-i-know-that-you-fear-god-and-open-theism/ 
https://christiancourier.com/articles/does-god-limit-his-own-foreknowledge

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 1:1-Is Jesus the Son of David or the Son of God?

Welcome to the inaugural midweek episode of "Tuesday Contradictions" from the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith delves into one of the most challenging topics in biblical studies: Bible contradictions. In this episode, we explore the intriguing question of Jesus' identity as both the Son of David and the Son of God.
Join us as we examine verses from the New Living Translation that skeptics often cite to suggest contradictions in the Bible. Discover how Jesus' dual nature as the human descendant of David and the divine Son of God fulfills Old Testament prophecies and offers profound insights into the Christian faith.
Through careful analysis and scholarly perspectives, Lance Smith unpacks the complexities of Jesus' lineage and divine nature, offering clarity on this often misunderstood topic. Tune in to learn why it's not an either-or situation but a both-and understanding of who Jesus is.
As always, we invite you to share your questions and thoughts. Reach out to us via email or visit our website to engage with this fascinating discussion. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to help spread the word about the most amazing book ever written. Until next time, good luck, good health, and God bless.
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
https://www.compellingtruth.org/Jesus-son-of-David.html
https://www.agapebiblestudy.com/documents/Son%20of%20God.htm
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-son-of-David.html
https://www.todayintheword.org/practical-theology/son-of-god-or-son-of-david/ 
 

Genesis 22:2 (Part 2)–Unraveling the Mystery of Isaac as Abraham's "Only Son"

In this thought-provoking episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a perplexing question that has intrigued Bible readers for centuries: Why is Isaac referred to as Abraham's only son in Genesis 22:2, despite the existence of Ishmael? Is it divine favoritism or a deeper theological truth?
Lance explores this enigma through historical, theological, and spiritual lenses, examining interpretations from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He reviews Jewish Midrash and Quranic perspectives on the binding of Isaac, uncovering the theological nuances and implications within each tradition.
The episode presents five key interpretations to resolve this mystery, including theological, legal, source criticism, spiritual, and literary perspectives. Lance concludes that Isaac's designation as Abraham's only son is not a contradiction but a profound theological truth, highlighting Isaac's unique role in God's covenant and foreshadowing Jesus's ultimate promise of salvation.
Join Lance as he unpacks this biblical mystery and invites listeners to explore the deeper meanings within scripture. Tune in next week for another intriguing exploration into the sons of Heth in Genesis 23.
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/reasonable-faith-podcast/islam 
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/abrahams-great-act-faith
https://www.jcstudies.store/the-only-begotten-son/
https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/contradictions-my-two-sons/
https://www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/ot-difficulties/genesis-deuteronomy/gen-222-why-does-genesis-22-refer-to-isaac-as-abrahams-only-son/
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Composition_of_the_Pentateuch/CYW7z9tFHisC?hl=en&gbpv=0
https://www.thetorah.com/article/take-your-only-son-isaac-what-happened-to-ishmael 

New Midweek Series Launch! Tackling Bible Contradictions

Welcome back to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this exciting episode, we announce a brand new midweek podcast series launching next Tuesday, aimed at diving deep into some of the 563 contradictions highlighted by the Skeptic's Annotated Bible.
Join us every Tuesday as we tackle these contradictions head-on, offering well-researched and insightful answers. We'll explore historical contexts, scholarly viewpoints, and the nuances beneath these challenging passages. Whether you're a skeptic, believer, or somewhere in between, these episodes promise to enlighten and engage.
Get involved by sending in any contradictions you're curious about, and we'll explore them together. Don't miss out on these thought-provoking discussions, and remember, our regular Friday episodes will continue as usual. Mark your calendars and prepare for a journey into the intriguing world of Bible contradictions!

Genesis 22:2 (Part 1)-Unraveling the Enigma of Abraham and Isaac: Faith, Sacrifice, and Divine Purpose

Welcome to the latest episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this episode, we embark on a thought-provoking exploration of one of the Bible's most perplexing narratives—the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22:2. This ancient tale has provoked deep reflection and debate for centuries. Why did God command Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, despite condemning human sacrifice elsewhere in the scriptures?
This is part one of a two-part series delving into the layers of meaning behind this challenging story. Today, we focus on the command itself, seeking to understand its implications and what it reveals about God's character. We examine the apparent contradiction between God's command to Abraham and His prohibition of human sacrifice in Leviticus. Through insights from the Big Book of Bible Difficulties and other theological perspectives, we explore how this command was not about death, but about faith and obedience.
Join us as we consider six different perspectives on this narrative: God's purpose in testing Abraham, strengthening Abraham's faith, foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice, Abraham's trust in God's promise, differentiating from pagan practices, and God's sovereign right. Through these lenses, we aim to provide a clearer understanding of this complex story.
Stay tuned for part two next week, where we will delve into another intriguing question: How could Isaac be Abraham's only son when Ishmael was also his son? Until then, reflect on Abraham's faith and consider your own trust in God's promises. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions. Thank you for listening, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to help spread the word about the Bible's incredible stories.
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E6FM1caZzj0
https://www.gotquestions.org/Abraham-Isaac.html
https://www.unityreformed.org/post/why-would-god-ask-abraham-to-sacrifice-isaac