The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Exodus 20:8-11 – Why Sunday? Unpacking the Day of Christian Worship

Welcome to episode 141 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into the age-old question: why do Christians worship on Sunday when the Bible designates Saturday as the Sabbath? We explore scriptural references and historical contexts that explain this significant shift in worship practices.
Starting with the commandment to observe the Sabbath in Exodus, we discuss the importance of rest in the Mosaic Covenant and how Saturday served as a divine pause for the Israelites. The episode progresses by examining why early Christians chose Sunday to commemorate Jesus' resurrection, a decision deeply rooted in New Testament events, such as the resurrection accounts in all four Gospels and the practice of early believers gathering on Sundays.
We also consider the theological implications of worshipping on Sunday, highlighting how this tradition celebrates Jesus' victory over sin and death. Additionally, the episode clarifies how the Sabbath was a foreshadowing of the ultimate rest found in Christ, encouraging listeners to understand worship as a heartfelt practice rather than a mere adherence to tradition.
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 
The MacArthur Study Bible. Available at: https://a.co/d/ardifD1
C. John Collins, Science & Faith: Friends or Foes? (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2003), 90. 
Collins, C. John. Science & Faith: Friends or Foes? Crossway, 2003.
“Why Do Christians Worship on Sunday?” Ligonier Ministries. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/keeping-the-lords-day 
“Second London Baptist Confession 1689.” CARM. https://carm.org/creeds-and-confessions/second-london-baptist-confession-1689-of-god/ 
“Sunday Worship is Evidence for the Resurrection.” Navigating by Faith. https://navigatingbyfaith.com/2019/03/31/sunday-worship-is-evidence-for-the-resurrection/ 
“The Biblical Basis for Church on Sunday.” Creation Awaits. https://creationawaits.substack.com/p/the-biblical-basis-for-church-on-sunday 
“Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?” Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-christians-keep-the-sabbath 
“Should we keep the Sabbath or not?” CARM. https://carm.org/bible-difficulties/should-we-keep-the-sabbath-or-not/ 
“The Expectation of a New Covenant Sabbath.” Knowing Scripture. https://knowingscripture.com/articles/the-expectation-of-a-new-covenant-sabbath 
“Sunday vs. Saturday Worship: Understanding the Shift from Sabbath to Sunday.” Wisdom for the Heart. https://www.wisdomonline.org/blog/sunday-vs-saturday-worship-understanding-the-shift-from-sabbath-to-sunday 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 7:22-23 – Untangling the Devil: Is Casting Out Demons a True Mark of Faith?

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In episode 140, we delve into a complex theological question: Is casting out devils a true indicator of Christian faith? We explore the alleged contradictions within the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 7:22-23, Mark 16:17, Mark 9:38, and Luke 9:49.
The Skeptics Annotated Bible suggests a tension between these verses, questioning whether demon casting is a hallmark of believers or a power accessible even to outsiders. We examine how Jesus' teachings distinguish between the mere act of performing miracles and the deeper, essential call for a life aligned with God's will.
Join us as we unravel these biblical puzzles, aiming to understand the true essence of faith beyond miraculous signs. Are these differences genuine contradictions, or do they reveal a broader spiritual message? Tune in to explore the interplay of faith, miracles, and the heart's role in divine acts.
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 
Bazzana, G. B. (2021). “I Exorcise You, Every Unclean Spirit!”: Jesus and the Other Exorcists in the Gospel of Mark. Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 43(4), 555-575. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461079211019195 
Baker, K. J. (2020). Bedeviling Spirit Possession in Ancient Christian Texts. Harvard Divinity Bulletin. https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu/bedeviling-spirit-possession-in-ancient-christian-texts/ 
Maragh, A. L. (2016). The Healing Ministry of Jesus as Recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. Loma Linda University Scholars Repository. https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?params=/context/etd/article/1450/&path_info=Alvin_Lloyd_Maragh___The_Healing_Ministry_of_Jesus_As_Recorded_in_the_Synoptic_Gospels.pdf 
Parsons, J. H. (2012). The Manifest Darkness: Exorcism and Possession in the Christian Tradition. University of Georgia Theses and Dissertations. 
The Gospel Coalition. (2017). How to Process the Scariest Passage in the Bible. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-to-process-the-scariest-passage-in-the-bible/ 
Faith Alone. (2020). Matthew 7:21-23 Revisited. https://faithalone.org/blog/matthew-721-23-revisited/ 
Journal for the Study of the New Testament. (2019). Miracles and Faith in the Synoptic Gospels.
Harvard Theological Review. (2018). Exorcism and Authority in the Early Church. 
Miracles and Testimony in Relation to Faith in the Gospel of John. (2022). Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/72578492/Miracles_and_testimony_in_relation_to_faith_in_the_gospel_of_John_a_study_in_the_text_and_its_contexts 
Oxford Reference. (n.d.). Exorcism in Classics. https://oxfordre.com/classics/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-8290 

Sunday Series-Episode #7: The Order and Laws of Our Universe

Join host Lance Smith on the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as we embark on a thrilling exploration of the universe's precise order and laws, diving into J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind. Discover why the cosmos operates like a beautifully orchestrated galactic clock and consider the insights of Newton and Einstein that suggest an intelligent design.
Through compelling analogies and expert accounts, we explore whether the universe's intricate structure is a result of mere chance or the hands of a maestro. From the mathematical elegance of the laws governing everything from black holes to distant stars, to the reflections of skeptical scientists turned believers, this episode weighs the evidence for a purposeful design.
Get ready to unravel life's big questions as we investigate how the universe's comprehensible nature hints at a cosmic architect. Don’t miss this riveting journey that’s more thought-provoking than a planetarium show and engages with arguments that have sparked cosmic curiosity throughout history.
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 
Berlinski, D. (2000). Newton’s Gift: How Sir Isaac Newton Unlocked the System of the World. Free Press.
Isaacson, W. (2007). Einstein: His Life and Universe. Simon & Schuster.
Davies, P. (1992). The Mind of God: The Scientific Basis for a Rational World. Simon & Schuster.
Vilenkin, A. Interview: http://now.tufts.edu/articles/beginning-was-beginning  
Hoyle, F. (1983). The Intelligent Universe. Michael Joseph.

Exodus 20:5a – "God's Jealousy Unveiled: A Divine Drama of Love"

In this engaging episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of God's jealousy, focusing on Exodus 20:5a. Is jealousy a divine flaw or a profound reflection of God's covenant love? Discover the nuances behind the Hebrew word "qanna" and learn how God's jealousy is rooted in holiness and love, aimed at protecting our relationship with Him. Join as we explore why God's jealousy is different from human envy and how it calls us to fidelity in our spiritual walk. Get ready for a journey through scripture and scholarship, wrapped in humor and heart, as we uncover the depth of God's devotion.
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
Eliazar, K. N. (2024). “Demystifying the Jealousy of God: An Exegesis of Exodus 20:1-6.” Journal of Sociology, Psychology & Religious Studies, 4(6), 58-66.
GotQuestions.org. “What does it mean that God is a jealous God?” https://www.gotquestions.org/jealous-God.html
DesiringGod.org. “God Is Jealous for Your Joy” by John Piper. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/god-is-jealous-for-your-joy
TheGospelCoalition.org. “The Jealousy of God.” https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-jealousy-of-god/
TopicalBibleStudies.com. “God Is Jealous: What Does That Mean?” https://topicalbiblestudies.com/god-is-jealous-what-does-that-mean/
Bible-Blog.org. “Exodus 20:5-6: The DNA of Sin.” https://bible-blog.org/2011/08/20/exodus-205-6-the-dna-of-sin/
Oaks2b.com. “How Can One Reconcile Exodus 20:5-6 with Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18?” https://www.oaks2b.com/2010/11/04/how-can-one-reconcile-exodus-205-6-with-deuteronomy-2416-and-ezekiel-18/
CARM.org. “Anthropomorphism: God Relates to Us in Human Terms.” https://carm.org/open-theism/anthropomorphism-god-relates-to-us-in-human-terms/
Hamilton, V. P. (2000). Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary. Baker Publishing Co.
Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology. Zondervan.

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/