The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:22 - "Foolish or Faithful? Exploring Biblical Wisdom"

Welcome to another episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, hosted by Lance Smith. Today, we're unpacking a familiar yet profound question: Is it okay to call someone a fool according to the Bible? Join us as we explore Jesus' words in Matthew 5:22 against the backdrop of the Bible's frequent use of the term. Dive deep into the dynamics of wisdom versus foolishness and discover how context and the condition of the heart play critical roles. We'll discuss how Jesus' warning goes beyond words, advocating for truth delivered with love rather than judgment with contempt. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways as we navigate this nuanced topic 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/fool.html 
https://journals.openedition.org/rhr/8651?lang=en 
https://www.gotquestions.org/fool-Bible.html 

Celebrating Episode 100: Unpacking Bible Difficulties

Welcome to the milestone 100th episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! Join host Lance Smith as we explore the journey of reaching this rare podcast achievement. Discover insights into the challenges of podcasting, the significance of studying the Book of Leviticus, and the continuous exploration of biblical questions. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, this special episode invites you to celebrate the depth of God's Word and the journey of faith and understanding.

Exodus 3:22 – Examining Divine Justice: The Israelites' Walk to Freedom

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith tackles the challenging topics of Scripture that leave many pondering. In this episode, delve into the often misunderstood biblical narrative of the Israelites "plundering" the Egyptians as found in Exodus 3:22. Through an insightful discussion, the podcast seeks to clarify whether this act was divine justice or a contradiction to the image of a loving God. By examining historical context and biblical translations, Lance reveals how the Israelites' receipt of goods symbolizes justice rather than theft, and highlights how God used ordinary social interactions to fulfill his promises. Listen in to discover how these insights enhance our understanding of divine justice and love.
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.christianpublishers.org/post/exodus-3-22-how-could-a-god-that-is-the-epitome-of-love-command-the-israelites-to-plunder-the-egyp 
https://www.answering-islam.org/BibleCom/ex3_22.html 
https://ligonduncan.com/plunder-and-passover-11/ 
https://melanienewton.com/god-commission-women-exodus-3/ 
 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus, the Law, and the Heart: Redefining Righteousness

Welcome back to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this contradictions episode, we explore Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically focusing on the apparent shift in the law regarding anger and murder. Lance navigates through the complexities of whether Jesus added to the Mosaic law or revealed its true intent.
Dive into a discussion on how Jesus fulfills rather than abolishes the law, enlightening us on the deeper moral insights that guide our Christian life today. Join Lance for a thought-provoking journey to understand the transformation from the law of Moses to the law of Christ, and discover how it calls for a change in heart, not just actions. Perfect for those seeking clarity on Scripture’s mysteries and keen on growing in their faith.
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://davidwilber.com/articles/the-law-of-moses-vs-the-law-of-christ 
Todd A. Wilson, “Law of Christ,” Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023), 624. 
https://ettingerwriting.wordpress.com/2021/12/19/jesus-the-mosaic-law-and-the-christian/ 

Exodus 1:15-21 – Facing Moral Dilemmas: Can Lying Ever Be Justified?

Welcome to this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast hosted by Lance Smith, where we delve into the challenging question of whether lying can ever be justified according to Scripture. Today, we explore the gripping story of Shiphrah and Puah, two Hebrew midwives from Exodus 1:15-21, who found themselves in a profound moral conflict under Pharaoh's cruel decree.
Despite facing the wrath of Pharaoh, Shiphrah and Puah chose to defy his orders, protecting innocent lives by allowing the Hebrew boys to live. This episode unravels the complex layers of their decision, examining the theological and ethical implications in the light of God's commands versus human authority.
We discuss how these midwives' courageous stance and fear of God led to divine blessings, exploring the notions of higher moral obligation and civil disobedience within a biblical context. Join us in understanding the intricate balance between obeying God's law and dealing with moral dilemmas, as we consider the implications for our own lives.
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.bibleref.com/Exodus/1/Exodus-1-15.html 
https://christiancourier.com/articles/did-god-reward-midwives-for-lying
https://juniaproject.com/midwives-vs-pharaoh-exodus-question-of-power/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:20 - Does Faith Need Works? The Bible’s Answer

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. Today, we dive into the complex topic of contradictions in Scripture, specifically focusing on the faith versus works debate. Is salvation by faith alone, or do works play a crucial role? Lance explores this longstanding theological question using Matthew 5:20 and insights from multiple scholars.
Join us as we dissect various biblical verses that highlight both sides of the argument. Discover how Jesus' teachings on righteousness challenge the notion of earning salvation through a checklist of deeds, pointing instead to a transformative faith that naturally produces good works.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone wrestling with these questions and seeking to understand the balance between faith and works in their spiritual journey. Whether you're a seasoned listener or new to the podcast, your perspective on righteousness and salvation is sure to be enriched.
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/otlaw.html 
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/5/Matthew-5-20.html 
https://www.gracenewnan.org/160verses 
https://forwardinchrist.net/light-for-our-path-explain-mat520/ 
https://www.gotquestions.org/salvation-faith-alone.html 

Exodus 1:15 – Unraveling the Mystery of Two Midwives in Exodus

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 reveals the probable roles these women played as leaders of a larger network, challenging oppressive commands and demonstrating profound courage. Their story serves as a powerful reflection on faith and moral conviction.
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://armstronginstitute.org/150-biblical-names-confirmed-through-archaeology 
https://steemit.com/history/@roger5120/an-exegesis-of-the-hebrew-midwives-exodus-1-15-22 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:18 - Debunking the Binding Nature of Old Testament Laws

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, and Colossians to provide insights into how Christ’s fulfillment of the law impacts modern faith practice.
Through a detailed examination of key verses and a practical understanding of both historical and contemporary implications, Lance unpacks the argument of Old Testament laws as either eternal commandments or fulfilled promises completed by Jesus Christ. The episode concludes by affirming the importance of love as the primary commandment under the New Covenant — a timeless truth that redefines the believer's relationship with biblical laws while embracing freedom in Christ.
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/otlaw.html 
https://a.co/d/8pTdTlO (The MacArthur Study Bible)
https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-law.html