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 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/found.html 
2. 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 
3. Johnson, L. T. (2002). “Septuagintal Midrash in the Speeches of Acts.” Père Marquette Lecture in Theology. epublications.marquette.edu.
4. MacArthur, J. (2000). “Deliverance: The Neglected Doctrine.” Grace to You. www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/42-111/deliverance-the-neglected-doctrine 
5. Miller, E. (2009). “Deliverance Ministry in Historical Perspective.” Christian Research Journal. www.equip.org/article/deliverance-ministry-in-historical-perspective 
6. 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 
7. BibleRef. (n.d.). “Matthew 7:21 Commentary.” www.bibleref.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-7-21.html 
8. Fitzmyer, J. A. (n.d.). “The Prophetic Call for Deliverance in Joel.” Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. journals.sagepub.com 
9. Chistyakova, O., & Chistyakov, V. (2023). “The Concept of Deliverance in Early Church Fathers.” Journal of the Bible and Its Reception. www.degruyter.com