The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Exodus 20:24 – Unraveling the Dual Altar Mystery in Exodus

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a perplexing question from the book of Exodus. Listeners are guided through the apparent contradiction between God's instructions in Exodus 20, where an altar of earth is called for, and Exodus 27, which describes a more elaborate acacia wood altar. By exploring historical context, theological perspectives, and scholarly interpretations, this episode sheds light on whether these altars are distinct or united in purpose, drawing lessons for modern faith practices.
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 
ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008.
NIV Study Bible. Edited by Kenneth L. Barker et al. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament, Volume 1: Genesis–Exodus. Edited by John H. Walton. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.
Newton, Brian. “An Altar of Earth: Exodus 20:22-26.” Published March 4, 2024. Available at: https://bcnewton.co/2024/03/04/an-altar-of-earth-exodus-2022-26/ 
Calvin, John. Commentaries on the Four Last Books of Moses Arranged in the Form of a Harmony. Translated by Charles William Bingham. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Available at: https://www.ccel.org/c/calvin/comment3/comm_vol04/htm/iii.i.viii.htm 
“What Is the Spiritual Meaning to Exodus 20:24?” Never Thirsty. Available at: https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/what-is-the-spiritual-meaning-to-exodus-2024/ 
Sharp, Casey A. “Of ‘Homelands’ and Cults: Altars and the Development of Social Complexity in Iron Age Israel.” Master’s thesis, University of Georgia, 2012. Available at: https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/sharp_casey_a_201205_ma.pdf 
Kilchör, Benjamin. “The Direction of Dependence between the Laws of the Pentateuch: The Priority of the Covenant Code.” Tübingen: Universität Tübingen, 2023. Available at: https://publikationen.uni-tuebingen.de/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10900/146315/Kilchoer_008.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y 
Zevit, Ziony. “Which Altar Was the Right One in Ancient Israelite Religion?” Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 2016. Available at: https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/which-altar-was-the-right-one-in-ancient-israelite-religion/ 
“Contradictions in the Bible: Altar of Earth or of Acacia Wood?” Available at: https://contradictionsinthebible.com/altar-of-earth-or-of-acacia-wood/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 8:10 – "Exploring Jesus' Omniscience: A Divine Puzzle"

In this intriguing episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a thought-provoking question from Matthew 8:10: Did Jesus know everything? Engaging with verses that present Jesus as both omniscient and seemingly limited in knowledge, Lance navigates through the complexities of the hypostatic union—Jesus Christ as both God and man.
Using the New Living Translation as a guide, this episode explores contrasting biblical passages, providing fresh analogies and insights from scholars like Dr. William Lane Craig. Discover how early theologians resolved these apparent contradictions and what it means for understanding Jesus' divine and human nature.
Join the conversation as Lance examines the implications of Jesus' omniscience and human limitations, providing a deeper understanding of the gospel's heart. Whether you're a seasoned theologian or a curious scripture fan, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire.
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 
Craig, William Lane. “The Birth of God.” Available at: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/jesus-of-nazareth/the-birth-of-god 
Bible Hub. “Was Jesus Omniscient?” Available at: https://biblehub.com/q/was_jesus_omniscient.htm 
Bible Hub. “The Omniscience of Christ.” Available at: https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_omniscience_of_christ.htm 
The Gospel Coalition. “The Humanity of Christ.” Available at: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-humanity-of-christ/ 
A Clay Jar. “What Did Jesus Know?” Available at: https://aclayjar.net/2019/11/what-did-jesus-know/ 
The Bible for Normal People. “Did Jesus Know Everything?” Available at: https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/did-jesus-know-everything/ 
The Gospel Coalition. “One Thing Jesus Didn’t Know.” Available at: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/one-thing-jesus-didnt-know/ 
The Reformed Classicalist. “What Did Jesus Know and When Did He Know It?” Available at: https://www.reformedclassicalist.com/home/what-did-jesus-know-and-when-did-he-know-it 

Sunday Series-Episode 9: Exploring the Cosmic Blueprint--A Deep Dive into Life's Complexities

Welcome to the latest episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where your host Lance Smith guides you through week nine of a 20-week exploration series of J. Steve Miller's book, Faith That's Not Blind. This episode expands on the intricate designs of living creatures, delving into discussions on whether this complexity points to a cosmic engineer or simply the result of chance.
Join the engaging discussion featuring insights from biochemist Michael Behe and microbiologist Michael Denton. Behe introduces the concept of irreducible complexity, using the bacterial flagellum as an example, while Denton explores the marvels of birds' intricate wings. The conversation interrogates whether Darwinian mechanisms suffice to explain these biological wonders.
With references to various notable works, the episode invites listeners to examine their own views on the design argument and its persuasiveness. Don't miss the thought-provoking journey through the complexities of life and the universe, driven by the curiosity and insights that fuel this podcast series.
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 
Behe, M. J. (1996). Darwin’s Black Box. Free Press.
Denton, M. (1985). Evolution: A Theory in Crisis. Adler & Adler.
Dawkins, R. (1986). The Blind Watchmaker. Norton & Company.
Gould, S. J. (1997). “Darwinian Fundamentalism” and “Evolution: The Pleasures of Pluralism.” The New York Review of Books.
Evolution News article on the bacterial flagellum: http://www.evolutionnews.org/2011/03/michael_behe_hasnt_been_refute044801.html

Exodus 20:13 – Untangling Divine Contradictions: God's Commandments and Capital Punishment

Welcome to episode 144 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into a perplexing biblical question: How can God command 'you must not murder' in Exodus 20:13, yet instruct for murderers to be put to death in Exodus 21:12? We explore the intricacies of these ancient laws, differentiating between personal conduct and societal justice. By examining Hebrew terms and historical context, we uncover insights into God's justice system that values life and maintains harmony. Join us as we unravel the seeming contradictions and illuminate the divine blueprint for justice.
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 
Charles Jr., H.B. “A Matter of Life and Death (Exodus 20:13).” Available at: https://hbcharlesjr.com/resource-library/sermon-outlines/a-matter-of-life-and-death-exodus-2012/ 
Holt, A.P. “Thou Shalt Not Kill vs. Thou Shalt Not Murder.” Available at: https://apholt.com/2015/03/17/thou-shalt-not-kill-vs-thou-shalt-not-murder/ 
Upwards Blog. “God’s 6th Commandment (Exodus 20:13).” Available at: https://upwards.blog/2024/02/01/gods-6th-commandment-exodus-2013/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 8:5-8–Contradiction or Complement? Unraveling the Centurion's Story

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith explores a puzzling contradiction between the Gospels of Matthew and Luke regarding the Roman centurion's request for Jesus's help. The story, found in Matthew 8:5-8 and Luke 7:1-7, seems to diverge on whether the centurion approached Jesus directly or sent messengers on his behalf.
Delve into the cultural and narrative nuances as Lance examines why these accounts differ and how they both highlight the centurion's extraordinary faith in Jesus' authority. Discover how the actions of messengers are attributed directly to the sender and why both gospel accounts present a coherent story from different perspectives.
Join the discussion to see how the Bible's rich, multifaceted narrative style allows for consistent truth and reliability. Whether face-to-face or through intermediaries, the centurion’s faith remains steadfast—a testament to the power and reach of Jesus's word.
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 
The Master’s Seminary Journal, “The Historical Reliability of the Gospels,” 2006. https://tms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tmsj17c.pdf 
Answers in Genesis, “Centurion Contradiction?” https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/centurion-contradiction/ 
James Hutton, “Healing the Centurion’s Servant: Jesus’ Authority,” 2019. https://jameslhutton.com/2019/08/13/healing-centurions-servant-jesus-authority/ 
If I Walked With Jesus, “Matthew 7:5-13 The Centurion’s Servant Healed.” https://ifiwalkedwithjesus.com/matthew-75-13-the-centurions-servant-healed/ 
Good Question Blog, “Why do Matthew and Luke’s accounts of Jesus healing the centurion’s servant differ in detail?” 2025. https://goodquestionblog.com/2025/04/06/why-do-matthew-and-lukes-account-of-jesus-healing-the-centurions-servant-differ-in-detail/ 
Robert Clifton Robinson, “The Centurion and Jesus: Great Faith or Evidence of Contradiction?” 2014. https://robertcliftonrobinson.com/2014/09/06/the-centurion-and-jesus-great-faith-or-evidence-of-contradiction/ 
Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry, “Who brought the Centurion’s request to Jesus?” 2008. https://carm.org/bible-difficulties/who-brought-the-centurions-request-to-jesus 

Sunday Series-Episode 8--Unveiling the Complexity: The Cell's Marvelous Design

Welcome to the eighth week of our exploration into J. Steve Miller's Faithless Not Blind, guided by your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into the mind-boggling complexity of even the simplest of cells, questioning whether such intricacy could arise by chance.
Join us on a cosmic journey as we examine the arguments of renowned astrophysicist Sir Fred Hoyle, who, after careful calculation, argued for a purposeful design behind life's origin. Through Hoyle's lens, even the appearance of a single functional protein seems impossible by random chance, further supporting the idea of intelligent design.
Explore the compelling perspectives of philosopher Antony Flew and renowned mathematician Sir Fred Hoyle as they challenge the naturalistic view—which suggests life emerged by accident—in favor of a theistic explanation. This episode encourages you to look beyond blind faith and follow the clues suggesting a masterful design behind the complexities of life.
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 
Hoyle, F. (1981). The Mathematics of Evolution. Acorn Enterprises.
Hoyle, F., & Wickramasinghe, N. C. (1981). Evolution from Space. J.M. Dent & Sons.
Hoyle, F. (1983). The Intelligent Universe. Michael Joseph.
Denton, M. (1985). Evolution: A Theory in Crisis. Adler & Adler.
Meyer, S. C. (2009). Signature in the Cell. HarperOne.
Flew, A. (2007). There is a God. HarperOne.

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