The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Sunday Series-Episode 2--Deathbed Visions: A Glimpse Beyond the Veil

Join host Lance Smith in the second episode of the 20-week series on J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind as we delve into the intriguing phenomenon of deathbed experiences. These profound moments, often involving vivid visions and encounters with deceased loved ones or spiritual guides, challenge the boundaries of scientific understanding and spark profound theological questions.
In this episode, we explore stories, studies, and personal accounts that suggest these experiences might be more than mere hallucinations. From tales of peace and clarity at life's end to studies indicating consistent patterns across cultures, we investigate whether these visions offer a glimpse of an afterlife, a divine presence, or a profound spiritual reality that transcends our material existence.
Tune in as we consider insights from researchers, ponder the implications of these experiences, and question whether they could be keys unlocking deeper truths about life, death, and what lies beyond.
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
Kerr, C. (2015). “Deathbed phenomena reported by patients in palliative care.” International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 21(3), 117–125.
Osis, K., & Haraldsson, E. (2012). At the Hour of Death: A New Look at Evidence for Life after Death. White Crow Books.
Muthumana, S. P., Kumari, M., et al. (2010–2011). “Deathbed Visions from India: A Study of Family Observations in Northern Kerala.” Omega, 62(2), 97–109.
Kinison, Bill, and Steve Delsohn. (1994). Brother Sam: The Short, Spectacular Life of Sam Kinison. William Morrow & Co.

Exodus 7:19 – Escaping the First Plague: How Did the Israelites Survive?

Join host Lance Smith in this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as we delve into the intriguing challenge of Exodus 7:19. We explore how the Israelites managed to escape the devastation of the first plague, despite the Nile River and all water sources in Egypt turning to blood.
Through a careful examination of biblical texts and scholarly interpretations, we analyze whether the Israelites were miraculously spared from the plague right from the start, or if they too had to navigate through these troubled waters. We also consider the geographical factors and God's divine protection in keeping the Israelites safe, highlighting the power dynamics between God's supremacy and Egypt's polytheistic beliefs.
Tune in as we uncover fascinating insights and theories, blending historical, linguistic, and theological perspectives to understand how the Israelites survived this biblical crisis.
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://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-7/ 
https://www.universityreformedchurch.org/sermons/and-there-shall-be-blood/ 
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dcc/exodus-7.html 
https://foundations.vision.org/plagued-doubt-951 
Hoyte HM. The plagues of Egypt: what killed the animals and the firstborn? Med J Aust. 1993 May 17;158(10):706-8. PMID: 8280206. 
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/exodus/exodus-in-the-bible-and-the-egyptian-plagues/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 6:10 – Heaven's Hidden Conflict Unveiled: A Biblical Investigation

Welcome to another episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this intriguing "Contradictions Day," we tackle the provocative question: Is God's will always done in heaven? By examining Matthew 6:10 and Revelation 12:7, this episode explores the tension between heavenly obedience and rebellion. Dive deep into scholarly insights from W. Philip Keller, Wayne Jackson, and more, as we unravel the mysteries surrounding cosmic battles and divine plans.
With insights drawn from scholarly articles and theological debates, we navigate through a wave of interpretations, linking Jesus’s teachings in the Lord’s Prayer to heavenly obedience and exploring Revelation's portrayal of warfare and rebellion. Does the war symbolize a past disruption or a future battle? What's the role of free will and redemption? We seek to answer these questions and more, inspiring you to mirror divine obedience in daily life.
Join Lance as he unwraps the complexities of divine will, the impact of Christ's victory, and the role of repentance and alignment with God's Kingdom. Tune in to our conversation, as we encourage listeners to bring the ethics of heaven to earth, one prayer at a time. This isn't just a theological journey, it's a call to action. Enjoy the unraveling of heavenly mysteries on our podcast, available on your favorite platforms.
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://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
https://bibletolife.com/resources/articles/gods-will-in-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven/ 
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1031&context=vn_revelation 
https://christiancourier.com/articles/a-rebellion-in-heaven 
https://lightontherock.org/index.php/blog/entry/is-god-s-will-always-done-in-this-world 
https://www.ej-theology.org/index.php/theology/article/view/144/149
https://www.samstorms.org/all-articles/post/war-in-heaven--war-on-earth:-a-study-in-revelation-12---part-ii

Sunday Series-Episode 1: Exploring the Enigma of Near-Death Experiences

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the limited-run Sunday Series of "Faith That's Not Blind" from the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this thought-provoking installment, we delve into the captivating phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs), challenging conventional beliefs about life and death. Discover the transformation of Dutch cardiologist Pim van Lommel, who transitioned from skepticism to pioneering NDE research, revealing a realm that suggests a profound mystery beyond our physical existence.
With insights drawn from J. Steve Miller's book "Faith That's Not Blind," this episode invites listeners on an exploratory journey, bridging the gap between science and faith. Learn about compelling cases where patients, presumed clinically dead, report vivid memories and encounters, raising profound questions about the essence of human consciousness and the possibility of an afterlife.
Join us as we navigate these profound stories, sparking curiosity, laughter, and a deeper understanding of the unseen realities that might hint at the existence of a divine being. This episode is part of a 20-part series, encouraging listeners to consider evidence of God’s existence through miraculous experiences, expanding the dialogue between spirituality and empirical study.
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 
Van Lommel, P., et al. (2001). “Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: a prospective study in the Netherlands.” The Lancet.
Van Lommel, P. (2010). Consciousness Beyond Life: The Science of the Near-Death Experience. HarperOne.
Greyson, B. (2023). “Near-Death Experiences and the Mind-Body Problem.” Scientific American.
Journal of Near-Death Studies (1980s–present, various articles).
Burke, J. (2015). Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You. Baker Books.
Miller, J. S. (2012). Near-Death Experiences as Evidence for the Existence of God and Heaven: A Brief Introduction in Plain Language. Wisdom Creek Press.
International Association of Near-Death Studies (IANDS) bibliography (1877–2011).
Near-Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF) database.

Exodus 7:11 – "Exodus Showdown: Miracle Workers vs Magicians"

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, we explore the intriguing showdown described in Exodus 7-11. Join host Lance Smith as he unravels the spiritual cage match between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh's magicians. Discover how Egyptian sorcerers mimicked divine miracles and consider the nature of their power. Was it mere illusion, or something darker? With engaging insights and light-hearted commentary, this episode offers a fresh perspective on these ancient biblical events and their implications for today's spiritual landscape.
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://a.co/d/fQ53nsg (The MacArthur Study Bible Notes from Amazon)
https://darrylburling.com/magicians-and-miracles-in-egypt-exodus/ 
https://janes.scholasticahq.com/article/2413-moses-and-magic-notes-on-the-book-of-exodus 
https://www.hebrewversity.com/sorcerers-egypt-magic-tricks-study-contrasts/ 
Perkins, William. The Damned Art of Witchcraft. In Works IX, 366–369. Cited in “Pharaoh’s Magicians Were Incapable of True Miracles.” Purely Presbyterian, April 3, 2023.https://purelypresbyterian.com/2023/04/03/pharaohs-magicians-were-incapable-of-true-miracles/ 
https://academic.tyndalehouse.com/explore/articles/the-strange-case-of-jannes-and-jambres/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 6:9-13 – "The Prayer Paradox: Matthew vs. Romans"

Welcome to this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith delves into the seeming contradictions in scriptures about prayer. Is prayer a structured spiritual recipe, or is it more about letting the Spirit lead when words fail us?
We explore Matthew 6's Lord's Prayer as a framework provided by Jesus, intended to guide believers in building a relationship with God, not just a set of rote phrases to be repeated. In contrast, Romans 8:26 introduces the role of the Holy Spirit, stepping in when our requests get tongue-tied or when we struggle to find the right expressions.
Join us as we untangle this paradox, examining skeptic arguments and reaffirming that prayer's power lies in trust and relationship rather than mere results or scientific evidence. Lance also offers practical advice for deepening your prayer life. Tune in and discover how to harmonize these teachings into a cohesive understanding that prayer is less about having the perfect formula and more about connecting with God.
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://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/prayer/how-to-pray.html 
https://www.mbu.edu/seminary/the-spirit-and-prayer-romans-826-27/ 
https://www.bibleref.com/Romans/8/Romans-8-26.html 
https://davidhuffstutler.com/2024/08/22/the-spirits-prayer-and-the-fathers-promise-in-romans-826-30/ 
https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/romans-826-27-%E2%80%93-spirit-intercessor 
https://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=135949 

Embarking on a 20-Week Faith Journey: Unpacking 'Faith That's Not Blind'

Join host Lance Smith in a captivating new series exploring J. Steve Miller's 'Faith That's Not Blind,' kicking off with 20 thought-provoking episodes that delve into compelling arguments for the existence of God. Each week, uncover evidence like near-death experiences, the universe's origins, and more, while examining how faith aligns with life's purpose and morals. This series promises to challenge perceptions and fuel curiosity about the divine, offering insights grounded in reason and evidence.
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 

Exodus 6:26-27 - Unraveling the Mystery: Did Moses Really Write It?

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith tackles one of the most intriguing puzzles in biblical studies: the authorship of Exodus 6:26-27. Did Moses himself write this passage, or does it betray the hand of a later scribe? Lance dives deep into the debate, exploring both traditional views and modern scholarly theories.
Listeners will explore the documentary hypothesis, which suggests multiple authors contributed to the Pentateuch, and hear arguments supporting the idea that Moses was indeed the original author, equipped with the skills to incorporate diverse styles under divine inspiration. This episode is packed with insights that challenge conventional beliefs and affirm the complexities of biblical authorship.
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://watermarkwaves.com/blogs/explore-the-bible/who-wrote-exodus-in-the-bible 
https://christianpublishinghouse.co/2024/04/01/exodus-626-27-didnt-someone-other-than-moses-write-these-verses/ 
https://www.dialoguejournal.com/articles/the-authorship-of-the-pentateuch/ 
https://the-nexus.blog/2023/06/27/morning-musing-exodus-620-26-27/