The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 4:10 – Should You Serve God Alone? A Closer Look

Welcome to another episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, where we dissect so-called contradictions in the Scriptures to reveal deeper truths. This episode explores the provocative question: should you serve God alone? Host Lance Smith examines the implications of biblical texts like Matthew 4:10 and their relationship with commands for slaves, wives, and children. Through historical context and linguistic analysis, he highlights how these passages align as facets of a life dedicated to God.
Dive into a nuanced analysis of biblical servitude, uncovering the misunderstood practices of indentured servitude in ancient texts. Learn how 'serve' in Matthew 4:10 deepens our understanding of worship and relationship-related instructions.
Finally, we consider how biblical directives for serving earthly figures fit within a broader, God-centered framework. Discover how ultimate allegiance, transformative obedience, and serving as unto the Lord offer a harmonious view of serving God while honoring human relationships.
Join Lance as he equips listeners with the tools to navigate these challenging questions with context and clarity, enhancing your understanding of Scripture.
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.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G3000/latreuo.htm  
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabiti-anyabwile/reading-the-bible-like-jesus-matthew-41-11/ 

Genesis 32:30 – Can We Truly See God's Face? Unraveling Biblical Contradictions

Welcome to this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith delves into one of the most puzzling questions in scripture: Can we truly see God's face? What does it mean when the Bible states that Moses spoke to God face-to-face, yet also mentions that no one can see God and live?
In today's discussion, we examine these intriguing biblical accounts, focusing on the encounters of Moses and Jacob with the divine. We explore various explanations, from God's controlled revealing of Himself to the notion of early appearances of Jesus, known as Christophanies.
Join us as we navigate these apparent contradictions and uncover deeper truths about God's nature and His desire to connect with humanity. Gain insights into the theological implications of these encounters and the broader narrative of scripture that they contribute to.
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://answersingenesis.org/who-is-god/face-to-face/
https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/jacob-wrestles-god-2/commentary-on-genesis-329-13-22-30 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 4:1 (Part 2) – "Untangling the Temptation: Jesus' Dual Nature Explained"

Welcome to the "Bible Difficulties and Answers" podcast, where host Lance Smith delves into a fascinating theological question: If Jesus is God, can he be tempted? In this episode, Lance explores the apparent contradiction between Matthew 4:1 and James 1:13 to uncover the profound truths behind Jesus' dual nature.
Through a deep examination of Scripture and theological insights, learn how Jesus' truly divine and truly human nature presents a unique understanding of temptation. Discover how external temptations test character without compromising sinlessness, offering listeners a new perspective on faith.
This episode promises to enrich your understanding of Christology and offer encouragement as you face life's own challenges, providing a thought-provoking look into divine mystery and human experience.
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://a.co/d/9Sa3k03 (The MacArthur Study Bible)
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/was-christ-a-divine-human-person
https://www.gotquestions.org/led-into-the-wilderness-to-be-tempted.html 
https://devosfromthehill.org/2014/09/24/the-temptation-of-jesus/ 
https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/SchellenbergJB05.pdf

Genesis 31:32 – Unpacking Rachel's Controversial Decision: A Dive into Deceit and Divine Justice

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a perplexing biblical narrative from Genesis 31, exploring the actions of Rachel, who steals her father Laban's idols and lies about it. The discussion centers on the intriguing moral and theological questions her actions raise, particularly concerning divine justice and human responsibility. Lance examines various interpretations of Rachel's motivations, including securing a family's inheritance and seeking revenge. Despite escaping immediate consequences, Rachel's story serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the complex interplay of deceit, divine protection, and ultimate accountability. Join us as we unravel this enigmatic story and its implications for understanding God's justice and human actions.
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/genesis-31/ 
https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/317922?lang=bi 
https://www.coffeeandabible.com/household-idols/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 3:4-6 – Unveiling the Mysteries of John the Baptist's Baptism Sites

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of where John the Baptist baptized. While the Gospels of Matthew and Mark emphasize baptisms in the Jordan River, the Gospel of John mentions Bethany beyond the Jordan, also known as Bethabara, providing a more precise location. Lance explores the historical and spiritual significance of these sites and how they contribute to our understanding of biblical narratives.
The episode also touches on other potential baptismal locations, such as Aenon near Salim, suggesting that John's ministry was dynamic and widespread. This exploration highlights the rich diversity within the biblical text and the importance of understanding geographical contexts. Join Lance as he uncovers deeper truths behind these seemingly contradictory scripture details, inviting listeners to reflect on the places that bring comfort and renewal in their own lives. Don't forget to interact with the show on Facebook and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!
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)
G. A. Smith, "Atlas of the Historical Geography of the Holy Land" (HGHL; 1915)
https://dannythedigger.com/john-the-baptist-baptism-sites/
https://www.gotquestions.org/where-was-Jesus-baptized.html
https://everything-everywhere.com/unesco-world-heritage-site-298-baptism-site-bethany-beyond-the-jordan/ 
https://www.seetheholyland.net/bethany-beyond-the-jordan/ 
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/news/baptismal-site-bethany-beyond-the-jordan-added-to-unesco-world-heritage-list/ 
https://www.biblewalks.com/aenon/ 

Genesis 31:20 – Why God Blessed a Deceiver: Understanding Jacob's Story

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith unpacks the intriguing biblical question: How could God bless Jacob after he deceived Laban? Dive into a profound exploration of divine grace, human flaws, and the mysterious ways of God's plans through the narratives of Jacob and Laban. Discover how Jacob's character development, God's sovereign plan, and the fulfillment of covenant promises reveal the depth of God's grace and His ability to work through imperfect individuals. Join us in this compelling examination of one of Scripture's most challenging stories!
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://christianindex.org/stories/bible-study-jacob-and-labans-relationship-was-based-on-deception,77521
https://thewisebeliever.com/lessons-we-can-learn-from-jacob-and-laban/
https://jonathansrock.com/deception-and-jacobs-blessing/ 
 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 4:1 – Unpacking the Temptations of Jesus: Matthew vs. Luke

Welcome to another episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! In this episode, host Lance Smith delves into the fascinating topic of Jesus' temptations by the devil as recounted in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. While both accounts describe the same events, they differ in the order of the temptations—raising questions about potential contradictions or deeper meanings.
Join us as we explore why Matthew and Luke might have presented these temptations differently, considering their distinct theological focuses and the contexts of their narratives. Discover the significance of the sequence and what these gospel writers aimed to reveal about Jesus’ mission and identity.
By examining the devil's strategy and Jesus' unwavering reliance on Scripture, we uncover lessons about overcoming temptation in our own lives. This episode is sure to inspire and challenge your understanding of the Bible, whether you're a skeptic or a believer.
Don't forget to join our community on Facebook and reach out with your thoughts on this discussion. Subscribe, share, and enjoy this enlightening journey through Scripture!
References to items discussed 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.gotquestions.org/led-into-the-wilderness-to-be-tempted.html 
https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/why-are-jesus-temptations-in-a-different-order-in-luke/ 

Genesis 30:31-43 - Unveiling the Mystery: Jacob's Genetic Breakthrough

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! Join our host, Lance Smith, as we delve into the fascinating intersection between ancient biblical stories and modern scientific insights. In this episode, we tackle the puzzling account of Jacob's unconventional breeding strategy from Genesis 30, examining whether environmental influence and genetics played a role. Discover how science and divine providence may have worked together to produce Jacob's streaked, speckled, and spotted animals, and explore the intriguing possibilities of genetics and faith. Unearth the deeper spiritual and symbolic layers of this story, as we reflect on God's intervention, Jacob's faith, and the timeless truth that divine providence transcends human understanding.
References to items discussed 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)
Modern Science and the Christian Faith, Scripture Press, 1950, page 70
https://comeandreason.com/science-proves-weird-bible-story-true/
https://creation.com/jacobs-sheep 
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jacob-speckled-spotted.html