The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:32 - Disentangling Divorce: What Does the Bible Really Say?

Welcome to another episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. It's Contradictions Day, where we delve into the challenging questions about scripture and its teachings. Today’s episode addresses a profound query from the Skeptic's Annotated Bible—Is divorce ever permissible according to the Bible?
Join us as we explore the emotional and heavy-hitting aspects of this issue, dissecting the tension between traditional teachings of marital indissolubility and scripture’s allowances for divorce under certain severe conditions. We dive deep into biblical passages such as Matthew, Deuteronomy, and Corinthians to understand the nuanced perspectives on divorce, particularly in cases of infidelity and abandonment.
The discussion emphasizes the sacredness of marriage as a divine construct while recognizing circumstances that may allow for separation. We explore advisory insights on how those struggling within their marriages can seek peace and guidance.
Participate in the discussion by visiting our online community and sharing your insights as we wrestle with such significant questions. Stay tuned and stay blessed!
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://www.bibleref.com/1-Corinthians/7/1-Corinthians-7-15.html 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/bible-divorce-remarriage/ 
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/how-should-a-christian-view-marriage-and-divorce/ 
 

Exodus 4:24 – Moses, Zipporah, and the Mystery of Exodus 4:24

In this thrilling episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into one of the Bible's most perplexing stories. Join us as we unravel the mystery of Exodus 4:24, where God seemingly seeks to end Moses' mission before it even begins. Discover the surprising role of Zipporah and the significance of circumcision in this intense biblical drama.
Explore how a family road trip turns into a divine test and learn why this ancient narrative still resonates today. Grab your Bible and your curiosity, and dive into a story full of unexpected twists, family tensions, and profound lessons about faith and obedience.
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/1zP3va6 (NIV, The MacArthur Study Bible, Hardcover)
https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/why-did-god-want-to-kill-moses-in-exodus-424/ 
https://www.gotquestions.org/kill-Moses.html
https://www.ucg.org/learn/bible-questions-and-answers/whom-did-god-seek-kill-exodus-4-24 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:27-28 - Untangling the Bible's Take on Sex Outside Marriage

Join Lance Smith in this eye-opening episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as he dives into the challenging question from the Skeptic's Annotated Bible: Is it wrong to have sex outside of marriage? Explore the debates and nuances surrounding this topic as Lance dissects various Bible verses and stories, addressing contradictions and offering insight into the Bible's stance on sexual morality. Discover how Scripture distinguishes between cultural narratives and divine design, emphasizing marriage as the sacred grounds for intimacy.
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 
Copan, P., Is God a Moral Monster?: Making Sense of the Old Testament God, Baker Books, 2011, p. 120
https://www.gotquestions.org/Midianite-virgins.html 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/hosea/ 
https://www.bu.edu/articles/2011/the-bibles-contradictions-about-sex/ 
 

Exodus 4:21 – Unraveling Pharaoh's Hardened Heart: Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Will

Join Lance Smith as he delves into the intriguing question of whether God hardened Pharaoh's heart or if Pharaoh himself chose defiance. In this captivating episode, explore the biblical narrative of Exodus, where Pharaoh's stubbornness faces off against divine intervention. With references from Scripture and insights from theologians, the discussion navigates the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Discover the concept of compatibilism, where God's will and human choices intertwine in a complex theological dance. Prepare for an enlightening journey through one of the Bible's most profound questions, shedding light on the nature of God's justice and the role of free will.
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/1zP3va6 (NIV, The MacArthur Study Bible, Hardcover)
https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2020/09/24/bible-contradiction-who-hardened-the-pharaohs-heart/ 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/why-and-how-did-god-harden-pharaohs-heart/ 
https://bibleproject.com/articles/pharaohs-heart-grew-harder/ 

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/