The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

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/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 6:5-6 - "Public Prayer: Performance or Piety?"

Welcome to the latest episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In today's episode, we dive into a compelling dilemma: should Christians engage in public prayer, or is it merely spiritual showboating? We explore Matthew 6, 5-6, and compare it to insights from John 11 and 1 Timothy 2 as we unravel the biblical guidance on prayer.
Join us as we discuss the heart and motive behind prayer, whether whispered in solitude or spoken aloud. Discover how the Bible offers both cautions and encouragements for public prayer, focusing on glorifying God rather than seeking personal attention. Real-world scenarios and scholarly perspectives provide depth, offering clarity and inspiration for faithful practice.
Perfect for anyone seeking to understand the intricate balance between sincere devotion and public expression, this episode promises to enrich your spiritual journey. Listen in and become part of the conversation on what it means to pray in a way that honors God and strengthens faith.
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://churchleaders.com/christianity/473754-praying-in-public-guidance.html 
https://www.gotquestions.org/public-prayer.html 
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/2153599X.2024.2349778#d1e256 
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/scottish-journal-of-theology/article/when-prayer-goes-wrong-a-negative-theology-of-prayer/93F8976E2C227D343B9E55A456DCD00C 
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/modern-american-history/article/see-you-at-the-pole-evangelicals-public-schools-and-studentinitiated-school-prayer-in-1990s-america/DC03AAAFE8A22FF775915CEA15E39A82 
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-do-you-pray-in-public-without-performing 
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1074&context=ctamj 

Exodus 6:16-20 – Decoding Exodus: The Time Travel Dilemma

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith tackles a mind-bending puzzle from Exodus 6:16-20, exploring how Israel's three-generation genealogy aligns with their 430-year stay in Egypt. With insights from respected scholars and the Big Book of Bible Difficulties, this episode delves into the cultural and scriptural intricacies of the genealogies, exploring competing theories with a touch of humor and clarity. Join in for a deeper understanding of the passage and how it resonates with God's overarching plan, inviting listeners to engage with the Bible's rich narrative and explore their own family 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://gewatkins.net/430-years-from-the-promise-to-the-law/ 
https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1085&context=jiur 
https://www.academia.edu/46412988/The_430_Years_of_Exodus 
https://answersingenesis.org/bible-timeline/genealogy/the-amram-question/ 
https://superiorword.org/exodus-6-14-30-the-family-of-moses-and-aaron/ 
https://www.gotquestions.org/Masoretic-Text.html 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 5:45 - Is Anyone Truly Good? Exploring Theological Contradictions

Join host Lance Smith on the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as he delves into the perplexing question of whether anyone can truly be good. This episode navigates through the apparent contradictions found in biblical scriptures, such as Matthew 5:45, to unravel how God’s grace blesses both the righteous and the unrighteous. With humor, analogies, and deep theological insights, discover how faith makes us relatively good and learn to love like Him. Immerse yourself in an engaging exploration of morality, divine grace, and the transformative power of faith.
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.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/enemies.html 
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/5/Matthew-5-45.html 
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/why-does-the-lord-send-rain-on-the-righteous-and-the-unrighteous.html 
https://www.gotquestions.org/rain-just-unjust.html 
https://milehighhallelujah.wordpress.com/2020/11/14/matthew-543-48-loving-until-it-hurts/ 
https://carm.org/doctrine-and-theology/god-and-evil-a-philosophical-contradiction/