The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions - Matthew 5:1-3 - Resolving Jesus' First Sermon: Mountain or Plain?

Join us in this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith delves into one of the intriguing questions that often puzzles Bible readers: Did Jesus preach his first sermon on a mountain or a plain? This session examines Matthew 5 and Luke 6, comparing their accounts of Jesus' sermons and addressing whether these gospel narratives truly conflict or merely complement each other by highlighting different aspects of Jesus' teachings.
Discover how geographical terminology, audience considerations, and the context of Jesus' teachings help us understand the apparent contradictions. Listen as Lance explains how these differences might reflect Jesus' strategic approach to engaging diverse listeners and tailoring his message for varied settings.
This enlightening discussion challenges common misconceptions and encourages further exploration of Scripture, emphasizing the depth and adaptability of Jesus' ministry as presented in different gospels.
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.wednesdayintheword.com/mountvsplain/ 
https://www.gotquestions.org/Sermon-on-the-Plain.html 
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/are-the-sermon-on-the-plain-and-sermon-on-the-mount-the-same-thing.html
https://publicsquaremag.org/faith/gospel-fare/unearthing-the-overlooked-gems-of-lukes-sermon-on-the-plain/

Genesis 49:5-7 – Harmonizing Jacob's Curse and Moses' Blessing: The Levi Paradox

Welcome to the latest episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where we dive into one of the most intriguing paradoxes in Scripture. Have you ever wondered how a curse can transform into a blessing? Join host Lance Smith as he unravels the mystery behind Jacob's curse on Levi and Moses' subsequent blessing in what appears to be a contradiction within the Bible.
In this episode, we explore Genesis 49:5-7 and Deuteronomy 33:8-11, revealing how these two passages reflect different historical and theological contexts, yet harmonize into a profound story of divine redemption. Discover how Levi's supposed punishment of dispersion actually becomes a part of God's grand plan, turning a curse into a sacred calling.
Dive into the complex narrative of how the tribe of Levi transitions from a violent past to a place of spiritual leadership in Israel, showing how God's grace can turn apparent curses into significant blessings. This episode provides insightful answers to reconcile conflicting verses, emphasizing a powerful example of God's sovereignty and transformative grace.
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.bibleref.com/Genesis/49/Genesis-49-7.html
https://www.studylight.org/commentary/genesis/49-5.html
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/moses-blesses-the-tribe-of-levi/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 4:12 - Reconciling Bible Contradictions: Peter & Andrew's Calling

Join host Lance Smith in this intriguing episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where we delve into what seems like a contradiction between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John regarding the timeline of events surrounding the calling of Peter and Andrew versus the imprisonment of John the Baptist.
This episode explores these scriptural accounts, examining them closely to uncover the layered truths they hold, and discusses how these accounts can be harmonized to present a cohesive narrative of Jesus' call to his disciples.
We consider how initial introductions to Jesus and gradual commitments illustrate his gentle approach to discipleship, offering insights into our personal journey of faith. Reflection on these foundational moments challenges us to assess our own readiness to fully commit to following him.
Tune in to ponder these spiritual insights and explore your own relationship with Jesus.
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)
http://www.christcreated.com/con/bible/contradictions/came-first-calling-peter-andrew-imprisonment-john-baptist/ 
https://thesowermagazine.com/the-calling-of-the-disciples/ 

Genesis 46:8-27 – Deciphering the Mystery of the 12 Tribes of Israel

Welcome to this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast where we delve into the intriguing question of the 12 tribes of Israel. How can the Bible consistently mention 12 tribes when lists sometimes include more than that?
Join host Lance Smith as we explore the historical and theological reasons behind this numerical conundrum. Learn about the unique roles of the tribe of Levi and the dual inheritance of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as well as the significance of the number 12 as a symbol of divine order and completeness.
Tune in to uncover how different contexts within the Bible maintain this symbolic number, enriching your understanding of scripture and deepening your 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://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://overviewbible.com/12-tribes-israel/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Luke 23:43-Unraveling the Mystery: Where Did Jesus Go After Death?

Welcome to another episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this episode, we explore the intriguing question about Jesus' destination after his crucifixion: did he go to hell or paradise? We delve into Luke 23:43 and the Apostles' Creed, shedding light on historical interpretations and scriptural contexts that address this debate.
Uncover the confusion brought by the phrase "He descended to hell" in the Apostles' Creed—its origins, its appearances in theological history, and how it stands against early Christianity's beliefs. We'll dig into key biblical passages often cited in this debate and provide clarity on the common misconceptions.
This episode not only challenges the idea of Jesus' descent into hell but also reaffirms the immediacy of entering paradise upon death for believers. It offers insights into salvation, eternal life, and the after-death promises given to the faithful. Join us as we navigate through scripture and tradition to unravel these questions.
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.logos.com/grow/the-apostles-creed-its-history-and-origins/ 
https://www.peterhaas.org/did-christ-really-descend-into-hell/ 
https://fightoffaithblog.com/2024/03/05/was-the-gospel-preached-to-the-dead-understanding-1-peter-46/ 
https://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-go-to-hell.html 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/does-1-peter-teach-jesus-preached-hell/ 
https://jesusplusnothing.com/series/post/where-was-jesus-between-his-death-and-resurrection 
https://jesusplusnothing.com/series/post/where-was-jesus-between-his-death-and-resurrection 

Genesis 46:4 – Understanding God's Promise to Jacob: A Journey from Egypt to Eternity

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the profound promise made by God to Jacob, as recorded in Genesis 46:4. The discussion navigates through Jacob's emotional journey to Egypt, his reunion with his son Joseph, and the multifaceted interpretations of God's promise to bring Jacob back from Egypt.
Explore three distinct fulfillments of this divine assurance: the national return of Jacob's descendants, Jacob's burial in the promised land, and the eschatological vision of resurrection. This episode highlights the enduring nature of God's promises and their relevance to our lives today.
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.thetorah.com/article/god-goes-down-to-egypt-with-jacob-a-story-for-the-exiles 
https://beyondthebasics.blog/2024/03/10/genesis-46-jacobs-exile-to-egypt/ 
https://randyduncan.com/jacob-joseph-reunited-genesis-46/

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