The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

bibledifficultiesandanswers
  • 4.8 (17)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semiweekly

Join us each week as we dive headfirst into the most perplexing, intriguing, and downright baffling passages of the Bible—from the chaotic beginnings in Genesis to the mind-bending visions of Revelation. We’re not just reading; we’re unraveling, exploring, and making sense of it all in a way that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening. Whether you’re a scripture novice or a seasoned theologian, get ready for a journey that promises to be anything but ordinary. Fasten your seatbelts; your scriptural adventure awaits!

  1. 2d ago

    Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 24:14 – Did Jesus Predict the End of the World During His Disciples' Lifetime? (Part 2 of 3)

    In Episode 287 (Part 2), Lance Smith turns to Matthew 10:23, examining the skeptical claim that Jesus wrongly predicted His return within His disciples' lifetime. By exploring the passage's immediate context, the significance of the title "Son of Man," and several major evangelical interpretations, he shows that the central debate is not whether Jesus made a failed prophecy, but which event Jesus had in view. Drawing on scholars including Wayne Jackson, Sean McGowan, David Guzik, and others, Smith explains why some interpreters connect the passage to the judgment on Jerusalem in A.D. 70, others to the inauguration of Christ's kingdom, and still others to different near-term fulfillments. He concludes by previewing Part 3, where Matthew 24 takes center stage and the discussion turns to "the end," "all nations," and whether Jesus' Olivet Discourse predicts one event or several. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – “When will the end of the world come?” https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/end.html  Jackson, Wayne. "What Is the Meaning of Matthew 10:23?" Christian Courier. https://christiancourier.com/articles/what-is-the-meaning-of-matthew-10-23 McGowan, Sean. "Before the Son of Man Comes (Matthew 10:23)." Knowing Scripture. https://knowingscripture.com/articles/before-the-son-of-man-comes-matthew-10-23 Brown, Austin. "Wrestling With Matthew 10:23." Gentle Reformation. https://gentlereformation.com/2011/03/31/wrestling-with-matthew-1023/ Guzik, David. Matthew 10 Commentary. Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-10/  Stallard, Michael D. Matthew 10:23 and the Coming of the Son of Man. Liberty University Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1095&context=pretrib_arch Bowen, David, Ph.D. "Is Jesus Recorded as a Failed Apocalypticist?" Ehrman Project. https://ehrmanproject.com/is-jesus-recorded-as-a-failed-apocalypticist  O'Neill, Tim. "Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet." History for Atheists. https://historyforatheists.com/2018/12/jesus-apocalyptic-prophet/

  2. 4d ago

    Sunday Series — Mere Christianity: A Conversation for the Common Hall – Book Three, Chapter Two: The Cardinal Virtues

    In Episode 286 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith continues through Book Three of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by exploring Chapter Two, The Cardinal Virtues. Lewis introduces the four cardinal virtues—prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude—and explains why they serve as the foundation of Christian character. Along the way, Lance examines why Christianity calls for both a childlike heart and mature thinking, why temperance applies to every area of life rather than just alcohol, and why courage is essential to practicing every other virtue. The episode concludes by exploring Lewis' important distinction between merely doing the right thing and becoming the kind of person who naturally does what is right. God is not simply interested in outward obedience or rule-keeping. He is shaping our character into the people He created us to become. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

  3. 6d ago

    Deuteronomy 1:1—Who Wrote Deuteronomy? Examining the Mosaic Authorship Debate

    Host Lance Smith launches a 35-week journey through the Book of Deuteronomy by tackling one of the Bible's most enduring questions: Did Moses really write it? This episode fairly presents the case made by biblical critics, examining the "beyond the Jordan" objection, the Documentary Hypothesis, and the theory that Deuteronomy was composed during King Josiah's reforms. It then evaluates those claims alongside the book's own repeated assertions of Mosaic authorship, the testimony of Joshua, the Old and New Testaments, Jesus' references to Moses, the covenant treaty structure of Deuteronomy, archaeological evidence, and the insights of both conservative and critical scholars. Finally, the discussion addresses the account of Moses' death in Deuteronomy 34 and explains why many conservative scholars see it as an inspired editorial conclusion rather than evidence against Mosaic authorship. Rather than avoiding difficult questions, this episode weighs the cumulative evidence and argues that substantial Mosaic authorship—with limited, inspired editorial additions—remains the most compelling explanation. It's the perfect foundation for a new verse-by-verse study through Deuteronomy. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  “Who wrote the book of Deuteronomy? Who was the author of Deuteronomy?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/who-wrote-the-book-of-Deuteronomy.html “The Book of Josiah’s Reform.” Bible.org. https://bible.org/article/book-josiahs-reform “Introduction to Deuteronomy.” Bible.org. https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-deuteronomy “Death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34 and Authorship.” Christian Research Institute (equip.org). https://www.equip.org/articles/death-of-moses-in-deut-34-and-authorship/ Block, Daniel I. “Recovering the Voice of Moses: The Genesis of Deuteronomy.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 44, no. 3 (2001): 385–408. https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/files_JETS-PDFs_44_44-3_44-3-PP385-408_JETS.pdf Wenham, Gordon. “The Date of Deuteronomy: Linch-pin of Old Testament Criticism.” Themelios / The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-date-of-deuteronomy-linch-pin-of-old-testament-criticism/ “Evidence for Mosaic Authorship of the Torah.” Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/ “Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch—Tried and True.” Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/mosaic-authorship-of-the-pentateuch-tried-and-true-36/ Kline, Meredith G. Treaty of the Great King: The Covenant Structure of Deuteronomy: Studies and Commentary. Eerdmans, 1963. “Who Wrote Deuteronomy?” BartEhrman.com. https://www.bartehrman.com/who-wrote-deuteronomy/ “Who Wrote the Torah According to the Torah?” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/who-wrote-the-torah-according-to-the-torah “Where in the Transjordan Did Moses Deliver His Opening Address?” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/where-in-the-transjordan-did-moses-deliver-his-opening-address

  4. Aug 11

    Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 24:14 – Did Jesus Predict the End of the World During His Disciples' Lifetime? (Part 1 of 3)

    Episode 287 launches a three-part investigation into one of the most significant skeptical challenges to Christianity: Did Jesus wrongly predict that the end would come during His disciples' lifetime? Host Lance Smith presents the strongest version of the skeptical case, examining passages such as Matthew 10:23, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 24:34, and Mark 9:1, along with the arguments of critics including Bart Ehrman and Tim O'Neill. Rather than offering quick answers, Lance lays the groundwork for a careful, context-driven study that asks whether these passages all refer to the same event—or to different events in redemptive history. The first episode sets the stage for the series by defining the questions, surveying the competing interpretations, and explaining why context is essential before deciding whether Jesus made a failed prophecy. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – “When will the end of the world come?” https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/end.html  Ehrman, Bart D. Is Jesus Recorded as a Failed Apocalypticist? https://ehrmanproject.com/is-jesus-recorded-as-a-failed-apocalypticist O'Neill, Tim. "Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet." History for Atheists. https://historyforatheists.com/2018/12/jesus-apocalyptic-prophet/ "Bible Prophecy: What Matthew 24 Tells Us About 'The End.'" Grace Communion International. https://www.gci.org/articles/what-matthew-24-tells-us-about-the-end/

  5. Aug 9

    Sunday Series — Mere Christianity: A Conversation for the Common Hall – Book Three, Chapter One: The Three Parts of Morality

    In Episode 283 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith begins Book Three of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by exploring Chapter One, The Three Parts of Morality. Many people think morality is simply a list of rules designed to keep us from enjoying life. Lewis argues the opposite. God's moral law isn't arbitrary. It is the instruction manual for how human beings were created to live and flourish. Using memorable illustrations of a machine, a fleet of ships, and a band playing music, Lance explains Lewis' three dimensions of morality: our relationships with others, the condition of our own hearts, and the ultimate purpose for which God created us. Along the way, he shows why laws can restrain evil but cannot transform the human heart, and why our understanding of reality shapes the way we live. The episode concludes by reminding us that if Christianity is true, every human being has eternal significance, making the condition of our souls far more important than any temporary kingdom, culture, or civilization. As Book Three continues, Lewis turns from explaining what Christians believe to showing what those beliefs look like in everyday life. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

  6. Aug 7

    Numbers 35:30 — Does God Require Two Eyewitnesses for Justice?

    Episode 282 concludes our 31-week journey through the Bible difficulties of the Book of Numbers by examining the two-witness requirement in Numbers 35:30. Does this law mean that a murderer could only be convicted if two people actually witnessed the crime? If so, wouldn't most murderers simply go free? Lance Smith explores the skeptical objection, examines the Hebrew word ʿēd ("witness"), and shows that the Mosaic Law required corroborated evidence—not necessarily two literal eyewitnesses. Drawing on the work of Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe, David Guzik, Precept Austin, Edward D. Andrews, and GotQuestions.org, he demonstrates that God's law was designed to protect innocent life from false accusations while still allowing justice to be carried out when guilt could be firmly established. This episode also marks the conclusion of the Numbers series, highlighting how careful attention to language, context, and historical background often resolves passages that initially appear contradictory. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  “Why are two or three witnesses needed in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/two-or-three-witnesses.html Andrews, Edward D. “Witnesses in the Wilderness: The Biblical Law of Evidence and the Case of Unseen Transgression.” Christian Publishing House, November 2, 2023. https://christianpublishinghouse.co/2023/11/02/witnesses-in-the-wilderness-the-biblical-law-of-evidence-and-the-case-of-unseen-transgression/ Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 35. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-35/ Precept Austin. Numbers 35 Commentary. https://www.preceptaustin.org/numbers-35-commentary

  7. Aug 4

    Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 23:35 (Part 2 of 2) – Righteous? Why the Bible Answers Both Yes and No

    In Episode 281, Lance Smith concludes his two-part examination of Matthew 23:35 by tackling the question, "Has there ever really been a righteous person?" The Skeptic's Annotated Bible identifies just four passages that answer "No" and more than eighty that answer "Yes." Is that a contradiction? By examining passages such as Romans 3, Genesis 15, Hebrews 11, and Matthew 23, Lance shows that Scripture uses the word righteous in two distinct senses: perfect righteousness, which belongs to Jesus Christ alone, and credited (imputed) righteousness, which God gives to those who trust Him by faith. Far from exposing a contradiction, the Bible presents a consistent message from Genesis to Revelation. When read in context, these passages point to the heart of the gospel: Jesus took our sin upon Himself and offers His righteousness to all who believe. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – “Has there ever been a righteous person?” https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/righteous.html GotQuestions.org – “What does it mean that ‘there is none who does good, no not one’ (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:12)?” https://www.gotquestions.org/none-who-does-good-no-not-one.html Ligonier Ministries / R.C. Sproul – “None Righteous” https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/none-righteous The Master’s Seminary Journal, Vol. 32 No. 1 (Spring 2021) Full PDF: https://tms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TMSJ-32.1-rev.11.24.pdf J.V. Fesko – “Imputed Righteousness: The Apostle Paul and Isaiah 53” Peter Sammons – “In My Place Obedient He Lived: Imputed Righteousness in Romans 5:18–19”

  8. Aug 2

    Sunday Series — Mere Christianity: A Conversation for the Common Hall – Book Two, Chapter Five: The Practical Conclusion

    In Episode 280 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith concludes Book Two of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by exploring Chapter Five, The Practical Conclusion. If Christianity is more than simply trying to be a better person, how does the new life Christ offers actually become ours? Lewis argues that God ordinarily imparts the Christ-life through baptism, belief, and Holy Communion, using ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary spiritual purposes. Lance also examines Lewis' responses to two common questions: What about those who have never heard of Christ? And why doesn't God reveal Himself unmistakably to everyone right now? Throughout the discussion, Lewis points listeners back to the urgency of responding to Christ while the opportunity remains. The episode concludes Book Two by emphasizing that the Christian life is not about earning God's favor through human effort, but about receiving His transforming life and allowing Him to continue His work within us. Next week, the series moves into Book Three as Lewis begins exploring what Christian behavior looks like in everyday life. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com  Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

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Join us each week as we dive headfirst into the most perplexing, intriguing, and downright baffling passages of the Bible—from the chaotic beginnings in Genesis to the mind-bending visions of Revelation. We’re not just reading; we’re unraveling, exploring, and making sense of it all in a way that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening. Whether you’re a scripture novice or a seasoned theologian, get ready for a journey that promises to be anything but ordinary. Fasten your seatbelts; your scriptural adventure awaits!

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