Best bibledifficultiesandanswers Podcasts (2025)

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Exodus 31:18 –Did God Have Fingers? Unpacking the 'Finger of God' 11:50

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2h ago11:50

11:50

In this episode, Lance Smith explores Exodus 31:18 and the phrase "written by the finger of God," asking whether it implies a literal digit or serves as a metaphor. He examines anthropomorphism, ancient Near Eastern imagery, and related biblical passages to clarify how language about God conveys theological truth. Drawing on historical and scholarl…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 9:18 – Jairus' Daughter: Dead or Dying? Unpacking the Gospel Accounts 12:36

1d ago12:36

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Episode 170 examines whether Jairus’ daughter was dead or dying when he approached Jesus by comparing Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The hosts walk through the timeline, note Matthew’s summary style versus Mark and Luke’s sequence, and include scholar perspectives and humor. The conclusion: Mark and Luke show she was dying when Jairus reached Jesus and d…

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Sunday Series-Episode 17: When Top Scientists Embrace God-The Intellectual Turn to Faith 8:47

5d ago8:47

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In week 17 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith examines Exhibit 17 from J. Steve Miller’s Faith That's Not Blind and discusses why many respected intellectuals—scientists, historians, and philosophers—find theism more plausible after careful study. Using Henry Schaefer III and other examples, the episode shows how reasoned, e…

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Exodus 25:18 – Why Did God Command Golden Cherubim? Exodus' Seeming Contradiction Explained 14:50

7d ago14:50

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Episode 168 examines the apparent contradiction between Exodus 20's ban on graven images and Exodus 25's command to make golden cherubim for the Ark of the Covenant. Lance Smith explores context, intent, and biblical examples to show why the prohibition targets idolatry, not divinely authorized symbolism. The episode surveys scriptural passages, Je…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 9:13 – From Altars to Atonement: Did God Ever Want Animal Sacrifices? 11:18

10d ago11:18

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This episode examines the apparent contradiction between Old Testament animal sacrifices and prophetic and New Testament statements that God desires mercy, not blood. Lance Smith traces the biblical trajectory—from prescribed covenantal rituals to prophetic rebukes of hollow offerings and finally to Christ’s fulfillment of atonement. Listeners will…

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Sunday Series-Episode 16: When Philosophy Meets Presence 9:39

12d ago9:39

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In this episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, host Lance Smith examines Exhibit 16 from J. Steve Miller’s Faith is Not Blind (pp. 89–91), sharing remarkable firsthand encounters with God that transformed the lives of Mortimer Adler and Bill Wilson. Adler’s intellectual belief becomes personal during a hospital prayer, while Wilson—co-founder o…

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Exodus 24:10 – They Saw the God of Israel? 16:08

12d ago16:08

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Episode 165 examines Exodus 24:10 and the question: can God be seen? Lance Smith walks through the Sinai theophany, the significance of the brilliant blue lapis lazuli pavement, and how partial visions of God’s glory fit with passages that say no one can see God and live. The episode connects Old Testament visions to the New Testament revelation in…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 9:10 – Jesus' Dinner Guests: Friend or Foe? 14:18

15d ago14:18

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In this episode Lance Smith examines an alleged contradiction about how Jesus treated tax collectors and sinners versus how the church should treat unrepentant believers. Exploring passages from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, he explains the difference between Jesus' outreach to outsiders and Matthew 18's call for church discipline, arguing that the two …

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Sunday Series-Episode 15: When You "Just Know": Everyday Encounters with God 6:08

19d ago6:08

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In this episode Lance Smith unpacks J. Steve Miller's discussion of people who report a direct, non-inferential knowledge that God exists, comparing it to basic beliefs like consciousness and belief in other minds. The episode explores arguments from Alvin Plantinga and William Alston that such religious experiences can be properly basic, addresses…

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Exodus 24:9-11--Mount Sinai Mystery: How Did Moses and the Elders 'See' God and Live? 13:25

21d ago13:25

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Episode 162 explores the apparent contradiction between Exodus 24:9–11, where Moses and the elders "see the God of Israel" and survive, and Exodus 33:20, which warns that no one can see God’s face and live. The host explains the likely solution: the elders experienced a mediated theophany—a limited, veiled manifestation of God (focusing on the sapp…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 9:9 – Matthew or Levi? Unraveling the Tax Collector Mystery 13:42

24d ago13:42

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Host Lance Smith explores the apparent name difference in Matthew 9:9 and Mark 2:14/Luke 5:27, explaining how Matthew and Levi likely refer to the same tax collector called by Jesus. The episode examines historical context, naming practices, Gospel parallels, and theological implications, showing how dual names reflect cultural identity rather than…

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Sunday Series-Episode 14: Why Our Conscience Points to God: The Case for Objective Morality 7:30

26d ago7:30

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Episode 14 examines pages 79–84 of J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind, arguing that our strong sense of objective right and wrong—illustrated by Kant, Romans 2, and modern thinkers—best fits a theistic lawgiver rather than naturalistic evolution. Lance Smith walks through Miller's use of intuition, Alvin Plantinga-style inference, and William…

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Exodus 24:4 – Did Moses Write the Torah? Exodus 24 vs. the JEPD Theory 14:27

28d ago14:27

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Host Lance Smith examines Exodus 24 and the modern JEPD/documentary hypothesis, weighing scholarly claims of multiple authors against evidence for Mosaic authorship. The episode reviews historical, linguistic, and biblical arguments and explains why the host leans toward Moses as the primary author while encouraging listeners to investigate with cu…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 9:2 – Unraveling the Divine Mystery: Is Jesus Truly God? 14:12

1M ago14:12

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Join host Lance Smith in this engaging episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as he navigates through the complex question: Is Jesus God? Exploring Matthew 9 and various biblical passages, Lance addresses skeptical claims that highlight the paradox of Jesus being both divine and human. With insights from scholarly works and theologic…

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Sunday Series-Episode 13: Unveiling the Soul--Consciousness Beyond Materialism 7:05

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Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "Bible Difficulties and Answers" with your host, Lance Smith. This week, we delve into the profound discussion about consciousness and free will, pondering whether they hint at a soul beyond our physical brain. Exploring pages 76 to 78 of J. Steve Miller’s Faith is Not Blind, we challenge the material…

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Exodus 23:19–Cracking the Culinary Code: Unveiling the Mystery of 'Don't Boil a Kid in Its Mother's Milk' 16:02

1M ago16:02

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Join host Lance Smith in episode 156 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as we unravel the intriguing command from Exodus 23:19, "You must not cook a young goat in its mother's milk." This episode delves into the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of this ancient law that appears three times in the Torah. Explore the possibl…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 8:28–Decoding Gospel Contradictions: The Demon-Possessed Men Mystery 12:36

1M ago12:36

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Welcome to Episode 155 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! Join host Lance Smith as he delves into a puzzling gospel narrative that leaves skeptics questioning: how many men were possessed by demons in Matthew 8:28? Matthew's account mentions two demon-possessed men, while Mark and Luke each report only one. Is this a contradiction or ju…

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Sunday Series-Episode 12: Gestalt Moments-Transforming Worldviews with New Perspectives 8:14

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Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with Lance Smith, as we journey into week 12 of our enlightening series through J. Steve Miller's book, "Faith is Not Blind." In this episode, we explore the concept of a paradigm shift, or gestalt experience, and how it can dramatically alter one's perception of reality, akin to swapping blurre…

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Exodus 21:29-30 Unraveled: The Mystery of the Killer Ox 13:19

1M ago13:19

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In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith explores a complex and intriguing question from the Book of Exodus. What happens when negligence leads to death in ancient Israelite law? Dive into the case of a notorious ox with a deadly history, and how a community grapples with issues of justice, responsibility, and…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 8:20–Was Jesus Really Homeless? Unpacking Biblical Clues 11:44

1M ago11:44

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Welcome to episode 152 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where we delve into the intriguing question: Was Jesus homeless? Investigating passages from Matthew 8:20, Luke 9:58, Mark 2:1, and Mark 2:15, we explore whether Jesus was a divine itinerant or had a place to call home. Join host Lance Smith as he navigates the complexities of sc…

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Sunday Series-Episode 11: Beyond the Horizon--Filling the God-shaped Vacuum 8:06

2M ago8:06

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Welcome to Episode 11 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where Lance Smith explores the concept of a "God-shaped vacuum" in our hearts that only divine connection can fulfill. Delve into the teachings of J. Steve Miller, as well as insights from Augustine of Hippo, Blaise Pascal, and C.S. Lewis on the intrinsic yearning for a higher pow…

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Exodus 21:22-23 – Unpacking The True Value of Unborn Lives 12:00

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Welcome to episode 150 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. Join host Lance Smith as he dives into the complexities of Exodus 21:22-23, questioning whether unborn children are valued less than adults in Biblical texts. With a focus on the New Living Translation, this episode explores ancient laws, Hebrew words, and the broader Biblical co…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 8:12 – Jewish Afterlife: Salvation or Judgment? 16:10

2M ago16:10

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In this episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, host Lance Smith delves into the complex question of Jewish fate in the afterlife. Centered around three seemingly contradictory biblical verses, the discussion covers a broad spectrum from Jewish historical beliefs to New Testament interpretations. Matthew 8:12, Matthew 1:21, and Romans 11:26 are …

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Sunday Series-Episode 10: Unraveling Worldviews: A Cozy Fit or Chilling Reality? 7:46

2M ago7:46

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Welcome to the latest episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. We embark on week 10 of our 20-week series, diving into the intriguing section, Existential Fit, from J. Steve Miller's 'Faith is Not Blind.' This episode examines whether belief in God enhances life's quality, presenting it as a choice between a wor…

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Exodus 20:24 – Unraveling the Dual Altar Mystery in Exodus 15:59

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In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a perplexing question from the book of Exodus. Listeners are guided through the apparent contradiction between God's instructions in Exodus 20, where an altar of earth is called for, and Exodus 27, which describes a more elaborate acacia wood altar. By explo…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 8:10 – "Exploring Jesus' Omniscience: A Divine Puzzle" 12:47

2M ago12:47

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In this intriguing episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a thought-provoking question from Matthew 8:10: Did Jesus know everything? Engaging with verses that present Jesus as both omniscient and seemingly limited in knowledge, Lance navigates through the complexities of the hypostatic union—Jesus Christ…

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Sunday Series-Episode 9: Exploring the Cosmic Blueprint--A Deep Dive into Life's Complexities 8:45

2M ago8:45

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Welcome to the latest episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where your host Lance Smith guides you through week nine of a 20-week exploration series of J. Steve Miller's book, Faith That's Not Blind. This episode expands on the intricate designs of living creatures, delving into discussions on whether this complexity points to a co…

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Exodus 20:13 – Untangling Divine Contradictions: God's Commandments and Capital Punishment 10:12

2M ago10:12

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Welcome to episode 144 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into a perplexing biblical question: How can God command 'you must not murder' in Exodus 20:13, yet instruct for murderers to be put to death in Exodus 21:12? We explore the intricacies of these ancient laws, differentiating betwee…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 8:5-8–Contradiction or Complement? Unraveling the Centurion's Story 14:07

2M ago14:07

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In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith explores a puzzling contradiction between the Gospels of Matthew and Luke regarding the Roman centurion's request for Jesus's help. The story, found in Matthew 8:5-8 and Luke 7:1-7, seems to diverge on whether the centurion approached Jesus directly or sent messengers o…

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Sunday Series-Episode 8--Unveiling the Complexity: The Cell's Marvelous Design 8:49

2M ago8:49

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Welcome to the eighth week of our exploration into J. Steve Miller's Faithless Not Blind, guided by your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into the mind-boggling complexity of even the simplest of cells, questioning whether such intricacy could arise by chance. Join us on a cosmic journey as we examine the arguments of renowned astrophys…

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Exodus 20:8-11 – Why Sunday? Unpacking the Day of Christian Worship 12:47

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Welcome to episode 141 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into the age-old question: why do Christians worship on Sunday when the Bible designates Saturday as the Sabbath? We explore scriptural references and historical contexts that explain this significant shift in worship practice…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 7:22-23 – Untangling the Devil: Is Casting Out Demons a True Mark of Faith? 13:33

2M ago13:33

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Welcome to another engaging episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In episode 140, we delve into a complex theological question: Is casting out devils a true indicator of Christian faith? We explore the alleged contradictions within the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 7:22-23, Mark 16:17, Mark 9:38, …

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Sunday Series-Episode #7: The Order and Laws of Our Universe 12:44

3M ago12:44

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Join host Lance Smith on the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as we embark on a thrilling exploration of the universe's precise order and laws, diving into J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind. Discover why the cosmos operates like a beautifully orchestrated galactic clock and consider the insights of Newton and Einstein that suggest an i…

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Exodus 20:5a – "God's Jealousy Unveiled: A Divine Drama of Love" 13:58

3M ago13:58

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In this engaging episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of God's jealousy, focusing on Exodus 20:5a. Is jealousy a divine flaw or a profound reflection of God's covenant love? Discover the nuances behind the Hebrew word "qanna" and learn how God's jealousy is rooted in holiness an…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 7:21 – "Divine Calls: Are They Heard or Lost in Translation?" 13:13

3M ago13:13

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In this episode of "Bible Difficulties and Answers," host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of whether calling on God guarantees deliverance. Through a blend of humor and deep theological insight, the discussion navigates the lines between sincere prayer and hollow words, examining scriptural passages from Joel, Acts, Romans, Matthew,…

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Sunday Series-Episode #6: Six Super-Precise Numbers That Fine-Tune our Universe for Life 13:32

3M ago13:32

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Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where host Lance Smith guides us through week six of a 20-week series on J. Steve Miller's Faith is Not Blind. This episode explores the fascinating topic of the universe's fine-tuning, examining six crucial numbers that make life possible. Drawing from Miller's evidence and expert perspectives…

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Exodus 14:21-29 – Crossing the Red Sea: Miracle or Logistical Marvel? 14:43

3M ago14:43

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In this intriguing episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith tackles the age-old mystery of how two million Israelites could have crossed the Red Sea in a single night as described in Exodus 14:21-29. Was it a logistical challenge or a divine intervention? Lance delves into historical and cultural contexts, explores sc…

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Sidebar Episode: Midyear Review and What’s up with the Bible and Yeast? 19:41

3M ago19:41

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Welcome to a special mid-year review of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. In this episode, we reflect on the achievements and growth of the podcast in the first half of 2025, showcasing our expanding reach and engaging content that has captivated listeners from around the globe. We delve into listener inquiries with a focus on the intrigu…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 7:8 – Unlocking the Mystery of Prayer: Does God Always Listen? 12:22

3M ago12:22

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In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith explores the timeless question: Does God listen to and answer prayers? Drawing insights from Matthew 7:8, Lance delves into the nuances of prayer, illustrating how God responds to sincere and faith-filled prayers while addressing apparent contradictions in Scripture. Li…

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Sunday Series-Episode #5: The Universe - A Detective Story 14:13

3M ago14:13

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Join host Lance Smith as he navigates life’s biggest theistic questions in the fifth week of the Sunday series, "Unpacking J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind." In this episode, the focus shifts to the origins of the universe, delving into the Big Bang theory, cosmic beginnings, and the philosophical and scientific arguments that point to a pu…

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Exodus 12:29 – The Firstborn Dilemma: Can Divine Love and Justice Coexist? 13:35

3M ago13:35

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In episode 131 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith delves into one of Scripture's most challenging moments, Exodus 12:29. The episode examines the tenth plague, where God struck down the firstborn of Egypt, questioning the balance between divine love and justice. By exploring the historical and spiritual context, listeners ar…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 7:1 –"The Great Judging Debate: Balancing Discernment and Humility" 14:41

3M ago14:41

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In episode 130 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith tackles the intriguing question of judgment in the Bible. As he delves into Matthew 7:1, he explores whether Scripture commands us to judge or refrain from judging others. This episode unravels the distinction between hypocritical and righteous judgment, emphasizing the …

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Sunday Series-Episode #4: Divine Whispers--Spiritual Encounters and Unexplainable Knowledge 10:03

3M ago10:03

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Welcome back to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into spiritual encounters that defy logic and explore the intriguing concept of special knowledge, as featured in J. Steve Miller's book, "Faith That's Not Blind." From miraculous gut feelings to angelic warnings, we reveal real-life stories…

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Exodus 9:19-21 – Unlocking the Mystery of Egypt's Livestock in Exodus 9 13:27

3M ago13:27

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In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, we delve into a perplexing passage from Exodus 9:19-21. Host Lance Smith explores the apparent contradiction in the biblical narrative: if all Egyptian livestock perished in the fifth plague, how could there be animals to protect from the seventh plague's hailstorm? By examining biblica…

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 6:31–Balancing Faith and Family: The Bible's Take on Material Concerns 12:07

3M ago12:07

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In this engaging episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a fascinating discussion addressing a key question from the Skeptic's Annotated Bible: Should Christians be worried about material possessions? Examining passages from Matthew 6 and 1 Timothy 5, Lance explores the apparent contradiction between trus…

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Sunday Series-Episode 3: Unlocking Modern Miracles--From Hemingway to Wimber 10:13

3M ago10:13

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Explore contemporary miracles and answered prayers in this compelling episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers. Host Lance Smith shares astonishing stories—from the unexpected healing of Ernest Hemingway, who was not a man of faith, to John Wimber, a rock musician turned Christian leader. We delve into how these divine encounters defy skepticism a…

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Exodus 7:20-22 – "Moses' Bloody Miracle: Magicians' Water or Wizardry?" 12:42

4M ago12:42

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In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a perplexing biblical conundrum from Exodus 7:20-22. Moses and Aaron famously turn the Nile River into blood, but Egypt's magicians seemingly replicate the feat. How is it possible when all water appears to be affected? Lance explores various theories, from …

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Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 6:13–Does God Tempt Us? Busting Bible Myths with Football Analogies 12:42

4M ago12:42

12:42

Join host Lance Smith as he delves into the complex question of whether God tempts us, weaving together football analogies and scriptural insights for a lively discussion. Discover how the Bible differentiates between testing and tempting, offering clarity on passages that seem to clash, like James 1:13 and Genesis 22:1. This episode explores the r…

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Sunday Series-Episode 2--Deathbed Visions: A Glimpse Beyond the Veil 10:53

4M ago10:53

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Join host Lance Smith in the second episode of the 20-week series on J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind as we delve into the intriguing phenomenon of deathbed experiences. These profound moments, often involving vivid visions and encounters with deceased loved ones or spiritual guides, challenge the boundaries of scientific understanding and …

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Exodus 7:19 – Escaping the First Plague: How Did the Israelites Survive? 13:01

4M ago13:01

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Join host Lance Smith in this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as we delve into the intriguing challenge of Exodus 7:19. We explore how the Israelites managed to escape the devastation of the first plague, despite the Nile River and all water sources in Egypt turning to blood. Through a careful examination of biblical texts and…

Bibledifficultiesandanswers Podcasts