The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Episode 258 explores C.S. Lewis’s chapter 3 of Mere Christianity, examining the mysterious Moral Law that tells us how we ought to behave even when we don't. Lance Smith unpacks Lewis’ argument that this ‘ought’ is real, not merely social convention or instinct.

Listen for the key takeaways: notice the gap between what you ought to do and what you do, feel the inner pressure of moral obligation, and ask what...

Episode 257 examines the apparent contradiction between Numbers and Deuteronomy about Israel’s encounter with Edom, using geography, Hebrew language, historical commentary, and archaeology to show the two accounts describe different aspects of the same journey.

Rather than a contradiction, the episode presents a harmonizing view: Israel was denied passage through Edom’s heartland, took a longer route around its borders,...

In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent Bible difficulty: Jesus says he gave his life as a ransom for many, while Paul says Christ purchased freedom for everyone. He explains how different authors emphasize different facets of the same truth, explores Calvinist and Arminian perspectives, and presents the idea that the atonement can be sufficient for all yet effective for those who believe.

The episode also discusses God's ...

In this episode Lance Smith walks through chapter two of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, tackling common objections to the moral law—especially that it’s merely instinct or a social convention. Using Lewis’ piano analogy and examples like belief in witches and moral reformers, the episode argues for an objective, binding ‘I ought to’ that guides our choices.

Listen for practical takeaways: notice ...

This episode examines the apparent contradiction about Kadesh’s location in Numbers, exploring two main solutions: that Kadesh sat in a border zone between the wildernesses of Zin and Paran, or that two sites shared the name. It reviews biblical passages, historical and archaeological evidence, and ancient commentators, and concludes that overlapping regional terms best explain the wording.

The episode also reflects on Kadesh...

In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction in Scripture: verses that portray Jesus as limited in his human life (unable to grant honors or do many miracles in Nazareth) versus verses that declare he now has all authority after the resurrection. The answer is the doctrine of the Incarnation and kenosis — Jesus is truly God and truly human, voluntarily accepting human limitations while remaining divine.

By t...

Host Lance Smith opens episode 252 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with the start of a 33-week walk through C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity. This week focuses on Book 1, Chapter 1, "The Law of Human Nature," exploring Lewis's observation that people everywhere appeal to a shared standard of right and wrong and that we frequently fail to live up to it.

Smith invites listeners to notice everyday moments of moral complain...

This episode examines Numbers 16 and the question of whether Korah’s entire family was swallowed by the earth. It explains how Numbers 26 clarifies that Korah’s sons separated from the rebellion and were spared.

The episode highlights that while judgment fell on those who joined the revolt, mercy preserved the faithful remnant—whose descendants later became temple singers, psalmists, and ancestors of Samuel.

Refer...

Episode 250 examines Matthew 20:20–21 and Mark 10:35–37, addressing the apparent discrepancy over who asked Jesus for places of honor. The episode explains that both accounts describe the same event: the mother likely voiced the request while her sons stood beside her, reflecting different emphases by the Gospel writers.

The episode also explores the message behind the request—ambition and misunderstanding of Jesu...

Episode 249 launches a Sunday series on C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity by unpacking the book’s preface. Lance Smith explains Lewis’s hall-and-rooms metaphor, why he keeps a clear definition of "Christian," and his advice to be kind and pray for those who choose different doors.

Next week: chapter one on the law of human nature.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following...

Episode 248 examines Korah's Rebellion in Numbers 16, focusing on the apparent contradiction about how Korah and his followers died. Lance Smith shows the chapter distinguishes two simultaneous judgments: the earth opened to swallow Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, while fire consumed the 250 men offering incense.

The episode cites later biblical passages and modern commentators to clarify the narrative and previews a follow-up on whethe...

Episode 247 asks the tough question: can God really do anything? Lance Smith surveys Scripture (Matthew 19:26, Genesis 18, Numbers 11, Job, Luke 1:37 and more) to show God’s power is unlimited yet acted through his unchanging, holy character and promises.

The episode addresses apparent contradictions—iron chariots, Jesus’ limits in Nazareth, and the claim that God cannot lie—explaining these as human failure...

Episode 246 introduces a new Sunday series walking through C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity. Host Lance Smith explains Lewis’s journey from atheism to faith, outlines the book's structure, and invites listeners to join a short, conversational exploration through the "hall" of shared Christian beliefs. Episodes will include readings, plain-language explanations, practical takeaways, and reflections.

References to items discussed...

Episode 245 unpacks the apparent discrepancy between Leviticus 4 and Numbers 15, showing that Leviticus zooms in on the sin offering itself while Numbers presents the fuller communal response—burnt, grain, and drink offerings accompanying the single sin offering.

The episode clarifies how the texts complement one another, draws out the crucial distinction between unintentional and deliberate sin, and points to Christ as the u...

Episode 244 explores whether wealth is a sign of righteousness or wickedness by examining Old and New Testament passages. Lance Smith argues the Bible presents a nuanced view: wealth can be a blessing or a spiritual danger, and it reveals the condition of the heart rather than serving as a moral scoreboard.

The episode highlights examples from Scripture, explains stewardship and dependence on God, and concludes that wealth is neutr...

In this episode, Lance Smith examines Numbers 14:29 and the common question of why archaeologists haven’t found mass graves for the Israelites who died during the 40 years in the wilderness. He reviews biblical, cultural, and archaeological explanations including nomadic burial practices, shallow or exposed interments, secondary bone collection, harsh desert conditions, and limited excavation.

The episode argues the absence o...

Host Lance Smith examines apparent Bible conflicts about stealing—Rachel taking her fathers household idols and the Israelites leaving Egypt with silver and gold—by reviewing context, translations, and scholarship.

The episode shows the Bible consistently condemns theft and explains the highlighted Old Testament cases as descriptive, cultural, or acts of divine justice rather than endorsements of stealing.

References to...

In episode 241 Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction in Numbers 14 about whether the Amalekites and Canaanites dwelt in the valley or the hills.

He explains how the same people in the southern Negev could be described both ways depending on perspective and terrain, showing the verses are complementary rather than contradictory.

The episode connects this close reading to a broader point about trusting Scripture and obeying ...

Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:16–17 and parallel Gospel passages to explain why Jesus’ question, “Why callest thou me good?”, does not deny his goodness or divinity.

The episode clarifies translation differences, context with the rich young man, Jesus’ teaching method, and how the passage exposes misplaced confidence while strengthening trust in Scripture.

References to items discussed and/or us...