The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

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, and Luke 9:49.

The Skeptics Annotated Bible suggests a tension between these verses, ...

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 intelligent design.

Through compelling analogies and expert accounts, we explore wheth...

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 and love, aimed at protecting our relationship with Him. Join as we explore why God's j...

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, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and more. Explore how true faith, rooted in sincerity, repentance...

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, we delve into the intricacies of cosmic calibration, akin to a maestro conducting a...

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 scholarly insights, and crunches the numbers to uncover the truth behind this miraculou...

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 intriguing question of yeast in the Bible. Discover the symbolic meanings behind yeast used ...

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. Listeners are invited to discover how persistence, sincerity, and alignment with God’s ...

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 purposeful creation.

Explore the three main contenders for the universe's origin: an et...

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 are invited to understand the complex interplay between God's judgment and mercy. The d...

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 importance of discernment, humility, and love. Discover how seemingly contradictory v...

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 that suggest a divine influence "tugging at the fabric of reality." With credible ac...

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 biblical language, cultural context, and ancient Near Eastern customs, we uncover the nuance...

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 trusting God and fulfilling responsibilities. Through a blend of biblical verses, scholar...

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 and transform lives.

Discover how Jonathan Goforth overcame linguistic challenges in C...

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 underground wells offering clean water to the possibility of magical illusions or dem...

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 role of trials in our faith journey, emphasizing God's guidance and the importance of ...

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 spark profound theological questions.

In this episode, we explore stories, studies, a...

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 scholarly interpretations, we analyze whether the Israelites were miraculously spare...