The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

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

  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 jealousy is different from human envy and how it calls us to fidelity in our spiritual walk. Get ready for a journey through scripture and scholarship, wrapped in humor and heart, as we uncover the depth of God's devotion. 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: [email protected]  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI Eliazar, K. N. (2024). “Demystifying the Jealousy of God: An Exegesis of Exodus 20:1-6.” Journal of Sociology, Psychology & Religious Studies, 4(6), 58-66. GotQuestions.org. “What does it mean that God is a jealous God?” https://www.gotquestions.org/jealous-God.html DesiringGod.org. “God Is Jealous for Your Joy” by John Piper. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/god-is-jealous-for-your-joy TheGospelCoalition.org. “The Jealousy of God.” https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-jealousy-of-god/ TopicalBibleStudies.com. “God Is Jealous: What Does That Mean?” https://topicalbiblestudies.com/god-is-jealous-what-does-that-mean/ Bible-Blog.org. “Exodus 20:5-6: The DNA of Sin.” https://bible-blog.org/2011/08/20/exodus-205-6-the-dna-of-sin/ Oaks2b.com. “How Can One Reconcile Exodus 20:5-6 with Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18?” https://www.oaks2b.com/2010/11/04/how-can-one-reconcile-exodus-205-6-with-deuteronomy-2416-and-ezekiel-18/ CARM.org. “Anthropomorphism: God Relates to Us in Human Terms.” https://carm.org/open-theism/anthropomorphism-god-relates-to-us-in-human-terms/ Hamilton, V. P. (2000). Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary. Baker Publishing Co. Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology. Zondervan.

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

  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, and obedience, dictates the divine response, offering a balance between grace and accountability. Join the conversation and challenge your understanding of what it means to truly call on the Lord. 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: [email protected]  Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/found.html  Hamilton, J. (2014). “The Center of Biblical Theology in Acts: Deliverance and Damnation Display the Divine.” www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-center-of-biblical-theology-in-acts-deliverance-and-damnation-display-the-divine  Johnson, L. T. (2002). “Septuagintal Midrash in the Speeches of Acts.” Père Marquette Lecture in Theology. epublications.marquette.edu. MacArthur, J. (2000). “Deliverance: The Neglected Doctrine.” Grace to You. www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/42-111/deliverance-the-neglected-doctrine  Miller, E. (2009). “Deliverance Ministry in Historical Perspective.” Christian Research Journal. www.equip.org/article/deliverance-ministry-in-historical-perspective  GotQuestions.org. (2023). “What does it mean that not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven?” www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-7-21-23.html  BibleRef. (n.d.). “Matthew 7:21 Commentary.” www.bibleref.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-7-21.html  Fitzmyer, J. A. (n.d.). “The Prophetic Call for Deliverance in Joel.” Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. journals.sagepub.com  Chistyakova, O., & Chistyakov, V. (2023). “The Concept of Deliverance in Early Church Fathers.” Journal of the Bible and Its Reception. www.degruyter.com 

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

  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 universal symphony. We revisit the fine-tuning argument, weighing the odds of such precise settings against naturalistic explanations, and explore alternative theories like multiverse speculation. Experts like Richard Dawkins and Martin Rees ponder these cosmic constants, while theistic perspectives suggest intelligent design as a more plausible explanation. This episode challenges listeners to follow the evidence and reconsider their views on the universe's origins. Whether you're a skeptic or believer, this exploration offers thrilling insights into the universe's mysteries, pointing toward a design that's anything but random. Join us next week as we uncover the order and laws governing our cosmos. Don't forget to check the show notes for additional resources and links. 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: [email protected]  Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd Craig, W. L. (2008). Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics (3rd ed.). Crossway Books. Strobel, L. (2004). The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God. Zondervan. Rees, M. (2000). Just Six Numbers: The Deep Forces That Shape the Universe. Basic Books. Barnes, L. A. (2012). “The Fine-Tuning of the Universe for Intelligent Life.” Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, 29, 529–564. Collins, R. Articles on fine-tuning: http://home.messiah.edu/~rcollins/

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

  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 miraculous event. Listeners will gain fascinating perspectives on how God showcased His dominion over chaos and delivered His people against all odds. Tune in to explore the blend of faith and strategy that underpinned one of the Bible's most dramatic moments. 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: [email protected]  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI Knowable Word: https://www.knowableword.com/2023/03/27/overlooked-details-of-the-red-sea-crossing/)  Institute for Creation Research: https://www.icr.org/article/2163/) ScriptSwitch Insight: https://scriptureinsight.org/study/exodus/14&rut=2ed71af5ee07361f47026d73acce3330336a02106f62fe84be0def7d005c0ce5 Learn the Bible: https://www.learnthebible.org/crossing-the-red-sea.html The Lost World of the Israelite Conquest by John H. Walton and J. Harvey Walton

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

  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 scripture, contrasting its representation of sin and impurity with its positive illustration of God's kingdom. Join us to celebrate our podcast's momentum as we continue to tackle thought-provoking biblical questions and connect with listeners old and new, making every download count as we strive to reach new heights in 2025. 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: [email protected]  Miller, J. Steve. Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to a Reasonable Christian Faith. Acworth, GA: Wisdom Creek Press, 2016. MacDonald, John B. “The Dangers of Yeast.” John B. MacDonald, https://www.johnbmacdonald.com/blog/the-dangers-of-yeast  “Symbols in Leviticus: Yeast & Honey.” Meeting God in the Margin, https://meetinggodinthemargin.com/2020/02/13/symbols-in-leviticus-yeast-honey/  “The Yeast Factor.” The Well, InterVarsity, https://thewell.intervarsity.org/focus/focus-yeast-factor  “Stop Telling People That Yeast Is Sin.” Christian Learning, https://www.christianlearning.com/stop-telling-people-that-yeast-is-sin/  “The Symbolism of Yeast in the Bible.” A Student, https://astudent.wordpress.com/2011/09/20/the-symbolism-of-yeast-in-the-bible/  “What Does Yeast Symbolize in the Bible?” Christian Pure, https://christianpure.com/learn/yeast-symbolism-bible/ 

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