The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

This week we step into Book Two of Mere Christianity as C.S. Lewis begins unpacking what Christians actually believe about God.

Lewis addresses a common question: Do Christians have to believe every other religion is entirely wrong? He then explores the major division between those who see God as “beyond good and evil” and those who believe God is good, righteous, and actively calls us to set right what has gone wrong in His world.

In one of the most famous passages in the book, Lewis explains why Christianity has always carried a “fighting edge”...

This episode examines Numbers 24:7, where Balaam's oracle says Israel's king will be greater than Agag—though the famous Agag in 1 Samuel lived centuries later. The host explains common solutions: Agag may have been a dynastic title for Amalekite rulers, prophetic foresight, or a case of later names used for clarity.

The discussion touches on the Septuagint reading "Gog," the historical context of Amalek, and how the prophecy points beyond Saul and David to the ultimate king in the Davidic line. Practical and scholarly perspectives are offered to resolve the apparent chronological difficulty.

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Sidebar Episode: 2026 Midyear Review (Episode 266)

Hello again, everybody! Join host Lance Smith for a special midyear check-in on the Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast. Whether you’ve been listening since our 2023 trailer or you’re just joining us, this episode is packed with encouragement, gratitude, and the latest numbers showing how God continues to use this little podcast.

We take a honest look back at the first half of 2026: • 11,755 downloads — a strong 70.8% increase over the first half of 2025 • Average ~1,959 downloads per month and ~245 downloads per episode (up from 143 last year) • On pace for over 23,000 downloads in full-year...

Episode 265 examines the alleged gospel contradiction about Jesus riding a donkey and its colt into Jerusalem. The host explains how Matthew mentions two animals present while Mark, Luke, and John focus on the colt Jesus rode, showing the accounts are complementary rather than contradictory.

The episode also explores how Matthew’s detail highlights fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy and offers practical reasons—like keeping the colt calm—for bringing the mother donkey.

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

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Episode 264 explores C.S. Lewis' chapter five of Mere Christianity, where he argues that Christianity begins when we honestly face the moral law, recognize our failure, and receive forgiveness. Lance Smith guides listeners through Lewis' candid diagnosis of the human condition and the path from uneasy conviction to real comfort.

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

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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Episode 263 explores Numbers 22: the odd story of Balaam, his talking donkey, and the angel who blocks the road. The episode examines the apparent contradiction where God permits Balaam to go yet becomes angry, and recounts the humorous and sobering events as the donkey repeatedly avoids the angel while Balaam remains blind to it.

The host explains that God’s permission was conditional while His opposition targeted Balaam’s greedy motives; the donkey’s interventions are shown as merciful corrections. The episode emphasizes that God judges intentions as well as actions and uses this strange episode to teach humili...

This episode examines the apparent contradiction between John and the Synoptic Gospels about when Jesus cleansed the temple—early in his ministry or during Passion Week.

After comparing details and timing, the host argues the simplest solution is that Jesus likely cleansed the temple twice, highlighting his consistent zeal for true worship and confronting corrupt practices.

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

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In this episode Lance Smith walks through chapter 4 of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, examining the moral law and whether something like a mind or director lies behind the universe. He contrasts the materialist and religious views, explains why science can’t answer the “why” behind existence, and points to our inner sense of ‘ought’ as a clue.

The host invites listeners to notice the inner tug of conscience, honestly consider its source, and continue the series into chapter 5 where Lewis explores why that unease can be good news.

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Episode 260 examines the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 and the apparent conflict with the second commandment, explaining how the image functioned as a God-given symbol — not an idol — and how Israel later misused it.

The episode explores the historical context, the difference between symbol and worship, Hezekiah’s destruction of Nahushtan, and Jesus’ reference in John 3 that the bronze serpent foreshadowed his being lifted up for salvation. It closes with practical lessons about guarding against turning good things into substitutes for God.

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Episode 259 explores the story of Jesus healing blind men near Jericho and tackles the apparent discrepancy where Matthew records two blind men while Mark and Luke spotlight only Bartimaeus.

The episode explains that the accounts are complementary: Matthew records the total number, Mark and Luke focus on the most notable witness, and historical/contextual details (like two Jerichos) reconcile differences—showing the Gospels offer multiple, harmonious perspectives on the same event.

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

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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 or Who placed that law in us. Next week’s episode moves into chapter 4 to investigate the source behind the law.

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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, interacted peacefully along the edges, and followed God’s guidance—a lesson about detours and faithful direction.

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

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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 foreknowledge and human free will with a clear illustration, then highlights practical implications for evangelism and personal assurance.

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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 the inner voice telling you what you ought to do, consider whether you treat it as real, and join the conversation as the series continues into the origin of the moral law next week.

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’s role in Israel’s story as a place of provision and testing, and how understanding ancient geography helps resolve modern reading challenges without undermining the text’s reliability.

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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 the end you'll have a clear, simple framework to explain these passages, strengthen your faith, and confidently respond to skeptics.

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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 complaint and to consider where the sense of "ought" comes from, teasing Chapter 2 for the following week.

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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.

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

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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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 Jesus' kingdom—and how Jesus teaches servant leadership, turning a moment of pride into a lesson on humility and sacrifice.

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

bu...

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:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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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 whether some of Korah's family survived the rebellion.

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

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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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, relational restraint, or moral perfection rather than divine weakness.

Practical encouragement follows: trust God with your impossible situations, pray with confident dependence, and cling to the assurance that God’s promises are steadfast.

References...

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 and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gma...

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 ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system.

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

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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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 neutral—what matters is how we use it and whom we serve.

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

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 of durable graves fits the Bible’s description of a judged, transient generation and explains why lack of visible remains is not evidence against the Exodus account.

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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 items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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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 God, and points listeners to further resources and commentary.

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

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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 used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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In episode 239 of Bible Difficulties and Answers, Lance Smith examines Numbers 13:32–33, contrasting the fearful report of ten spies with Joshua and Caleb's faith. He argues the conflict was not over facts about the land's fertility but over differing interpretations—fear versus faith. The episode explains the 'land devours its inhabitants' phrase as hyperbole driven by fear, explores the spies' exaggerations about giants, and draws practical lessons about trusting God when opportunities look daunting.

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

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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In this episode Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:17–19 alongside Mark 10 and Luke 18 to answer the skeptic’s claim that Jesus listed a different number of commandments. Using context, Jewish background, and gospel harmonization, he shows Matthew’s inclusion of “Love your neighbor” is a theological capstone, not a contradiction.

Listeners will learn how the three accounts offer complementary perspectives on the rich young man’s question about eternal life and why the passage highlights discipleship and the heart’s true loyalties.

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Episode 237 explores the apparent discrepancy between Exodus and Numbers where Moses seems to 'rename' Hosea as Joshua. Lance Smith explains how naming conventions, proleptic usage, and theological meaning resolve the difficulty, showing the change highlights Yahweh's role in salvation. Drawing on Jewish tradition and biblical scholarship, the episode argues the shift is clarifying and theological rather than contradictory.

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

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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Episode 236 examines a skeptical claim that juxtaposes Matthew 19 and Deuteronomy 23 to argue the Bible prefers castrated men. Lance Smith walks through context, covenant differences, and historical background to show Jesus’ words address marriage and voluntary celibacy, while Deuteronomy regulated assembly and separation from pagan practices.

The episode traces the biblical trajectory through Isaiah 56 and Acts 8 to demonstrate inclusion and redemption rather than exclusion, concluding that Scripture cares about the heart and faith, not physical condition.

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

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Episode 235 examines Numbers 12:3—"Now, Moses was very humble..."—asking whether this sounds like a boast or a divine assessment. Lance Smith walks through the context, Hebrew meaning, manuscript evidence, and scholarly views to show why the verse explains Moses' silence and humility rather than contradicting Mosaic authorship.

Listeners will hear how the term ʿānāv can mean humble or afflicted, how Numbers 11–12 shape our understanding of Moses' character, and why ancient manuscripts and theological insight support the verse's reliability and purpose.

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In episode 234 Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:4–6 and the Genesis creation accounts to answer whether God originally made humans male and female. He contrasts Genesis 1’s overview with Genesis 2’s detailed account, shows how Jesus uses creation as the authority on marriage and gender, and argues that the Bible presents maleness and femaleness as God’s original design.

The episode also addresses contemporary cultural challenges, urges churches to hold to Scripture’s teaching, and offers compassion and hope to listeners wrestling with gender questions.

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

Join Lance Smith for a special Easter episode as he slows down to sit with the greatest moment in history: the empty tomb. He examines the differing Gospel details not as contradictions but as complementary eyewitness perspectives that deepen the story.

More than a historical event, the resurrection is presented as a present, life-changing reality—proof that broken things can be restored and that hope defeats death. Lance offers a simple challenge: read Luke 24, reflect on the shift from confusion to joy, and invite the risen Jesus to renew your heart.

Join Lance Smith for a Good Friday special exploring the crucifixion across Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, showing how different perspectives converge on one redemptive event.

He reflects on prophecy fulfilled, the personal cost of sin, and the hope of resurrection, inviting listeners to pause, read the accounts slowly, and let the cross speak into their lives.

Episode 231: Lance Smith examines Numbers 11:31–34 to answer a stark question: why did God strike the Israelites after providing quail? Drawing on context, biblical commentary, and possible natural causes, he shows the issue was not the food but the people’s ungrateful, craving hearts and hoarding behavior.

The episode contrasts God’s daily provision with Israel’s persistent grumbling, explains how the quail became a test and judgment, and applies the lesson to modern life by urging contentment in Christ.

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Episode 230 examines Matthew 19 and related passages to resolve skeptics' claims that the Bible contradicts itself about marriage. Lance Smith argues the Bible consistently presents marriage as a good, sacred, creational union while also affirming singleness as a legitimate calling for some.

The episode explains Genesis, Jesus' teaching, Paul's guidance, and church history to show there is no contradiction—only two complementary callings designed by God.

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

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction between Numbers 2 and Numbers 11 about whether the tabernacle was inside or outside Israel's camp. He explains the camp's arrangement—with the tabernacle at the center, Levites surrounding it, and the tribes camped in four groups—and why the phrase “Moses went out” refers to leaving a tribal section toward the center.

The episode shows how that layout resolves the difficulty, highlights God’s presence in the midst of his people, and notes how the Spirit moved freely when 70 elders (and two who stayed back) began to prophesy.

Referenc...