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 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

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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 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

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

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

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 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

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 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

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 following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

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.

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

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

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 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

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:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

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 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected]