Mailbag Friday: Did God Command Killing in the OT? Magic Tricks + Righteous Anger

30 snips

Mar 20, 2026

A lively mailbag tackles tough scripture questions about divine commands in the Old Testament. Conversations cover household finances and headship, whether magic tricks count as sorcery, and how to steward righteous anger. Practical advice addresses grieving family relationships, daily rest in God, slowing frantic busyness, the role of insurance, and navigating workplace language with faithfulness.

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INSIGHT

God's Sovereignty Explains Old Testament Killings

God, as author of life and death, can justly command taking life whereas nonexistent deities cannot claim that moral authority.
Todd explains this to unbelievers the same way he does to believers: affirm God's sovereignty over life and death and contrast that with Allah 'not being in the picture'.

ADVICE

Lead Regardless Of Who Earns More

Don't equate being head of household with sole financial provider; leading can include shared provision and faithful work.
Todd tells a 42-year-old husband with a higher-earning wife to view her income as a blessing and continue contributing rather than seeing it as sin.

ADVICE

Do Magic Tricks As Sleight Of Hand

Call performance tricks 'sleight of hand' or 'illusions' and avoid claiming supernatural power to steer clear of sorcery.
Todd reassures 10-year-old Mike to practice illusions honestly and distinguishes that from divination condemned in Exodus.

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It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Segment 1

• Received an email from James, who asked the question last week concerning the difference in the Quran and the Old Testament, where God directs His people to kill those of other nations. He says he accepts your answer as a Christian, but how would you respond to an unbeliever asking the same question—someone who doesn’t believe the God of the Bible is real? — James

• I’m 42 and own a pretty successful business. My wife is in real estate, and we’ve been married for over 20 years with two kids. Her income is significantly higher than mine. Am I living in sin, as the head of the household, for not being the main financial supporter? — Anonymous

• My name is Mike, and I’m 10 years old. I want to do magic tricks—would that be considered sorcery or lying? — Mike

• As Christians, we should be angry at sin. Should we ever be angry at sinners? — Jonathan

Segment 2

• My mom is grieving my siblings’ resentment toward her. They were raised in a Bible-teaching home but now show little fruit. How can I best encourage her in her hurt? — Anonymous

• I know God should be my source of rest, but how do I actually live that out day to day? What does it look like to rest in Him? — Hope

Segment 3

• I feel constantly busy—ministry, work, relationships, planning ahead. How do I slow down, rest, and not just default to distractions like my phone? — Hope

Segment 4

• I am from India. Can a Christian have health or term insurance, or does that show a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty? — Athul

• My boss keeps calling a work report “our bible,” and it bothers me. What’s the best way to respond? — Anonymous

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