Dear Friends,
Greetings in the Lord. We hope and pray that you are well and that the Lord is keeping you in perfect peace. We are excited to announce that our newest episode, Exodus: Discovering The True Mount Sinai, is now available to stream for free. In this special presentation, we journey to the heart of northwest Saudi Arabia to explore the authentic locations — mountains, rocks, caves, and altars — where the ancient story of Exodus truly unfolded. This episode is more than archaeology or history; it is a powerful revelation of the living bridge between the Old and New Covenants. The story of God’s deliverance of Israel is not a distant or forgotten tale. It is real history that speaks directly to us today, because the same God who gave His Law at Sinai is the God who fulfills His promises in Christ Jesus. As Hebrews reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” We pray you will be encouraged and inspired, and we invite you to share this episode with your friends, family, and congregations. Additionally, we are deeply grateful for your continued prayers and financial support, and we ask you to remain faithful in every way. With many Gospel Expeditions planned for 2026, your partnership is vital for reaching the ends of the earth. Please consider a special year-end gift to help us embark on these missions and bring the hope of the gospel to all mankind.
This month, we would like to share a message called — Types and Shadows
Law and Spirit: 3,000 Lost, 3,000 Gained
When Moses descended from Mount Sinai after receiving the Law, he discovered Israel worshiping the golden calf. As a consequence, the Levites were commanded to execute judgment, and about three thousand people died that day as a result of their rebellion against God’s covenant. This moment reveals the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God’s Law — a standard no one could keep perfectly but was meant to reveal mankind’s need for a Savior.
Centuries later, on Pentecost — the very feast that commemorated the giving of the Law — Peter preached the message of the crucified and risen Christ. In response, about three thousand souls were added to the church in one day. This turning point illustrates the shift from Law to grace, from judgment to redemption. The Law brought a knowledge of sin but no power to overcome it; Christ, fulfilling the Law and sacrificing Himself, brought forgiveness and empowerment through the Holy Spirit. In this, the Old Testament and New Testament narratives interlock perfectly: the Law exposes our guilt, and the Spirit writes God’s laws on transformed hearts.
This divine juxtaposition underscores that condemnation under the Law is overcome only by the Spirit of Christ, who gives new life and adoption as children of God. The giving of the Law prepared the way for the coming of the Spirit, highlighting the progression from external commands that no one could perfectly keep to the internal transformation brought about by grace. The contrast between the death of three thousand at Sinai and the addition of three thousand at Pentecost proclaims the gospel truth that in Christ…the Spirit gives life.
Baptized into Moses, Baptized into Christ
In 1 Corinthians 10 it says, the Israelites were “baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,” passing through the Red Sea as a covenant sign, marking them as God’s redeemed people. This baptism into Moses foreshadows the greater baptism into Christ, in which believers pass from slavery to sin through repentance and faith, rising as a new covenant people united to Christ their Mediator. Just as Israel was set apart to be God’s people, so the church is marked by its union to Christ, the fulfillment and surpassing of that covenant.
Manna and the Bread of Life
In the wilderness, Israel ate “spiritual food” and drank “spiritual drink” — manna from heaven and water from the rock — signs of God’s daily provision for His people. The Word reveals these gifts as types pointing beyond themselves to Christ, the true Bread of Life who satisfies the deeper hunger of the soul and the Living Rock who refreshes eternally. What Israel received physically anticipates the spiritual nourishment found only in Him.
The Rock in the Wilderness and the Crucified Christ
Once again in 1 Corinthians 10 it declares, “the Rock was Christ,” identifying the water-giving rock in the wilderness as a picture of Jesus, who was struck so that life-giving water would flow from His pierced side for the salvation of many. This profound truth connects the Old Testament provision with the New Testament cross, showing that the deliverance God provided then was a shadow of the ultimate deliverance accomplished on Calvary.
Wilderness Warnings and New Covenant Faithfulness
The wilderness wanderings were marked by continuous rebellions and failures on Israel’s part despite God’s constant provision and guidance. Scripture records their unbelief, idolatry, and immorality — even though they shared in the miraculous blessings of God’s deliverance, protection under the cloud and fire, manna from heaven, and water from the rock. These events serve as solemn warnings and examples, emphasizing the dangers of falling away and the need for enduring faith. The Word highlights that these things were “written down for our instruction,” teaching believers to cling faithfully to Christ and avoid the pitfalls of Israel’s failures. The wilderness was not simply a physical journey but a spiritual testing ground, revealing the hardness of human hearts and the necessity of God’s sustaining grace. This narrative illustrates that though God’s presence accompanies His people, their response determines their blessing or judgment. The wanderings point forward to the new covenant reality where believers are empowered by the Spirit to walk in obedience, not relying on their strength but on the One who leads them through every trial.
From Mountain Fire to the Spirit’s Flame
At Mount Sinai, God’s presence made itself known in terrifying displays through fire, smoke, thunder, and earthquakes. The mountain burned intensely as the Law was given, clothed in glory and holiness that made the people quake and keep their distance. This awe-inspiring encounter revealed the justice and majesty of God and the unapproachable holiness required by His covenant. Moses alone was permitted to ascend and commune with God, highlighting the separation that sin creates between a holy God and fallen mankind. In contrast, on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended on the gathered believers as tongues of fire resting on each one of them, filling them with power. Where Sinai’s fire was terrifying and distant, the Spirit’s flame was a gift of God’s intimate presence — filling ordinary men and women with the power of the Holy Spirit. This profound shift signals the movement from the old covenant of Law, marked by fear and separation, to the new covenant of grace, marked by access and empowerment. The fiery presence that once consumed a single mountain now ignites God’s followers to be living temples and witnesses throughout the world. The mountain fire spoke judgment; the Spirit’s flame speaks life, holiness, and the indwelling of God in the hearts of believers. Together, these contrasts echo the gospel’s power to transform not just external behavior but the very heart of mankind. The voice that thundered from Sinai in law now whispers through the tongues of fire, calling God’s people into an intimate relationship and mission. In this way, the Exodus story moves from shadow to fulfillment — promising and bringing the reality of God with His people, forever.
At Travel the Road, we have always stood in awe of the incredible history of the Bible. We have traced the footsteps of Christ throughout the Holy Land many times and journeyed through Jordan, Turkey, Malta, Cyprus, Italy, Greece, Macedonia, and Lebanon, witnessing the places where the Apostles and the early church launched the gospel into the world. We have stood upon the Temple Mount, Mars Hill and even traveled to the remote isle of Patmos — and one thing remains certain: it is all real. The power, the glory, and every word of Scripture is true. This is why capturing an episode like Exodus is so powerful. It reminds the world that we are not telling fantasies or myths, but recounting true history — history that points to the fulfillment of all things through Christ Jesus. Now, as this year draws to a close, we invite you to join us in prayer and partnership as we prepare for new Gospel Expeditions in Northern Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Africa. Your support is more important than ever. Whether through a one-time gift or a new monthly commitment, it keeps these missions moving forward and brings the message of hope to those who have yet to hear. Together, we can make every moment count for the Kingdom and bring the light of Christ Jesus to the ends of the earth. The best is truly yet to come. Peace be with you.
In Him,
Tim and Will