"He said, 'But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.'” - (Ex. 3:12, ESV)    Earlier in this chapter we are told that Moses had taken the flocks of his father-in-law to a location west of the wilderness and came to Mt. Horeb, where he met with God. It is here that the LORD tells Moses that he, Moses, will bring the Israelites out of Egypt (through God's power), and will return to the mountain. You are likely familiar with the rest of the story, for Moses does indeed lead them out, and they do return to Horeb.     There are two thoughts I want to share that we may not always connect with. First, Mt. Horeb and Mt. Sinai are two different names for the same mountain. I am aware that there are those who view them as two separate mountains. In that case, these would be two separate mountains in very close proximity of each other, possi...

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:31-33, NASB)    Two weeks ago I read an article by a notable Christian magazine which presented the idea that Christians are free to use marijuana, but they should not. Although I cannot speak directly for Paul, I'm pretty sure that this was not what he meant when speaking of liberty. Usually, any discussion of questionable behavior eventually devolves into a legalism-vs-liberty debate, with supporters on each side brining in "other" topics, which clouds the issue. Christ has given us freedom: freedom from sin, not freedom to sin; freedom to live and serve, not freedom to indulge.    My heart and spirit is deeply disturbed by the willingness of some within the c...

This week marks one year that I have been posting Biblical insights online. "Thank you" to each of you that have read, commented, shared, or have otherwise been encouraged in your faith. As a way of commemorating the first year, I have decided to post some of the most popular posts of 2013, chosen by your interactions with them. I look forward to many more years of encouraging and equipping believers in the Word. "… and shall let the live bird go free over the open field." - Lev. 14:7 (NASB)    Leviticus records that two birds were brought for the one who wanted to be made ceremonially clean. The unclean person (leper or other) would bring the two birds, one of which would be killed over the clay pot of fresh water. The live bird is dipped in the mixture of water, blood, along with the cedar wood, hyssop (a plant), and a scarlet thread. The priest would take these and sprinkle the unclean person, making them ceremonially clean. At this point a man is clean,...