What Not To Do

What NOT to Do

February 15, 2009 Evening Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: We MUST learn from the mistakes of others or be doomed to make them ourselves.

Focus Passage: I Corinthians 10:6-11 Supplemental Passage:

Introduction:

Years ago the communist government in China commissioned an author to write a biography of Hudson Taylor with the purpose of distorting the facts and presenting him in a bad light. They wanted to discredit the name of this consecrated missionary of the gospel. As the author was doing his research, he was increasingly impressed by Taylor's saintly character and godly life, and he found it extremely difficult to carry out his assigned task with a clear conscience. Eventually, at the risk of losing his life, he laid aside his pen, renounced his atheism, and received Jesus as his personal Savior. Whether we realize it or not, our example leaves an impression on others.

Here is an interesting item about President Coolidge. Once he invited some friends from Vermont to dine at the White House. They were worried about their table manners, so they decided to do everything their host did. All went well until coffee was served. Coolidge poured his into the saucer. The guests did the same. The President added sugar and cream. So did the visitors. Then Coolidge leaned over and placed his saucer on the floor for the cat.

I. Learn from Others’ Mistakes

a. V 7 – idolatry - golden calf – Exodus 32:1-5

b. V 8 – act immorally - fornication with the daughters of Moab – Numbers 25:1-9.

c. V 9 – try the Lord - asked why they were brought out of Egypt if they were just going to die – Numbers 21:4-6

d. V 10 – grumbled against the Lord – Numbers 16:41-46

Invitation: