So we conclude this section of sacrifices to idols today.

Not a phrase I ever expected to say in my life.

And if you're visiting with us and you're trying to wonder how to get out the exits,

just hang tight.

This will all come clear in a moment. Now I'm sure for those of you who have

been following this series, you've been up all night wondering what will happen? Can I go to OK

Cafe and eat that meat if it may or may not have been sacrificed to an idol? Can I go to

Houston's and not offend someone with my order?

Can I have my friends over for a barbecue later this week?

Well, I understand that this was an issue for the Corinthian church,

so much so that the Corinthians write to Paul to say,

what do we do about this sacrifice to idols and eating meats in the temple? And I know that for us, those things can feel so far removed.

But listen to me, at the heart of the issue is how do we relate to God and how do we relate to others?

And in particular, those outside the church when it comes to these various issues.

And so Paul tells the Corinthians, let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

The Israelites thought they were secure because they were identified in Moses.

They ate the spiritual food, they drank the spiritual drink from the rock, and yet their

hearts were hard. They constantly fought against Moses. They complained bitterly about the food they

were given. They winged about the lack of water, even though they were saved from slavery in Egypt, where they were making

bricks without straw, where they were whipped and beaten. But they came through the waters

witnessing that God clearly saves them and that God clearly loves them. but they doubt his goodness, and they don't

know his character, and because they lack faith in God who had saved them, they conclude

...