Chapter # 4 Paragraph # 3 Study # 5
November 19, 2006
Lincolnton, NC

• I. The Rumor.
  • A. Luke addresses the "spread" of the reputation of Jesus three times: Luke 4:14; 4:37; and 7:17.
  • B. There are several stages involved in Luke's record.
    • 1. There is the "attraction" stage where people are "hearing rumors" and are becoming sufficiently curious to seek out a personal opportunity to check them out.
    • 2. There is the "experience" stage where people are actually on hand to witness what is happening.
    • 3. There is the "witness" stage where those with experience have become the source of new rumors.
    • 4. Ultimately there is the cessation of the "experience" stage. At this point, all there is left is the "rumor" stage -- people "testifying" of what they have experienced.
    • 5. However, the coming of the Holy Spirit as the Attendant of the Word is more than a sufficient compensation for the absence of first hand experience.
  • C. The problems of disbelief.
    • 1. When disbelief is determined, nothing -- not personal experience, nor the ministry of the Spirit -- will override it unless God decides to be extra-gracious.
    • 2. However, when gullibility is primary almost any kind of "testimony" is deemed credible.
    • 3. Somewhere between cynicism and gullibility, "conviction" lives.