2. 6. What you have Seen & Heard Luke 7:18-35 p. 952-3

3. 1. “Are you the One?” (v 19)  John the Baptist is in prison (Luke 3:19-20)  Messiah would set captives free (Isa 61)  Jesus is not fulfilling John’s expectations.  (Prophets do not know everything God has planned)

4. 2. “What you have Seen & Heard” (v 22)  They have to look, see, listen.  Jesus healed diseases, evil spirits, blindness (v 21)  As the prophets had foretold (e.g. Isa 35:5-6)  At John’s specific situation Jesus would do nothing.  Something going well – not mean God is in it.  Something is tough – not mean we shouldn’t persevere.  Meaning has to be carefully discerned.

5. 3. “Wisdom proved right by her Children”  Three Rhetorical questions:  A reed blowing in the wind (popular opinion)? No.  Wealthy and well dressed? No.  A Prophet? Yes. (Mal 3:1).  Many did not receive him.

6. 3. “Wisdom proved right by her Children”  The absurdity of their reasoning (v 33-34):  John not eating & drinking – said he had a demon  Jesus “eating & drinking” – called a “glutton & drunkard”  So wise in their own eyes God couldn’t speak to them  Those who hunger after God will find him.

7. Living It  How to guide & nurture the operation of the gifts?  Words like “safe”, “cautious” don’t work.  God may call us to be unsafe and bold.  Settled on the word “GOOD”.

8. Living It  Discussion this week – Why/Does God works this way?  How do we let the Lord lead us?  We have to learn to listen to God’s leading.  Problem: doubting we heard the Lord correctly.  Truly believe – endure amazing hardship & persecution  Difficulty is knowing.

9. Living It  UC Land – story & latest developments.  Much discernment.  Four pronged strategy Consider alternatives to this buildingConsider alternatives to this building Pursue every avenue with governmentPursue every avenue with government Look at partnerships with other churchesLook at partnerships with other churches Pray for a miracle.Pray for a miracle.  On Sep 1 st received a call – look at developing the land.

10. Living It  People have come and gone as God led.  We have the people God intends for us to have.  We are His outpost in this part of the city  He intends us to stay.