Biblical Re-entry

Biblical Re-entry Notes

Rom 1:11 For I* long to see you*, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—Rom 1:12 that is, that we may be *mutually encouraged by each other's faith*, both yours and mine. Rom 1:13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have *often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented)*, _*in order*_ that I may* reap some harvest* among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.

-We long to see each other but we have been prevented.
-Church building attendance only gives us one thing…Connection to each other

_What has prevented us?_
*Submission*
1Pe 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
*Character*
Rom 5:3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
Rom 5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
*Caution*
Pro 22:3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

_What has not prevented us?_
*Fear*
*Conspiracy*

_*THE GOSPEL IS OUR FOCUS*_
Php 1:12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to *advance the gospel,*

Act 16:27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”Act 16:29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.
Act 16:30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

We are not essential in the culture. The Gospel is.
We are not rebellious against the culture. The Gospel is.
We are not statement makers. The Gospel is.

We are not fearful. We are respectful.
We are not reckless. We are respectful.

*If the Gospel is the most important thing that we present to the people, then we are to listen to their needs, their lives and present it in a way that is respectful.*

1Pe 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with *gentleness and respect,*