Evangelism Entrepreneurs

The Bible says..."Your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions" (Joel 2:28).

Today I want to you to dream with me. We dream about our families, our new jobs, our vacations. In fact, sometimes the dreaming is more fun that the actual event.

Will you dream about what 'could be' for the gospel that currently is 'not yet'? This kind of dreaming requires that we talk about the one thing in life we cannot control... change. Change is the one thing that is constant in life.

Global change is happening socially, culturally and spiritually. In this world you cannot stand still and cling to old ways. The pressure to change will always continue. But change for change's sake is not always healthy. It should have an end-goal.

So before we automatically resist our journey of change, we must remember that God may be in the silver lining. In fact, the voice directing the change is often His. So we must be open. We have heard the phrase, 'different methods...same message.'

I remember hearing Franklin Graham say that the music in his "Rock the River" crusades was NOT his kind of music, but he embraced it because it will reach the youth of our day. He changed the method, but NOT the message, and he reaches thousands of youth.

As Christians, we are to actively seek heaven's vision and strategic ideas that will outsmart the devil's strategies of destructive change.

So, how do we reach our changing world?

By applying the time-worn Biblical principles that have always worked in every culture, in every age. Principles like humility, brokenness, compassion and intentional proclamation of Christ's love.

When the fearful disciples were filled with the Spirit in the book of Acts, they suddenly became agents of great change. In fact, they 'turned the then-know world of Asia minor upside down.'

Today is no different. We desperately need Spirit-led entrepreneurs to find innovative and creative ways to spread the gospel. And we also must revive time-proven, classical ways that keep reaching others with Christ's love. The goal of taking the gospel to Main Street and Wall Street must remain strong. And we should all be asking the Holy Spirit for His ideas, no matter how much sacrificial change it may require.

But here's one thing that has never changed: Christ's mandate for evangelism! Our job regarding evangelism is clear, and our vision must correspond.

C'mon Spirit-led evangelistic entrepreneurs, arise! We need you for such a time as this.
Well, that's all for today, but until next week remember, 'you have the good news that people are longing to hear. God bless you as you become 'HIS EVERYDAY WITNESS!'

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

NO FEAR!

"So they departed from the presence of the council (after being beaten), rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ" (Acts 5:41-42).

Perhaps you have seen people wear hats that model this phrase...'NO FEAR.'

I don't believe them.

Fear is ubiquitous. We all deal with it to some degree. Even the boldest people know it's always hovering in a corner trying to intimidate them. They just choose to ignore it.

And so, I was intrigued when I read of the incredible transformation of the apostles. They all fled as Jesus was arrested, but now are beaten for sharing their faith, and yet daily they still continue sharing openly.

Fear no longer ruled them. Isn't that our desire?

Remember when fear was little in your life, and faith was big?
Remember when you didn't care who knew you were a Christian?
Remember when compassion filled your heart more than fear?
Remember when you were actually excited about your friends coming to Christ?

Here's what happens to all of us.

When we don't continue to apply the truths in God's word, our heart begins to become calloused. Teaching without application hardens our hearts. It's a fact, when we ignore God's plan for us to be salt and light, our desire to be salt and light gradually diminishes.

The solution? They eagerly invited the Holy Spirit to fill them with His power. They prayed and prayed for it to happen. And when it did, they chose to not waste another day. Any suffering would now be considered a badge of honor. Any rejection they experienced would be a trophy of rejoicing.

Oh yes, the fear still hovered in a corner, but it no longer ruled them.

"God, let it be so in us... for Your glory."

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Untapped Gold Mine of 'God Dreams'

"Listen to your servants who delight in honoring you...and make me successful today so that I get what I want from the king" (Nehemiah 1:11, Message Bible).

There are 'good-dreams,' and there are 'God-dreams.'

Nehemiah knew that 'God-dreams' always gave God the glory. They were not birthed in selfishness or arrogance to build his career. They didn't have a mixed motive. 'God dreams' are conceived in God's heart, and then planted in man's heart. But man must make the decision to fertilize these 'God dreams' by faith... or not.

Nehemiah wept when he heard how the beloved city of Jerusalem lay in ruins. Only a few people were left, and they were living in appalling conditions. The Jews had blown it again and had forgotten their God. They gave themselves to other gods, and the One True God lost patience with them. He allowed them to be captured and become prisoners until they came to their senses.

But Nehemiah had a 'God-dream.' He said, "I can make a difference." It's time for Jerusalem to be rebuilt. And so he prayed with humble confidence.... "make me successful today."

What would hinder you from praying that kind of prayer? Fear of failure, unbelief, and a lost first-love? Risk is a measurement of the amount of sacrifice vs. the amount of reward. In this case, Nehemiah chose to be a player, no matter what the cost. His reward was to bring glory to God. He couldn't waste another day.

In my last trip to India, the Oasis team and I trained pastors in the 'One-Minute Witness faith-sharing tool, and then we went out into the streets to share our faith stories. Afterward, a pastor said, "I used to share my faith years ago. I am sorry to see how many years I have wasted by not sharing my faith. Now I will do this... everyday."

What 'God-dreams' are within you just bursting with potential and waiting to be fulfilled? Do you have any 'God-dreams' that are still bridled and stifled within you?

TODAY God desires you to be successful in making His name famous. So, go ahead...activate the 'God-dream' within you. If it's for His glory, it's worth the risk.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org