#10 God speaks through visions

ken.geer

God's Voice • Sermon • Submitted 10 months ago • Presented 10 months ago

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3rd of July celebration

Need flatbed for the Parade.

need to get entry into parade

Did you feel the Mountains tremble?

Opener

Worship. How do we long for the love of Christ?

We desperately need a revival that is noted by a movement to recapture the spirit of worship.

I am thrilled by movements like "Let Us Worship” and Sean Fuetch. - but even that can turn into a fan club rather than a movement to worship Jesus.

let us magnify our view of God today.

What every person in this church needs is a fresh revelation of the greatness of God and the beauty of God.

I mean A life lived in a deeper life of love of GOD marked by a unstoppable desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit in every action.

we must be ruthless in confessing our sins and repenting and becoming empty of our own desires and importance.

God alone can raise up our cold hearts and catch us up and restore a true heart of worship in us.

Tozer for the Christian Leader June 24: The Art of True Worship

Lord, help us to “raise our cold hearts to rapture and restore again the art of true worship.”

Welcome/Prayer (15 min)

Debra Anointing - song by Diane.

Welcome - new people introduce! Fill out Cards

Greeting and Opening Prayer

Announcements (15 min)

Parade! - Need a float!

2 -5/16” Ball required.

Jacobs Truck?

Need flatbed for the Parade.

need to get entry into parade

God Speaks through Visions

Acts 2:17–21 (ESV)

17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

Acts 2:17 ESV

this passage is sometimes used to say that young man have visions, and old men have dreams.

I think the passage is less about prescription, of the age that someone has a vision or a dream and more that the Holy Spirit will be poured out on ALL FLESH… and if there is a group that is obviously left out it is not ment to be an exhaustive list. It said ALL FLESH - meaning all that are seaking after the Holy Spirit. and perhaps more beyond that.

What about the young & old women?

I think the reason old women are not listed here is that a point was being mad that people that do not commonly have the Holy spirit will be manifesting. Older women, followed by younger women are probably the most likely to be demonstrating the manifestation of the Holy spirit.

The “last days” is a time we like to appropriate for our time… and to a degree, the last days, have been the days since Jesus baptized the church in his Holy Spirit on Pentecost. this is the clear thrust of the preaching that Peter provides here.

Why do some say the gifts have stopped?

There are Christians that like to say that the Holy spirits gifts stopped after the canonization of the Bible, that having the Bible replaces the need for Holy Spirit Gifts. I love my fellow Christians, but I find this argument to be one of the silliest and dare I say unsupported that I typically come across. My thoughts when I run into this are as follows.

I could point out that they need to read some missionary stories! There is no way you would be able to think the gifts have ceased if you examined the experience of dedicated Christians on the front lines of the Gospel. They are bearing the fruit that Jesus asked us to check, so they should be legitimate witnesses. [they will say but that is letting experience interpret the bible and that is dangerous]

I could point out that there remain a practical need for God to provide visions… just like like the vision Paul received in Troas, of the Macedonian that caused Paul Silas and Timothy to abort their mission to revisit the churches in Turkey, but instead preach in the Cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Ac 15:40 - Ac 16:10 We still need God to direct our path for the sake of the Gospel… Lord please show us such visions that we may go where you want! W covered this in the bible study in Thessalonians 2 weeks ago. BTW - it is posted and available for viewing.

I could point out that the Bible never directly says that these gifts will cease prior to meeting God face to face. The verse that is often brought up to support this is 1 Corinthians 13:8–10 When the Perfect comes, the partial will pass away. I feel that the the “perfect" is best interpreted as Jesus coming. since we have the clear words of Joel and acts telling us the gifts including visions are for the last days that include the final signs of Jesus return.

1 Corinthians 13:8–10 ESV

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

So… yes Visions and dreams as well as many other Supernatural gifts are for us today.

Acts 2:38–39 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

SO these gifts of vision are for those that are “in a loving relationship” with Jesus.. those that are redeemed by the blood of Jesus and walking in obedience. - as can be seen by the step to repent and be baptized. This “relationship” and “walking” is the consequence of God calling us to himself.

If we are in such a relationship, then our level of “hearing” and “discrning” the voice of God grows deeper.

If your love for God. your ability to hear God clearly is

Lets go back to that verse…

Acts 2:19–21 ESV

This passage maps up directly to other end-times prophesy that talks about the the celestial signs, that directly preceded the return of Jesus. That Day has not happened yet. we will cover this in depth this fall when we do revelation, and pull in all the other related scripture. And as silly as it is to say this, the days are not getting any earlier… If Peter and Paul were in the last days, we are surely in the last days, and we Can expect to have the Holy Spirit pour out on us.

Please note: the giving of Holy spirit gifts and supernatural experiences is always a sovereign act of God, and the holy spirit is in charge of how He gets to distribute the gifts… so don’t go thinking it is “all up to you!”. So often the the Devil makes us think we are not getting to walk in Holy Spirit manifestations because we are not worthy. - But the truth is if we have been covered by the blood of Jesus we have been made worthy. All that remains for us to do is to seek… to be asking… and to keep on asking… to walk in an expectation that God will direct us and lead us… Here is a tip. if you are not reading God’s word, and enjoying it… it is a sign you may not be seeking. If you don't have time to press into God’s word which is one of his most precious gifts of all his gifts… what will we do when we get more gifts? leave them laying around? To him who is faithful with much more will be given, to him who faithless with little, even that will be taken from him.... because the enemy will come in and steal it.

I am going on to cover more ways God speaks to us…

but if we are not pressing in to avail ourselves of his voice in the forms we do have it. are we ready for more?

Today we are focusing on this passage for the statement about Visions… “ young men shall see visions”

But God can speak to us in so many ways… we have already covered 9 other common ways...

Love Speaks Series

This sermon series is inspired roughly following the amazing book/Video series, and book by Carl Wesley Anderson, that highlights 21 ways we can recognize God’s multi-faceted voice.

What have we covered so far?

#1 The Established Word of GOD (LOGOS) - The BIBLE - Scripture memorization

#2 The living Word (Rhema) - Ask & expect God to speak directly to you as you study the Bible

#3 The Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit -

#4 The Still, Small Voice of GOD

#5 The Desire of our Hearts - as you put God first.

#6 God Speaks through Creation

#7 God Speaks through Providence (coincidences)

#8 God Speaks through Preaching - SPEAK JESUS We each have a part in preaching Jesus and the good news.

Just like the Oklahoma Girls Softball team.

#9 God Speaks through Counsel from other Christians

We learned last week how we are supposed to speak to each other… other believers. we see this in 1 Peter 4:10-11 We each have the Holy Spirit and God will often speak to us through the Holy spirit in another believer. Know that we are called to Speak Jesus to each other. Peter calls this speaking the “the oracles of God” through the gift of God’s grace in us as believers.

1 Peter 4:10–11 ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We will see visions in the last days.

Today we are focusing on this passage for the statement about Visions… “ young men shall see visions”

If we are ready and seeking for hearing God more and more then we are ready for visions. Today I want to impress upon you three things

God wants to speak to us in Visions today. Don’t seek visions; Seek God

Visions help us understand spiritual truth. In Prayer ask God for interpretation & share as instructed

God may use visions to communicate very important messages in memorable ways

What are visions?

God made it for some of us to be predisposed to learn better visually,

so it is not surprising that God would also choose to speak to using pictures - like visions and dreams, and symbolic metaphors.

This Sunday we will look at visions. we will look at dreams and symbolic metaphors in the coming weeks, God willing.

Visions are revelatory experiences that manifest before the visionary God’s will, plans, and/or perspective.

Carl Wesley Anderson provides the following definition in “Love Speaks”:

Vision = The Holy Spirit originating a picture that flows from your inner spirit and out through your mind. They can be either literal or symbolic in nature, and either given to oneself for your own direction, or given for the direction, or given for the edification of others. The can be “objective” or “subjective” in nature. - Carl Wesley Anderson, “Love Speaks” page 134.

Visions happen while awake — as opposed to dreams that occur when asleep.

Visions can be literal or Symbolic.

Literal & Symbolic Visions in the Bible

visions can be literal or symbolic.

I’d like to review three mostly literal visions of God’s glory first.

These are very significant for an important teaching that is often neglected in the Church. IN our churches today we emphasize the “closer than a brother” and “friendship with God” elements of our relationship with God without also emphasizing the miracle of such a reality.

What every person in this church needs is a fresh revelation of the greatness of God and the beauty of God.

I mean A life lived in a deeper life of love of GOD is marked by a unstoppable desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit in every action.

we must be ruthless in confessing our sins and repenting and becoming empty of our own desires and importance.

God alone can raise up our cold hearts and catch us up and restore a true heart of worship in us.

Moses Aaron Nadab & Abihu & 70 elders see Yahweh God in His glory

Exodus 24:10–11 NLT

10 There they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself. 11 And though these nobles of Israel gazed upon God, he did not destroy them. In fact, they ate a covenant meal, eating and drinking in his presence!

They were being called to worship God. and in the seeking of God, God made his presence felt in a visual way.

They were not seeking a vision; they were seeking God.

They inaugurated the covenant with God with a meal

It is incredibly important that all the leaders know the covenant they have with GOD is not a man-made construct but from the one True God.

Moses sees Gods glory

Exodus 33:18–23 (ESV)

18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.”

21 And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, 22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

Note Moses is seeking after more of GOD. A deeper relationship with Him.

The next chapter Exodus 34 describes one of the most profound visions of man with God. It would be good to read that this evening.

Moses was changed by this experience - his face and skin shown with a light that made others afraid… the reflected HOliness.

Exodus 34:29–30 “29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30 Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.”

It is this Glory of God Holiness that makes sinful man incompatible with God’s presence.

Moses had to put a veil over his face in order to be with other people — because of the Second-hand Holiness would be too much for the Israelites.

Incredibly important that the people know that God was speaking through moses, and it was not Moses making stuff up.

Isaiah also sees the Lord

Isa 6:1–13 records a vision experienced by Isaiah in Jerusalem. This event occurred after Uzziah died. Isaiah saw God on a throne surrounded by seraphim and was overwhelmed by God’s holiness. God called Isaiah to go and preach to an unrepentant Israel until they were taken into exile. Isaiah began his prophetic ministry.

It look like it occured in a time of deeply seeking the Lord, in the passing of a Good King

focus on verses 1 —5:

Isaiah 6:1–13 (ESV)

1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

9 And he said, “Go, and say to this people: “ ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ 10 Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

11 Then I said, “How long, O Lord?” And he said: “Until cities lie waste without inhabitant, and houses without people, and the land is a desolate waste, 12 and the Lord removes people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. 13 And though a tenth remain in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak, whose stump remains when it is felled.” The holy seed is its stump.

notice the earthquake - foundations shaking…

notice the smoke

the burning coals on the altar

notice the intense feeling of being unclean - in the presence of absolute holiness.

This is on of the am fundamental difference between god and Man: He is Worthy we are not. we must be cleansed. We there fore need Jesus.

this is what most people overlook, and has been under emphasized. Our utter unworthiness before God.

Those non-Christians that think we are “Holier” are perhaps arrogant and stuck up… this is something no christian can have. for we have no room for boasting in anything great. We can only boast in our weakness.

the significance of this vision is seen in the fact that Isaiah, must take the prophetic word to Israel until they are only a holy remnant.

Daniel also sees the Lord

Daniel 10:1–9 (ESV)

1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.

4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.

7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.

Notice: the pressing in and seeking of God. This is a key factor is seeing a vision. If you are not seeking, you may not expect to find.

Notice: the men with Daniel did not see the vision. Visions are not physical. others may or may not see them. They are often just for a single person.

Notice: the presence of God could still be felt. the other men fled to hide… like Adam after he had sinned. Once again in the presence of God there is a sense of unworthiness next to His Holiness. Our only way to stand before God is fully and completely covered by Jesus His Blood, his robes or righteousness. For our very best efforts are like poop-y diapers

Daniel’s very appearance was changed to begin radiating the Glory of God much like Moses when He met with God in the tent of meeting.

We are all going to see God’s glory one day… either after death, or at the rapture… and we will be in the presence of that glory. And we will be undone. terrified and completely aware of our unclean state, and our utter dependence on Jesus, and our thankfulness for JEsus will know no bounds.

Or we will realize that we stand naked and exposed, and we have not been seeking after Jesus and the forgiveness of God. Then on that day the presence of God will not bring Joy and thankfulness, but great fear, and like a burning fire we will want to flee from the overpowering heat.

The vision Daniel sees in Prophetic. Daniel 10:14 “14 and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.””

The vision Daniel Sees is understandable… It is incredibly important.

the reason Daniel get the vision is because he seeks the Lord in humility for 3 weeks straight… in morning and a form of fasting. (no meat or wine)

Then it is because of his focused prayer that he is visited by an angel that provides the understanding to the vision

The vision is directly impacting the Global politics. It reveals that Global politics… is not just politics. It is Spiritual Warfare.

Daniel 10:20–21 ESV

20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.

Do you see the political posturing of these angels and demons? the nation of Persia is being lead by a Prince (demonic power). as is the Nation of Greece. There is also angelic leader of Israel the angel “Michael” by name. WHy is Michael the only one doing battle against Persia and Greece? I think it is because Daniel is praying. - and perhaps a remnant of Jewish believers that are on watch in Prayer praying for the nation of Israel, and against the evil of these other nations.

If any of you think that what is happening in our country is just politics… and that the Church has no business in politics… then I beg you to seriously study the bible on this topic for every book of the bible describes both spiritual and human forces that comes from nations and cities that are in direct opposition to God. God is so amazing, that he often uses those forces to accomplish his will anyway.

But make no mistake we are in a spiritual war. What we see going on right now in the white house, in the FBI , in the DoJ, in the courts, in the legislatures, is a the physical manifestation of a spiritual war. The Devil is corrupting our education system, and destroying the meaning of marriage, encouraging lawlessness, and unequal treatment under the law, perverting justice. Everything we see happening, has happened before in the pages of our Bible in Israel.

The book “Return of the Gods” by Johnathan Kahn is doing a good job of exposing this reality.

We are allowing for sin an lawlessness get off — and for a time until Jesus returns… and it is our job to be overcomers both in our personal lives, and in our families and our churches. But to also through the power and message of God.

A review of visions in the bible

The bible also contains many more accounts of visions that are symbolic in nature. Some have elements of both Literal and symbolic.

Here is a list of the visions in the bible. I want you to listen carefully for common themes and reasons for the visions, and how we are to handle them.

Abraham Sees a Vision of God

Gen 15:1-11 God is relieved as a shield bring great reward … and promises him offspring like the stars of the heaven.

Vision is used to be a moment of God communicating a point of great significance! a promise that should not be forgotten. significant to many nations.

Jacob Sees a Vision of God in Bethel

Gen 35:9–15 God appeared to Jacob and changes is name from Jacob (Trickster) to Israel (Strives with God), and tells him to be fruitful and multiply. and reestablished the covenant and promise of land to him. Jacob set up a pillar and poured a drink offering and oil on it. Jacob called the place Bethel.

Again a momentous message is conveyed in a vision. It must be reiterated to the next generation.

It only takes one generation to forget the significance of what God has done in their parents life.

Jacob (Israel) Sees a Vision of God in Beer-Sheba

Gen 46:1-4 records a vision experienced by Jacob in Beer-Sheba at night. and tells him God will go with him to Egypt.

Jacob is seeking god when the vision occurs… offered sacrifices to God when he arrived in Beer-sheba. God spoke to Jacob.

God gives Jacob foreknowledge about the future trip they would need to take to Egypt. Before it happens.

Genesis 46:1–4 ESV

1 So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” 3 Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. 4 I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.”

The vision is incredibly important to help Israel know that it is OK to Go to Egypt… as he and his family have been called to Caanan. He should not leave unless God directs them with the same guidance he gave him to be fruitful in the Promised land.

This is a general principle Expect God to guide you this way. Give him opportunity to guide you.

Samuel Sees a Vision of God in Shiloh (and hears an audible voice)

1 Sam 3:2–14 records a vision experienced by Samuel in Shiloh at night. In those days visions from the Lord were rare. Samuel heard his name being called as he was lying down in the tabernacle. After the third time, God appeared to Samuel and spoke. God told Samuel that the household of Eli would be punished. Samuel told Eli what God had told him in the vision.

It is important that Samuel know that the events that were about to happen were God’s hand in bringing justice and restoring the priesthood to Holiness.

1 Samuel 3:2–14 ESV

2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.”

Solomon Sees a Vision of God in Jerusalem

1 Kings 9:1–9 and 2 Chron 7:1–22 record a vision experienced by Solomon in Jerusalem at night. God appeared to Solomon after he finished building the temple. God spoke to Solomon. God reestablished the covenant with Solomon.

This is incredibly important vision to let the Israelites know that God’s covenant after this time of horrendous civil war is still intact.

Jeremiah series of Visions

Jeremiah Sees God

Jer 1:1–10 God touched Jeremiah’s mouth. God called Jeremiah to be a prophet. Jeremiah became a prophet of Israel.

Jeremiah Sees a Vision of a Branch

Jer 1:11–12 . Jeremiah saw the branch of an almond. God told Jeremiah that he had seen correctly.

Jeremiah Sees a Vision of a Boiling Cooking Pot

Jer 1:13–19 Jeremiah saw a boiling cooking pot facing from the north. God told Jeremiah that destruction would come from the northern kingdoms and instructed him to begin his prophetic work. The cooking pot represented all the kingdoms of the north who would come to destroy Jerusalem.

Jeremiah Sees a Vision of Two Baskets of Figs

Jer 24:1–10 This event occurred after Jehoiachin and the officials of Judah were taken to Babylon. Jeremiah saw two baskets of figs in front of the temple, one with good figs and one with bad figs. God promised to bring back the exiles from Judah. The good figs represented the exiles from Judah sent to Babylonia and the bad figs represented Zedekiah, his officials, and the remnant in Jerusalem.

Ezekiel Sees a series of visions

Ezekiel Vision of God’s Throne (literal and symbolic aspects)

Ezekiel 1:13–15 ESV

13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. 14 And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning. 15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, one for each of the four of them.

Ezekiel also saw a scroll and was told to eat it. - the Holy spirit had Ezekiel go to Tel-Abib to live among the Jewish exiles.

He is recognizing he is called to be God’s prophetic voice to the exiles.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of the Israelites Worshiping Idols

Ezek 8:1–18 Ezekiel saw the temple in Jerusalem where the Israelites were worshiping idols. God told Ezekiel he would judge Israel for their idolatry.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of Judgment in the Temple

Ezek 9:1–11 Ezekiel saw judgment executed on the idolatry taking place in the temple. God told Ezekiel he would judge Israel for their idolatry.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of God’s Glory Departing the Temple

Ezek 10:1–22 Ezekiel saw the departure of God’s glory from the temple.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of Judgment on Israel’s Leaders

Ezek 11:1–25 Ezekiel saw God execute judgment on Israel’s leaders. God said he would give the Israelites one heart and a new spirit. Ezekiel told the exiles what God had shown him in the vision.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of a Valley of Dry Bones

Ezek 37:1–14 Ezekiel saw a valley full of dry bones. God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones. He prophesied to the bones and they came to life. God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones so that God would make them come alive. The bones represented the Israelites.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of a New Temple

Ezek 40:1–42:20 Ezekiel saw a man who showed him the measurements of a new temple. The man showing the new temple told Ezekiel to tell Israel what he saw in the vision.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of God’s Glory Reentering the Temple

Ezek 43:1–27 Ezekiel saw God’s glory reenter the temple and was given instructions for making sacrifices. God told Ezekiel that he would live among the Israelites. Ezekiel was told to tell the Israelites about the temple he saw.

sometimes a vision is for you sometimes it is to be shared.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of Restored Worship

Ezek 44:1–46:24 Ezekiel saw the temple and was given instructions on worship. God gave Ezekiel instructions on worship in the temple.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of Water

Ezek 47:1–12 Ezekiel saw the temple and a river flowing from it. The man showing the new temple told Ezekiel that the river would produce an abundance of fish and fruit trees.

Ezekiel Sees a Vision of the Divided Land

Ezek 47:13–48:35 Ezekiel sees the land restored and divided by the tribes of Israel.

Daniel has a variety of dreams and visions

God give Daniel and Joseph extraordinary ability with dream interpretation… essentially they are just checking with God, but it happens to them allot, making it seam probable that some of God’s children will have greater frequency or connection with this sort of communication from God. But in Daniel’s case it does not stop him from also getting visions.

Dreams

Nebuchadnezzar Has a Dream About a Tree Dan 4:4-27

Daniel Has a Dream About Four Beasts Dan 7:1–28

Daniel Has a Dream About His Vision of a Ram and a Goat Dan 8:1–14

Visions

Daniel Sees a Vision of Nebuchadnezzar's Dream (symbolic dream interpretation vision!)

Dan 2:19–45 It’s life or death, and Daniel asked for time in order to interpret the dream for Nebuchadnezzar. he asked his companions to seek God with him to have God show them the mystery. It is interesting to see how God uses visions to interpret dreams. Daniel 2:19 “19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”

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Daniel Sees a Vision of a Ram and a Goat (symbolic)

Dan 8:1–14 Daniel saw a vision. a ram with two horns and a goat with a horn between his eyes. The goat struck down the ram and broke its two horns. Then the goat grew in power, and its horn was broken. Four horns came up in its place. From one of the four horns, a little horn came forth and grew in power. It revolted against heaven and took away the regular burnt offering and overthrew the sanctuary. An angel told Daniel that it would take 2,300 days for the vision to be fulfilled, then the temple would be restored. Gabriel told Daniel the vision was of the end times. The ram represented the kings of Media and Persia. The goat represented the kingdom of Greece, and its horn represented the first king. The four were the four kingdoms that would arise. After those kingdoms, another king would arise and cause the destruction of the holy people, but that king would be destroyed.

Daniel Sees a Vision About Seventy “Sevens”

Dan 9:20–27 Daniel was praying and confessing his sin and the sin of Israel. Gabriel appeared to Daniel in a vision and spoke. Gabriel told Daniel that judgment would occur by the end of seventy “sevens”.

Daniel Sees a Vision About Future Kings and the End Times

Dan 10:1–12:13 records a dream experienced by Daniel in the Tigris. Daniel mourned and abstained from meat and wine for three weeks. As the angel started speaking, Daniel fell into a deep sleep. An angel appeared to Daniel and spoke. The Angel told Daniel about the future and what was to come regarding the kings of the North and the South.

Zechariah Sees 8 Visions

we covered these in our bible study this past few months...

Zechariah Sees a Vision of a Horseman

Zechariah Sees a Vision of Horns and Craftsmen

Zechariah Sees a Vision of a Man With a Measuring Line

Zechariah Sees a Vision of Joshua

Zechariah Sees a Vision of a Golden Lampstand

Zechariah Sees a Vision of a Flying Scroll

Zechariah Sees a Vision of a Woman in a Basket

Zechariah Sees a Vision of Four Chariots

New Testament Visions

Stephen Sees a Vision of Jesus (literal)

Acts 7:54–8:1 Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin on false charges of blasphemy and taken into the city to stone him. As he is being stoned to death, he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Paul Sees a Vision of Jesus While on the Road to Damascus (literal plus symbolic)

Acts 9:1–9 Paul was on his way to Damascus with letters from the high priest to the synagogues allowing him to arrest Christians. A light from heaven flashed all around him and Jesus spoke. Jesus asked Paul why he was persecuting him. He told Paul to go into the city where he would be told what to do. Paul was struck blind for three days and did not eat or drink anything. Ananias came and healed Paul’s vision.

Ananias Sees a Vision of Jesus (mentioned last week - literal)

Acts 9:10–19 Jesus told Ananias in a vision to heal Paul of his blindness. Ananias went to where Paul was staying on Straight Street and healed him.

Cornelius Sees a Vision of an Angel in Caesarea(literal)

Acts 10:1–8 and Acts 10:30–33 Cornelius has a vision were an angel of the Lord appeared to him and instructs him to send men to Joppa and bring back Peter. Cornelius sent his men to fetch Peter from Joppa.

Peter Sees a Vision of a Large Sheet (symbolic)

Acts 10:9–23 Peter goes up to the roof to pray and falls into a trance. Peter sees heaven opened up and a large sheet let down by its four corners. The sheet contained all kinds of four-footed animals, reptiles, and birds. Peter is told three times not to call anything impure that God has made clean. Peter understands that God does not show favoritism and no one should be called impure or unclean. Peter goes to Cornelius’ home and explained his vision.

Paul Sees a Vision of a Macedonian Man

Acts 16:7–10 Paul and his companions tried to travel to Mysia but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them enter, so they went down to Troas. A Macedonian man was standing and begging. The Macedonian man begged Paul to come to Macedonia and help them. After Paul’s vision, they left immediately for Macedonia to go preach the gospel to them.

Paul Sees a Vision of God in Corinth

Acts 18:9–11 Paul was being persecuted by the Jews in Corinth so he started preaching to the Gentiles. God spoke to Paul. God told Paul not to be afraid of preaching the gospel in Corinth. Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half teaching the word of God.

Paul Sees a Vision of Jesus in Jerusalem (Trance - vision)

Acts 22:17–21 Paul was praying in the temple in Jerusalem and falls into a trance. Jesus appeared to Paul and spoke. Jesus told Paul to leave Jerusalem and go to the Gentiles because the Jews wouldn’t accept his testimony. Paul told the crowd at the temple what he saw so they took him to be flogged, but he was released since he was a Roman citizen. He was then taken to the Sanhedrin.

Paul Sees a Second Vision of Jesus in Jerusalem

Acts 23:11 Paul was being accused by the Jews and was taken to the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Things became violent so Paul was taken into the custody of Claudius Lysias. Jesus stood near Paul and spoke. Jesus encouraged Paul and told him he would send him to Rome to testify. After a plot by the Jews to kill Paul was revealed, he was transferred to Caesarea to appear before Governor Felix.

John has 28 different visions in Revelation

John Sees a Vision of the Son of Man

John Sees a Vision of a Throne

John Sees a Vision of the Lamb Opening Six Seals

John Sees a Vision of the 144,000 Sealed

John Sees a Vision of Angels Blowing Six Trumpets

John Sees a Vision of a Little Scroll

John Sees a Vision of Two Witnesses

John Sees a Vision of God’s Kingdom

John Sees a Vision of a Dragon

John Sees a Vision of War in Heaven

John Sees a Vision of Two Beasts

John Sees a Vision of the Lamb and 144,000

John Sees a Vision of Three Angels Delivering Messages

John Sees a Vision of Two Harvests

John Sees a Vision of Seven Angels and Seven Plagues

John Sees a Vision of Seven Bowls

John Sees a Vision of a Great Prostitute Riding a Beast

John Sees a Vision of Babylon the Great

John Sees a Vision of a Multitude Rejoicing in Heaven

John Sees a Vision of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb

John Sees a Vision of a Rider on a White Horse

John Sees a Vision of Satan Bound

John Sees a Vision of Satan Defeated

John Sees a Vision of a White Throne

John Sees a Vision of a New Heavens and New Earth

John Sees a Vision of a New Jerusalem

John Sees a Vision of an Angel Giving a Warning

Authority of a vision or dream

some think because they have a vision or a dream they have authority to share the message with others. The vision or a dream unless it is shared with others, is still only a single witness. you are testifying about something you yourself saw, and as such it is insufficient. To establish authority.

we have to handle such visions given to ourselves carefully.

if we are a known prophet, or have particular authority *already* with a group, then our vision or dream or message may be accepted more readily. do not be upset if other s fail to see the authority of your dream.

especially if your dream requires a significant change on their part. such things require extra confirmation to gain authority to cause such a change.

A prophet is not welcome - self full filling prophesy for those that bring doom and gloom messages. Such prophets may be from god like “Jeremiah” - but they may also be deceived either personally of by a demon. by their fruit you will recognize them.

See how this works with Cornelius and Peter…

Cornelius Sees a Vision of an Angel in Caesarea

Acts 10:1–8 and Acts 10:30–33 record a vision experienced by Cornelius in Caesarea in the afternoon. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Corneilus and spoke. The Angel of the Lord instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa and bring back Peter. Cornelius sent his men to fetch Peter from Joppa.

Peter Sees a Vision of a Large Sheet

Acts 10:11–16 ESV

11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

teaching on this required… kosher food

Sacrificial animals

Clean animals

unclean animals

see Acts 10 for the whole story

See how poorly this works for Joseph’s dreams…

Joseph Has a Dream About Binding Sheaves

Gen 37:5–8 records a dream experienced by Joseph in Canaan. It was set in a field and was interpreted by the sons of Jacob. Jacob had twelve sons but he loved Joseph the most. Joseph and his brothers were binding sheaves in a field. His brothers’ sheaves bowed down to his. The sheaves were Joseph’s brothers bowing down to him because he would rule over them. Joseph’s brothers hated Joseph because of his dream.

Joseph Has a Dream About the Sun, Moon, and Eleven Stars

Gen 37:9–11 records a dream experienced by Joseph in Canaan. It was interpreted by Jacob. Jacob had twelve sons but he loved Joseph the most. Joseph saw the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him. The dream meant that Jacob, Rachel, and the sons of Jacob would bow down to Joseph. Jacob rebuked Joseph and his brothers were jealous of him.

After the book of ACTS

Youth with a Mission (YWAM) - Loren Cunningham

While traveling in the Bahamas in 1956 as part of a gospel quartet, Cunningham as a 20 year old young man had a vision. As he was praying, he began to have a moving picture vision, with his eyes open or closed he could see it, and could see waves crash across the entire world map, and each wave got bigger, and they became waves of young people, from everywhere to everywhere talking to people about their faith. The waves keep getting bigger and bigger, covering the landmass. He told God, if this is something you are doing I want to be a part of it. This vision would inspire the beginning of Youth with a Mission four years later as a movement providing missionary opportunities for Christian youth after high school, regardless of their denomination.

[ pray for Loren who is battling 4th stage lung cancer] 88 years old.

He and his wife continue to have influence on the leadership of YWAM International, holding the title of Founders of the Mission. They are members of the YWAM Global Leadership Team and advisers to the Team 3 leadership of YWAM International.[3]

In 1978, Cunningham co-founded the University of the Nations in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii with Howard Malmstadt.[4]

Kona Hawaii, mission sending outpost at has seen more than 5 million missionaries sent forth to every known continent of the world for the past 60 years.

they have other locations… 785 locations are a part of the university of the nations .. to train up missionaries to carry the Gospel

St. Anskar missionary to the north 801 - 865 AD

Corvey Monistary -

From his own journal - called to preach the gospel to Sweden. (Vikings.) - 800 years after the book of ACTS…

received a Vision when he was praying about the invitation to preach in Sweden. IN the vision I traveled to a house of people who carried teh gosple and in a white light was told his sin were forgiven… What will you have me do?… “Islands” - was the answer.... “Go and return to me crowned with martyrdom.”

When he could have become discouraged, another vision appeared to him, with a voice saying, “Go and declare the work of God to the nations.”

He went and was committed to this work, and refused to be thwarted by the obstetrical and advice of fellow monks.

Outstanding in his charity to the poor, Anskar was also prominent in diminishing the effects of the Viking slave trade, though he was powerless to abolish it. The seeds of his missionary work were not to bear fruit until over one hundred years later, when Viking devastation, weakness in the Frankish Church and a low ebb of missionary enthusiasm came to an end. Of him it was written, “These shall plant the seed, but others shall reap the harvest.” The rich harvest of conversions was three generations away, but Anskar is rightly remembered by the Scandinavians as their apostle.

https://forallsaints.wordpress.com/2015/02/03/anskar-archbishop-of-hamburg-missionary-to-denmark-and-sweden-865-4/

Lesson Summary

God wants to speak to us in Visions today. Don’t seek visions; Seek God

Visions help us understand spiritual truth. In Prayer ask God for interpretation & share as instructed

God may use visions to communicate very important messages in memorable ways

1) Visions are a way God wants to speak to us today. Don’t seek after visions. Seek God who gives visions as needed.

Visions are not to be like baseball trading cards. The cards are valuable because they are collected and rare. Not really for the message they are imparting.

Ask and Seek God not for “visions” but for greater knowledge of “Him” and for more

2) Visions help us understand spiritual truth. You must ask God for interpretation in prayer. Be careful to share them as God instructs.

Visions are often Personal… for just you, and your immediate circle of influence. - they do not carry authority for you to tell others what to do.

Paul Sees a Vision of a Macedonian Man in Acts 16:7–10 Paul and his companions tried to travel to Mysia but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them enter, so they went down to Troas. A Macedonian man was standing and begging. The Macedonian man begged Paul to come to Macedonia and help them. After Paul’s vision, they left immediately for Macedonia to go preach the gospel to them. - see how the vision was to Paul, and those that were in his group?

Later, in Acts 18:9–11 Paul was being persecuted by the Jews in Corinth so he started preaching to the Gentiles. God spoke to Paul. God told Paul not to be afraid of preaching the gospel in Corinth. Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half teaching the word of God. He needed this encouragement to stay longer… he was a marked man, and God would tell him when to stay and when to leave. Go when you Go, stay when you stay.

One way both visions and dreams are abused is by trying to make them authoritative to over others and get them to do what you want.

if they are to be shared beyond your circle of influence, you will have people that attempt to redefine and second guess the meaning of the vision - or even attack you and suggest you are wrong. that is the risk of sharing visions. so be sure you know to what level God is asking you to share. Once it is beyond your sphere of influence, the people will often need to have the vision confirmed through other means. do not be offended by this.

3) God may use visions to communicate very important messages in memorable ways.

Do not forget them. write them down. you will need to remember them. The visions recorded in the bible tend to carry very special significance. But this should be expected of visions that are recorded in the word of God. It is expected that God gave many many more visions to all sorts of people through out history. Visions are probably much more common than we expect based on simply reviewing the visions in the bible. However reviewing the visions in the Bible can help us understand the scope and variety of God’s purpose in using visions to communicate with us.

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