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God Communicates Through Dreams, Visions, And Revelations Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 26, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: In this sermon, we will explore five biblical examples of God speaking to individuals through dreams, visions, and revelations.
The Bible is replete with instances of God communicating with His people through various means, including dreams, visions, and revelations. These modes of communication played a crucial role in shaping the lives of biblical characters and the course of human history. In this sermon, we will explore five biblical examples of God speaking to individuals through dreams, visions, and revelations.
1. Jacob's Ladder (Genesis 28:10-22)
Jacob, the son of Isaac, had a profound dream in which he saw a ladder stretching from earth to heaven. Angels of God were ascending and descending on the ladder, and God Himself stood above it, speaking to Jacob. In this dream, God reaffirmed the covenant He had made with Abraham and Isaac, promising to bless Jacob and make him a blessing to others. This dream marked a turning point in Jacob's life, as he began to understand his role in God's plan.
2. Joseph's Dreams (Genesis 37:1-11)
Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, had a series of dreams that foretold his future. In one dream, he saw his brothers' sheaves bowing down to his sheaf, indicating that he would one day be in a position of authority over them. In another dream, he saw the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him, symbolizing the reverence of his family members. These dreams ultimately came to pass, as Joseph rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt.
3. Isaiah's Vision (Isaiah 6:1-13)
The prophet Isaiah had a stunning vision of God seated on a throne, surrounded by seraphim. In this vision, Isaiah saw the Lord's glory filling the temple, and he heard the seraphim crying out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." This vision had a profound impact on Isaiah, as he became aware of his own sinfulness and the need for purification. He responded to the vision by offering himself as a messenger of God's word.
4. Peter's Vision (Acts 10:9-16)
The apostle Peter had a vision in which he saw a sheet descending from heaven, containing all manner of animals, including those considered unclean by Jewish law. A voice commanded him to rise, kill, and eat, but Peter refused, citing his adherence to Jewish dietary laws. The voice responded, "What God has made clean, do not call common." This vision marked a significant turning point in Peter's ministry, as he began to understand that the gospel was not limited to the Jewish people, but was intended for all nations.
5. John's Revelation (Revelation 1:1-22)
The apostle John had a series of visions and revelations on the island of Patmos, which he recorded in the Book of Revelation. In these visions, he saw the risen Christ, who commanded him to write letters to the seven churches in Asia. He also saw a vision of the throne room of heaven, where he beheld the Lamb of God, who had been slain for the redemption of humanity. These visions and revelations provided a glimpse into the ultimate triumph of God over evil and the final destiny of humanity.
These five examples demonstrate the various ways in which God communicated with individuals in the Bible through dreams, visions, and revelations. These modes of communication played a vital role in shaping the lives of biblical characters and the course of human history. As we seek to hear God's voice in our own lives, we can learn from these examples and cultivate a deeper sensitivity to the Spirit's leading.