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Session 1
Key Verses Proverbs 25:2, Joel 2:28-29, Matthew 13:10-11, Acts 2:17-18 You will learn Why God has chosen to use this method of speaking God continues to speak in dreams and visions How the church has successfully eliminated this for the present day The effect Plato and Aristotle have on our perception of the spiritual realm How right/left dominating hemispheres of the brain play a part in dreams, visions, and other revelatory giftings Please have an open mind and heart. You will hear things you may not have heard before or taught in a particular way. This is not a class to enter into debate. The word dream or dreams is mentioned 84 times in scripture. The word vision or visions is mentioned 98 times in scripture.
Biblical Terminology for Dreams & Visions Dreams Old Testament Challah (khal law) 2472 to cause to dream. Genesis 20:3, 6; 31:10, 11, 24; Numbers 12:6; Deuteronomy 13:5; I Kings 3:5; Job 7:14; Daniel 2:1; Job 2:28 Challam (khaw lam) 2492, 93 (verb) primary root to bind firmly, to make whole, to cause to dream, to recover. Genesis 35:5; 40:5; Judges 7:13
New Testament Onar (on ar) 3677 a dream. Matthew 27:19; 2:13, 19, 22 Enupnion (en oop nee on) 1797 something seen in sleep, a vision during sleep, a suggestion received in sleep. Root word: Hupnos (hoop nos) 3258 the idea of sub-silence, sleep, and spiritual stupor. Acts 2:17; Jude 1:8
Frequency of dreams Paam (paw am) 6470 oftentimes to beat regularly; to move. Agitate; impel, force to happen. Job 33:29
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Websters dictionary defines a dream as a succession of images of ideas present in the mind during sleep. Dreams are formed in the subconscious mind of a man or woman based on images and symbols, which are unique to the individual, depending on his or her background, experience and current life circumstances. Dreams can communicate to us truth about ourselves or others, which our conscious mind may have failed to acknowledge.
Websters dictionary defines a vision as the act or power of perceiving abstract or invisible subjects as clearly as if they were visible objects. The fact that dreams and visions are at the same time both common and yet so unusual could be the reason why we are so eager to find out more about them.
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Wise Men or Magi dreamed Matthew 2:12 _______________________________ The puzzle is this: the Bible doesnt teach about dreams and visions in any systematic manner, yet by giving many significant examples, it validates their existence and use by God as a means of communicating to man. The Scriptures ascribe no special sacredness or significance to dreams in general. The Bible merely affirms that God has on certain, specific occasions chosen dreams to make His will or purposes known to man. What the Bible has to say about dreams. Job 20:8; Psalm 73:20; Ecclesiastes 5:7; Isaiah 5:7 Why would the angel visit Joseph in a dream? 1. Luke 1:11-20 Zechariah was troubled and _______ fell upon him 2. Luke 1:27-35 Mary had __________ about the angels announcement 3. Luke 2:9-12 The shepherds were ___________ and astonished In each instance the angel was distracted from his mission by having to overcome the human resistance to his presence through unbelief, confusion, or fear.
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View #1 Dreams are while you sleep and visions are while you are awake This presents a problem when we read Daniel 7:1-2 or Job 33:15 that visions came while asleep. View #2 The words, dreams or visions are the same and are used interchangeably. Daniel 7:1 had a dream and a vision of the same thing Job 4:12, 13 visions of the night that describe a dream In Hebrew literature, poetry does not rhyme as our words do, but the line of thought. One thought or expression builds upon or enriches the other. Job 20:8, Job 33:15, Numbers 12:6, Joel 2:8 Dreams and visions paralleled Isaiah 29:7 A dream with a night vision. The dream is the encasement of the vision. View #3 Acts 2:16-20 Dreams require interpretation They contain symbolism, metaphors, colors, numbers, etc.; therefore, it takes greater skill and maturity in God to interpret. Visions are very direct in your face and require little explanation. Dreams are connected to the heart They touch, reveal, and make known heart issues. Visions are supernatural perceptions of something naturally invisible to humans. It is something seen by other than natural sight. It is supernatural sight. In the Bible visions were mostly given to individuals, while at the same time their companions were not aware of the event. Purposes for which God may send dreams and visions To restrain one from evil (Genesis 20:3) Guide people and reveal His will to them (Genesis 28:11-22; 46:2-5; Psalm 89:19; Acts 16:9,10) Encourage and comfort people (Judges 7:13-15; Acts 18:9,10) Reveal future events (Genesis 37:5-10) Warn and instruct (Matthew 1:20; Isaiah 21:2-6; 1 Samuel 3:15-18) Look again at Acts 2:17 One of the results of being filled with the Holy Spirit is to have dreams and visions.
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Types of visions 1. Awake visions seen when awake and conscious of ones surroundings (Numbers 21:4, 16; Acts 10:17) 2. Night visions received while asleep (Genesis 46:2; Job 4:13; Daniel 2:19, 28) 3. Trance visions more conscious of spiritual things than physical. Ones physical senses are suspended and a detachment from the physical surroundings. (Acts 10:10; 11:5; 22:17) How visions are seen 1. Spiritual visions seen with the eyes of ones spirit instead of the physical eyes (Acts 9:8) 2. Corporeal visions seen with the physical eyes, also called apparitions. (Matthew 17:8) 3. Composite visions spiritual is superimposed over the physical. It is like two pictures (spiritual and physical) combined into one. 4. Intellectual vision the mind perceives a spiritual truth. The eyes of your understand ing being enlightened. (Ephesians 1:18) Content of visions 1. Plain visions need little or no interpretation. It is so clear that it would be hard to misunderstand. (Acts 16:9, 10) 2. Vocal visions angel or Christ telling information of some kind. The message is heard more than seen. (Acts 18:9; Genesis 15:1) 3. Pictorial visions pictures and images rather than vocal communication. The message is seen more than heard. John in the book of Revelation and Ezekiels visions are good examples. 4. Symbolic visions symbols and allegories The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form. (Daniel 8:15-18 and the book of Revelation) Sources of visions 1. Divine visions given by God (2 Chronicles 26:5; Ezekiel 1:1; 8:3) 2. Soulish visions visions of ones own heart. This can be nothing more than created from our own imagination. (Jeremiah 23:16) 3. Demonic visions given by demonic powers. Visions must be discerned and held up to Scriptural examination and godly counsel. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
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Divine Vision Produces wonderment and fear, followed by a sense of deep and lasting peace and joy and security Strengthens a persons spiritual life producing humility, obedience, patience and a deep surrender to the Fathers will
Demonic Vision Produces joy, soon followed by uneasiness, sadness, and discouragement Produces pride, presumption, and disobedience
What can God accomplish through dreams and visions? 1. Dreams provide Gods answers to our questions. (Judges 7:9-15) 2. Dreams give us instruction in the things of God (seen in Joseph and the birth of Christ) 3. God can use dreams to warn us about unseen dangers (wise men and Joseph at the birth of Christ) 4. Dreams provide guidance away from wrong doing (when Laban pursued his son-in-law Jacob, Genesis 31:24; Pontius Pilates wifes dream, Matthew 27:19) 5. God can use dreams to keep us from pride (God humbled Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel 4) 6. Dreams can save our souls from the pit (Ezekiels faith and hope renewed and deliverance became the theme, Ezekiel 1:1) 7. Dreams can literally save our lives (the infant Jesus was spared from Herod by the dream God gave to Joseph)
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For your personal study timeDaniel is an excellent example of one who interpreted dreams. The following are some questions regarding Daniel with answers on the following page. Daniel 1-4 1. What did Daniel do in his lifestyle to cultivate his heart to hear God? 2. How do these verses reflect Gods wisdom? (2:17,18) 3. What do these verses indicate can happen when you are flowing in the revelatory giftings with a heart of humility and hearing Gods voice? (2:46 Ch. 4) 4. Why did Daniel have the freedom to speak this advice to King Nebuchadnezzar? (4:27)
1. He would not defile himself. 2. He met with the other three that all of them would seek God for mercy. His dependence was strictly upon God for the outcome. 3. Someone can recognize the power and presence of God but their own heart remains unchanged, or may even become more evil. 4. He showed honor, direction, and blessing to the king.
My notes Someone can have a natural ability to dissect and analyze dreams Must listen to and trust the voice of God Scriptural interpretation only possible when you hear and understand Gods voice
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The Loss of the Significance of Dreams Plato Taught that there were three valid sources from which man could obtain knowledge: 1. The five senses seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting. 2. Reason we are beyond the animal world and with our minds come to conclusions beyond our sensory abilities. 3. Spiritual realm which he called divine madness just as the body is subject to the mind, so the mind is subject to the spirit Aristotle, Platos successor 1. Maintained that anything not tangible and logical is irrelevant. 2. Knowledge had to come by the five senses or reason only. The humanistic philosophy of Aristotle was adapted by the Western world for centuries that deeply affected the church. Many people in church saw no connection between their church activity and the business world. Thomas Aquinas Dominican priest in the mid 1200s and considered the most important Catholic theologian Promoted the idea that people can only know the truth through reason and the five sensory perceptions.
International Standard Bible Dictionary To accept the ability to receive knowledge or truth by way of extra-sensory perception in visions and dreams is simply psychotic or neurotic at best. Dreams are abnormal and sometimes pathological. Sleep is a normal experience. Perfect and natural sleep should be without dreams of any conscious occurrence The Bible, contrary to a notion
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Protestantisms 500-Year-Old Bitter Root Judgment and Inner Vow Mark Virkler
I believe that when Protestantism protested and left the Roman Catholic Church, they reacted against Catholicisms use of imagery. I believe Protestants have held an ungodly belief that All use of images constitutes a graven image. Their corresponding inner vow was that they would Reject all uses of imagery in their Christian lives. The result is that most Protestant books on systematic theology do not even include a section on dream, vision, imagination, or any other application of the eyes of ones heart. This is startling considering that the biblical stories and actions which came as a result of dreams and visions form a section of Scripture equal in size to the entire New Testament! Their ungodly belief has given them the right to ignore one-third of the Bible. Another fruit is that Protestants do not lead in drama, theater or the arts. Protestants have great conservative political think tanks (i.e., a left-brain function), but few great Christian performing or visual arts (i.e., a right-brain function). We need to repent of this ungodly belief and inner vow for ourselves and our forefathers, and receive all that the Bible says is ours.
Many Protestant books on systematic theology do not even include a section on The Result: dream, vision, imagination, or any other application of the use of the eyes of ones heart. This is startling considering that the biblical stories and actions which came as a result of dreams and visions form a section of Scripture equal to the entire New Testament! On the Positive Side On the positive side of this question of man's capacity to think visually, I would like to make two points. 1. All of the children and two-thirds of the adults I have polled usually picture Bible scenes as they read them. As we are picturing these Bible stories and praying for a spirit of revelation (Eph.
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2. One-fourth of the adults I have polled normally picture the scenes of songs when they worship. As God inhabits our praises, the scenes come alive and move with a life generated from the throne of God. Both of these illustrate the very process I am describing. Man's ability to think visually is currently being used unknowingly by many Christians, particularly those who are intuitive and visionary by nature. In reality, visual thinking is not a new thing. We are just defining and clarifying what has been happening naturally for some. As a result of this clear definition and statement, all believers can now be taught to become more sensitive to the divine flow within us.
Differences Between Idolatry and Setting an Image in Ones Mind IDOLATRY Authorized Man by: (Ex. 32:1) The Goal Worship the idol (Ex. 32:8) The Action The idol remains dead (Is. 44:19) The Prayer Pray to the idol (Is. 44:17) The Purpose To worship the thing (Is. 44:15) The Attitude Stiff-necked; of the Heart proud (Ex. 32:9) The Control Manipulating Issue God; magic (I Kings 22:2023)
IMAGE God
Never worship the image; use the image as stepping stone into divine flow (Rev. 4:1) Divine flow is prompted (Rev. 4:2)
Never pray to the image; as divine flow is activated, communication with God is established (Rev. 4 - 22) To focus ones heart before God (II Cor. 3:18; 4:18) Seeking God humbly (Prov. 2:1-5) Watching God in action; Christianity (Rev. 4 - 22)
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Summary: Why Is Using the Eyes of Our Hearts Important? 1. God has commanded us to imagine His Word ("meditate" - Josh. 1:8; I Chron. 29:18). 2. Divine creativity comes through image (Ex. 25:9-22; 35:35). 3. When God reasons, He uses imagery (Is. 1:18). 4. When Jesus taught, He used imagery (Matt. 13:34). 5. As Jesus lived, He ministered out of vision (Jn. 5:19,20). 6. God has declared that one of the primary ways He communicates with us is through dream and vision (Num. 12:6; Acts 2:17). 7. God counsels us through our dreams at night (Ps. 16:7). 8. Sight is better than blindness (Jesus healed the blind - Mk. 10:46-52). 9. The Lord's Supper utilizes imagery ("This is My blood, this is My body, do this in remembrance of Me" - Jn. 6:53,54; I Cor. 11:23-25). 10. Personal transformation occurs while we look into the spiritual realm (II Cor. 3:18; 4:18). 11. Pictures are powerful and produce heart faith (Gen. 15:1,5,6). 12. The Bible is full of pictures, dreams, visions, metaphors, similes, parables, and images (Genesis through Revelation). 13. Our prayers are to be full of imagery (Ps. 23). 14. Our worship is to be full of imagery (Ps. 36:5,6).
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1. God has commanded us to imagine His Word (meditate) (Josh. 1:8 & 1 Chron. 29:18). 2. Divine creativity comes through image (Ex. 25:9-22; 35:35). 3. When God reasons, He uses imagery (Is. 1:18). 4. When Jesus taught, He used imagery (Matt. 13:34). 5. As Jesus lived, He ministered out of vision (John 5:19, 20). 6. God has declared that one of the primary ways He communicates with us is through dreams and visions (Numbers 12:6; Acts 2:17). 7. God counsels us through our dreams at night (Ps. 16:7). 8. Sight is better than blindness (Jesus healed the blind Mark 10:46-52). 9. The Lords Supper utilizes imagery (This is My blood, this is My body do this in remembrance of Me John 6:53, 54; 1 Cor. 11:23-25). 10. Personal transformation occurs as we look into the spiritual realm (2 Cor. 3:18; 4:18). 11. Pictures are powerful and produce heart faith (Gen. 15:1,5,6). 12. The Bible is full of pictures, dreams, visions, metaphors, similes, parables, and images (Genesis through Revelation). 13. Our prayers are to be full of imagery (Ps. 23). 14. Our worship is to be full of imagery (Ps. 36:5,6).
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Freudian Dream Analysis Dreams come from the memories that are stimulated by unconscious wishes, which have their origins in our childhood. It doesnt matter whether the patient agrees or feels the interpretation is correct, because the patient is not aware of his or her sub conscious thoughts or feelings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Dreams are full of sexually erotic overtones Dreams were given to guard sleep Focus is on latent, unconscious feelings or which we arent aware Purpose of dreaming is wish-fulfillment No transcendent God who could communicate with his creation through dreams Mans decision is the same as animal instinct, there was no fall that separated man from his God, but only that he or she lost touch with themselves 7. The ability to interpret dreams was reserved only for the specialized counselor 8. If someone produced a dream that contradicted his theory, he said it was their wish that he might be wrong Carl Jung Dreams depict aspects of the dreamers personality that have been neglected in his or her conscious life in order to reveal the subconscious. 1. This approach identifies the masculine or feminine side as well as the shadowy side of a person 2. Uses mythology, history and comparative religions 3. This analysis asks a dreamer: For what conscious attitude does the dream compensate? Does the dream reveal unconscious prejudices, attitudes, conflicts or desires? 4. Dreams should be looked at in a series rather than isolated revelations 5. Dreams could be interpreted in whatever way the dreamer feels most useable and comfortable 6. The dream is an open message from the dreamer to himself Calvin Hall 1. The dream is the creation of the dreamers own mind and tells him how he sees himself, others, his world and his impulses 2. The dreamer is responsible for everything that happens in the dream 3. A dream should not be interpreted without consulting other dreams in the same series
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Dreams transcend seven dimensions 1. Height 2. Spirit 3. Depth 4. Time 5. Breadth 6. Light 7. Soul Dreams and visions allow us to be in two or more dimensions simultaneously 1. Dreams allow us to be in the future or the past. 2. Within a dream we can leave where we are and locate where we are going. 3. Dreams allow us to transcend age. We can be our current age, living in our childhood home. 4. We may find ourselves viewing something through someone elses eyes. 5. Dreams do not seem to be inside us; rather, we find ourselves in dreams. Interpretations come as a result of an increasing relationship with God.
God may choose to give us the interpretation in one of four ways: 1. Instantaneously revealing a dreams meaning through an angel, as God did with Daniel 2. By simultaneously speaking the dreams interpretation as we sleep 3. By the process of writing it down 4. By unfolding a dreams meaning as we mature in understanding His ways Proverbs 25:2 God places great value on our searching for the things He conceals We learn as much or even more in the discovery process of the interpretation as in the answer itself
Not everyone will be able to interpret every dream he or she has Daniel and Joseph are the only two dream interpreters mentioned in Scripture. God is the One who gives interpretation of dreams. It is more than having the necessary tools to interpret dreams. Without Gods help, we will not be able to understand dreams. No pat-answers or fixed rules exist for dream interpretation. God will not remove our need for the Holy Spirit. It is difficult using your dream language to interpret someones dream
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I recommend attending any of the Streams courses; The Art of Hearing God 101 and Dreams and Visions 201 (streamsministries.com) Doug Addison is a favorite www.dougaddison.com
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People (observe the function or what they represent to you) Mother Children Babies Faceless Strange Holy Spirit, nurturer, care-giver innocent, child-like faith, take care of new beginning or ministry angels or Holy Spirit observe function, what they are wearing, name
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