Dreams and Visions – Part 2

Dream Interpretation: Cartoon

Everybody has them. Visions, Hebrews 1:1-2, no more!
Why do we have dreams? Studies have shown the brain does not sleep but is very active while the body sleeps. There are various stages of sleep and while in the deepest state, the brain is very active. The brain is like a huge computer and while the body is awake it gathers information from our senses: hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch. This data is stored in the frontal lobe of the brain. As the body drifts off into sleep, the brain starts to process this data, moving and labeling it to different parts of the brain, just as a computer does. All this occurs while in deep sleep. If the body is disturbed during this process and move to a lighter sleep state a dream occurs and is put back into the frontal lobe. This may or may not be recalled when the body is fully awake. This is why dreams may be remembered. The question arises “Why do I have weird dreams?” Remember what the brain has experienced during the day: Movies, TV, Radio, Books read, food eaten etc. Also remember this data is being merged with all of life’s past experiences. Disturbed from deep sleep at the wrong time could produce some really bad dreams.
The brain never forgets. Consider what the scripture says:

The Lord Jesus:
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

The Apostle Paul:
Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

And the Apostle Peter writing to believing Jews:
1 Peter 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

The brain never forgets.

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Dreams and Visions

Dreams “a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep”.

Jacob's Ladder - Bible Story, Verses and Meaning
Jacob dreaming


Everybody has them. Almost none are remembered (and for those remembered, not for very long). What do they mean? Why do we have them? There are those who place much belief on a dream, claiming they tell us things; should we? (For a list of dreams in scripture see Dreams – Visions)



Dream(s) are mentioned 61 times in a little over 4000 years of human history as recorded in Scripture.
54 times in the Old Testament: In Genesis 23, Numbers 1, Judges 2, 1 Kings 2, Job 2, Psalm 2, Ecclesiastes 1, Isaiah 1, Jeremiah 1, Daniel 18, Joel 1.
7 times in the New Testament: Matthew 6, Acts 1.

Visions “something seen in a dream, trance, or religious ecstasy, especially a supernatural appearance that usually conveys a revelation”.

Has God's Dietary Law Been Done Away With? | Bulldozerfaith
Peter’s vision

Yes there are people who claim to have them, even today.
Vision(s) are mentioned 73 times in scripture.
58 times in the Old Testament: Genesis 1, Numbers 3, 1 Samuel 2, 2 Samuel 1, 1 Chronicles 1, 2 Chronicles (1) Job (2) Psalm 1, Proverbs 1, Isaiah 7, Jeremiah 2, Lamentations 1, Ezekiel 10, Daniel 19, Obadiah 1, Micah 1, Nahum 1, Habakkuk 2, Zechariah 1.
15 times in the New Testament: Matthew 1, Luke 2, Acts 11,.Revelation 1.
Even though the Apostle Paul had dreams and visions, he never suggests them in his epistles to the churches. In study of the above passages, it is almost every time the Lord God communicating a message, instruction to man. Which brings us to Paul’s message in Hebrews:
Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
And as Paul concludes in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The Word of God is Perfect.

Today, to hear from God, READ and STUDY His word, the Holy Scriptures.

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The Shepherd

Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

1 Kings 22:17 And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return …
2 Chronicles 18:16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; …
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 80:1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock;…
Jesus in his earthly ministry to the Jew continues with the Shepherd and Sheep references:
Mark 6:34, Matthew 9:36 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
Mark 14:27, Matthew 26:31 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
John 10:11-12 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Peter writing to Jews continues with the shepherd, sheep reference:

1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown …
NEVER does Paul refer to believer’s as Sheep. ONLY when writing to Jews (Hebrews) does he mention the Shepherd and Sheep:
Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood …

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Pure

1. a. Having a homogeneous or uniform composition; not mixed: pure oxygen. b. Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements: pure water. c. Containing nothing inappropriate or extraneous: pure thoughts.
2. a. Having no moral failing or guilt: “I felt pure and sweet as a new baby” (Sylvia Plath). b. Chaste; virgin.
3. Of unmixed blood or ancestry.


God, through the Blood of Christ, has made us PURE. Now the Apostle Paul instructs how to be PURE in this life:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Timothy 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of pure conscience
Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

To summarize: think on these things, whatsoever things are pure, a pure conscience, a pure heart, keep thyself pure. For the believer all things are pure.

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Understood Not

As we read the scripture, sometimes we forget it’s a progressive book. We are looking BACK and wonder why things occurred the way they did. For example, why did the Eleven disciples all scatter when Jesus was arrested? Why did they hide in the upper room after his crucifixion? Didn’t He tell them He was going to die? Didn’t He tell them He would rise again from the dead?  Yes, He did. Look at the following verses. Be sure to read them in their context:

Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
Luke 2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
Luke 9:45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

John 8:27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
John 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

John 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

This last reference holds a key: ‘then remembered they’. Ah yes, after He appeared to them in His glorified body it all became clear to them. Then they became bold and preached the kingdom, that Jesus was their messiah.

Now we gentiles can learn through the writings of the Apostle Paul, our calling. To tell others of salvation, the gift of God, that we might live with Him in heaven for eternity.    

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Revelation – Reveal

The last Book in the Bible is ‘the REVELATION of Jesus Christ’ and it was written by the Apostle John. It was written to warn Israel (and all who read it) of events still to come: Tribulation, Armageddon, Millennium and the Great White Throne.

The Apostle Paul (to the Believers – The Church) was also given revelations about the Church age and events to come before the Tribulation..

REVELATION  noun  1.  a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way.  2. the divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world.

After Saul met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6,22:5-10,26:12-18) and later became Paul, the Lord Jesus revealed to him Mysteries (revelations) never before revealed to man.  
Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
2 Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

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Predestination

Predestination is a debated issue both in and outside of the church. It deals with God and his salvation. Those people who support the idea of predestination believe that God predestines or chooses those who will be saved and those who will not be saved. Most fundamental Baptists oppose predestination and argue that instead God in his foreknowledge knows who will and will not be saved. The Bible is not very clear on this issue and there are verses that support and oppose predestination. Some verses seem to aid those who are for it, but could just be evidence of some form of election. Predestination has been debated for centuries and is still not a settled issue.

Those who believe in predestination can be connected with such views as Cynicism or Gnosticism, which teaches that man is not held responsible for his sins because he is naturally flawed. They teach that righteousness results in rewards in Heaven. Predestination though, is most commonly associated with Calvinism. Calvinist believe in double predestination. They use several bible verses to support their idea. Such verses as Romans 9:15-16 which says; For He sayeth to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. They use these verses in the aspect that God chooses certain people to save from Hell. Verse sixteen seems to imply that it is not up to the person, he has no choice or will (So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth.) Another verse used is Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? This verse is taken as God being the potter and he has power over everyone making them good or making them bad.
Fundamental Christians will argue the idea predestination very strongly. They believe that God gives every man a free will, a choice whether to do wrong or to follow after him. God is all knowing, and therefore he knows who will and will not choose him, He does not decide for them.

Deuteronomy 30:19 states; I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: Therefore choose, that both thou and thy seed may live. This verse is clearly stating a choice between good and evil. God is asking people to choose life, he is not forcing them into it, neither is he forcing death upon them. God even brings witnesses, heaven and earth, to prove that he is giving man free will. In Joshua 24:15 it says,“choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” Showing again man’s choice in his destiny. The familiar verse John 3:16 tells us that God loves the world. If God truly loves the world why would he destine some of it to a torturous hell for eternity? God provided a heaven for those who will choose him. Mark 16:16 states, He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Throughout God’s word are many examples and proofs that man is the one in charge of his own eternity.
God is not a dictator, he would not send a person directly to hell without redemption. Men who argue in favor of predestination only want to make excuses for their sins. If man could prove that he had no choice and that it was already determined for him whether he would go to heaven or hell, than he would have no reason not to sin. If God determined before hand that someone was not going be saved then why should that man follow God? He is going to hell anyway, why not live life the way he wants to live it? That is exactly why men seek to prove that they have no choice in the matter. All history is filled with men such as Charles Darwin, John Calvin and others who have tried to excuse sin by making up beliefs and “scientific facts”, trying to show that they are not responsible for their eternity. In the bible these men are called scorners and mockers. Paul called them fools for their unbelief. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved”, that is the truth. Whosoever means anyone can choose to call on the Lord. Therefore predestination is a wrong philosophy with no biblical standings. The verses used to support predestination are taken out of context. God loves all people and he desires that all men will repent of their sins and be saved. He does not predestine any man’s future, and it is a sin to believe that he does and to blame God for man’s sins.

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

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Dreams – Visions

Image result for joel 2:28

OLD TESTAMENT

Ref ……………. Type...TO………… From…………Reason
Genesis 6:              ?        Noah            God                   Build Ark
Genesis 11:            ?        Abram        God                   Leave Family
Genesis 15:1         V        Abram         The Lord            ?
Genesis 20:3       D         Abimelech  God                  Not to take Sari as wife
Genesis 22:1-11  ?         Abraham     Angel               Don’t kill Isaac
Genesis 24            ?         Balaam        Spirit of
Genesis 28:12      D         Jacob            God                  Jacob’s Ladder
Genesis 31:10       D         Jacob            Angel              Dividing the herd
Genesis 37:5         D        Joseph             ?                     Family in subjection to him
Genesis 40:5         D        Btlr/Baker      ?                    For Joseph to interpret
Genesis 41:7          D        Pharoah          ?                    For Joseph to interpret
Genesis 45:2          V        Israel           God                  Go to Egypt
Judges 7:13         D        Gideon             ?                    Hear enemy feared him
1 Samuel 3:1             V        Samuel       The Lord       Speak to Eli
1 Samuel 28:6        ?        Saul               God                    ?
2 Samuel 7:4-17   V        Nathan        The Lord       Speak to David
1 Kings 3:5                 D       Solomon     Lord                Solomon’s reign
1 Chron 17:3              V       Nathan        The Lord       Speak to David
Isaiah 1:1                    V       Isaiah        The Lord Future Events
Isaiah 21:2 V Isaiah       The Lord Future Events
Isaiah 28:7 V Seers in Israel False visions
Ezekiel                       V       Ezekiel         The Lord
Daniel 1:17 VD Daniel God Understanding
Daniel 2:3                 D        Nebucan.   God                   Prophetic
Daniel 2:28 D Daniel God Understanding
Daniel 4:5                 D        Nebucan.    God                  Prophetic
Daniel 7:1                  D        Daniel          God                  Prophetic


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But Now…

It’s FUN to study the BIBLE, the WORD OF GOD. There are several ways to do this. The study of a book, a study of a doctrine, a study of a subject, and a study of a word/words. This is a study of words. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles used the words BUT NOW

In his letter to the Romans as he wrote about our position with the Lord in regards to the LAW he wrote BUT NOW…
Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and …
Romans 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Romans 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
In his closing comments to the Romans he reminded them of the mysteries that had been kept secret …
Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
To the weak church at Corinth he had to remind them of his teachings while he was with them, who to keep company with, the relationship with husband and wife.
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
That they were members of the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
1 Corinthians 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
How Christ was risen as would all believers.
1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.
In his second letter he reminds them to be diligent.
2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
2 Corinthians 12:6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above…

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BUT NOW as we study and learn the word of God we need to be sharing it with our unsaved friends before its too late.