Embracing Divine Dreams: A Call to Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of dreaming, inspired by the scripture from 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, which reminds us that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. This message serves as a prophetic declaration for 2025, encouraging us to rekindle the dreams that God has placed within us. We are reminded that dreaming is not just a whimsical activity for children but a divine calling embedded in our very being by God Himself.
Reflecting on personal anecdotes and biblical narratives, we see how dreams have been pivotal in shaping destinies. From Joseph's journey from a dreamer to a leader in Egypt, to Moses leading the Israelites, and even to Mary, the mother of Jesus, dreams have been the catalyst for God's plans unfolding in extraordinary ways. These stories illustrate that while the path may be fraught with challenges, the dreams God gives us are meant to be pursued with faith and perseverance.
We also discussed the obstacles that often hinder our dreams: self-doubt, the influence of others, unfulfilled expectations, societal pressures to "get serious," and the misconception that dreaming is only for the young. Yet, the Bible is replete with examples of God using dreams to accomplish His purposes, urging us to dream not just for ourselves but for the greater good of our communities and the world.
As we move forward, let us embrace the dreams God has for us, understanding that they are not meant to be pursued in isolation but in collaboration with others. The dreams we hold are part of a larger tapestry that God is weaving, and together, we can see His kingdom come to fruition in ways beyond our imagination.
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Key Takeaways:
1. The Divine Call to Dream: God has intricately woven the capacity to dream into our very being, as seen in Psalm 139. This divine call to dream is not just for personal fulfillment but to align with God's greater purposes. Embracing this call requires faith and a willingness to let go of past disappointments. [41:50]
2. Overcoming Dream Killers: Self-doubt, societal pressures, and the influence of others can stifle our dreams. Like Joseph, we must navigate these challenges with wisdom and resilience, understanding that our dreams are part of God's larger plan. [49:15]
3. Dreams in Community: Our dreams are not meant to be pursued in isolation. The story of Joseph illustrates the importance of community in realizing God's purposes. Collaboration and accountability within the body of Christ are essential for dreams to flourish. [01:06:46]
4. The Power of Childlike Faith: Children dream without limitations, embodying a faith that believes anything is possible. As adults, we must reclaim this childlike faith, allowing ourselves to dream big and trust in God's ability to bring those dreams to fruition. [44:56]
5. Dreams for a Greater Purpose: The dreams God gives us often extend beyond personal gain, impacting communities and nations. Whether in business, politics, or creative arts, our dreams can contribute to societal transformation and the advancement of God's kingdom. [01:05:46]
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Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [38:54] - Returning to Australia
- [41:50] - The Divine Call to Dream
- [43:56] - Protecting Our Children's Imagination
- [44:56] - The Power of Childlike Faith
- [46:19] - Why We Stop Dreaming
- [47:35] - Biblical Examples of Dreams
- [49:15] - Overcoming Dream Killers
- [50:09] - The Influence of Others
- [51:16] - Unfulfilled Expectations
- [52:58] - The Call to Get Serious
- [54:39] - Children and Dreaming
- [55:31] - Dreaming Beyond Fairy Tales
- [57:15] - Scriptural Encouragement to Dream
- [01:05:46] - Dreams for a Greater Purpose
- [01:08:34] - Creativity and Divine Inspiration
- [01:11:21] - The Global Impact of Dreams
- [01:14:07] - Closing Prayer and Call to Dream Again
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing God's Dreams for Us
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
2. Genesis 37:5
3. Psalm 139:13-14
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, what has God prepared for those who love Him, and how is this revealed to us? [01:00:15]
2. In the sermon, how does the story of Joseph illustrate the importance of dreams in God's plan? [01:00:15]
3. What are some of the "dream killers" mentioned in the sermon that can hinder our ability to dream? [49:15]
4. How does Psalm 139 relate to the idea that God has woven the capacity to dream into our very being? [41:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of dreaming as a divine calling challenge the common perception that dreaming is only for the young or the whimsical? [41:50]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that dreams are meant to be pursued in community rather than in isolation? [01:06:46]
3. How can the story of Joseph's journey from dreamer to leader inspire us to overcome self-doubt and societal pressures? [49:15]
4. What role does childlike faith play in dreaming big, according to the sermon, and how can adults reclaim this type of faith? [44:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a dream you once had that you may have set aside. What steps can you take to rekindle that dream in light of God's promises? [41:50]
2. Identify a "dream killer" in your life, such as self-doubt or societal pressure. How can you address this obstacle with faith and resilience? [49:15]
3. Consider a dream you have that could benefit your community or the world. How can you collaborate with others to bring this dream to fruition? [01:06:46]
4. How can you cultivate a childlike faith in your daily life to dream without limitations? What practical steps can you take to trust in God's ability to fulfill those dreams? [44:56]
5. Think about a time when you felt discouraged from dreaming due to unfulfilled expectations. How can you shift your perspective to see these experiences as part of God's larger plan? [52:58]
6. In what ways can you support others in your community to pursue their God-given dreams? How can you create an environment of encouragement and accountability? [01:06:46]
7. Reflect on the idea that dreams are part of a larger tapestry God is weaving. How does this perspective change the way you view your personal dreams and ambitions? [01:05:46]
Devotional
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Quotes
"I think if we were to maybe take the time, even read the book of Genesis, is there something like, I don't know, around 40 or so dreams that we read about there? Certainly when we get into the Christmas story, we read Matthew 1 .20, Matthew 2 .12, Matthew 2 .13, Matthew 2 .19. About dreams. The whole Christmas account starts with a dream." [00:46:56] (23 seconds)
"Creation was the fulfillment of a dream. God dreamt of you. He dreamt of humankind. He said, let there be. He created everything, and everything that was formerly a dream came to pass. Friend, you cannot read the Bible without realizing that you and I were hardwired for dreaming." [00:47:59] (22 seconds)
"You know, if we look at the life of Joseph, If we look at Genesis chapter 37, verse five, the account of Joseph starts off with this. It says, Joseph had a dream. Joseph had a dream." [00:48:41] (13 seconds)
"And the reason God connects your dream with another is not so you can run off and just do your own thing, but that there's accountability. There's a brotherhood and sister around you that encourages you in your dream." [01:07:14] (14 seconds)
"Why can't a future prime minister of our great nation come out of one of our churches? Why not? Why can't that happen? Why can't a chancellor of the Exchequer who has kingdom values, the kingdom values of heaven, because that's what Joseph became. Why can't Joseph become Joseph? Because he became effectively the chancellor of the Exchequer and the whole nation prospered." [01:08:06] (20 seconds)
"Now to Him who's able to do immeasurably, super abundantly, above all you can ask or think or imagine. What's the Bible saying? The Bible's saying it's time to dream. Luke 6 .38, A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. Matthew 21 .22," [00:57:15] (25 seconds)
"Mary, hearing the words of Gabriel, you found favor with God. And no mind would conceive that she would give birth to the Savior. A role far beyond her human grasp. How did that happen for Mary? It's because no eye has seen. Are you with me? No ear has heard." [01:04:39] (19 seconds)
"Friends, no ear has heard. No mind has conceived for what God has in store for those who love Him. What about the life? The life of David, 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel chapter 7. No eye had seen this forgotten boy in a shepherd's field. No ear could hear. David heard the taunts of Goliath, but he also heard the voice of God, which gave him courage." [01:03:28] (26 seconds)
"Think about Joseph. Joseph was put in a well. He was put in prison. He was accused of rape. When you read Genesis 37 forwards, you'll get the whole package of that. And you begin to understand that unfulfilled expectation, hope deferred, the Bible says, makes the heart sick." [00:52:20] (17 seconds)
"Is it possible that the dreams that God has for you are not just for you, for the church? Is it possible it's so that the community of God, is it possible so that Britain would once again be known for being a nation that honours God?" [01:05:56] (17 seconds)
"Dreams beginning to be birthed. But not in isolation. When I look at the life of Joseph, initially his dreams caused division, but Joseph had to realise that the dream wasn't just about himself. It was about his brothers, his family and for the nations. And together there was a collaboration where God used the community to bring about a larger purpose." [01:06:46] (24 seconds)
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