How to discern other peoples revelations/visions?

[SK_Brace]

I have a question regarding how we as Christians can discern when another Christian claim God told them something or revealed something to them through a vision especially when it applies to your own life as well.

I have blindly believed Christians in the past because I thought they were genuine and I also do believe God still reveals things to us however even Christians can be deceived and I was deceived by other people’s “revelations”and even my own “revelations” in the past which turned out wasn’t from God.

Recently, someone told me they had a vision that applied to my life and it was something major so it’s very relevant to my life right now. I don’t want to become too skeptical that I stop believing in the gifts of The Holy Spirit entirely but with so much deception it’s hard to know what’s the truth or what’s a lie. How do you guys discern these things?

 

[HTacianas]

I have a question regarding how we as Christians can discern when another Christian claim God told them something or revealed something to them through a vision especially when it applies to your own life as well.

I have blindly believed Christians in the past because I thought they were genuine and I also do believe God still reveals things to us however even Christians can be deceived and I was deceived by other people’s “revelations”and even my own “revelations” in the past which turned out wasn’t from God.

Recently, someone told me they had a vision that applied to my life and it was something major so it’s very relevant to my life right now. I don’t want to become too skeptical that I stop believing in the gifts of The Holy Spirit entirely but with so much deception it’s hard to know what’s the truth or what’s a lie. How do you guys discern these things?

I usually "discern these things" by ignoring them entirely. While I don't doubt the sincerity of everyone claiming to have some sort of vision, it's not a thing I place any stock in.

 

[levnishbar]

Matthew 7:15-20 Discernment is by their fruits.

All of us in our spiritual walk are flawed. But some character flaws are much more telling than others.

For example, people who seek to self-glorify, exult in the glory and perhaps even put others down to feel better are a set of (in my view) inexcusable character flaws for a Christian.

The reason being this is a lifestyle choice of pride, on an ongoing basis, which Scripture is unanimous on being bad. To feed one's pride is also a want, not a need.

Heat of the moment or "out of necessity" character flaws are more understandable, such as being poor and having to steal to eat. Of course it still isn't right - Proverbs 30:7-9.

 

[lsume]

I have a question regarding how we as Christians can discern when another Christian claim God told them something or revealed something to them through a vision especially when it applies to your own life as well.

I have blindly believed Christians in the past because I thought they were genuine and I also do believe God still reveals things to us however even Christians can be deceived and I was deceived by other people’s “revelations”and even my own “revelations” in the past which turned out wasn’t from God.

Recently, someone told me they had a vision that applied to my life and it was something major so it’s very relevant to my life right now. I don’t want to become too skeptical that I stop believing in the gifts of The Holy Spirit entirely but with so much deception it’s hard to know what’s the truth or what’s a lie. How do you guys discern these things?[/QUOTE
You might recall these verses;
1John.2

1. [27] But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
   John.6
   1. [44] No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.oken that which they have spoken.
      Deuteronomy 18
   2. [18] I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
      [19] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
      [20] But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
      [21] And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
      [22] When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

I have a question regarding how we as Christians can discern when another Christian claim God told them something or revealed something to them through a vision especially when it applies to your own life as well.

I have blindly believed Christians in the past because I thought they were genuine and I also do believe God still reveals things to us however even Christians can be deceived and I was deceived by other people’s “revelations”and even my own “revelations” in the past which turned out wasn’t from God.

Recently, someone told me they had a vision that applied to my life and it was something major so it’s very relevant to my life right now. I don’t want to become too skeptical that I stop believing in the gifts of The Holy Spirit entirely but with so much deception it’s hard to know what’s the truth or what’s a lie. How do you guys discern these things?

Honestly, as a Charismatic, I really don't think there is such a gift as someone giving you their revelation about your life. This is dangerous. I do believe we either receive personal revelation or a revelation that benefits the entire Body. But someone coming up to you and claiming they had a dream that you were to make a life changing decision is just not right, IMHO.
Seek to obtain-
" The Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him."
Blessings

 

[sandman]

I have a question regarding how we as Christians can discern when another Christian claim God told them something or revealed something to them through a vision especially when it applies to your own life as well.

I have blindly believed Christians in the past because I thought they were genuine and I also do believe God still reveals things to us however even Christians can be deceived and I was deceived by other people’s “revelations”and even my own “revelations” in the past which turned out wasn’t from God.

Recently, someone told me they had a vision that applied to my life and it was something major so it’s very relevant to my life right now. I don’t want to become too skeptical that I stop believing in the gifts of The Holy Spirit entirely but with so much deception it’s hard to know what’s the truth or what’s a lie. How do you guys discern these things?

It is good to be vigilant with those who prophecy or give revelation.
A few things that may be helpful.


1.) If someone says “God told them to tell you” take a step back …. God will always tell you first. If you don’t listen, He may work with others to give you information.
(A good example of this in Acts …when Paul, with a burning heart wanted to go to Jerusalem and God was saying NO! Act 20:22 (that’s what bound in the spirit means) God even had several people prophecy… telling him “not to go”. But he went …and it did not go well for him. Unfortunately, the translators tried to make it look like it was God’s will… that he go in Act 21:14 by using commas….which should be removed. It was not Gods will and God had made that clear.)


2.) Who is getting the glory – if the glory or attention is being drawn to a person…. walk away…God always gets the glory.

3.) Does it line up with the Word of God? … If anything that people speak…. is contrary to the Word of God …run away. God will never give revelation or prophecy that contradicts His Word.

Lastly … Is it profitable – things that are not profitable, that can’t be changed, are not from God. The prediction of someone’s demise, injury, loss of job, loss of love, gaining of love, great riches etc … etc…..These are things that are in line with who gets the glory. And 99% of the time it will be man getting the glory with these predictions ….

 

[Trusting in Him]

I think that this is a dangerous area. God can give us discernment and revelation as an individual ourselves. It is much safer to walk with and trust God for ourselves and to know for ourselves if something is of God, or not!

 

[tturt]

"Despise not prophesyings."
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." I Thess 5

To prove all things we need to:
-check it against Scripture (Acts 17:11),
-ask The Holy Spirit and hear His voice for ourselves, He can confirm (Matt 18:16; Acts 9;9-19 especially v 10-12; II Cor 13:1)
-fasting and praying, (Judges 20:26-27)
-spiritual discernment, (Gal 2:9)
-does it point to Yeshua, (Rev 19:10)
-receive G_dly counsel (Prov 11:14).

It works the same with sermons, teachings,, etc as the Bereans did. 'These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11).

 

[Blade]

"Recently, someone told me they had a vision that applied to my life and it was something major so it’s very relevant to my life right now."

First something like this IF it was of God? He would have already told you. I'll give you one of mine. Our Church would to go other Churches and we would sing and go pray for the people. After morning service I went for a walk and then said to the lord "I know you called me I Just don't know to what". That Sunday night after we sing and the preacher we go out to pray for the people. I notice off to my left Roy was being prayed for by someone and I knew it was God and thought..hmm maybe if I go over there he will pray for me. NO CLUE why lol but I went over and the man put his hands on me and said "my son I have called you but you don't know what but I will open all the doors. You you have great faith....." so forth so on.

Yet duh I knew it was God yet I still went to my pastor and asked if that mans word can be trusted and he said yes. Another time alone praying I said Jesus show me what I have to do to be more like you. Well about a week later in the bible study as we were praising the lord the woman that also ran the bible Study (grand parents) says "Danny I don't know what this means but the lord says I will show you what you have to do". I could go on but... He will have already told you. If He didn't toss it out. Other things we make sure they line up or go in line with the word of God.

Be like dreams visons. For me as I once asked was told "for me she said it never goes down and never has black in it". I can say anything from the lord never has black in it.. on and on. There is always a peace about it never fear worry. As you know there are things we just don't know if true...just put it on a shelve and go on.

I remember as we were going to Church I just closed my eyes not sleeping and I saw this HUGE table all prepared .. white room.. huge and then it lifted up and at that moment I thought..wow this is just like movie camera. And it went all the way to the end of the table where a calico cat was sitting and it started to paw at my face and it ended. I was fully awake. Thats still one I have no clue what He was saying.. just put it on a shelve and keep going. I do not share that one but..

Anyway.. its can be hard since love believes all things. So if doubt.. pray ask Him.. then let it go..knowing He will tell you show you.

 

[Blade]

Honestly, as a Charismatic, I really don't think there is such a gift as someone giving you their revelation about your life. This is dangerous. I do believe we either receive personal revelation or a revelation that benefits the entire Body. But someone coming up to you and claiming they had a dream that you were to make a life changing decision is just not right, IMHO.
Seek to obtain-
" The Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him."
Blessings

I can understand what your saying but.. it does happen all the time. I still remember I was 16 in the bible study ran by Grandparents she prayed 4 hours a day. Had so much power of God anyway as they prayed for and me still in Highschool talked about seeing me and working with wood on and on. That didn't happen till I was very early 20's. It was 100% spot on. I had been fired at the time from my one job and then this man at Church came up offered me a job I blindly said yes and? Construction/finish and on and on.

 

[levnishbar]

2.) Who is getting the glory – if the glory or attention is being drawn to a person…. walk away…God always gets the glory.

In Revelation 4:10-11 we catch a glimpse of Heaven, and elders with crowns (a symbol of getting some glory) casting their crowns before God.

So, there will come a time when even given the option of sharing some glory, those honored among us will willingly give the glory back to God, because as the verses say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power"

Indeed our God is worthy, and to Him is all glory, power and praise!