29th January 2026

29th January 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Jude 1v8-10) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


In addition to their arrogance, pride and sensuality, Jude stated that false teachers are those who rely on their dreams (v8). In other words they claimed that they had visions and messages given directly to them from God via the means of a dream. But dreams are not the Word, they are fleeting and often incredibly strange. They are not the basis for truth and I would urge you to beware anyone who tells you that they receive direct messages from God.


In Jude's day the false teachers were acting in all manner of sinful ways and to support their behaviour they were clearly appealing to private, special revelation which allegedly came from God via a dream. Many years ago I found myself in a meeting which sought to discern the way ahead in a particular situation. One individual in the meeting declared that God had told them that the issue could only be resolved in a particular manner. Another individual then revealed that God had also spoken directly to them and that the issue needed to be resolved in an altogether different fashion. Who won? No one. The meeting ended with the issue unresolved because it appeared that God was contradicting Himself.


For the record, I do not believe that God contradicts Himself. Equally, I do not believe that the Lord sows seeds of confusion among His people by speaking to them in private ways and sometimes in dreams. Such "special messages" cannot be challenged. If you have ever tried to disagree with someone who said "God told me this in a dream." then you know that to disagree causes great hurt. Even so, we must disagree.


The Lord speaks to His people by the means of His Word. It should be read and preached publicly for all to hear and it is by this means that God grows His people. It is clear that the Word wasn't enough for the false teachers who opposed Jude. They needed something more which enabled them to justify their sinful ways - the Word challenged them and so they bypassed the Word with dreams.


Brothers and sisters, be hesitant when someone brings teaching which has never been considered orthodox throughout the history of the church. Be careful when someone promises that God speaks to them directly and tells them things that He shares with no one else. Be wise when people try to justify sin with "fresh" takes on Scripture.


"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world." (Hebrews 1v1-2). Listen to Jesus.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q84 What doth every sin deserve? Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.
​