The 1/3 You're Missing: Hearing God While You Sleep | Anderson, SC Worship

April 22, 2026
Fr. Jon Aamodt

We spend 1/3 of our time sleeping! In this message, by Father Jon of The Altar Church in Anderson, South Carolina, explores the profound role of dreams as a means for divine communication. Drawing from the story of Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew, Father Jon challenges modern skepticism toward spiritual dreams, arguing that they remain a vital tool for receiving God's counsel and guidance today. The Altar Church is a Spirit-filled, Missional, and Sacramental worship community in Anderson, SC, rooted in the Anglican tradition but designed for a restless generation.

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Episode Notes

Notes & Timestamps

  • 0:00 - 0:42: Introduction Father Jon introduces The Altar Church, a spirit-filled, missional, and sacramental community in Anderson, SC.
  • 0:43 - 2:03: The Biblical Context (Matthew 1) A reading of the birth of Jesus through the lens of Joseph’s experience. Joseph, a "faithful man," intends to divorce Mary quietly to save her from public disgrace until an angel appears to him in a dream.
  • 2:04 - 3:00: The Frequency of Dreams Father Jon notes that humans spend one-third of their lives sleeping and cites Dr. Mark Virkler's claim that one-third of Holy Scripture is involved with dreams, visions, and angelic encounters.
  • 3:01 - 4:10: Addressing Skepticism Refuting three common objections: that dreams were only for the Old Testament, that they are "untrustworthy" or "flaky," and that they are only for "special people" like Joseph.
  • 4:11 - 5:35: Dreams in the New Testament Church Citing Acts 2:17 (prophecies and dreams for all people after Pentecost) and Acts 16:9 (Paul’s vision of the man from Macedonia) to prove dreams are essential for God’s guidance today.
  • 5:36 - 8:07: Modern Miracles & Personal Testimony Father Jon shares contemporary stories, including a church planter receiving a building for free due to a dream, and his own experience with a former colleague.
  • 8:08 - 9:02: The Three Acknowledgments
    1. Not every dream is from the Lord.
    2. God will never say something in a dream contrary to Scripture.
    3. Dreams are not the only way God speaks.
  • 9:03 - 10:45: Practical Steps for Dreamers Father Jon recommends:
    • Accepting that God speaks this way.
    • Asking God specifically for dreams.
    • Keeping a Dream Journal.
    • Praying for protection over your dream life.
  • 10:46 - 12:28: Joseph’s Decision Highlighting that Joseph could have had Mary stoned, but the dream pivoted his decision from "merciful divorce" to "miraculous marriage," changing history.
  • 12:29 - 13:20: Closing & Blessing A final prayer for the congregation's sleep and dream life.
  • Join the community! We are an ancient-future worship community currently planting in the Anderson, SC area (29627).  Visit us at thealtarchurch.info

© 2026 The Altar Church Podcast | Anderson, SC Worship. All rights reserved.