A book of poetry and sermons self-published by Robert Lee Warren Jr. was inspired by a dream he had many years ago.

N 63-year, Warren said he saw a big ball of light through which men were passing, greeting each other and reveling in what seemed to be the spirit of God.

Warren is selling the book, “God’s Heavenly Messages,” in hopes of being able to help his Faith, Hope and Love Ministries church get its own building. Currently, its members gather in a Masonic hall.

“I want to sell them to build a church and do different things in the community,” Warren said. “Not only for myself but also to help others. There’s inspiration, poetic sermons and comfort in times of trouble.”

Warren, a Suffolk native, graduated from John F. Kennedy High School and attended C.H. Mason Bible College and the Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg. He is married to Mary Baker Warren.

His favorite Bible verses are Isaiah 40:31 — “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” — and the 100th Psalm, which begins “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.”

“It’s something I’ve always loved to do,” he said about writing poetry and sermons. “I’ve always wanted to bless others.”