Mike Patterson Ministries

Opening Ice Breaker: Share your name out loud with the group and have the first person who shares whisper something into the next persons ear. Every person that shares has to whisper what was said. Have the last person who says their name say outloud what was whispered (Telephone game).

Q: How come with so few people, it is still challenging to find out what was originally whispered? (perception, not understanding language, etc.)

Q: What could have helped us make sure what was whispered was not changed as it traveled from one person to another? (write it down and pass a paper around)

Q: What are some common myths you have heard about the Bible?

Today we are going to look at Peter’s understanding of scripture. Peter was one of the closest apostles to Jesus Christ. He writes 2 Peter some 37 years after he had walked with Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:16-18

Q: How is Peter defending the faith in this verse? (claims he was there, heard the voice of God)

Q: Is eyewitness testimony reliable? Why or why not?

Q: In what ways does our society value eyewitness testimony? (justice system)

Q: Is there a double standard when it comes to the Bible? Why would this be if so?

Q: What does it take to make up a cleverly devised story?

Q: Could the apostles and early followers of Jesus done this? Why or why not? (1 Cor. 15- over 500 witness to the resurrection, most the apostles died a martyres death- do you die for a lie?,historical evidence of Jesus, etc.)

Q: Peter claims they heard the voice of God on the Mountain of Transfiguration, how many of you would love to hear the audible voice of God? What would be your “ideal” way for God to prove himself to you?

This is still all just eyewitness testimony and telephone in a sense, but at least it is written down. Let’s see if there is something more reliable for us.

2 Peter 2:19-21

Q: What did Peter see as compeltely reliable (some translations made more certain)? (Peter saw the scripture as more reliable than the voice of God from heaven!)

Q: How would the Bible be more reliable than a voice from heaven?

Q: Peter says, “Above all”- what does he above all, want us to understand? (That scripture was authored by God using men as vessels.)

Q: Is there such thing as interpretation according to the Bible? (not private interpretation)

Q: How do we get rid of interpretation? Don’t we all interpret? (It isn’t about getting rid of interpretation, but learning to interpret the right way. God had a specific message and it isn’t going to mean something different today than it meant to the original hearers).

FACTS:

• Bible is 66 books
• Written by 40 different authors (some kings, tax collectors, poor people, etc.)
• Written on 3 different continents
• Written in 3 different languages (Hebrew, Greek, some Aramaic)
• All in 1500-2000 years

This is amazing as there are no contradictions and the Bible tells one story about one God. It would be like if we all witnessd a crime, chances are when we write the police report there may be descrepancies and yet in the Bible with many authors who weren’t contemparies we don’t find those descrepancies!

2 Peter 2:1-2

Q: Why do false teachers introduce destructive heresies?

Q: What is the consequence of following false teaching?

2 Peter 3:14-18

Q: What is Peter most concerned about in some of his last words before he would be beheaded by Nero? (make sure to not fall into error or false teaching!)

Q: Can the Bible be hard to understand? (yes, even in this time people were distorting Paul’s letters to say what they wanted it to say- this leads to their destruction spiritually)

Q: What would it look like to make every effort to be found at peace with God (v14)?

It has been an amazing Bible discussion today. Consider, do you know the scriptures?

Challenge: Study the Bible with the person who brought you to make sure you understand God’s will for your life.

Use this Bible Talk (Real Talk) on campus or in a home to inspire visitors to study the Bible. This is good for religious visitors especially but also for all types of people.

The Final

Opening Question: What is your name and how do you picture the final judgment?

As we get ready for that big test or finals week what type of feelings do we have? (fear, anxiety, stress, etc.)

Why do we have these type of feelings? (test determine whether we will graduate or not in the long run)

When do you ever feel great about a test? (When you know the information or the test is going to be easy)

Many people will spend hours, tuition money, and energy into studying for a test to get a degree, but are you ready for The Final…judgment day!

Revelation 20:11-15– There are 2 things everyone in this room has in common, everyone will die at some point and secondly, everyone will face God for judgment.

Do most people think about Judgment Day? Why or why not?

What is opened before God? (many books)

I want to talk today about 3 books today:

The Book of Life

If your name isn’t written in the book of life what are the consequences? (Lake of Fire/Hell)

From this verse, what determines whether are name is written in the book of life or not? (deeds)

That is interesting that it doesn’t say faith, grace, or how much you prayed but by your deeds!

The Book of Deeds

If The Book of Life shows who is saved, what do the other books contain? (your life deeds!)

PAINT PICTURE: Imagine if a TV was in this room and began to play all your deeds good and bad in front of this whole group how would you feel?

The Bible teaches that Jesus will judge us based on how we lived.

Do you think it is fair that Jesus judges us based on our deeds? (discuss)

What does “Christendom” today teach determines whether we make it to heaven or not? (nothing since they teach we aren’t saved by works)

Ephesians 2:8-10

Wait…if we are not saved by works, how come we are judged by our deeds/works? (have fun discussion)

All scripture has context…read on v.11-13

So what works is this verse referring to? (works of the Old Testament law, ie. circumcision etc.)

Now we know for a fact that the deeds Jesus will judge us on aren’t Old Testament law deeds such as sacrificing animals or whether you are circumcised or not, so what deeds are they? (Commands in the new testament, Jesus’ teachings, etc.)

What does the bible say we are saved through? (faith)

James 2:14-19, 24

What do deeds reflect? (Faith!)

Are demons saved? (No) Why not they have a “faith” in God? (they don’t have the deeds meaning it isn’t a true faith)

Why do so many “Christians” today teach we are saved by faith alone and it that are deeds don’t count for anything you think when the Bible is so clear they do count? (easier path, misunderstanding of what grace is, demons influence others to have their type of “faith”, etc.)

The Book

We know deeds are now necessary for a saving faith, but how would we know what deeds Jesus is looking for? (The Bible)

You see, we may not have the Book of Life or the Book of Deeds here on earth since God has those in heaven, but we do have The Book…The Bible and it is the standard that is going to be used in our judgment.

John 12:48- Jesus will use His word to judge us. (SHARE EXAMPLE: Imagine your professor is going to give you a pass/fail exam and it is dependent on whether you study the text book or not. The Bible is our text book for The Final Exam/Judgment yet unlike a text book it must not only be studied but lived out.)

What are some ways students get ready for a final exam? (study, get tutoring, have a professor, study groups, discipline, consistent repetition, etc.)

Using those same principles, what would it look like to study to get ready for Judgment Day? (study the Bible, get someone who knows the Bible to teach you it, be disciplined in studying and reading it, etc.)

CHALLENGE: Study the Bible today with the person who brought you in order to pass The Final!

Ice Breaker: Pass around your bible and have everyone introduce themselves and guess how many inches the length of the bible is.

Q: How come everyone gave different measurements? (everyone has different perspectives)

Q: How would we find out the right measurement? (use a ruler)

– Pull out ruler and measure it and give candy to the person who was the closest.

READ: John 18:37-38 – WHAT IS TRUTH?

Q:What does everyone on the side of truth do? (Listen to Jesus)

Q: What are different ideas of truth today? (science, religion, experience, feelings, etc.)

Q: Is there an absolute truth in this world? (If they say there is no absolute truth, that statement itself is an absolute truth. Share how life shows us there is, math for example 1 + 1 always = 2.)

Q: What do people base truth off of? (family, tradition, religion, etc.).

– Let’s see what Jesus based truth off of.

John 8:31-32

Q: Did the Jews believe? (Yes)

Q: Just because they believed, did that mean they knew the truth? (No)

Q: How does one find out the truth? (they must hold to the teachings of Jesus)

Q: Where do we find Jesus’ teachings? (The Bible)

John 17:17 – Q: What is truth here? (Jesus word- once again the bible)

Q: What are today’s thoughts on the Bible?

Q: Is the worlds current views of truth we discussed earlier working or making things worse?

– The Bible is the truth. It is composed of 66 books, written by 40 different authors, on three different continents, over a time period of 1500 years and yet it tells one story with no contradictions!

Q: How did we find out the truth of the length of this bible at the beginning of the Life Talk? (measured it with a ruler)

Q: How do we find out if we are right with God? (measure ourselves with the ‘ruler’ the word of God!

CHALLENGE: Listen to Jesus, be on the side of truth and study the Bible to see how you measure before God.

(Variations of this Bible Talk have been done by many and versions of it can be found in “Shining Like Stars” and “52 Bible Talks for Fun and Fruitfulness”)

Assign: Jeremiah 36 (1-3; 4-6) Explain.

Summarize 7-19

READ: 20-26

• You are going to play the role of Jehoiakim and take out the undesirable parts of the Bible. “Cut them out.” May be things which people have a hard time accepting or which an individual has a hard time obeying. “undesirable”.
• BREAK
• Go around and explain what scripture and the reason for it being removed.
• Leader brings the new version of Christianity to life; wouldn’t it be great?

Jeremiah 36:27-28; 31-32

Q: Did ignoring God’s word make it go away?

Q: What is the consequence?

Q: Do we have the right to play games with God’s word?

Q: How do we do this today?

Q: What lessons can be learned?

Conclusion:

• Ignoring the Bible or parts of it, no more changes the truth than ignoring a problem or disease to make it go away (Jeremiah 6:13-14). Something must be done! We have no right to play games with God’s word!
• Telling the truth may make you unpopular, but God is the only one whose opinion really counts.(1 Peter 1:24-25).
• Study the Bible

OPENING QUESTION: How is your relationship with God?

Revelation 3:14-22

Q: What is convicting to you about this passage?

Q: What does Jesus look for in us? Deeds

Q: Why are deeds important? Reflect our heart!

Q: What was their issue? Lukewarm

Q: What did Jesus want them to be? Hot or Cold

Q: Initially when you read this passage, what does it mean to be hot? Cold?

Q: What do you base that off of?

–         Laodicia sat between two cities (Colosse and Hiropiolias)

–         “Hot”= “boiling hot”- referring to the hot springs of Hieropolis- brought healing to arthritis.

–         “Cold”- cold springs. Cold water is refreshing and brought refreshment to the weary (Isaiah 55). Cold is a good thing to be, Jesus wouldn’t want anyone lost!

–         “Lukewarm”- Q: What does this probably mean than? – EXPLAIN: Aqueduct system- two waters would mix and make people sick. The cold water would come from Colosse and was refreshing to the people. The Hot water was in Heiropolis and that brought warmth to the bones (from the hot water springs). Jesus was saying the church wasn’t bringing the refreshing cold water of the gospel or the healing warm water of the gospel to a lost world. This is why Jesus wishes the church was cold or hot.

–         Does your sin make you sick! Do you have the attitude of Jesus about mediocracy in the church?

–         2 Options: Hot/Cold or Lukewarm.

Q: Where they in touch with their state of spirituality? No

Q: What did they think of themselves? V.17a – Struggled with materialism. (Rich city!)

Q: What did Jesus think? V. 17b

Q: What is scary about this?

Q: Can we know if where lukewarm? No

Q: Can a church know? No

–         We need others in our lives because our sin blinds us!

–         We need discipling!

Q: How does Jesus treat those he loves? Rebukes and disciplines them.

–         Jesus has left the building and is not in our hearts if we are lukewarm!

–         He is knocking at the door for you to let him in before its too late!

Q: What prescription does Jesus give for sickness?

–         Repent

–         Allow Jesus into your life. (People into your life who are following Jesus)

Q: Why does Jesus say we must be earnest?

–         Life or death situation!

–         There is a Heaven and Hell! Where will you spend eternity if you were to die tonight?

CHALLENGE:

–         Are you hot/cold or are you lukewarm? Maybe you have no relationship with Christ at all, so you are dead spiritually and need to be made alive in Christ!

–         Be eager and repent!

–         Get someone in your life who will love you like Jesus! You don’t know were you are at spiritually. No one can answer the first question we asked. 

Text: 2 Samuel 13:1-22

Q: What is something you thought you really wanted and did anything to get, but later found out you hated it or didn’t like it?

David had fallen into sin with Bathsheba and now the sinful repercussions of this where about to play out (EXPLAIN)

READ: 2 Samuel 13:1-5

Q: What is happening here?

Amnon longed for Tamar so much that he became lovesick. It was even more difficult for him because she was a virgin – meaning that she was available for marriage, but not to Amnon because marriage between half-brother and sister was forbidden.

Q: Do you think Amnon’s obsession happened over night?

Q: What do we learn about what can happen to the things that we desire?

He desired to be with his sister Tamar so bad that he even looked “haggard” (worn out, miserable, depressed).

Q: Do you think Amnon from these verses truly loved Tamar?

Q: What kind of friend is Jonadab?

–         A shrewd man. (wise, cunning)

We are influenced by the friendships that we have! Whether good or bad.

Q: Who are your closest friends? What kind of influence do they have on you?

–         Your best friends should be disciples who help you draw closer to God!

Q: Why do you think Jonadab told Amnon to talk to his dad (David)?

– The sin with Bathsheba, they played into David’s sentimentality!

SO THE PLAN WAS SET, lets read on:

READ: v.6-19

Amnon’s “true love” was revealed, he raped her despite her pleas!

Isn’t it funny how the people and things we love become the very things we hate and despise!

Q: What do you love so much that you would be willing to do anything to get it?

Q: Is what you love in the will of God?

Amnon did not obey the God’s law and raped his own sister causing her to become a disgrace.

Amnon’s evil is immediately revealed (v. 9b). Tamar could easily see how evil and disgraceful of an act this was.

Q: Why couldn’t Amnon see how evil this act was? – He was blinded by lust!

Q: How is your purity? – Lust is very serious and can blind you and lead you to do things that you wouldn’t believe you could do.

Q: What steps could Amnon have took so this act did not happen? What contributed to the events playing out?

Q: (v.15) Did Amnon really love Tamar? – No

Amnon only built upon the example of his father David, by letting lust control his actions.

Q: Why do you think he sent her out of his sight right away?

-Amnon had no real love for Tamar, only lust and so he immediately felt guilty over his sin. Tamar was simply a reminder of his foolish sin. He wanted every reminder of his sin to be put far away.

Q: Is this the correct way to deal with sin?

Amnon treats Tamar not as a sister, Israelite, but as “this woman.”

READ: v.20-22

Q: How do you think Absalom knew Amnon raped her?

–         Lust blinds us and we think others don’t see it

–         Absalom would 2 years later kill Amnon to avenge his sister! SIN leads to more SIN if not dealt with (lust> hatred> more hatred> sentimentality of David>etc.).

Q: How do you think this sin affected the family?

Q: Does sin affect our spiritual family (church)? How can we deal with it?

Q: David was furious about the sin, but why do you think he did not do anything about it?

-It may be that David was conscious of his own guilt in a similar matter and therefore felt the lack of moral authority to discipline his own son.

Q: David probably didn’t challenge or discipline the situation b/c he felt hypocritical, is this right?

–         If this was the case, it was a grave miscalculation on David’s part. He could have said to Amnon, “I know the evil that results we don’t restrain our lusts and affections. This is something you must address and conquer in God’s strength.” “Why did he not reprove him at least very sharply for this foul fact?

CHALLENGE: Get open about desires you have in your heart and seek God. Choose wisely the friends that influence you, and challenge sin when you see it to protect the spiritual family.

Question: What is one thing you wish you could change about yourself?

Question: Is there anytime when you can remember listening to someone speak but not actually listening?

James 1:22-25

Question: Why is listening not enough?

The bible tells us that we deceive ourselves. Some people even tonight might be doing this you got to do what it says?

Question: Why do you think the Word of God is related to a mirror?

It’s the absolute reflection of what/who we really are.

Question: How do you act when you first see your face in the morning after you wake up?

Make sure I wash my face; comb hair, brush teeth…

Question: How do you think we clean ourselves up in a spiritual mirror?

Question: If you saw your friend had something on his face would you tell him? Why? Why not?

Question: Do you think we should do the same thing with the spiritual mirror?

Question: What does it mean to look intently?

Question: What is the Word of God going to set you free from?

John 12:47-50

Question: According to this scripture what is going to judge you on the Day of Judgment? How would you get prepared?

Question: Do you think there is going to be a second chance on the Day of Judgment?

Challenge: we all have stuff on our face but what are you going to do about it? As well if you see someone else that needs help help them out by studying the bible. Don’t be deceived. Like Nike says Just Do It!!!!!

Be Prepared for that day when were all going to have to take the test.AMEN.

(From “Back to the Basics” by Jerry Jones)

Q: What is something you have always wanted to explore?

Proposition: Everyone should study the Bible!

Key Word: Reasons

1. Enables one to know the Truth.

            a. John 8:31-32

            b. No one likes to be lied to:

Q: How do you feel when someone lies to you?

            c. Shiny apple that is rotten inside.

d. We need to read the Bible so we will know the truth and not be deceived.

2. Gives one a sure foundation.

a. Luke 6:47-48

            b. Why is a foundation important?

c. What are some things that shake a person’s life?

3. It cuts and shapes.

a. Hebrews 4:12-14

            b. How does the Bible cut us? Ever heard a sermon that makes you feel guilty?

c. Why is it important to be cut by God’s word?

4. Enables one to use Scripture accurately?

a. 2 Timothy 2:15

            b. How can one use it inaccurately?

            c. Why is it important to use it accurately?

5. Only way to know how to be saved.

a. 2 Timothy 3:14-17

            b. Where does scripture come from? What do they do? God’s voice!

            c. Everyone has his own standard:

1. Good, moral.

2. Long list of what’s necessary.

d. How can you know what/who is right?

e. How many ways are there to be saved?  (Acts 4:12)

            f. Is the Bible useful? How will it equip you?

6. Everyone will be judged by the Word.

a. John 12:48

            b. Why does this make a difference?

Challenge: Study the Bible with the person who brought you! 

Q: What does the Grace of God mean to you?

Q: What was the main message in Jesus’ ministry?

–         Jesus never preaches “grace”

–         He lived it out!

–         He was a man “full of grace and truth”

1 Corinthians 15:9-11

Q: How did Paul understand the grace of God in his own life?

–         True grace produces hard work

–         He understood he was in debt to Jesus (use to kill Christians!)

–         You can look at someone’s life and tell if they understand grace!

Titus 2:11-14

Q: What teaches us to say no to sin?

Q: How does God’s grace teach us to say no to sin?

– Discuss!

Ephesians 2:1-10

–         Saved to work!

–         Faith without works is no faith at all!

–         It is tough to be a Christian, Jesus laid out the lifestyle in his ministry!

–         Did Paul have a weaksauce view of grace?

5:1-14

–         Preach on this

–         Grace is understanding, God gives us a chance to repent!!!

Hebrews 10:26-27

Revelation 20:11-15

21:27

Today:

–         Instead of justification for the sinner, its justification for sin!

–         We have turned “costly grace” into “cheap grace”

–         Where scripture sees true grace as the provision of God that makes up for our failure after we have done all we could to follow Him!

–         Costly grace is that treasure hidden in the field! Have you found it!

ICE BREAKER: Share your name and something new you tried before?  

Introduction: We are going to look at a passage about a man who was seeking for God and how he found him.

Acts 8:26-39

Q: How was God at work to help this Ethiopian Eunuch get a relationship with Him? (angels, the Spirit, another man was involved)

(detour to Acts 17:26-27- Explain)

Q: Why does God put us in the place we are at in life? (To seek him)

Q: Now why does it say perhaps? (We have the free choice whether to seek Him or not, Not everyone will seek God).

I. Open your eyes

Do you see how God is at work in your life? Do you make the most of every opportunity? We need to open our eyes to see how God is trying to get us to seek Him, and if we have a relationship with Him, how he is putting people in our lives to share with!

Q: What things stop us from seeing God at work in our lives?

Q: After God works through the spiritual forces to bring a Christian into this guys life, what is the next step that happens in vs. 30-31 that lead to this mans relationship with God?

II. Open your mouth

There must be a discussion about the Bible. You have to open your mouth and express where you are really at! He expressed he did not understand the scriptures.

Q: Why might we keep our mouths closed? (pride, etc.)

Q: What kind of man was this? (treasure of the queen! Important man)

Q: How would you describe his character? (humble, learner)

He didn’t just think he could find God on his own, he saw his need to have another man explain the scriptures to him. How about you? Do you have a mentor?

III. Open your schedule (v31)

Q: Why is it so important that we make time for God? (judgment, death)

This man wanted to be sure he was right with God.

Q: Look at v27, wouldn’t you think he has a relationship with God? (just because you worship, or do great acts for God doesn’t mean your right)

Q: Why was he not totally right with God even though he was traveling so far? (he did not have the proper understanding )

Q: What was the standard that was used to explain to him how to find God? (The scriptures!)

Have you opened up your schedule to make time for God? I challenge you to get with the person who invited you out and study the Bible.

IV. Open your Bible

They then open their Bibles! (Hebrews 4:12-14)

V. Open your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Q: What kind of plan does God have for us?

Q: How do we seek God? (scriptures, prayer, and with your whole heart)

You have to open your heart! The eunuch opened his heart to the message and believed it!

Q: How did the eunuch leave? (rejoicing! True happiness comes from a relationship with God)

Challenge: Seek God! Open your eyes, mouth, schedule, bible, and heart and study the Bible with the person who brought you.