Leader Guide

Theme
Victory

Objective
Mountaintop experiences are gifts from God meant be enjoyed and appreciated.

Warm Up
Hand out student guides and pens. Then have a “popcorn” discussion (allowing random students to answer each question aloud) using these questions:
• What is the tallest mountain or structure you have ever been on?
• What is one of the happiest moments of your entire life?
• Aside from the greatest act of love ever when Jesus gave His life for you, what is one thing God has done for you that you were joyfully shocked about?

Transition
Say, “Mountaintop experiences are always pure joy. In a broken world, a person cannot remain on the mountaintop all of the time.” Continue by saying, “During this Bible study, let’s celebrate the mountaintop experiences together!”

The Song
Say, “Let’s listen to a song by the band Anthem Lights. Anthem Lights does cover songs and originals. Both are worthy of a look on YouTube and would be great additions to your music collection. Check this out! It’s called, ‘Top of the World!’”

Transition
Utilize the Song Chat section to discuss the song.
• What kind of mountaintop experience is this song about?
• Did a particular lyric stir your imagination? Explain.
• Can you think of any mountaintop experiences that happened to people in the Bible?

Bible Study
Say, “We’re going to examine three mountaintop experiences from the Old Testament. These are actual historic events that must have been quite mind-blowing for those who were “on the mountaintop.”

Noah’s Ark
Genesis 8:4
• What are some facts you know about Noah’s Ark?
• How would you deal with being on a boat that long with all those animals— and your siblings (!)?
• Describe what you might be feeling when standing on dry land after so long afloat on a totally flooded planet.
• Can you think of a time when you finally felt like you were safe after a frightening experience? Explain.

God Parts the Red Sea
Exodus 14:21-29
• Have you ever felt that you were trying to escape danger? Explain.
• Imagine walking on dry land between two walls of ocean water while fleeing from an army that was trying to kill you. Describe your feelings.
• What are some positives for the present and future that come out of being rescued?

Daniel and the Lion’s Den
Daniel 6:16-22
• Have you ever done something for God that made you uncomfortable? Explain.
• What do you think being trapped with hungry lions an entire night would be like?
• Have you ever gone through a frightening time that ended with a mountaintop experience? Explain.

Transition
Say something like, “The Anthem Lights song focuses on relationship highs, which are both powerful and extremely emotional. Biblical mountaintop experiences focus on a singular relationship of trust between God and His people, which is more powerful, emotional, and much deeper than any human relationship.”

Wrap Up
In your own words, encourage students to complete the A Mountaintop Prayer section of the student guide while you play the song once more. Encourage students to complete each sentence with multiple things from their lives.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for rescuing me from…
Thank You for my relationship with…
Thank You for letting me experience…
Help me to trust You more about…