interlínc: Resources

Bible Study

Artist: Manafest
Song: Stones
Album: Stones Reloaded
Featured In: YLO 113

Resources for YLO Members

File Downloads:

Manafest

Leader Guide

Artist: Manafest
Album: Stones Reloaded
Label: Manafest Productions
Song: Stones
From: YLO 113 (Fall 2018 : Student-Led Ministry)
Writer: Jeff Slack | The Bridge Church | Chino, California

Theme(s): Determination

Objective

Students will understand that despite life’s difficult moments they need to be ready to move forward and do their best – knowing that God is on their side.

Warm Up

Play two “cooperation” games. In the first, pairs sit back-to-back on the floor and interlock arms. The goal is to work together, pushing against one another until they are able to stand. Everyone should be able to do it, but some kids will need more encouragement than others. In the second game, all the kids make a big circle facing outward and interlock arms. Have them squish the circle in as tight as possible and then sit down. On your signal they try getting the group to stand all at the same time; discourage individuals from standing up first, ahead of the rest of the group. Award each student in the group a Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cup™ for working so well together.

Transition

Explain that, especially in these times, we as Christians face situations and obstacles that require us either to overcome the resistance, or quit. Having an attitude of determination will give us the ability to see those times coming and resolve to see the situation through until the end.

The Song

Hand out the Student Guides. Describe how Manafest, when talking about the meaning of this song, said, “I’m going to be relentless. No matter what you throw at me – a stone, rejection, an obstacle – I’m going to keep going forward.” Encourage your students to fill in the missing lyrics. Play the song.

Transition

Here are the missing lyrics: young, done, frozen, thorn, ticking, paralyze, know, hold, shot, touch, stones, stopping, reclaim, focused, alive, playing, suffered, stops

Ask:

What messages did you get from the song?
What do you think the title – “Stones” – means?
What do you think Manafest means by, “You thought I was done; I’ve got the war won”?
How about the meaning of, “So go throw your stones ’cause you’re not even close; You know you can’t touch this”?

Bible Study

Read the story of Elijah found in 1 Kings 17-18 – or know the story well enough to tell it as a narrative.

Discuss:

What were some of the assignments that God gave Elijah to complete? (Go to the king, move out to the country, approach the widow, pray for the son, go back to the king, take on the prophets of Baal, and go back to the king a third time.)
Was Elijah timid or bold?
Why do you think God chose Elijah as a prophet? (He was a man who would get the job done without hesitation.)

Read 1 Kings 19:1-18

What seems to be the difference in Elijah from the first part of the story and the second? (During the first part of the story, Elijah is bold; in the second part he is weak and timid.)
Is relating to Elijah easier for you to do after seeing this part of him?

Read 1 Kings 19:19-21

Has Elijah regained his ability to boldly do what God would have him do? (Yes, even though his responsibility is to pass the torch to the new prophet.)

Wrap Up

Explain that if you want to see God work in and through you, you need to be determined to follow Him – regardless of the opposition you might face. You may find you need a refuel break just like Elijah – God allows that as long as you are ready to go when He needs you again, and as long as you aren’t out doing something that would bring shame to Him.” Have the students share one way they sometimes feel like Elijah from the beginning of the story and the end of the story. Then, close in prayer.