Bouquet Canyon Church
Held By God
Locations & Times
Bouquet Canyon Church
26900 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
THE “UNDER THE SUN” VIEW
GOD HOLDS US, BUT…
- Death is unjust and evil
- Enjoyment is all there is
- Life is unfair
- Tragedies will come
GOD HOLDS US, BUT…
- Death is unjust and evil
- Enjoyment is all there is
- Life is unfair
- Tragedies will come
THE “BEYOND THE SUN” VIEW
GOD HOLDS US, SO THERE IS…
- Life beyond death
- Love beyond enjoyment
- Justice beyond unfairness
- Strength beyond tragedy
GOD HOLDS US, SO THERE IS…
- Life beyond death
- Love beyond enjoyment
- Justice beyond unfairness
- Strength beyond tragedy
CHANGING OUR VIEW
Solomon in Ecclesiastes:
GOD HOLDS US, BUT…
Asaph in Psalm 73:
…BUT GOD HOLDS US!
Solomon in Ecclesiastes:
GOD HOLDS US, BUT…
Asaph in Psalm 73:
…BUT GOD HOLDS US!
Discussion Notes (for use in a small group or individual study)
Sermon: Held by God
(Phone apps are good for comparing multiple translations. Study Bibles help with interpretation.)
Questions:
1. Opening question: When you hear the words “Held by God,” what is the first thing that comes to mind?
2. The sermon contrasted Ecclesiastes 9 with Psalm 73. It focused on how life’s hardships take on new meaning because God holds us. What do you remember about each of the main points? What stood out to you or impacted you?
3. Read Isaiah 46:1-4 (Bel and Nebo were false gods of Babylon)
a) For those who worship idols, who carries whom?
b) For those who worship the true God, who carries whom?
c) What does God promise to do for His people all their lives, even to their old age?
d) Now read Isaiah 46:5-13. What are some more differences between false gods and the true God?
e) Are there any false gods that you have tended to rely on? What do you think they are?
4. Read Matthew 4:1-11
a) Who led Jesus into the wilderness? Why?
b) What three names are given to Jesus’ adversary in the desert? (4:3, 5, 10)
c) What types of temptations did Satan through at Jesus? (Compare to Genesis 3:1-6)
d) What role does the Word of God play in resisting temptation?
e) What happened after Jesus had resisted Satan three times?
f) Who ministered to Jesus when all was said and done?
g) What happened as a result of the trial Jesus went through? (see Luke 4:13-14)
5. Read Romans 8:28-29
a) What trials have you been experiencing in your own life lately?
b) How have you seen God working for your good through your trials?
c) What did God predestine His people to be?
d) How does this process happen in our lives?
e) What do you think our role is in the process?
6. Spend some time praying for each other. Invite God to hold you. Ask Him to give you His perspective as you navigate life.
Sermon: Held by God
(Phone apps are good for comparing multiple translations. Study Bibles help with interpretation.)
Questions:
1. Opening question: When you hear the words “Held by God,” what is the first thing that comes to mind?
2. The sermon contrasted Ecclesiastes 9 with Psalm 73. It focused on how life’s hardships take on new meaning because God holds us. What do you remember about each of the main points? What stood out to you or impacted you?
3. Read Isaiah 46:1-4 (Bel and Nebo were false gods of Babylon)
a) For those who worship idols, who carries whom?
b) For those who worship the true God, who carries whom?
c) What does God promise to do for His people all their lives, even to their old age?
d) Now read Isaiah 46:5-13. What are some more differences between false gods and the true God?
e) Are there any false gods that you have tended to rely on? What do you think they are?
4. Read Matthew 4:1-11
a) Who led Jesus into the wilderness? Why?
b) What three names are given to Jesus’ adversary in the desert? (4:3, 5, 10)
c) What types of temptations did Satan through at Jesus? (Compare to Genesis 3:1-6)
d) What role does the Word of God play in resisting temptation?
e) What happened after Jesus had resisted Satan three times?
f) Who ministered to Jesus when all was said and done?
g) What happened as a result of the trial Jesus went through? (see Luke 4:13-14)
5. Read Romans 8:28-29
a) What trials have you been experiencing in your own life lately?
b) How have you seen God working for your good through your trials?
c) What did God predestine His people to be?
d) How does this process happen in our lives?
e) What do you think our role is in the process?
6. Spend some time praying for each other. Invite God to hold you. Ask Him to give you His perspective as you navigate life.