Second Thoughts with Austin Gentry: Recent Episodes
Austin Gentry
Austin Gentry currently serves as the Young Adults Pastor for Second Baptist Church in Houston, TX. The following podcast will feature messages from the ministry, conversations about theological topics, and thoughts about culture and Christianity.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | After the people of God enter the land and conquer the land, chapters 13 and 14 mark a new phase in the storyline: their time to inherit the land. As each of the twelve tribes stands by to receive their apportioned territory, one man steps up: Caleb. And based on what little we know about him from the wilderness, we see even more: a faith that hasn't waned one bit.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Matthew 22, the political and religious groups of the day band together to question Jesus of the very thing many political and religious groups question Christians of today: defining the right relationship of "church and state," if any. Oftentimes, the question is not sincere, but manipulative - intended to trap the individual instead of to clarify a complexity. Jesus' answer, however, breaks through their rigid categories and provides a better way.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Dual citizenship can oftentimes feel like 'dueling' citizenships - because there will come a point when the authorities and expectations of one kingdom will conflict with another. In Jeremiah 29, the people of God find themselves in a new land, under a new king, for a limited time. How will they live in it? And as believers today, how will we live in this tension as well, being both citizens of heaven and earth?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Joshua opens as the people of God reach a definitive end of one era and a very beginning of another. How will they move forward? God speaks to them, 8 words of encouragement for them to take their next step.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Matthew's gospel puts forth two main themes: prophetic fulfillment and God's kingdom. Over the first 26 chapters, those themes unfold like parallel tracks — mirroring one another, carrying the freight of the plot line, and carrying the readers on a journey towards a clear destination. But by chapter 27, those tracks powerfully converge, where the prophetic and kingdom themes come together in one moment: the cross. There, we see God's ancient symbols come to substance. And then we see how everyone responds.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | For the people of Israel, everything has come to a head - and they now find themselves at a life-defining point. For 54 chapters, they have tried and trusted everything except God. Now at chapter 55, God meets them in their exhaustion with invitation - where only life can be found.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Matthew 24, Jesus provides His disciples with the main signs of the end times. What are they? And how are we to live in light of it?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Isaiah 30, God speaks to His people about a coming crisis and their godless response. Just like His people back then, crisis often reveals who we are, where we run to, and what we cling to. Will we spin more webs of our own making, or will we abide in the Rock of Ages?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jesus encounters a man who has it all - yet still feels like he is missing something. But he's lacking not a material or social or relational piece to his life - he lacks spiritual assurance; peace; true security. As Jesus uncovers, the man's assumptions are flawed, his heart ruled, and his righteousness insufficient. This man is a story of all of us who, by default of our pride and sin, try fulfilling our deep, spiritual needs with shallow, earthly means.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The cross was not just a moment in time, but the fulfillment of all of time. Though many prophesies were fulfilled throughout Jesus' life, many more were fulfilled at the hour of His death. On the cross, all that the Old Testament prepared for... finally came to pass.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | John 4 provides a masterclass of how to effectively evangelize, and it's modeled from the greatest Evangelist Himself. By tracing the nuances, tactics, and trajectory of Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well, we too can find a template for our own evangelism efforts ourselves.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Matthew 16, Jesus brings the disciples to Caesarea Philippi for one of the most powerful object lessons about who He is and what He has come to do. Jesus' position is clear: we can hope He follows us, or we can hope in and follow Him.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | God's call to give is more than just a 'transaction' - it is a foundation for the Christian life. In giving, we demonstrate a posture of heart to God that is essential for relating rightly with Him: right response, true trust, real devotion, and genuine lordship.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Prayer is one of the most important spiritual disciplines, but oftentimes, our experience of it can be marked by disillusionment, distraction, and even detachment. Jesus, however, teaches His disciples how to pray, because it's not intuitive for us. His instruction to them back then is the same as it is for us today: not technique mastery, not spiritual mantras, but simple invitation.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Matthew 11 records three different doubts to Jesus' works and words: i.e., doubts that come from emotion, disposition, and volition. These same doubts persist even to today, carrying the same reasons and responses that people struggle in matters of life and faith. To some, Jesus comforts. To some, Jesus confronts. To others, Jesus condemns.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Many Christians begin the new year knowing that they should read the Bible, and that it's an important spiritual discipline. But... why? The following audio explores 5 main reasons for why Christians ought to steep themselves in the Word of God regularly. It's more than a just a discipline; it's meant to be our desire and a delight.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jesus calls His followers "salt" and "light" -- two analogies that were layered with nuance in Israel back then -- framing what it means to be His follower today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Simeon's song expresses the deep reality and emotional experience of Christmas: the divine tension of glory and suffering, peace and pain, light and conviction, salvation and rejection. Even as a baby, Jesus' presentation at the Temple points to His suffering and glory at the cross as our final Redeemer.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | From start to finish, the gospel of Matthew broadcasts one message loud and clear: Jesus came to fulfill Israel's covenants and story. In chapters 3-4, Jesus fulfills Israel's covenantal path and wilderness experience.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | As the Israelites are on the cusp of the wilderness and are about to cross into the Promised Land, their leader Moses is on the cusp of life and is about to cross into eternity. And after years of shepherding, he leaves them with famous 'last words' so that they can step confidently into the future God has for them.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Unlike other holidays in our culture or in the church, Christmas is a uniquely musical time of year - and there is a grand reason for why. This is because the original Christmas story in Luke 1-2 resounds with song. Mary, the mother of Jesus, sings a new song - and her reason for singing ought to compel our own.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | At the end of 1 Samuel 15, the prophet Samuel is depressed, disappointed, and distressed. Decades of his life, work, and ministry had been geared towards building the kingdom culture of Israel - and in no time at all, Saul's reign had ruined so much hard work. Without a plan forward, Samuel mopes. With too stringent a perspective, Samuel wrestles. But God gently corrects his course, showing His hand and hope through it all.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Deuteronomy is Moses' last words to the people before they take their last step out of the wilderness and their first step into the Promised Land. In Moses' opening address, he repeatedly emphasizes several principles to help move forward in faith: 1) Trust God to move on and move forward; 2) Trust God to fight your battles; 3) Trust God's Words and Promises for the road ahead.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Deuteronomy opens as the people of God arrive at the end of their 40-year-long journey in the wilderness, and now reside along the border of Moab and the edge of the Jordan River: right on the cusp of stepping into the Promised Land. As they are right on the cusp of something new, Moses stands before them and speaks - a word of encouragement and hope to empower the people to take their next step forward.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The wilderness is not just a place of common complaint and occasional crossroad, but also a place of subtle comprise. In chapter 22, the narrative pans away from the Israelites in the wilderness to an interaction on a hillside directly above them. A place where a prophet compromises, God shows grace, and Israel waits unaware.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In 1 Samuel 11, Saul's insecurities seep out once more under pressure, but the Spirit rushes upon him and gives him a newfound preparation, power, and perspective - even forgiveness - to be the king that Israel needs. In this chapter, we're able to see defining characteristics of Spirit-led leadership versus a leadership of the natural man - and how it makes all the difference.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The wilderness can be a place of complaint, but it will always be a place of crossroads. In fact, the complaints we choose to make in the wilderness will often impact what direction we tend to take at the crossroads. What happens at their crossroads? And what can we learn from them when we arrive at crossroads in our lives as well?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | 1 Samuel 7 marks the first time in approximately 70 years where there is national revival in Israel. After a long, slow, steady spiritual descent, their sudden drop-off perfectly aligns with God's long, slow, steady ascension of Samuel to help bring the nation back to righteousness and peace. Their national 'turning point' involved 5 critical elements that are just as true for us today as it was back then, for them. The question is, what it be for us?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Numbers 9 charts a 'new beginning' for the people of God: namely, moving from Mount Sinai and into the wilderness. The end of chapter 9 gives an assessment of the whole journey: How did God lead in the wilderness? And how did the people respond? How should we?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Psalm 139 features one of the most moving, emotional, and awe-inspiring prayers in all of Scripture about how fully, completely, and intimately God knows His children. How do you think God thinks about you? That may very well be the difference-maker of a faith that is happy and hopeful versus a faith that is pessimistic and weak.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Like the proverbial Invisible Man, the reality of power is always around us, moving among us, and affecting us in different ways. In fact, we not only live in power dynamics, we also wield power as well. How does Jesus operate in power? How should we?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | If a picture says a thousand words, Psalm 23 says more. In only 6 verses, God gives us a panoramic view of past, present, and future; a motion-picture story of our lives; a moving portrayal of His care through it all. If we are His sheep, everything we could ever need, we have in the Shepherd.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Psalm 32, David writes about his spiritual journey - from committing a grave sin, to crafting a dark coverup, then to finding forgiveness and freedom and relief. In it, we see the penalty and power of sin, many principles on forgiveness, as well as faint prophesy about the Person who holds the keys of forgiveness and freedom in His nail-scarred, loving hands.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Psalm documents David's long, grueling journey of hardship that was met with long grace and long deliverance. When we are walking through long difficult seasons of life, David gives us 7 truths that give us long grace for a long journey of long deliverance.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Psalm 110 stands as one of the most mysterious, yet marvelous pictures of the Messiah. In it, we see 7 different truths about who this King is, and how we can live in light of them each day.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Mark 8 records a unique moment in Jesus' ministry where He pulls back the layers and filters of His disciples' perception of Himself. But by doing so, He leads them to a clearer understanding of who He is - and He does the same with us today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Psalm 96 gives us a window into the nature of worship, in general, and the effect it has on our life. When we worship God, an activity of restoration, hope, healing, and perspective take place that affects us at the deepest level.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Throughout the gospel of Mark, Jesus says things that do not "fit" into people's categories, expectations, desires, or ideas; but in chapter 5, he does something that does "fit" according to people's sensibilities or timelines. Namely, He calls them to wait when they feel like they shouldn't have to and when it even feels inappropriate. But in it, He shows His glory and grace, delivering the best into our lives.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Psalm 1 introduces the entire book of Psalms, all 150 chapters, around the idea of what it means to be "blessed." The psalmist shows us that when it comes to blessing, there are only two distinct paths of life, two distinct experiences, and two distinct destinies. There is no 'middle ground' to spiritually, an underlying principle that resonates through every psalm.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jesus begins His public ministry by addressing 4 different faulty frameworks of the people of God. In order to rightly be seen for who He truly is, He begins to 'deconstruct' their frameworks that stand in the way of them seeing, believing, and experiencing the reality of His rule and kingdom.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Every incoming college student eventually comes across important "forks-in-the-road" moments, even within the first three weeks of stepping foot on campus. So, what do you do at the fork? How do you make the right decision? Who do you walk with? What if you fail? The acrostic "F.O.R.K." provides a couple of truths to hold on to and action-steps to move forward with - today - before you even get there. Because making the right decisions now is much easier and much better than doing so before you are forced to.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Peter leaves us with a message to endure through the hardships of sin and hostility of the world. One of the ways Peter encourages us to do this is by assessing our Judge, his judgment, and his glory. When we live with this end in mind, our lives reorient with new love, rest in new peace, and strengthen with new resiliency.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Isaac Watts' famous hymn, "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" remains one of the most popular hymns of all time. Inspired by a heart-felt passion that worship ought to be heart-felt, Watts pens this hymn drawing from the deep well of Galatians 6. In 5 stanzas, he paints a picture of a cross that is, against all worldly paradigms, "wondrous."
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In 1 Peter 3, Peter addresses an age-old issue: cultural push-back in the form of questioning, shaming, and mockery. He encourages the believers to endure, specifically by telling them what to expect, how to prepare, and where to hope.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The Ironman's Men Ministry has been going through a series entitled, "Greatest Hits," an exegetical-exploration of the very hymns that stock the backs of church pews and choir lofts, across the world, across the years. The famous hymn, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," derives from Lamentations 3, a deep cry of faith in God's love and purposes, beyond what can be felt or seen or understood.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Some of the most daunting questions in young adulthood are, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" and "What career should I choose?" and "Do I have a specific calling or purpose?" Drawing on the 4 'Greats' in Scripture, we can see God's purpose for everyone. Then, looking deeply at the 3 'As' in our unique makeup, we can see God's unique calling for each of us.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Esther ends in a rather dramatic fashion, as the climactic reversal of the book in chapter 7 cascades into more reversals throughout the Empire. Altogether, we see God's promises and protections unfold in increasing measure, challenging us today, and painting a picture of our true Advocate in heaven, Jesus Christ.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | To the modern ear, the book of Leviticus might sound far-fetched, distant, and even primitive. But underneath its many stipulations and legislatures and systems, there remains the linchpin of the entire Bible: namely, how to be right with God. In Leviticus, God shows us 'how' back then and also 'how' today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Chapter 4 opens with high alert: chaos rips through the Persian Empire at the edict that the Jews will be terminated in only a matter of time. Mordecai grieves, processes, and pleas. Esther stresses, strategizes, and risks. In this story, we can see how to grieve, how to help those who do, and what to do in the midst of grief.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In our modern day Christianity, the book of Esther typically finds itself packaged and advertised as a Bible Study for women, but it's a book that's just as relevant, applicable, and convicting for men. In chapter 1, we see the full import of man's depravity, the beginning of a kingdom's downfall, and the hiddenness of God's sovereignty.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Exodus 14 features the most climactic moment in the book: the parting of the Red Sea. In this account, God shows us how and why He's worthy of our trust as He works on our behalf.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The Christmas story has 3 main journeys: Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem; the shepherds’ journey to the manger; and the Magi’s journey from Persia to the home of Jesus. Looking at the Magi’s journey, we can see a number of truths about God’s character and a host of principles of Christian living that apply just as much back then as it does to our journey of faith today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Exodus opens with a context of Israel's rapid multiplication and horrid suppression in Egypt. But after 400 years, God breaks the silence, and we are given one of the greatest examples of God's compassion, wisdom, and action for His people in all of Scripture.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts ends with another display of God bringing about salvation in an uncanny, epic fashion. Many times, it seems like God's promise to take Paul before Caesar will not come to fruition; but in many faith-inspiring turns of events, God works fulfillment, salvation, and glory once more.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Acts 22, the apostle Paul stands before his persecutors, almost in a 'full-circle' moment. At one point, he was persecuting the Christians in Jerusalem; now, he is being persecuted as one himself. In Paul's last words to the Jews in Jerusalem, we can see a blueprint for how to share our faith effectively with others.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | While the New Testament certainly gives clarity to the event of the Second Coming of Christ, it is certainly not a new idea or new development. Throughout the Old Testament, God gives His people many pictures, promises, and prophecies about this 'day' that marks the end of our age and the beginning of the next, one that Jesus then claims as His own.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Acts 19, Paul embarks on his third missionary journey and camps out in the city of Ephesus for more than 2 years. During his time, God works in many different ways to work different types of people - and He does the same today, as well.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Acts 18, Paul arrives in the city of Corinth with no money in his pockets, no people alongside him, and no place to stay; but a hot passion in his heart. Immediately, God provides him with ministry friends, financial means, and a place to do ministry - and 18 months later, the gospel goes forward in a place that seemed otherwise impossible. How? By God's grace, direction, and favor, and by Paul's practical ministry each day.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | As Paul begins his second missionary journey, God frustrates his plans... while leading him to just the right place, at exactly the right time, specifically to meet the right people. In all the open and closed doors, God's providence guided even their instinct of faith, when they did not have all the information before them.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In what is formally called the 'Olivet Discourse,' Jesus shares with His disciples many things concerning the end of times. In them, we find motivation, purpose, peace, perspective, and victory, not just for eternity, but also for everyday life.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts 15 and 16 mark a critical shift in the narration of Acts and salvation history: namely, Paul and Barnabas 'break up' after a sharp disagreement, but God uses their division to actually multiply His kingdom purposes to raise up new leaders, restore others, and redeem still more.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Judges is a tragic book, telling in many different ways the tired refrain of man's rebellion against God and subsequent enslavement to horrid gods and empty idols. Jephthah, one of God's judges, is no better than the people he is delivering; but his little bit of faith in the right direction makes an eternal difference, despite all the carnage and sorrow of his own sin.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | As Paul and Barnabas trek through Asia Minor on what is their first of four official 'missionary journeys,' they stop at a place called Antioch Pisidia, where they are met with a zealous welcoming as well as an equally zealous antagonism. Here, we see that people's responses to the gospel have more to do with their own heart and less to do with the message itself.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts 13 marks a key shift in the book Acts — thematically, geographically, and demographically — as Luke directs our focus away from the church in Jerusalem and now to the church in Antioch. There, we see what a healthy, dynamic church culture looks like: in the church, from the church, and for the world.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | God brings Peter to Cornelius, and Cornelius gathers a crowd for Peter, so that God can declare the good news to the Gentiles. Acts 10 marks what may be referred to as the 'Gentile Pentecost,' which mirrors in many ways the first Pentecost in Jerusalem for the Jews.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts 12 features a duel of power between good and evil, God and Satan, Peter and Herod. In Herod, Satan tries to stomp out the gospel through unchecked power and sinister strength. But in Peter, God advances his Kingdom through trust, prayer, weakness, silence, and invisibility. The weakness and foolishness of God overturns what the enemy meant for evil, for good (1 Corinthians 1:25-30; Romans 8:28).
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | As Peter moves throughout the Mediterranean, he has two miraculous interactions - one with a paralyzed man, and another with a deceased woman - that replicate and repeat Jesus' own ministry. This story tells us something about apostolic authority back then as well as Jesus' heart for us today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts 9 marks a milestone moment in the early church and also in the history of the world: the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Even though Saul wasn't looking for God, God sought him out. And the ways God brought Saul to repentance and salvation is oftentimes how God brings us into the fold as well.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Acts 6, the church faces a new type of opposition. It's not external (like persecution or imprisonment) nor is it internal (like corruption or temptation); this time, it's somewhat 'passive opposition' where no one is necessarily at fault; there is natural dissonance, natural conflict, compounded with the stress and strain of natural growth pains in the church. Stephen, in particular, serves the needs of the church that he is aware of; and also evangelizes to others he is not even aware of - all through a faithful, faith-filled life.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts 5 features a cultural and spiritual war taking place between the establishment of Israel and the up-and-coming early church. As Satan takes extreme measures to stop the message of the gospel and salvation from spreading, God ensures that the Truth is preserved and people are brought into His Kingdom.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In the first 4 chapters, the book of Acts shows how the church originated, operated, continued in the ordinary, and faced opposition. So far, the only opposition was external, i.e., physical harm and imprisonment. However, this type of opposition doesn't thwart the growth of the church; in fact, it enhances it all the more. At the turn of Acts 5, Satan changes his opposition from attacking them with external forces to now crafting insidious, internal acts, hoping to crumble the church from within.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Acts 4, the Sanhedrin arrests the apostles for healing and teaching in Jesus' name - which was not a violation of the law, only the Sanhedrin's perceived sense of power. In the Sanhedrin, we can see a profound picture of ourselves and the culture around us: the priority of self, and Jesus' authority interrupting our autonomy and authority.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | As the church continues in their regular routines and rhythms of life, their ordinary obedience to God gives way to extraordinary events. As they follow God each day, He directs their paths... to the right people... at the right place... for his perfect will.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts unfolds in an action-packed way: the apostles receive the authority of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost, many in Jerusalem repent of their sins and follow Christ, and the first church is born. But now what? At the end of Acts, we see 5 defining characteristics of this new church, marking its health, structure, and lifestyle.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | After the disciples waited, the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost - and the church is born. In chapter 2, we see three main realities of the Holy Spirit - His arrival, activity, and aim.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts opens with a great transition, that is, Jesus leaving His disciples and ascending into heaven. As He leaves, the disciples wait, pray, and prepare as they await the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and stand on the precipice of a new era in salvation history: the church.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The end of the book of Genesis recounts the end of Joseph's life, documenting his many years as second-in-command in Egypt, and giving us a window into how he's processed the pain, path, and purpose God had for him. As he looks back, God has crystallized three main things in his heart: an ability to forgive fully, an ability to perceive rightly, and an ability to hope expectantly.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | God's path, plan, and preparation for Joseph has been a series of long-winding roads, twists and turns, diversions and demotions - yet, from glory to glory in God's providential purposes. Joseph is around 27 years old, and God has ordained his path and his preparation - now, we see God's patience and providential actions beyond what Joseph can see, as Joseph waits trustingly.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Joseph arrives at the doorstep of Potiphar, the captain of the guard for Pharaoh, and spends approximately 10 years there. During this particular decade, God prepares his character and competency - orchestrating every detail on his way to second-in-command.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | God's path for Joseph was one of silent sovereignty. God orchestrated each interaction, each diversion, and each detail - all leading him to be exactly where God wanted him to be. And so He does with our own lives, too.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Genesis 35 recalls the final leg of Jacob's tumultuous journey, an uneasy but providential climb to Bethel. In the process, God protects and provides providentially, and reassures him who he is in Him, and His promises to him - the same thing God does for us as we navigate the unknowns, from a desperate place to our designated destination.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The most defining moments in Jacob's life happen in his two transition: from Canaan to Haran; and again, from Haran to Canaan. Both journeys are riddled by tumult and trial, but also tenacity: namely, his tenacity for what he wants for himself, but also God's tenacity for what He wants for Jacob. Again, on the road of transition, Jacob wrestles with God, and God wrestles with Jacob - leaving him never again the same. So, how do we wrestle with God? How does He wrestle with us? And how can we journey in faith through our hardest, greatest transitions, and perhaps, the most defining moments of our life?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jacob nears the end of his agreement with Laban, and he's anxiously awaiting a transition into a new chapter of life. As he begins the transition from Haran and back to Canaan, we see alot of messiness and manipulation, but also God's sovereignty, and principles that we can apply to our own life as we make transitions as well.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Genesis 24 marks a significant transition - the end of Abraham's life and legacy and his 'passing of the torch' to his only son, Isaac. But before he passes, he sets out to find a wife for his son. Here in this chapter, we can find 25 principles that can be applied to searching for a spouse today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The life of Abraham can be seen as a series of tests of faith, which each one getting more and more severe. In faith, he left his homeland; in faith, he left his family; in faith, he left Lot; in faith, he trusted God with Ishmael; and now, in faith, he trusts God by offering up Isaac - the climactic moment of his life and legacy.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Genesis 14 establishes the 'tithe' between God and God's people, a primary way we respond God, trust Him, and also receive His honor and blessing.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Genesis 1-11 spans nearly 2000 years of human history, and the world keeps rebelling against God's will and ways. What's the hope? The offspring who's come to save and reverse the curse. Genesis 11 ends with what looks like little hope: the line of Shem has become pagan, and is now barren. Where will the promise come? Genesis 12 starts with the only hope: God speaks.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Genesis 7-8 recount Noah's ~370 day ride through the greatest storm in human history. And the promises, principles, and practices God shows Noah, are just as relevant for us today for the storms we will go into - and through.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Genesis 4 features the story of Cain and Abel, the first children and siblings in human history. Their story is one of tragedy and grace, pointing forward to the truer and better older brother we all need.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Genesis 2 expands on and elaborates upon God's pinnacle creation, humankind. In it, we can see humanity's place in the world, their purpose, uniqueness, and capacity.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Genesis 1 gives us the reality behind the creation, the creation itself, and our place in it. It introduces the story of God, the story of the world, and our story in it, too.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Chapter 15 records the 'pinnacle moment' of the Mark's main theme, which has been building like a crescendo over the past 14 chapters: Jesus is God's Suffering Servant and Man's Redeemer. Chapter 15 shows us why Jesus, and only Jesus, is the only One who can save.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Mark 13, Jesus provides 7 signs of what happens at the end of the world, and even more importantly, how we can live in light of the end in our day-to-day lives.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Throughout his gospel, Mark increasingly builds the crescendo of what Jesus' life and ministry as God's suffering servant. But in chapter 10, the climactic moment of this developing theme happens: the clearest picture of his glory, reign, and rule. "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (10:45).
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | All through his gospel, Mark uses paradigms that non-Jews would be familiar with as a way of showing who Jesus is: i.e, King-and-kingdom, sight-and-blindness, natural-and-supernatural, reaping-and-sowing. In chapter 9, he uses another paradigm to show who Jesus - the mountaintop, the valley, and the middle. In doing so, we see who Jesus is to us in all of our highs and lows of life.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In chapter 8, Mark draws a connection between increasing clarity of physical sight with increasing clarity of spiritual sight, i.e., seeing Jesus for who He really is. Mark 8 shows us that we all bring presuppositions, biases, expectations, brokenness, pride and sin into our seeing of Jesus - and how Jesus challenges them so that we may see Him for who He is, and live.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In chapter 3, Mark convincingly shows the extent and expansiveness of Jesus' authority: on the earth, over the earth, and in heaven: specifically, over the Sabbath, Synagogue, & Sanhedrin; over the Spirits and Satan; and over Sin and Salvation.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In the first 15 verses, Mark writes about how Jesus will bring the Kingdom of God into the earth; but starting in verse 16 and onward, Mark shows Jesus bringing that Kingdom of God to earth. In essence, the second half of Mark 1 serves as a microcosm of how Jesus overall brings the Kingdom of God to earth, and what He will continue to do throughout the entire gospel: namely, through reaching, teaching, healing, and restoring.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Mark opens his gospel in a dramatic fashion, introducing the hero we've all wanted. However, Mark explains that God sends us a hero who doesn't arrive or arise to power through the systems of the world; instead, He would do so in a counter-cultural way, challenging and convicting our concept of a king and a kingdom, and bringing His own through repentance and belief - reigning in the hearts of men.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Jeremiah closes, not-officially, with the book of Lamentations - Jeremiah's 'epilogue' of sorts, his closing thoughts and feelings about everything he's experienced as a prophet and what he's had to endure. Chapter 3 spotlights the 'hinge' of his entire lament, i.e., what his hopes and his heart hangs on to in the midst of unyielding pain and disappointment.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | After decades of rejecting Jeremiah's words, the people finally come to Jeremiah asking his advice and guidance. They're in pain and have no plan. Jeremiah gives them 2 options, except tragically, they choose what makes sense to them instead of following God's clear decrees.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jeremiah 36 features arguably one of the most-epic-least-known books in the entire Bible; where God reproduces and replicates His Word in a hostile culture that wants to destroy it. He does the same today as well.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jeremiah 35 features a unique story where God brings the Rechabites (a quasi-Amish subculture) into the Temple, for the purpose of making a point to the larger Israelite population. Chapter 35 shows us legalism, immorality, and the path to discernment.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Jeremiah 23, God calls out the many faux leaders and false prophets in Israel, specifically listing 5 main, signs of these types of leaders - signs that are just as relevant for us today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Jeremiah 12, God gives the prophet Jeremiah a sobering indictment - to have faith in His plan, even when it doesn't feel fair, just, or right. The solution to this discouragement is greater faith in the righteousness, love, and compassion of God.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jeremiah puts the people of God on notice, right as they are walking into the Temple for a worship service. According to God's Word through Jeremiah, worship has more to do with our heart posture towards and our relationship with Him and less about the building we walk into or the rituals that we keep on a certain day of the week.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In chapter 2, Jeremiah recounts why 8 different reasons why Israel abandoned the LORD. Their 8 reasons are just like ours today. God responds to Israel's straying just like He responds to us - there's 1 main reason to stay.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Jeremiah opens with Israel's pseudo-religious context and God's call for Jeremiah to preach repentance over self-made righteousness.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | John 20 highlights what makes Jesus Christ truly unlike any other religious leader or person to have ever lived: the resurrection. In John 20, the gospel writer provides proof for the resurrection for the mind, a picture of the resurrection for the body and soul, and a plea of the resurrection for the heart.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | John 19 features Jesus' big, heroic accomplishment - the apex moment of his message, mission, and ministry - giving his life as an atonement for sin on the cross. As we'll see, all heroes follow Jesus' heroism: a hero fulfills his high calling, defeats evil, and ushers in a new order of goodness into the world.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | At the unjust trial of Jesus, the religious leaders show their true colors of legalism and lawlessness. Time and time again, they try to uphold certain laws while violating others - all trying to justify what they want.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In John 18, Jesus treks from the Temple Mount, through the Kidron Valley, to the Mount of Olives - and back again. His path symbolizes the gospel message, what He'd go through, and where He'd take us.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In John 17, Jesus shares what's weighing on his heart, right before going to the cross: his people. And he has one main hope and plea for them: their unity.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jesus introduces his followers to 'another Helper' who will come once He leaves; in fact, Jesus even says that it will be an advantage for Him to leave so that the Holy Spirit can come. So, who is the Holy Spirit? What is His role? How does work?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | John 15 recounts one of the seven 'I Am' statements of Jesus, "I am the vine." As His 'branches,' the where, how, when, and why behind God's pruning in our lives, He does so to produce the maximal good and glory.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | When Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" He challenges and critiques the 3 main worldviews in our culture today: Universalism, Relativism, and Hedonism.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In John 12, Jesus announces that His hour had finally come - namely, his death, resurrection, and glorification. Now arrived the purpose of why He had come all along - to die as a substitute for our sin, as the true, better, and ultimate Passover Lamb.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In John 12, Jesus interacts with 6 different types of individuals and groups, each one representing 6 different ways we can respond to Jesus. Are we compulsive? comfortable? critical? curious? or a canceller? Whatever the case may be, Jesus speaks to each of us and welcomes us with open arms.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Looking at Genesis 4 and 14, as well as other texts across Scriptures, we see a common exhortation that financial generosity is a right response to God's stature, a true trust in God's character, and a high honor in God's kingdom culture.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | John 7 features 20 questions in sum, each one pinging between Jesus, the Jewish leaders, and the crowds. All in all, there are always bigger questions underneath our expressed questions; and the following audio points out 7 reasons we might question Jesus.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In John 6, Jesus makes an audacious statement of divinity - namely, that He is the true bread from heaven, the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision for His people when they cannot provide for themselves.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In John 5, Jesus meets a man who is an invalid, who has been suffering and seeking salvation - in more ways than one. Jesus meets him where he is and restores him to who God called him to be.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jesus meets with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well, telling her about a type of water that, if she should drink it, she will never be thirsty again. His offer is still available to us today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In John 3, a man named Nicodemus meets with Jesus at nighttime, curious of who Jesus is and what he does. Jesus brings clarity to his identity, his mission, and his invitation to all people. Will Nicodemus respond in faith and obedience? Will we?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The prophet Micah gave a pointed call to the leaders of Israel, or the 'church' leaders of his day. The following message picks out 7 different characteristics of corrupt leadership; but inversely, shows 7 different ways the greatest leader, Jesus, succeeded where corrupt leaders failed.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Hosea is a heavy, sobering message of God to his beloved people; but even though the indictments, condemnation, and warnings, God's message does not end on that note. Rather, it ends with a promise of restoration, returning, and all that God has in store for those who walk with him.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Revelation 2-3, Jesus gives a word to 7 different churches, and he saves perhaps his severest, most sobering message last - one that would be particularly for the church of Laodicea. Jesus indicts them for their spiritual lukewarmness, a message all churches can heed today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | God gives Hosea a message to the people of Israel about His great love for them. Contrary to the conventional prophetic words, this message, however, would be a demonstration more than a declaration - a powerful illustration the Israelites wouldn't easily forget.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The prophet Amos gives God's message to the northern kingdom of Israel: a message of grave warning about God's justice, but also an appeal about God's grace. Chapter 5 features God's appeal through Amos to seek Him and live.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Amos preaches a message of justice upon the people of God for their cheap, self-indulgent Christianity; however, he shares with them that their judgment did not come out of nowhere. Instead, it came after countless times, over-and-over-and-over again, where God sought to wake them up first, yet to no avail.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Amos might be one the most unpopular prophets in all of Israel because he spoke what needed to be said most when people wanted to hear it the least. He levels charges against the people of God, not just the enemies of God; because if there's no justice inside the community of God's people, then we shouldn't vocalize its absence elsewhere.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | King Josiah leads the final reform of Israel, bringing spiritual revival and renewal. But there is no secret or complexity to what brings revival and renewal; what was true back then is just as true for us today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | 2 Kings 12 features King Jehoash, a king who technically did the right things, but only because of the godly influences in his life. A closer look into his life reveals a lack of personal faith all along. His life and legacy symbolizes a relationship to God without priority, passion, or personal investment.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The nation of Israel is in distress, and they have no where to turn, except to the LORD. What they discover is that their big obstacles and few options and viable outcomes were too small, too narrow for God. He provided in an unconventional, unexpected way.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Elijah challenges the Israelites, the prophets of Baal, and King Ahab in one epic showdown on Mount Carmel. His message is clear: when people follow the Yahweh, you run instead of limp, you experience life instead of drought.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | King Asa inherits the southern kingdom of Judah - and it's in an abysmal condition. But he begins making reforms that will change the culture for the better. What he did and how he did it provide us a helpful template for what to do to grow in godliness and righteousness in our own lives.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | 1 Kings 12 documents "Rehoboam's Folly," where certain burdens unmet by God are driving certain decisions that are destructive. How do we make good decisions? What's the driving force behind them?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | 1 Kings 11 documents the end of King Solomon's life, which ends on a tragic note. The ending of his life, however tragic, offers two things that couldn't be more relevant for how we live our lives today: a sobering warning, but also a deep promise.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | 1 Kings 8 documents the apex moment of King Solomon's life and legacy: the completion of the Temple of God in Jerusalem. 1 Kings 8 documents the day the Temple is finally completed and ready, like a big ribbon-cutting moment, featuring its initiation, dedication, benediction, and celebration. Even though the Temple is long gone, it represents an important truth - how God relates to us and how we relate to God - which is still in tact today through Jesus Christ.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | When Solomon was only 20 years, God came to him in a dream, granting him a request of whatever he desired. Solomon asks for wisdom, and God gave it abundantly. The following story shows us how we perceive wisdom, how we receive wisdom, and how God gives wisdom.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In light of the end and Jesus' return - looming ever so increasingly day by day - we have the temptation to neglect our daily responsibilities on this earth, in looking forward to the next. But according to the Apostle Paul, this tendency is rooted in a wrong view of work and our calling for today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Amidst all the doctrinal instruction about the end times, the antichrist, and judgment day, there is a singular question couched into that conversation that matters more than anything else: Am I saved? Am I right with God? And how do I know? In the following text, the apostle Paul provides some authenticating signs of a genuine, saving faith, because assurance to the believer is at all time premium in the Christian life.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul talks about the mysterious figure, the Antichrist, and the signs associated with his coming and reign. And even more so, the essence of this antichrist that is alive and active today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Paul gives the Thessalonian believers an exhortation about taking their next step. Likewise, how do we grow in faith and love?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Paul, Silas, and Timothy finish their letter to the church at Thessalonica by outlining a whole host of practical applications of what it looks like when the gospel messages bears on the life of the believer. In it, we can see 8 main practical applications.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Without knowledge of the end, it will be impossible to assign meaning to the now. How can we live our lives meaningfully in the present? Knowing what's to come and what will happen at the very end.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | When it came to the second-coming of Jesus, the end of the world, and the resurrection of the dead, the church at Thessalonica had questions - like most of us do about these things. But according to Paul, these questions are not just a matter of truth and information, but of hope and transformation.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The opening verses of 1 Thessalonians 2 detail the way that believers grow in authentic, Christian community. It comes by sharing our losses, sharing our gains, and sharing our mission.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The Apostle Paul commends the early church at Thessalonica for many reasons; but his affirmation of them provides a litmus test for us to see what authentic faith really looks like, especially when the 'rubber meets the road.'
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Daniel is full of sensational stories, miraculous events, impressive feats of faith, and stunning demonstrations of God's faithfulness. But there's one common denominator in all of these stories: a life built on the faithfulness of prayer.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Daniel 4 recounts the spiritual growth of King Nebuchadnezzar - from his salvation to his sanctification - all before he becomes a footnote in the the story of God's sovereign purposes on earth. Even though Nebuchadnezzar is a king, God grows and sanctifies him just like He grows and sanctifies all of us.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Daniel 3 features one of the most famous stories of the Bible, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are thrown into the fiery furnace for their faith in God and refusal to worship King Nebuchadnezzar. The story gives us timeless principles to live by and profound insights into our culture today, about what it means to worship God while living in Babylon.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In chapter 37, God gives Ezekiel a vision of a valley of dry bones, representing the nation of Israel - what their spiritual life is like and how they have felt for years. God promises, however, to resurrect their dead hearts and give them new life. He does so through His Word, His Spirit, and His People.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In the book of Ezekiel, God gives a word to many different nation who have treated Israel with contempt. In chapter 28, God speaks directly to the King of Tyre, a king who 'has it all' but defames God by glorifying himself. The following audio focuses on how we, too, ought to steward God's blessings to us.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | There are certain prayers that God does not answer; because if He did, He would be reinforcing our own sin and destructive habits. Here's why we ought to submit to his general, clear Word before asking for a special, specific word.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The letter of Philemon is Paul's shortest letter in the New Testament, but perhaps his most conversational and impactful about how the gospel bears on day-to-day Christian living and relationships. In only 335 words, Paul gives a compelling answer for how to reconcile with one another, and in doing so, refresh our relationship with God in Christ.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The church at Colossae was navigating through the delicate, yet demanding, distinctions and decisions of falsehood and truth. But even more than that, their confusion with their own Old Testament presented a point of contention. Paul gives resolution and clarity--precisely what they needed to hear back then, and what we need to hear today, too.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Paul's letter to the church at Colossae is one of exhortation that right believing leads to right living. Paul shows us how to approach doctrine, what is the right doctrine about Jesus Christ, and what is the right doctrine about salvation.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Paul ends his letter to the church at Philippi by ending on the high note of contentment. According to Paul, it is the highest demonstration of applying the gospel to our lives, and also the highest demonstration of what it means to partner with other believers for the kingdom's sake.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Paul's letter to the Philippians is all about gospel partnership; and in the following letter, he addresses many facets of partnership. In chapter 4, he shows the church how to navigate through the inevitability of disputes that will still allow for continued, future partnership together.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The Apostle Paul indicates that there is only two ways to build an identity, and therefore, grow as a person and believer: Finding our identity in our own resume, or in Christ's righteousness. Philippians 3 shows where each foundation leads.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In his letter to the Philippian believers, he encourages them that God has a 'rather-more' grace in store. While suffering might reveal wrong motives, it can also refine us in more ways than we can imagine. What if your suffering was about more than just you?
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Paul's message to the church at Philippi is one of gospel partnership, joy, and gratitude. As he shows us, partnership is critical to perseverance in our walk with Christ.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Death is the only certainty of life. Under the sun, the grave is unfair; its purpose is evil and madness. But under heaven, grace is unfair; and death is is redeemed for good.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Ecclesiastes, a book on the wisdom and meaning of life, gives us a balanced view of wisdom itself. In chapter 7, we see a 'wholly' type of wisdom, the holy kind that comes from God: Jesus.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Ecclesiastes is one of the least familiar books of the Bible, but it features one of the most popular passages in all of the Bible: "There is a season for..." King Solomon shows us why time is meaningful, and ultimately, how it can be redeemed and stewarded for eternity.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Job ends on a note of humble trust, reconciliation and restoration, and an experience of abundance, beauty, complete inheritance, and fullness.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Elihu is a friend of Job who gives truly godly counsel. In contrast to Job's other friends and their harsh comments, questions, and counsel, Elihu gives a Job a right view of God, a real reason to trust, and a warning to be mindful of, and a promise to stay grounded in.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | When we suffer, we tend to ask the question, "Why?" But after that has run its course, we then switch gears and start asking another question: "Where?" We look in a myriad of ways to different people, places, and things to answer our deepest, most difficult questions. By looking at Job's 'where,' we find wisdom for our own 'why.'
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | When Job suffered, he learned a host of important truths in the valley. He learned what friendship does and does not look like in suffering, how to grieve and learn in your suffering long-term, and how to hope in future grace of the gospel promise. By looking at Job's life, we see great encouragement for our own.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Job starts off with God's providential plan, namely, to allow Job to suffer. Though Job's suffering happened 4000 years ago, his suffering and God's plan in our suffering, relates just as much to us today. God is the same God, has a plan for us, and is using even the worst of our suffering in redemptive--not vindictive--ways for His glory and our good.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | On the road to Emmaus, Jesus reveals himself to two of his disciples, yet in a mysterious, enigmatic way. Why be so coy and confounding, immediately after the resurrection? Jesus had a bigger reason than just a 'spiritual high' - it would be something else that would sustain them for the rest of their lives.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In Luke 22, Peter follows Jesus at a distance and then ends up denying Jesus 3 times. We are all like Peter: We count the costs, keep our distance, and deny Jesus' lordship in our lives. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus draws near to us and claims us, and does so at the cost of his very life.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In the Lord's Supper, Jesus connects himself to perhaps the most sacred tradition in all of Judaism: The Passover. He shows us what the meal points back to, what it means for us now, and what promise it makes about the future.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Maybe you remember singing the song 'Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he...' back in Sunday School as a child. It's true, the song makes light of Zacchaeus and his small stature; but Zacchaeus' story is a heavy one, packed with large biblical themes.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The Triumphal Entry is more than just Jesus' celebratory entry into Jerusalem during Passover. It's laden with strangeness, irony, and prophesy. There's darkness and destruction, but there's also truth and hope.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Luke 5 features back-to-back stories where Jesus heals someone: first, to a leper; then, to a paralytic. In the following message, we'll see how these two stories are intricately connected, and what they teach us about God, our relationship with Him, and our impact on the world.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Luke 4 recounts one of the most interesting interactions of Jesus with the religious leaders. In referencing a story of Elijah and Elisha, Jesus shows us a sure-fire recipe for missing God: trying to control and redefine Him on our own terms instead of His.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Scripture recounts only one picture of Jesus Christ between the time he is a baby and turning 30-years-old when he starts his public ministry. What's significant about this one story? Here's how a story of Jesus' childhood is relevant to us in our adulthood.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Revelation may be one of the most confusing, complicated, and cryptic books in the entire Bible, but it nevertheless may be the most hopeful, confidence-giving books of the Bible as well. Revelation 5 focuses on repentance, a key tenet throughout the Bible, and certainly the most critical prerequisite for life.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts 9 recounts the story of Saul's conversion, and how he is brought from spiritual blindness to spiritual sight. His story, while it might sound extreme, is actually a template for our own.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The word 'Pentecostal' usually refers to an emphasis on the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, or intense spiritual experience. But Acts 2 shows us an even larger thrust: the gospel for all peoples, the start of the church, and its health moving forward.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jesus' statement "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" may be seen as one of his most controversial statements, but it is perhaps one of his most comforting. In his statement, Jesus also confronts the three biggest prevailing worldviews of our culture: Universalism, Relativism, and Humanism.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | When Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd," He is pulling across the pages of Scripture and invoking one of the most cherished, familiar images of God as a shepherd; and He is also reaching down deep into our own hearts and tapping into what what makes this image resonates so powerfully within us. Everything that God describes himself to be as a shepherd, Jesus comes in the flesh and says, "I AM."
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Of all 7 "I Am" statements, Jesus' "I am the door" may be the most forgotten. Likewise, we are usually not mindful of the commonness, importance, and relevance that doors play in our own day-to-day lives. Into this motif, Jesus provides us a clear, stunning image of himself, why He is so relevant and important to our day-to-day lives.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The gospel of John features 7 "I Am" statements of Jesus, and in each one, Jesus claims to be God. In his statement, "I am the light of the world," Jesus connects himself to God's manifest presence, which led and guided the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years. In the following audio, we will hear what his statement, "I am the light of the world," means for us today.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Billy Graham once said, "Mountaintops make for great views, but fruit is grown in the valley." By looking at Psalm 42-43, in particular, we can glean 3 fruits while we are in the middle of our own valley.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Ecclesiastes focuses on the the purposes of life, and everything that it entails. In chapter 4, the author gives three main purposes for community in the life of the Christian.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Psalm 119 is one the most famous chapters in the Bible on the law of God. Laws are much more than moral imperatives; they are frameworks for relating with God and others. In the following audio, hear about the 3 types of laws, 3 purposes of the law, and 3 freedoms in the law found throughout Scripture.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Ecclesiastes is a book that shakes up our neat, tidy assumptions about life. As the author communicates that a life 'under the sun'--without God and eternity--is just meaningless and vain. Only if there's a God who's involved in our life do we finally have a design, dignity, and delight in our work that the world cannot offer us.
Coalition for Christian Outreach, Jubilee Conference 2020 | In Matthew 7, Jesus reveals the common denominator between those who build their house on the rock and those who built their house on the sand: everyone has a foundation, and everyone is building upon it. The main question is not whether we have a foundation, but what our foundation is.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Joshua marks an entirely new era for the nation of Israel, and it stars with them on the cusp of walking into this new beginning in the land of Canaan. As we look at their story, we'll see 4 main things: 1) Navigating Transition 2) Finding Confidence 3) Exposing The Real Problem 4) Finding The Real Solution.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Transition is an inevitable and normal part of life, although sometimes it can be particularly difficult, regardless of the season that you're transitioning in. In Exodus 16, the Israelites find themselves in a season of transition, and within their story, we can see 3 things: 1) How God Guides, 2) How God Provides, and 3) How We Abide.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | God's covenant to his people means everything: it informs how we can know God and, therefore, interpret all of life--including our pain and suffering.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The Bible recounts that God sent a worldwide flood to judge and cleanse the world of man's wickedness and corruption. Except, in the middle of justice, there is love and promise. This type of love doesn't overlook sin or compromise justice; rather, it fulfills its own law and cleanses us.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Philemon is often overlooked, yet, it might be one of Paul's most important letters. Significantly, it is perhaps Paul's only letter that teaches not through theological argumentation, but through gospel demonstration.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | 'Unity' is a hot topic in our culture today, and it remains a timeless ideal, especially in the church. In 1 Corinthians 1, the Apostle Paul lays the blueprints for how to achieve unity, even for a church in the city of Corinth, the world's most diverse city in 1st century.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Acts 1 recounts the ascension of Jesus and then the origin of the church. Even though Jesus leaves, he 'passes the baton' to Someone else, whom Jesus describes will actually be to the advantage of the corporate church and each individual believer.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday - the week of his crucifixion and resurrection - stands unique from all others kings and their entries. Jesus enters with irony and reversal, coming in a way we certainly wouldn't expect, but in a way we'd absolutely need.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Matthew 13 recounts Jesus' parable of the seed and the sower. Through the parable, we'll see the grounds for perceiving, receiving, and believing the Kingdom of God into our own lives.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Jesus' temptation makes Christianity unique and powerful for many reasons. It gives substance to his humanity. It provides validation to our salvation. And it also endows us with an identity in Christ, the key to power over sin.
Second Baptist Church, Houston - TX | Daniel 9 features an intercessory prayer by Daniel for the nation of Israel, outlining the three attributes of prayer. The passage displays prophetic message of the Messiah, an apocalyptic glimpse of the end times, and why all prayer falls right in the middle of your view of the Messiah's first and second coming.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Jeremiah recounts perhaps one of the most grueling seasons of suffering they'd ever have to walk through. Yet, in their suffering and confusion, God gives his people one, unfailing hope—and he offers that same hope to us as well.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Where is God in pain and suffering? But where also is God when pleasure, too, has run its course? God gives Ezekiel a powerful message of his faithfulness to his people, empowering them for any season of life.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The topic of 'revival' can evoke many different ideas and experiences. But what is revival, exactly? In 2 Chronicles 34, we see what revival truly is, what revival is not, and how we access true revival ourselves.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Isaiah 6 shows us a True King when all other kings and kingdoms fail, and how that reorients and redeems everything—to how we perceive God, view ourselves, interact with others, and therefore, navigate life as we know it.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Isaiah 36-37 recounts a battle in Israel's history where the Assyrian Empire threatened to destroy them completely. In this story, we see the nature of real faith, the ultimatum of compromise, and the only confidence that will deliver.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Hosea stands distinct from the other prophetic books because its message was not primarily a compelling word as much as it was a powerful visual. God calls Hosea to love and marry a prostitute to show Israel and the world what his love is like to his people who keep turning away from their covenant to their Lord. In this image of marriage, we see the profound, shocking, and relentless love of God on display for us.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Jonah recounts a story full of unexpected reversal, deep irony, and profound portrayals of God, sin, and grace. The book functions like a mirror, so that we can see the worst of Jonah and Nineveh in all of us--and yet, the best of God in Jesus Christ for all of us, too.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | 1 Kings 18 features the pinnacle of the prophet Elijah's life and ministry: showing that 'The LORD is God' and exposing all other gods as false and fake. Scripture illustrates that false gods cause spiritual drought and cripple you in any circumstance, whereas only the true God causes flourishing and empowers you to run freely in any circumstance.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Solomon is considered the wisest king to have ever lived. But is his wisdom inaccessible to us? In the following audio, we'll look at why 1 Kings 3 gives us a template for how to perceive wisdom, how to receive wisdom, and how God gives wisdom. (1 Kings 3)
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | While social media has many advantages, it can pose many threats as well, especially regarding one's self-worth. In light of the smart phone revolution, the insurgence of social media, and the prevalence of the digital age, deriving self-worth from social media has become endemic to our society today. Our phones might be a symptom; however, they are not the disease. As the following audio makes clear, the real issue is not one's phone, but one's throne. What throne are we giving the authority to declare our self-worth? As Jesus declares in Matthew 7, the question is not whether you bow to a throne, but rather, what throne you're bowing to.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | 1 Samuel 24 recounts David hiding in a cave from his ruthless pursuer, King Saul. During this scene, David is tempted in two main ways: 1) to despair because of his circumstances, and 2) to take matters into his own hands so that he wouldn't despair. Where David finds strength to resist both temptations--to despair and to take control--shows us where we can find strength to resist temptations in our own circumstances as well. 1 Samuel 24 and its counterpart, Psalm 57, reveal to us a powerful concept in Scripture: faith in future grace empowers obedience, hope, and praise.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Joshua marks the beginning of an entirely new era for the Israelites. They are situated on a nation-wide precipice of newness: a new leader, a new land, a new generation. Joshua's main message is not necessarily new, but it is contextualized in such a way so that it particularly resonates in seasons of newness. The book—although written in historical narrative form—artfully uses comparison and contrast between characters and battles to drive home this main theme: God fights for you, so simply trust and obey.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the Old Testament, and it's known as the 'Second Law.' The book receives its name not because it says anything new, but because its given to the next generation of Israelites who will inherit the Promise Land. Yet, the message given then points to the message of the Christian life we have now.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | To be generous, the book of Leviticus is hardly a fan favorite in the Bible. It can be dense at times, boring at times, seemingly irrelevant at times, and downright confusing at times. It's comprised of many laws and rituals that would seem not just archaic, but also arbitrary. However, context and symbolism provide a window to seeing that Leviticus is perhaps the linchpin of the entire Bible and the substance of our entire Christian faith.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Exodus 32 recounts the story when the Israelites graved a golden calf in the wilderness and worshiped it. In our culture, of course, no one sets up a golden calf for worship. However, what the golden calf represented back then is profoundly representative of how we tend to worship today: defining and approaching God on our terms instead of defining and approaching God on his.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | The book of Job is perhaps one of the most difficult, complex books in the entire Bible. It raises questions, challenges our assumptions, and shatters our categories for how we'd otherwise naturally make sense of life. It spotlights the reality of suffering, the majesty of the Suffering Savior, and the hope it gives all people in suffering.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | Studying the Bible remains an important practice for Christians; however, it does little to no good if the underlying question, 'Is the Bible even trustworthy?' remains unanswered. The following audio touches on subjects such as the inspiration, exhortation, and appropriation.
Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In our day and age, genealogies don't mean much. But in Jesus' day and age, they meant everything. Matthew's gospel opens with the genealogy of Jesus - not only revealing God's behind-the-scenes activity during the 400 years of silence, but also depicting what the gospel is all about and who it is for.