Second Baptist Church Houston - 11:11

We are masters of deception and deflection, and love to avoid conflict in our relationships. We might deny them or procrastinate, but the problems don't go away and usually become bigger when avoided. Discover the antidote to conflict avoidance that leads to healing and restoration and practical ways to achieve it.

Nothing is more important in life than identifying the barriers that prevent us from engaging in holy, healthy, God-honoring relationships. The success of our relationships will depend on how we deal with these barriers by developing the qualities that allow us to break through them. Find out the biggest barrier we face to healthy relationships and the answer to breaking it down.

Relationships are a great place for joy and love, but also for pain and disappointments. From a young age, we all have the desire to love and be loved. But until we understand the Source of love and His love for us, our culture's depictions of love will always fall short of teaching us how to love ourselves and others.

We're raising a generation that's been told to avoid pain, trust feelings, and divide the world into “us vs. them.” Pastor Ben Young tackles the epidemic of toxic fragility and offers a better path—through the story of Joseph, Romans 12, and a zero-victim mindset. If you're tired of blame, bitterness, or emotional chaos, this message will help you stand strong and live free.

Seasons change—but God's love doesn't. In this message on spiritual growth, Pastor Ben Young returns to the tree theme in Scripture and reminds us that the key to lasting faith isn't trying harder—it's being rooted and grounded in love. From Psalm 92 to Ephesians 3, discover how God's love is timeless, tough, and tenacious—and exactly what we need to thrive in every season.

Weeds don't just need to be removed—they need to be replaced. Pastor Ben Young unpacks what it means to grow stronger through the expulsive power of a new affection. Using Psalm 1 and the rich biblical theme of trees, Ben shows how becoming deeply rooted in Christ doesn't just kill spiritual weeds—it produces fruit, strength, and legacy. Want lasting change? Start here.

Weeds don't just show up in gardens—they grow in our lives, too. In this message, Pastor Ben Young identifies some of the spiritual weeds that can choke out our growth. Whether it's lying, resentment, overspending, or comparison, these patterns don't just happen—they take root. The good news? God gives us everything we need to pull them up.

Freedom sounds great—until too many choices leave us anxious, distracted, and empty. In this eye-opening message from Mount Sinai, Pastor Ben Young explores the Ten Commandments not as rigid rules, but as principles of freedom. When God says, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” He's not limiting us—He's inviting us to peace, purpose, and clarity.

What if Jesus' most famous sermon wasn't just inspirational—but foundational? In this powerful message from the book of Matthew at the Mountain of Beatitudes, Pastor Ben Young helps us see how Jesus begins His public teaching—with a blessing for the poor in spirit. If you've ever felt spiritually empty, unqualified, or like you need a restart with God, this message reminds you where to begin: humility. It's the key to the Kingdom—and it's how we grow.

What do you do when life doesn't turn out the way you thought it would? Pastor Ben Young takes us to Mount Gilboa in the Bible—what he calls "the mountain of exception." When unmet expectations lead us to take shortcuts or go off-road spiritually, the consequences can be painful. But there's another way: deep exploration. If you're wrestling with disappointment, doubt, or delayed dreams, this message will help you find your footing again—not by escaping, but by going deeper with God.

Sometimes the top of the mountain doesn't feel like a win—it feels like a letdown. Pastor Ben Young walks us through the final moments of Moses' life on Mount Nebo, a place of both vision and loss. If you've ever felt stuck in regret, failure, or the weight of “almost,” this message reminds you: God's not finished. He's calling you out of the excuse business and into the overcoming business.

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus pulled back the curtain—and gave Peter, James, and John a glimpse of His glory. In this unforgettable message, Pastor Ben Young unpacks that mountain moment and asks three life-changing questions: Who do you say Jesus is? Are you fully awake? And are you listening to Him?

What does it mean to be in a covenant with God—not just believe in Him, but belong to Him? From the mountaintops of Scripture, Pastor Ben Young begins with the story of Noah. From Genesis 9 to Romans 8, we're reminded that God's love isn't casual—it's covenant. It's tough, tender, and tenacious. And it's for you.

Is it okay to question God? In this honest and hope-filled message, Pastor Ben Young says yes—and shows us how Scripture invites us to bring our doubts, struggles, and big questions directly to Him. Looking at Psalm 10 and stories of real faith wrestlers, we're reminded that questions aren't a threat to our faith—they can deepen it. If you're searching for clarity, don't miss this message. Let your questions take you on a quest.

We live in a world that celebrates self—likes, followers, and filters galore. But where does that leave our souls? Pastor Ben Young takes on the epidemic of narcissism and shows how Scripture offers a better way. Whether it's pride, shame, or the need to always look like you've got it together, this message will help you reset your heart and re-center your life on Christ.

Addiction doesn't start with chains—it starts with a choice. In this raw and hope-filled message, Pastor Ben Young unpacks why we get hooked, how shame and denial keep us trapped, and what it takes to break free. Drawing from John 10:10 and Romans 7, this message speaks directly to the pain of addiction—and the power of Christ to set us free, whether you're struggling or love someone who is.

In a world of flexing and self-promotion, Paul challenges us to boast only in the cross of Christ. It's the great equalizer, showing God's justice and mercy. Our weakness becomes strength when we trust in Christ's sacrifice. Find true confidence in His love.

"What you sow is what you grow." God's Word can change your life. Build a life based on God's goodness and grace. Don't grow weary in doing good—there will be a harvest. Your choices matter. Eternity starts now. What kind of life are you building?

Restoration is our calling. We proclaim Christ's grace, provide healing spaces, and take pride in our growth. Like broken instruments creating beautiful music, the church turns brokenness into beauty. We are healed healers, restored restorers, living out God's transformative love.

Blue pill or red pill? The choice is yours. Live in selfish illusion or wake up to God's reality. Paul's message in Galatians: Choose the fruits of the Spirit over acts of the flesh. Rest in Christ, yield to His Spirit, and watch your life transform. Take the red pill of grace today.

There's a civil war raging inside each of us between good and evil. God calls us to freedom, not to indulge selfish desires, but to love and serve others. Stay on the offense: worship, walk in community, and win others to Christ. Feed the good wolf within you.

Running the race of grace: Start with the cross, stay fueled by prayer, crash through quitting points. When you hit the wall, surrender to God. Proclaim His goodness to others. Fix your eyes on Jesus—He'll lead you home. Don't focus on failures; focus on the Finisher.

Are you truly free? Freedom isn't doing whatever we want, but being set free from what enslaves us. Listen to God, lean into His grace, and live a life of love. In Christ, we find true freedom.

Freedom starts with resting in Christ, not striving. We're children of promise, not slaves to the law. Stop flexing, start resting. Your acceptance comes from God's grace, not your performance. Rest in His love, His finished work. You're good enough. You're loved. That's true freedom.

Death can come at any time and rip future chapters out of someone's life. When we embrace that reality rather than denying it, it can give us the passion to make better choices in our life right now. Though Christ had to die for us, His resurrection proves we do not have to fear death or the future because we know Who has won the ultimate victory and empowers us today.

One of life's biggest questions is – what happens to us when we die? For Christ-followers, the Bible tells us we will be resurrected one day as Christ was resurrected. But what kind of resurrection body will we have in the next life? How will it be similar to the body we have now and how will it be different? How does this effect how we live today in our earthly bodies?

God has designed us to be goal-oriented people. And our ultimate goal should be to find His purpose for our life and live it out. But how do we face and fight the forces inside and outside of ourselves that hinder the changes we need to make and the focus to accomplish this goal?

When God created this world there was order until one man, Adam, brought disorder and chaos through one decision to rebel against God. But all is not lost because one man, Jesus Christ, made one decision to surrender to the will of His Father, restoring order and bringing a new kingdom for those who believe. Through His resurrection power, we can overcome our past and make a difference in our broken world.

When we trust in Christ as our Savior, we become resurrection people because we believe God brings dead things back to life. His forgiveness of the wrong things we've done gives us a fresh start, a new identity and power to face life's challenges. Is it time for you to reach out to the Savior who loves you enough to die for you and make a fresh start?

Sometimes storms hit our life, perhaps some we've created and we hit rock bottom - the lowest point in our life. All hope is gone with no way to recover and move on. But paradoxically, hitting rock bottom can be a catalyst for the need for radical change. When we turn our life over to the grace of God, we will find His power that pulls us up & gives us new purpose.

The resurrection of Christ is the greatest fresh start this world has ever known. Grounded in reality and attested to by eyewitnesses, it's based on firsthand empirical evidence. You don't have to park your brain to believe it. Receiving and standing on the truth of the Gospel gives us power to be restored from our past and face all the pain, pushback and suffering we encounter in life. Do you need a fresh start?

It's very difficult to handle possessions, success and wealth in ways that please God because that's how we keep score in our culture. So when is enough, enough? We are tempted to let greed take over but Jesus warns against storing up things for ourselves but not being rich towards God. Discover how to be rich towards God in attitude and actions and avoid being the fool.

Change is difficult. It's easy to get stuck in old habits, behaviors and attitudes. But when God wants to do a new thing in our life, it will always involve change, conflict and possibly some chaos before the growth comes and we reap the benefits - if we cooperate with Him.

Many of us were afraid of the dark as children but today there seems to be a sense of darkness that has enveloped our world and the culture, creating fear and anxiety. Jesus Christ calls His followers to be the light of the world, dispellers of darkness. But how can we get that light inside of us so we can become light to a desperately dark world?

Many of us were afraid of the dark as children but today there seems to be a sense of darkness that has enveloped our world and the culture, creating fear and anxiety. Jesus Christ calls His followers to be the light of the world, dispellers of darkness. But how can we get that light inside of us so we can become light to a desperately dark world?

Change is difficult. It's easy to get stuck in old habits, behaviors and attitudes. But when God wants to do a new thing in our life, it will always involve change, conflict and possibly some chaos before the growth comes and we reap the benefits - if we cooperate with Him.

If you had to live your life all over again, what would you do differently? Take more risks or do more things that make a lasting impact? How about harnessing the power of reflection to bring power, joy and meaning to your life? When we reflect on the things God has done for us, we can find courage to live a life of meaning and purpose.

There can be times when we feel like life has picked us up and hurled us far from where we want to be. We feel stuck, surrounded by fear and frustration as we struggle to move forward again. But God's Word offers the words of wisdom, a warning and the necessary attitude adjustment that will get us back on track again.

We're all searching—for meaning, for purpose, for something more. Pastor Ben Young unpacks two short parables from Matthew 13 that reveal our deepest desire: to find something of infinite value. Whether you're working, wondering, or wrestling with life's big questions, Jesus offers something greater than success or status—He offers the riches of His kingdom.

Ever feel like life threw you so far off course you'll never get back? In this powerful and encouraging message, Pastor Ben Young shares how God meets us right where we are—whether we're moving at a snail's pace or starting over completely. Through the parable of the mustard seed, we're reminded: small faith in a big God can move mountains. Start small. Take the next step.

“I'd go to church, but it's full of hypocrites.” Sound familiar? Pastor Ben Young takes on one of the most common objections to Christianity—and shows how even Jesus confronted hypocrisy head-on. Through a parable in Matthew 13, we're reminded not to let counterfeit faith keep us from the real thing. If you've been hurt, jaded, or just questioning, this message is for you.

Shame is sneaky—it whispers lies that tell us we're not enough, not lovable, not worthy. In this powerful and deeply personal message, Pastor Ben Young exposes the cycle of shame and shows how the cross of Christ breaks its grip. Through Scripture and real-life stories, discover how to see yourself through God's eyes: fully forgiven, completely accepted, and deeply loved. It's time to silence shame with truth.

Shame is sneaky—it whispers lies that tell us we're not enough, not lovable, not worthy. In this powerful and deeply personal message, Pastor Ben Young exposes the cycle of shame and shows how the cross of Christ breaks its grip. Through Scripture and real-life stories, discover how to see yourself through God's eyes: fully forgiven, completely accepted, and deeply loved. It's time to silence shame with truth.

The message of Christ's crucifixion, considered foolish by many, became the foundation of Western civilization and continues to offer profound meaning and hope. The Christian ethic is revolutionary in its values of equality, compassion, and self-sacrifice and calls us to live out the implications of the cross daily, showing Christ's love to the marginalized in our society and being open to God's transformative power in our own spiritual journe

The message of Christ's crucifixion, considered foolish by many, became the foundation of Western civilization and continues to offer profound meaning and hope. The Christian ethic is revolutionary in its values of equality, compassion, and self-sacrifice and calls us to live out the implications of the cross daily, showing Christ's love to the marginalized in our society and being open to God's transformative power in our own spiritual journeys.