Second Baptist Church Houston - 11:11

Death and taxes may be certain—but what about your purpose? Pastor Ben Young uses Jesus' words in Matthew 16 and Soren Kierkegaard's life framework to explore how we move from a life of pleasure-seeking or performance into something deeper: a life of authentic, tenacious faith. If you want to hear “Well done” at the end of your life, this message will help you live for what matters most.

What do you do when someone you love is drowning—but not in water, in life? Pastor Ben Young unpacks the story of the prodigal son and the heart-wrenching role of the waiting father. If you've ever struggled with enabling, tough love, or trusting God with a runaway heart, this one hits home. It's time to wake up…and let go.

What happens when chasing pleasure leaves you empty and alone? In this powerful message, Pastor Ben Young walks us through the story of the prodigal son and the painful road of rebellion. If you've ever felt stuck in regret or caught in a lifestyle that isn't working, this is your wake-up call. It's not too late to turn around—and come home.

Ever feel that sting of jealousy when someone else gets the spotlight? Pastor Ben Young shares how God's joy can break the grip of envy in our hearts. Through the parable of the lost coin, we're reminded that we are deeply valued and relentlessly pursued by God. If jealousy's been bothering you, this one's for you—come trade it in for joy.

Jesus told stories that weren't just good—they were life-changing. The parable of the lost sheep from Luke 15 shows us the heart of God toward anyone who's wandered off. Whether you feel far from God or you're praying for someone who is, this message reminds us: God sees, seeks, and celebrates the one who comes home.

In this energizing message, Pastor Ben Young reminds us that the resurrection wasn't the end—it was the beginning of something brand new. Drawing from Acts and Ephesians, Pastor Ben shares the vision of what the church is called to be and introduces the “SECOND” values that shape our mission. If you're looking for purpose, community, and a fresh start, this message is for you.

Prayer doesn't have to be complicated—it just needs to be consistent. Pastor Ben Young shares five simple, practical ways to grow your prayer life starting today. From setting daily rhythms to praying in the middle of everyday conversations, you'll discover that prayer isn't about perfection—it's about connection. If you've ever felt too busy, unworthy, or unsure where to start, this message is for you.

Feeling stuck when your prayers seem unanswered? We learn from legends like Paul and David that prayer is a journey toward transformation, not just transaction. Discover how to approach prayer with authenticity and grace, embracing God's power to sustain you through life's challenges. Are you willing to go deeper in your relationship with God and see prayer as a process that changes you? Let's explore how divine grace empowers us to face life's mountains. Watch now and experience your third-day moment!

Fear isn't just an emotion—it's often our number one enemy. In this message, Pastor Ben Young gets real about how fear can paralyze our thoughts, relationships, and even our faith. But there's a way forward. Learn how prayer—through silence, Scripture, and surrender—can dismantle fear's grip on your life. If you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck, this one's for you.

Prayer can change your life, but only if you show up. In this message from Luke 11:1, Pastor Ben Young reminds us that prayer is not a task, but a relationship. Discover how the simple request “Lord, teach me to pray” can lead to deep spiritual growth, healing, and transformation. Whether you're carrying grief, doubt, or distraction, God is inviting you to bring your whole self and experience His power through prayer.

Fear has a way of creeping in, spreading fast, and keeping us stuck. In this message, Pastor Ben Young gives us a Gospel-powered “fear extinguisher.” Whether it's fear of failure, rejection, pain—or even death—God's Word calls us to face it and take action. If anxiety has been ruling your thoughts, this message will help you break the cycle and walk in freedom.

Discover the importance of spiritual "local knowledge" to guide your life and avoid hidden pitfalls. Drawing from the book of Jude, learn how to identify and steer clear of false teachings, while embracing gratitude, encouragement, and humility to transform your spiritual journey into a narrative of redemption. Dive deep into practical wisdom that shields your faith and enhances personal growth.

When life feels like it's falling apart, three simple words can change everything: God is able. Pastor Ben Young unpacks the final verses of Jude and reminds us that God doesn't just help us stand—He restores, renews, and rewrites our stories. Featuring raw student testimonies from Beach Retreat 2025, this is a message about breakthrough, hope, and the God who still saves.

What if hell isn't just a place, but a path we start walking now? In this bold and deeply thoughtful message, we continue the series in Jude with a message that cuts through confusion. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and even a cardiologist's brush with death, Ben reminds us that daily choices shape our eternity. But there's hope: God's grace meets us where we are and puts us on a new path—right here, right now.

When the world feels chaotic, stressed, and overwhelming, how do you stay anchored? Pastor Ben Young kicks off a powerful new series from the book of Jude. Through stories of his own mom's faith and love, he challenges us to remember who we are, receive what God gives, and reignite our resolve to contend for the faith. You're not alone—and you were made for this fight.

Do you find yourself questioning your faith and searching for clarity? Can reason and faith coexist in harmony, or are they perpetually at odds? Pastor Ben Young explores faith and doubt and his own journey through skepticism, the quest for understanding, and the role of trust in the spiritual life. Whether you're firm in your beliefs or grappling with doubt, this sermon offers insights to guide you towards a deeper understanding and peace in your faith journey.

Doubt isn't the opposite of faith—it's often part of the journey. In this message, Pastor Ben Young shares how disappointment, pain, and even social media debates can shake our beliefs. But instead of hiding our questions, the Bible invites us to bring them into the light. If you're struggling or know someone who is, this message is for you. God can handle your doubts—He's not going anywhere.

In a world full of distractions and weak connections, how do we stay centered in God's will? Let's unpack Colossians 1 to see that it all comes down to one thing: a strong connection to Christ. Whether you feel spiritually disconnected or just want to grow deeper, this message will challenge and inspire you to reconnect—with Christ, His Church, and His Cross.

Ever wish you had a shortcut to knowing God's will? God's will isn't a mysterious blueprint, it's a way of life. Drawing from Colossians 1 and the Ten Commandments, you'll discover how to live with purpose, endurance, and freedom right where you are.

What if discovering God's will isn't about chasing signs—but about understanding grace? Pastor Ben Young kicks off a series from Colossians 1 and shows us that the starting point for knowing God's will is grasping God's grace. Whether you're making big decisions or just trying to live faithfully day by day, this message will help you shift from confusion to clarity.

We want to understand and follow God in our life but how does God speak to us personally? We wish He would come down from the heavens and just tell us what to do in any given situation. In fact, He communicates His will to us in many ways if we are listening and seeking. Discover some of those ways today.

When we live our lives too distracted or hurried we can miss the God moments in life – those moments when God speaks to us through His creation. The fine tuning of nature, complexity of the human body, the stars and astronomy, the sciences all reveal what an amazing creative, intricate, detail-oriented, powerful God that we serve. How do we avoid missing our God moments?

What can we do when we find ourselves caught in the mud and the mire and the muck of sin? What do we do when we find ourselves falling off the wall and we feel like life has shattered into a million little pieces? King David of Israel experienced this in his life and wrote a psalm that will help guide us back to our merciful, restorative God.

A true understanding of being fearfully and wonderfully made by God can revolutionize your life. Instead of being defined by race, vocation, appearance or our past, we are defined by our Creator and designed for His purposes. Discover what the Bible tells us about being God's masterpiece so we can become all that He wants us to be.

Life can feel like shark-infested waters—chaotic, uncertain, and overwhelming. Pastor Ben Young reminds us that we don't need a bigger boat—we need a bigger view of God. Drawing from Psalm 139, he unpacks how God knows you fully, loves you deeply, and is with you always. If you're facing fear, doubt, or the unknown, this message will anchor you in the truth of God's presence and power.

What were you made for? Psalm 100 reminds us that we weren't made to look down, compare, or numb out—we were made to worship. When life gets chaotic or discouraging, worship realigns our hearts, lifts our eyes, and brings us back home to the God who created and loves us. If you need a reset, don't miss this message.

We're all drifting through something—riptides of fear, confusion, or pain—and we need more than good advice to make it through. In this honest and hope-filled message, Pastor Ben Young Takes us to Psalm 23 with the powerful reminder that we don't just need guidance—we need a Shepherd. If you're tired of wandering, stuck in a ditch, or just trying to find your way, this message will help you come back to the One who knows your name.

Fear seems to be the predominant emotion today and it gets inside of our minds and hearts. It's a contagion that starts spreading into our emotions, into our thought life, into our work, into our families, and our relationships and fear can start taking over. How do we deal with fear? Where do we find refuge, strength and wisdom so we can continue moving forward?

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.

Life has a way of pushing us into the deep end—surrounded by sharks, crocodiles, and fear. So how we can face life's “pool problems” with confidence? Drawing from the lives of David and Paul, three keys are revealed: purpose, plan, and power. If you're battling anxiety, hardship, or uncertainty, this message will help you swim forward in faith.

We all ask it: “Who am I, really?” Pastor Ben Young takes us on a journey from self-doubt to sacred identity through Psalm 8. As we rediscover wonder, embrace humility, and enter into worship, we begin to see ourselves the way God sees us—fearfully and wonderfully made. If you've been struggling to know your worth, this message is for you.

Life can knock you off balance—fast. Pastor Ben Young looks at Psalm 7 and shows us how to find stability when everything feels shaky. Whether you're facing false accusations, internal chaos, or just feeling spiritually off, this message gives you a simple prayer: “God, save me. Search me. Stand for me.” Ready to get back on track?

Is there really enough evidence to believe in God? In this fascinating and thoughtful message, Pastor Ben Young explores the scientific, philosophical, and personal clues that point to the existence of a Creator. From the fine-tuned universe to the story of a former atheist biochemist, you'll be challenged to think deeper—and maybe believe more regardless of whether you're a skeptic or a seeker.

Some days, just making it through feels like a miracle. In this hope-filled message, Pastor Ben Young opens Psalm 6 to show us what to do when life feels overwhelming, grief is heavy, and answers are few. If you're stuck in sorrow, facing loss, or simply trying to survive the day—this message will remind you that God sees, God hears, and His mercies really are new every morning.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just show up. Pastor Ben Young shares how building spiritual strength works the same way as physical strength—through daily consistency. Drawing from Psalm 5 and 1 Timothy 4, he offers a simple two-step prayer workout: lay it all out before God and ask Him to lead you in the next right thing.

Feeling stuck in the middle of a crisis, a decision, or just a hard season of life? You're not alone. Pastor Ben Young turns to the Psalms to show how God meets us right in the messy middle. Whether you're overwhelmed, angry, or just tired, there's hope. Cry out, turn it over, obey—and watch what God can do.

When life hits from all sides—family, work, worry, betrayal—what do you reach for? Psalm 3 shows us how King David, surrounded by enemies and heartbreak, found peace not by numbing out but by crying out to God. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, this message will remind you: God is your shield, your peace, and your deliverer.

What do we do when life throws up stop signs—but God calls us to go on? Staying in the battle doesn't mean avoiding struggle—it means pressing forward with faith. Drawing from Acts 4 and the Psalms, you'll learn how prayer becomes your greatest weapon when resistance hits. If you're tired of stopping short, this message will equip you to move forward with boldness.

We've all met a “me monster”—and if we're honest, there's one living inside each of us. In this honest and thought-provoking message, Pastor Ben Young reveals how pride, selfishness, and the need to be heard can quietly take over our hearts. But the Gospel offers a better way: humility. Through Scripture, stories, and Jesus' example, you'll learn how to listen, learn, and love like never before.

In a world where it's easy to feel forgotten, Pastor Ben Young takes us back to Genesis 1 to remind us that we're not here by accident—God created us on purpose and for a purpose. Through the lens of gratitude and grace, this message explores what it means to be made in God's image, and how Jesus bridges the gap between heaven and earth. Wake up to wonder.

Resentment can quietly hijack your heart—leaving you stuck, bitter, and far from the life God wants for you. Pastor Ben Young shares how resentment grows, how it harms, and most importantly, how you can let it go. If you're tired of holding on to past hurts or struggling to forgive, this broadcast offers a way forward toward healing and freedom.

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.