Second Thoughts with Austin Gentry

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 | 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 | 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 | 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.