Second Thoughts with Austin Gentry

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).