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.