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.