Second Thoughts with Austin Gentry

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.