H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

This weekend is Promotion Weekend, and we are Back with a Splash! Each campus is celebrating the official start of summer with children and students advancing to the next grade in Bible Study, new adult classes, food, fun, and fellowship before and after Worship. Our theme this year, Back with a Splash, says it all. We are back and geared up for an incredible summer.

If you have not yet attended Worship and Bible Study in person, this weekend is the perfect time to get plugged in! Children and students will move up to new classes with new teachers. The adult classes begin a new curriculum on Job and Ecclesiastes, and brand-new classes will be starting for every age and every stage across all campuses.

Also, this is the perfect weekend to bring your family, friends, and neighbors. The start of a new Bible Study year allows newcomers to get in on the ground floor as we start new classes and a new curriculum. In Worship, we will continue our series, I & II Houstonians, looking this week at Paul’s timely message from I & II Corinthians as it pertains to the sacredness of sex and the holiness of our bodies.

We are just a few weeks away from BR: The WKND. Please be in prayer about this most important weekend in the life of our students. Make plans to get in on the fun and fellowship of all things summer at Second. Sports camps, Next Level Camp, School of Performing Arts classes, VBS, and BR: The WKND are all beginning soon, and we need you to be a part of it all. Attend, volunteer, and bring friends. I guarantee the Lord will make a splash in the life of our church family this summer as we worship Him together!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Summer at Second is quickly approaching, along with opportunities for family fun and fellowship. Our June 5/6 Promotion Weekend theme is Back with a Splash, and I think that truly applies to the entire summer! Every campus is back with energy, innovations, and summer programming for everyone!

In an increasingly challenging culture, you can find a countercultural respite with weekly opportunities to worship, study, and fellowship with fellow Christ-followers at our campuses. Moreover, our summer events make for an easy invite to extend to neighbors, friends, and family who do not have a church home. From Beach Retreat: The Weekend to Kids' Camps and VBS, we have our children and students covered. Additionally, new weekday men’s and women’s Bible studies, events, and sports teams are all starting soon.

Don’t miss a minute of the Fellowship of Excitement this summer. We need YOU, our church family volunteers, to help make these events a success! Determine where you can serve and contact the ministry staff on your campus to volunteer.

We look forward to seeing you for Worship and Bible Study on your campus this weekend as we continue our study of 1 Corinthians.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

We are growing by leaps and bounds! As more people come back to our campuses each week, we see many put up their flags for Jesus. What a sacred opportunity we have to welcome and embrace those who are joining the Second Family for the first time.

I want to personally thank all those who serve in our Music Ministry. Worship on every campus has been extraordinary. Music creates a worshipful atmosphere where God’s Word can touch our hearts.

The summer is just around the corner, and we are gearing up with fun and fellowship for the entire family on each campus. Check second.org for all of the thrilling opportunities coming to your campus this summer.

This weekend, make plans to attend Worship and Bible Study. Invite friends and family as we celebrate all the Lord is doing at the Fellowship of Excitement!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day. It is my distinct honor to welcome our very special guest, Anne Graham Lotz. All campuses will enjoy her message, which I know will be God-breathed and encouraging to each of us. Make plans to bring friends and family to your campus for a very special weekend of worship and fellowship.

As I reflect back on my own mother, I am thankful that her continued prayer for my brother and me led us both to surrender our lives to the Lord. I saw her as strict, but her rules were grounded in love and backed up with prayer. One of the last acts Jesus did on earth was to make provision for His mother. Even in His time of terrible suffering, he loved her and made arrangements for her care with John, His disciple.

Mothers and mother figures come in all ages, stages, shapes, and sizes, loving us fiercely and loyally. Join us this weekend as we celebrate Mother’s Day through worship and thanksgiving. You will not want to miss Anne Graham Lotz, the “best preacher” her dad, Billy Graham, ever heard!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

If you are a planner, let me remind you that Mother’s Day is in ten days. This gives you plenty of time to order those flowers, shop for a gift, or get creative with your artistic talents. If you are not a planner, relax! You’ve got ten more days!

We have something special for Mother’s Day weekend that you will not want to miss: Anne Graham Lotz will be our special guest. Her father, Billy Graham, famously said that she is “the best preacher in the family.” As you know, that is a high honor. From my personal experience, I can tell you that Anne is radiant with the Lord’s glory, and it is evident when she enters a room. Make plans for your entire family and invite your circle of influence to experience Mother’s Day with your church family and Anne Graham Lotz. I know she will have a God-breathed message for each of us.

This weekend, I hope you will join us as we continue our in-depth study of 1 Corinthians 4. Daily, I hear more and more people asking the question, “Why?” As our world seems upside-down, and our culture seems to be careening into chaos, we must turn to the Word of God for answers. Paul reminds us that the Lord is in control,

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20

Praise be to God for His power and sovereignty! Remember, when we worship “narrowly” every day, our “broad” worship on Sunday becomes increasingly thrilling!

Stay in the battle!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Weekly, more and more people are coming back to church to worship our Lord. In some ways, it feels like things are getting back to the way they were before. Yet, I have never heard so much uncertainty from so many people across our land. The things we thought were nailed down are being pulled up right before our eyes. The question I continue to hear is, “How do we live as Christians in today’s culture?”

The answer lies in the clear truth of the Bible. Paul speaks to us through his letters to the Corinthians. As we study the shocking parallels of Corinth to our culture, the Word of God gives clear instructions on how we should live as God’s fellow workers, servants of Christ, working together for good and for His glory, with Christ as our foundation. In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, Paul tells us,

For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

There is a great heart-cry for healing in our homes, our communities, and our nation. That can only happen if we bend our knees to Christ. I pray that God fills us up with discernment and passion for revival as we gather for worship weekly.

I solicit your prayers, and you can be confident of mine.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

The church at Corinth was no different than we are today. Many looked for happiness and security in the meaningless things of their culture. Paul redirects his readers to Christ, the only source of security then and still today.

There is a story about a ship sailing across the ocean with exotic animals on board. A rare and beautiful bird was in a cage on the ship’s bow. When the explorer who had captured the bird opened the cage to feed him, the bird pushed past the hand and escaped. The bird was free.

Or was he?

The explorer was inconsolable. He refused to eat or to go below deck even in the heat of the day. He continued to look up and scan the endless sky for the little bird.

Just before dark, as the sun was dipping low on the horizon, the explorer saw a speck in the sky. The speck got larger and larger as the bird flapped its way back to the ship.

Exhausted, the bird landed. The man was thrilled to see the bird safely return. The bird returned to his cage spent from his weary fight for freedom.

The bird returned because he realized that the only way for safe passage across the deep waters was the vessel of his captivity.

Outsiders looking in often believe Christians are caged in by rules and commandments. Our culture tells us to burst forth, and escape the constraints of biblical truths and fly free.

But there is no freedom without biblical truth – there are only deep, dangerous waters and endless nothingness.

I see more and more people realize that the very things they have counted on for security can’t provide safe passage in turbulent times. The worldwide pandemic and culture of discontent have provoked profound questions about our deepest needs.

Weekly, we turn to scripture for answers to our questions because the Word is current, alive and active as Hebrews 4:12 assures us. Make plans to be here this weekend in Worship and Bible Study as we continue to study the dynamic New Testament scripture of I & II Corinthians, taking a closer look at 1 Corinthians chapter 3.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

What a tremendous weekend we had as a church family celebrating the great truth: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Easter is always such a meaningful time in the life of our church. Perhaps more than any other time in recent years, this Easter was especially joyful as many came back to church in person for the first time in a year. The energy and fellowship were palpable.

“What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3

On the Woodway Campus, we have reopened Second City, and our Atrium is filled with the laughter of children once again. Midweek programming and support groups have also restarted. April is jam-packed with events for every age and every stage on every campus! Visit second.org to find ministries and programming for you and your loved ones.

This weekend, we will return to our series, I & II Houstonians. Please pray that we will rightly divide God’s Word as we navigate through the barracuda-infested waters of our current culture. Paul’s letter continues to hit home as we study the overwhelming similarities of the church in ancient Corinth to our modern world. The Word of God is timeless and relevant.

Join us this weekend to worship, study, and enjoy the great blessing of Christian fellowship.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

He is risen! As Christians, our lives hinge on what we believe about these three words. The Resurrection brings new life to all who confidently proclaim: He is risen, He is risen, indeed! Luke tells us in his gospel account that after the Resurrection, Jesus...opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:45-48

Easter week is the most important week of the year for believers and is the perfect opportunity for new beginnings. In fact, I cannot think of a better time to experience the fellowship of excitement! I want to encourage you to be intentional about bringing visitors to hear the Good News proclaimed: He is risen! Easter is one of the easiest invites to those without a church home. Also, if you have been waiting to return to church in person, this is the perfect weekend to come back and experience the joy of Christian fellowship.

Make plans to attend your campus this weekend and to bring your peeps- friends, family, and loved ones for whom you have been praying- for truly thrilling worship. I can promise you that the music will call down the heavens and the Lord will be glorified through lifted hands and lifted voices. Each campus will have multiple services this year, and some are having Bible Study as well. Please visit second.org for your campus schedule.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Welcome back! As we come out of year-long seclusion, there is an energy and vibrancy every weekend in Worship and Bible Study. The choir is back and bringing down the house each week!

Daily, our quiet time gives us the unparalleled privilege of narrow worship. It is time we privately worship through Scripture study, prayer, and listening to His voice. This prepares us for wide worship. Wide worship happens in community with like-minded believers corporately studying, praising, and fellowshipping together. Wide worship gives us a thrill; it is the most important time of the week.

This weekend, we will celebrate Palm Sunday, the prelude to Easter, which is the ultimate time for wide worship! After each service, all campuses will have exciting activities, food, and fellowship. This will be the perfect opportunity to bring visitors to experience the fellowship and excitement Second has to offer.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

February is considered the month of love. Shops fill their aisles with symbols of love: red and pink; hearts and candy everywhere. We are bombarded with advertisements suggesting crazy and expensive ways to demonstrate our love to each other. Valentine's Day seems to have cornered the love market.

I want to challenge that.

Perhaps the best definition of love is found in The New American Commentary: "The cross defines what Scripture means by love. Love is the voluntary placing of the welfare of others ahead of one's own. It is action, not sentiment."

Isn't that beautiful? As we head toward Palm Sunday and Easter, we celebrate the greatest love ever known. I want to suggest that a colt, a palm frond, a crown of thorns, and a cross are the true symbols of love. The Valentine's Day advertisements have one thing right: the demonstration of love is crazy and expensive! Romans 5:8 tells us why:

"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Yes, before we knew Him, before we loved Him, before we served Him, Jesus knew, loved, and served us. He was willing to die so that we may live.

Palm Sunday weekend, we are going to celebrate love! Each campus will have a Palm Sunday celebration party with food, fun, and activities for kids of all ages following Worship and Bible Study. This is a perfect opportunity to bring visitors to experience the love of Christian fellowship.

I want to urge you this week to remember that love is an action, not a sentiment. Whose welfare do you need to place before your own this week?

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

We are gearing up for an exciting spring at Second! Increasingly, people are back on campus, thriving in Bible Study, Worship, and community. I don’t know about you, but I think the music has been outstanding on every campus. There is just something about believers gathered together, lifting voices and hands in praise to our Lord. Scripture tells us that where two or three are gathered together in Jesus’ name, He will be among them (Matthew 18:20)!

Palm Sunday is just two weeks away. It marks the beginning of Jesus’ approach to the cross. At that time, the people demonstrated a real hunger for a savior and flocked around Jesus, praising and following Him as He entered Jerusalem. Our culture should be hungry for a savior, too. Increasingly, culture directs us to look to other things to “save” and to satisfy. As Christians, we should want to be near Jesus and among His people. In the celebratory fashion of the first Palm Sunday, we will have a churchwide Palm Sunday Party on each campus, with food, games, fun, and fellowship. You will not want to miss the opportunity March 27-28 to bring visitors, friends, and kids of all stages and ages to Worship and Bible Study!

In close, I want to thank you for your continued commitment through your tithes, offerings, and countless acts of devotion to your church. It is a thrilling time to be part of this church family.

Don’t forget to set your clocks to spring forward this Saturday night. We are springing forward indeed, at the Fellowship of Excitement in 2021!

May God continue to guide us as we walk on our knees.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

This weekend, we continue our series I and II Houstonians. As you know, we are mining the riches of the Apostle Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. Much like our city, Corinth faced political, religious, ethnic, and economic differences. However, Paul carefully explains how the power of the Holy Spirit unifies all Christians into one body- the Body of Christ. He writes,

¹⁰these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. ¹¹For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹²Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)

A keyword in our study this weekend is “discernment.” Paul tells us how to get this gift and how to use it. Having “discernment” will change your life!

Join us in Worship as we exegete Paul’s powerful and practical teaching on the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ. I know you will be encouraged by this relevant and current passage. Bring your fellow Houstonians to church this weekend; in a Second, we will make them feel right at home!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

As the warm Texas days return and we begin to regain daily normalcy, I am struck by how dependent we are on our everyday comforts. Without power, we were cold, isolated, and in the dark, day and night. Clean running water also disappeared for many, many people in Texas. Some Texans showed their true grit by having firewood for their fireplace and a storehouse of bottled water. Most of us did not.

The parallel to our spiritual life is striking. Spiritually speaking, which one are you? Are you someone who is far away from the power source, so when the storms of life come, you are caught by the harsh climate and the long stretches of darkness? Are you thirsty for emotional and spiritual refreshment? Or are you someone who weathers the storm with spiritual grit already armed with a storehouse of Living Water and the Light of the World - Jesus?

Either way, we can learn a lot from our recent experience. While Texans do not like living in houses that seemed to turn into instant igloos, God often teaches us about Himself in unexpected ways. As I sat in the cold darkness, He reminded me of some things I had forgotten. I hope you experienced this, too. God often demonstrates His ability to comfort in uncomfortable situations.

Storms are never easy for anyone! Jesus taught us in Matthew 7:24-27 that we need to be prepared for storms. But when we build our house on Him – the Rock – we can withstand the storm through His provision and strength.

Join me in continuing to pray for those who are still recovering from the weather damage. This can be an opportunity for us to bring some sunshine into people’s lives. This weekend, all campuses are open for Worship and Bible Study. I know you look forward to being with your Second Family, as do I!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great.” Matthew 7:24-27

Dear Second Family,

This weekend all Worship services will be online only. In-person Bible Study will not meet. As a Second Family, we will worship with one heart from many, many locations. We have made this decision based on assessments of safety equipment. Due to low water pressure and the inability to use life safety systems, plumbing, and mechanical systems, the relevant safety codes will not allow us to meet together on our campuses.

Online Worship services will be Saturday at 6pm, Sunday at 9:30am, and 11am. Click HERE to connect.

As power has failed and most of Houston continues to be without running water, I cannot ignore the parallels to Scripture. One word used for “power” in Scripture is dunamis. The word is used 117 times. We get our word dynamite from this word. The Word of God assures us over and over again that He is our ignitable power source.

Additionally, Jesus referred to Himself as living water. Living water is fresh, healing, and abundant. Make no mistake about it; being without electricity, heat, and running water is difficult and often downright frightening. But for those of us plugged in to the power and water supply of Jesus, we have a tremendous resource.

These circumstances provide an excellent opportunity to check on our neighbors and offer assistance and prayer. Take this time to check in with family and neighbors to take prayer requests. If able, serve your neighbor with acts of kindness and generosity.

This weekend we will study 1 Corinthians 2:5, where Paul actually talks about being stripped of every conventional wisdom and value so that the power of God may be augmented. He says, “I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” Although these are trying times for our city and state, we will make it through them as we continue to press onward together, trusting in a Power Source which will not fail!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

P.S. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick will be with us this weekend to give us an up-to-the-minute update on the challenges our state is facing during these winter storms. He will share his observations on what went wrong and how we can improve going forward. I believe his thoughts will be helpful to all of us.

Dear Second Family,

This weekend is Valentine’s Day. Long before the words “Be Mine” were printed on cards featuring hearts and chubby cupids, our Heavenly Father had emblazoned every page of Scripture with that very same message. Not only did He write it in His Word, He streaked it across the sky in vivid sunsets and starry nights. He used His creative side to draw us to Him through nature, His voice to draw us to Him through Scripture, and finally, He wrote “Be Mine” in the palms of His only Son’s hands.

We can love only as we have been loved. For some of us, love was not properly expressed to us growing up. Others of us have been in relationships where love was not expressed through edifying and healthy emotions. Therefore, we have difficulty accepting and giving love. The thrilling thing about God’s love is that it was expressed while we were still far from Him. Once we receive that greatest love of all, it gives us the capacity to love each other.

Each book of the Bible is a love letter from God to you and to me. From the One Who is Love, the message is personal and clear: Be Mine.

This week, we began Midweek programming and had a terrific time! It is so good to see people coming into the house of the Lord all week long. We had great attendance; even though we stayed socially distanced, there was a real sense of friendship and community.

Make plans to join us this weekend for Worship on your campus. Be confident of my prayers for you to know that the message of the cross is personal; it is for you to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are a love worth dying for. “Be Mine!” is Jesus Christ’s message to each of us!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

This weekend is Super Bowl Weekend. Historically, ad space is hard to come by and extremely expensive - $5.5 million for 30 seconds. Notably, several major brands have decided not to run commercials during the game this year. Marketing executives are giving the same reason for pulling their ad dollars; they are afraid to “strike the wrong tone.” The marketing gurus say that in a time of pandemic and deep political divides, they would rather stay on the sidelines, so to speak, than to “strike the wrong tone.”

Ladies and gentlemen, I will tell you how to strike the right tone for Super Bowl Sunday – worship! Lift your hands, cheer, clap, sing, and show your adoration for the only One who deserves our applause – Jesus Christ.

I am so thrilled to see people coming out of the stands and getting back in the game each weekend at Bible Study and Worship. This weekend we will continue our series, I and II Houstonians. We will see how the currency of Corinth's culture is the same as ours today: intelligence and influence. The apostle Paul demonstrates how the culture’s currency carries no value in God’s economy. Make plans to do pre-game at church this weekend.

We are excited that many of our favorite activities will be reopening over the next few weeks. Second City will be opening at the Woodway Campus, and Outreach and Midweek programming will be coming back on every campus. Stay tuned for more details over the coming weeks through your campus or at second.org.

We are continuing to follow safety measures according to CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office regarding masks, social distancing and sanitization as we move Onward Together this spring. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

We continue to see how this moment of extremity is God’s opportunity. My prayer is that He will do a supernatural work in your life and mine!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Ben and Krissie, Cliff and Danielle, and Lisa and I are home from Dallas, where we all did our best to surround Ed and Lisa and their family with love, support, and prayer. As many of you know, their daughter, my granddaughter, LeeBeth graduated to be with the Lord at the age of 34. I am confident that the strength we found to weather this storm is largely due to your prayers for our comfort, peace, and strength during such a tragic time of loss. Words do not adequately express how thankful we are for your calls, texts, flowers, and every expression of thoughtfulness you extended to the entire Young family. They join me in thanking you from the bottom of our hearts.

Many of you in our church family have also weathered loss recently. Daily, we are praying for the hearts and souls of our extended Second Family. We are grateful to be serving with such an incredible cloud of witnesses.

The Bible tells us that when King David was at his lowest point, surrounded, rejected, and emotionally defeated, he actually did something surprising. He worshiped! This seems like the perfect opportunity to come together and worship with uplifted hands. At the Woodway campus, we have the privilege of welcoming our new Worship Leader this weekend, the incomparable Rodney Brooks. He, his wife Michelle, and three daughters are joining us all the way from First Baptist Church, Atlanta. Rodney has already brought spirit-filled energy and leadership to our Woodway choir and worship services. Please make the Brooks feel at home when you see them around campus.

This weekend, we will continue our series I and II Houstonians, an exegetical study of Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth. Join us for this remarkably relevant series as we seek guidance on living as countercultural people in an increasingly misguided culture.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” This is a truth I saw demonstrated over and over again this past year. So many in our church family have suffered loss, illness, financial challenges, and uncertainty. Yet, we have continued to forge a brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ, strengthening as a body through love, prayer, acts of service, and worship.

Adversity has hit close to home for us this week. As many of you know, our sweet LeeBeth graduated to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning. She is Ed and Lisa’s oldest daughter and my first grandchild. As you can imagine, we are heartbroken. We are so grateful for our Second Family as you come alongside the Young family, bearing the burden of grief with us. You are the hands and feet of Christ to us through your prayer, friendship, and many acts of kindness.

LeeBeth’s graduation came far too soon for us, but I trust in the sovereignty and the timing of her Savior and mine, Jesus Christ. LeeBeth loved and served the Lord her entire life. I am completely confident that heaven is real, and I know she is experiencing indescribable joy in the presence of the Almighty. Our family will be together in Dallas this weekend, and I will be solely focused on being a dad – serving Ed in any way I can. On behalf of my boys, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Lisa and I thank you for your love, concern, and most of all for keeping us in your prayers.

Please make plans to join us weekly for this exciting and vital exegetical journey through I and II Corinthians.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

P.S. Many of you have asked about the Celebration of Life service. The service will be at her home church’s main campus, and there will also be a live stream option at FellowshipChurch.com.

Dear Second Family,

“Five, four, three, two, one…Happy New Year!” The countdown and the sentiment were the same all over the world. January 1st brought in a new year. But is it a happy one? Did anything change? Traditional New Year’s resolutions for diet, exercise, relationship reboots, and professional goalsetting seem to be hanging in the same limbo-state we left them in last year when the world began to experience the first signs of an impending pandemic. Lockdowns and politics have given rise to anger, fear, apathy, and anxiety. The question I hear repeatedly is this: “Where do we go from here?”

I am encouraged to have a guidebook, a God-breathed instruction manual for a time such as this. As we begin our new sermon series, “I & II Houstonians,” we will be delving into Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth – a city strikingly similar to Houston, Texas, in 2021. We will see how the early church survived and even thrived amid political, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural challenges. As I have pored over these passages in preparation for the series, I continue to stand in awe at the relevancy of God’s Word. So timely are the apostle’s words, he could have been writing a letter to us. Through the Holy Spirit, he did.

As we seek God’s guidance and wisdom for a new year, let Paul’s quote of the prophet Isaiah encourage you, “‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’”

Please make plans to join us weekly for this exciting and vital exegetical journey through I and II Corinthians.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He gave the world His only Son. Furthermore, if anyone in the world believes in God’s Son, that person will have eternal life. When I think of the vastness of this concept, I am encouraged and humbled.

I was reading about Italian astronomer Galileo, referred to as the “father of modern astronomy,” the “father of modern physics,” and the “father of science” due to his revolutionary findings. Galileo was the first person to use a telescope to observe the skies. He discovered the moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, sunspots, and perhaps most significantly, the solar rotation.

Though we know him now for his many accurate scientific discoveries, he was vilified for them in his day. When Galileo published his evidence that the earth orbits the sun, he was charged with heresy, found guilty, and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1633. However, as he was advanced in age and in poor health, he was allowed to serve out his sentence under house arrest.

As we suffer through a global pandemic, our version of house arrest in lockdowns and quarantine, national and international unrest, threats to civil liberties, and violence, I am drawn even more to John’s words: for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. The sacrifice God made is for each of us - regardless of opposing viewpoints, regardless of race, creed, or nationality. This is an absolute truth.

Just as Galileo's charges and ultimate house arrest did not make the earth’s orbit around the sun any less true, the state of our world and our nation does not make our orbit around the Son any less true. Our solar system operates in perfect balance. There is harmony, purpose and rhythm in the cosmos. Likewise, when we revolve our lives around the Son, there is purpose, harmony and rhythm in our daily lives. If our orbit changes, chaos and confusion replace that balance. Jesus must remain at the center.

Those who believe in Jesus and live lives that revolve around Him are unified through our devotion to Him. The church is the evidence of this. We must create an atmosphere where the Light of the World radiates, and purpose and harmony are magnified.

Isaiah tells us, “For My house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7) As the world around us feels unstable and civil liberties are challenged, the church has a duty and a privilege to pray. We must pray for the protection of our freedoms, guidance for our leaders, and for His Light to shine forth.

Put Jesus at the center and revolve your life around Him in 2021!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

This week in worship, we will experience The Sounds of Christmas, with special music on each campus. I don't know about you, but this is the week I look forward to every year. Our church family, lifting our voices in worship and praise to Christ, our King!

Each year, I am moved to tears yet flooded with excitement and joy. Yip Harburg, who wrote the lyrics for all the songs in The Wizard of Oz, including my favorite, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, famously said, "Words make you think a thought; music makes you feel a feeling, but a song makes you feel a thought." Isn't that great? I think that sums up worship music so well. We are actually feeling our thoughts toward the Lord and expressing them with body, mind, and spirit. Our entire beings are involved — if just for a short time — in exalting the Savior.

This has been a challenging year for the entire world. Research shows that music is a natural mood shifter. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to experience the Sounds of Christmas. I am confident that this weekend will provide a mood booster like nothing else. The psalmist provides the perfect invitation to us, "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!" (Psalm 95:1).

Won't you come, bring friends and family, and join the joyful noise this weekend?

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year. One of my favorite Christmas carols is Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful because it is an invitation to come, to be faithful, and to worship our Lord right where we are. Through all the holiday festivities, let’s make sure that we take time this Christmas to visit the manger and adore God’s perfect gift, Christ the Lord.

As we approach the end of 2020, I am asking our Second Family to prayerfully consider your gifts to the missions and ministries of our church. Lisa and I are painfully aware of so many stories of need throughout our church family and in the local and foreign missions we support as a church. We are praying for the Lord to help us be a blessing to His Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 4:2 tells us that we are called to “be found faithful.” Whether catching up on our tithes or giving a “second-mile” contribution, I am so thankful to serve alongside a church family who loves to serve and loves to give to our awesome God. To make a contribution today, simply click the link below or visit second.org/give.

Give Now

May the Lord abundantly bless you and your family this Christmas!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!This is my favorite time of year. I am a big kid at heart, and I am out-right excited about Christmas. I love everything about it: the lights, the food, the energy, and the anticipation. As we begin Advent, which means coming, we begin to look forward to both the celebration of the birth of Jesus and the anticipation of His second coming. There is no greater reason to celebrate than the coming of Jesus — as a baby and as our King! Make plans to attend Worship on your campus each week of Advent and on the culmination of Advent, Christmas Eve.

Our Heavenly Father modeled sacrificial giving for us. We give Christmas gifts as a symbol of the greatest gift ever bestowed on humanity: our Savior. As we come to the end of the year, prayerfully review your stewardship. Our Second Family does not wait until Christmas to extend helping hands to those in need. your gifts make possible every mission and every program we do throughout the year. 2020 has been a year of great challenge for many families, and especially for some who are alone.

Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:2 that as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to come alongside one another and carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Your generous contributions have both immediate and eternal impact!

Stay in the battle,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, kids of all ages begin to anticipate the next big event: Christmas. I am beginning to see Christmas lights everywhere I go. These lights remind me that the world was dark, and times were uncertain on that first Christmas, too. But the Light of the World broke through the darkness. As our hearts fill with thanks, even in this dark and challenging time, we start to anticipate the gift for which we are most thankful, Jesus. As Paul tells us in Colossians 3:15,

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (NIV)

Christmas at Second is my favorite time of year. We see friends, old and new, gather to enjoy fellowship and worship. Many in our community need our help this holiday season. We are determined to carry out our Angels of Light tradition by taking our ministry to our angels instead of bringing them here! Toys and food will be distributed through our local ministry partners with our Steering Committee making the deliveries. If you have not yet contributed groceries or unwrapped toys, please bring them this weekend or next.

I look forward to giving thanks with our church family this weekend. Make Second your home for the holidays!

Stay in the battle,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

As the Culture War continues, our church family also continues to delve into God’s Word for wisdom and insight for each battle. This weekend we will mine the riches of 2 Corinthians 12, Paul’s incredible description of heaven, thorns, and grace. Be sure to bring your Bibles to service, as we actively seek to rightly divide His truth in Scripture – you’ll be glad you did!

With the holidays quickly approaching, we have terrific opportunities to reach out to family, neighbors, and co-workers in our circle of influence. Invite someone to come to church to hear God’s Word, see friendly faces, and experience community in the body of Christ. This is a time to be inclusive and share your faith, friendship, and community with others.

Join Lisa and me in praying for our church family, our circles of influence, and our nation. The year 2020 has produced its share of thorns, but 2 Corinthians 12 reassures us that the grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient for all of our needs.

Stay in the battle,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

The phrase, But God, in Scripture, often precedes the compassionate and gracious intervention of God. Throughout the Bible, Old Testament to New Testament, we see God’s sovereign hand lead, guide, and save His people, especially in seemingly chaotic circumstances. Here are a few examples:

• But God remembered Noah… Genesis 8:1.
• But God said, (to Abraham) “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son…” Genesis 17:19.
• Joseph told his brothers, “as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…" Genesis 50:20.
• David stayed in the wilderness… and Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand. 1 Samuel 23:14.
• But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.
• But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he loved us even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5.

A global pandemic, economic fears, and polarizing politics seem to be spinning our world into chaos. But God. Today, the Lord is and will continue to be in His holy temple and to rule over the realm of mankind just as He did yesterday and will do forever. Psalm 103:19 says it well: "The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all."

This weekend we will conclude our This is U.S. 2020 sermon series with “How to Win the Cultural War, part 2.” Join us for Worship and Bible Study as we stand together as the body of Christ.

Stay in the battle,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king during a pivotal time in history. Before undertaking the major challenge of rebuilding the Jerusalem walls, Nehemiah prayed “day and night.” (Nehemiah 1:6) He knew that something had to be done, that there would be opposition, and that it would take tremendous effort and hard work. But Nehemiah also knew God, and that made all the difference!

We, too live in a pivotal time in history. A global pandemic, economic fears, riots, hurricanes, fires, snowstorms, polarizing politics, and a culture war seem to be spinning our world out of control. As believers, we must stand for Christ and for religious liberty. We know there will be opposition; that it will take tremendous effort and hard work. But like Nehemiah, we know God, and that makes all the difference!

When he heard of the sad state of affairs in Jerusalem, Nehemiah prayed a prayer of repentance, remembrance, and of reverence, asking for redemption and deliverance:

Nehemiah 1:5-11: “Please, LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps the covenant and faithfulness for those who love Him and keep His commandments: 6 let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open, to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have committed against You; I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. 8 Remember, please, the word which You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples; 9 but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been scattered were in the most remote part of the heavens, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I have chosen to have My name dwell.’ 10 They are Your servants and Your people whom You redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. 11 Please, Lord, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and please make Your servant successful today and grant him mercy before this man.”

What happens when Christians do not pray? Nothing. It is both our privilege and our responsibility to pray during these tumultuous times, trusting the Lord with the outcome.

This weekend as we approach election day, we will consider “How to Vote for a President,” looking at biblical guidelines for choosing a leader. This Sunday at 5 p.m., we will have a time of prayer and the Lord’s Supper on every campus. Lisa and I look forward to joining you this weekend as we worship together and pray for our nation.

Stay in the battle,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

The eyes have it. The light that shines in all believers shines brightly in the eyes, and it is the one thing about our faces we can see even with our masks on! It has been my joy to see the light in the eyes of our Second Family back on our campuses, in our volunteers serving the body of Christ, and in our students back in school. Fall is in the air, businesses are reopening, grocery stores are restocked, and His light is shining brighter in our Second Family every single day.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:6: "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." This light is not just for our purposes. Through us, the knowledge of the glory of God can be made evident to those around us! This weekend we will discover “How to Win the Cultural War, part 1.” Through the Good News of the Gospel and the light, life, and love of Christ, we can overcome the darkness pervading our culture. Next weekend, we will discuss “How to Vote for a President" and have a prayer service on each campus, Sunday, November 1, at 5 p.m. to pray for our nation. On November 7 and 8, we will conclude our series with “How to Win the Cultural War, part 2.” Be sure to make Worship with your Second Family a top priority in the weeks ahead.

I want to congratulate all of the Adult Bible Study classes that have met or exceeded their goal for Missions Month. Specifically, Seekers at North Campus, Fortified at South Campus, and Cross Training at Woodway, and others have gone above and beyond the call. It’s not too late to give. We have two weekends left to meet our goal of $1.5 million for missions.

Finally, I want to thank you for your diligence in following the CDC guidelines and Governor’s Office recommendations as we worship together. We are grateful to be able to say that, to date, we have not had any cases of COVID-19 traced back to any of our campuses.

Stay in the battle and shine,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Sixty-one years ago, a television show aired its first episode. It was called The Twilight Zone. The show was a mix of science fiction, social commentary, and horror. Each episode's theme demonstrated that people were living in a zone where nothing was as it should be – the twilight zone. One of the episodes, Monsters on Maple Street, depicted how aliens quickly took over an entire town by simply creating a culture of fear. A terrific quote from that episode says this: "There are weapons that are simply thoughts, attitudes, prejudices, to be found only in the minds of men."

The culture war is raging. The interesting thing about a culture war is that the battlefronts are not necessarily where we expect them to be. Our world has turned evil into good and condemned good as evil. We live in a culture that says modesty is prudish, and sexuality is to be open. We are increasingly becoming a culture that sees Christianity as ignorance and atheism as intellectual. We are living in the twilight zone.

Perhaps no area is more threatened than our religious liberties. This weekend in Worship, we will examine the battle for religious liberty. As Christianity is forced out of the marketplace and Christians' voices are silenced, our liberties are quickly eroding.

Join us in Worship this weekend as we pray for our nation, our church, and our religious liberty.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

October is a big month in the life of our Church. Not only is it Missions Month, but we begin to anticipate one of the best-loved programs of the year at Second Baptist: Angels of Light. After much prayer and planning, we are determined to carry out this tradition in 2020 by taking our ministry to our angels instead of bringing them here! Toys and food will be distributed through our local ministry partners with our Steering Committee making the deliveries. Watch for more details on how you can be a part.

Our culture is engaged in a battle, and our world needs more ambassadors of light to break through the darkness. I encourage you to join Lisa and me in praying for each home and each individual to be impacted by Christ through this special tradition.

This week in our fall sermon series, we will look at the “Battle for the Church.” We are fighting on all fronts. We are being attacked from the outside and from within. However, as the Bride of Christ, we have peace knowing that our bridegroom, Christ, has already overcome the world, and we have victory in Him./p>

Make plans to join us this weekend to hear practical steps in fighting this culture war.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Last Sunday at 5:00 p.m., we met on each campus for a prayer service. We came together to humble ourselves and pray for healing for families, friends, loved ones, and our nation. Based on God’s Word found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, we encourage our Second Family to continue this posture of prayer and to pray daily at 7:14 a.m. and 7:14 p.m.

Each weekend this fall, we will take an in-depth look at different battlefronts within the culture war in which we are engaged. This week, we will look at the battle for marriage. Make no mistake; marriage is under attack. From redefining marriage to infidelity within a marriage, to those avoiding marriage all-together, a war is being waged against this most precious covenantal blessing. This week, we will look to God’s Word for His directives and His intention for biblical marriage.

Though this year has been challenging in a myriad of ways, I’ve got some good news to share: Our God reigns! He is in control, and those who believe in His sovereignty know that His good and perfect will cannot be thwarted. We are called to pray, but also to trust that He has every situation under control. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”

We hope to see you on your campus this weekend. I’ll have a Bible in my hand and a prayer in my heart for our nation and our entire Second Family.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Hurricane Laura hit our neighboring counties and states with powerful winds, water surges, and heavy rains. Please join Lisa and me in praying for all those who have suffered losses from the hurricane’s path and also in giving praise to our Heavenly Father, Who spared our country from the overwhelming loss of life that was predicted. While each life is precious, and one life lost is too many, weather specialists used words like “unsurvivable” in predicting the danger that was bearing down on our state and neighboring Louisiana. The Lord was merciful and faithful in His protection.

Many of us recall the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, and our hearts go out to those who will be rebuilding in the days and months to come. As we continue to pray for the region, we will also help in practical ways. We have reached out to several churches that were impacted by the storm to assess their needs. We are sending both financial and physical support to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Stay tuned for more information on how you can help those in need.

If we use storms as a metaphor, it is fair to say that hurricane season came early this year. Our nation and the world have been weathering pandemics, violence, division, and godlessness. Beginning in September, we will be addressing the current climate in our new sermon series, This is U.S. 2020. Each week, we will look at the tough issues looming ominously over our nation, turning to God’s Word for answers and light in dark times.

I am convinced that the Lord, Who demonstrated His faithfulness during this recent hurricane, will also be faithful to provide wisdom, healing, and peace to those who earnestly seek Him. Perhaps the New Living Translation of the Apostle Paul’s words says it best:

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39, NLT)

For those attending Worship and Bible Study in person this weekend, we are continuing to follow safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office recommendations with regard to masks, social distancing, sanitization, and more. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

Please continue to pray for those in the hurricane’s path and our entire Second Family across the world.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

It’s that time of year again! Our students, teachers, and administrators are heading back to school. Join me in praying for our students and the entire educational system as they approach a school year like no other. We have continually looked at extremities as God’s opportunities. With that in mind, we can anticipate great things this school year. Kids are naturally resilient, creative, and inquisitive. Those who have answered God’s call to the teaching profession are to be commended. They have a noble and important task ahead as they gear up for new faces, new material, and a new semester whether online, in person, or something in between.

Our Second Family is also gearing up for a new sermon series, “This Is U.S. 2020.” We will look for answers to important questions from the most reliable, unchanging source I know: God’s Word. We will use the Bible as our GPS – Global Positioning System – to navigate the confusing and erratic terrain of our culture. The best description of a GPS is found in a book that might surprise you - the New Living Translation of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Isn’t that terrifically clear?! This is going to be an exciting year. Let’s pray that each of us will become students this semester.

For those attending Worship and Bible Study in person this weekend, we are continuing to follow safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office recommendations with regard to masks, social distancing, sanitization, and more. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Everyone loves a promotion. Whether it’s a new job, a new class, or a new rank in the military, forward motion creates excitement and new opportunities. The etymology of the word promotion comes from the Latin and literally means to move forward. This weekend is “Promotion Weekend” on all campuses, with everyone moving up to their next grade for Bible Study. I think we should each take a moment to think of ways that we can move forward regardless of age or stage. During this world-wide pandemic, time seems frozen. People tell me they forget what day it is, have not worn regular clothes in months, and have lost all track of time. But the truth is, time has not stood still. Just look at the kiddos. They have not stopped growing, changing, and moving forward to the next school grade. I think children give us the best examples of promotion – they naturally move forward. They can’t be stopped! Philippians 3:14 encourages us: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

As the Body of Christ, we are called to press on, to move forward to fulfill our purpose in Christ and for His Kingdom. We are starting a new section in the Is There More? Adult Bible Study curriculum series, The Story of Christ: In His Own Words, and I know you won’t want to miss what the Lord has to teach us in His own words.

Beginning in September, our sermon series, “This Is U.S. 2020,” will explore the culture war we are currently facing. I read that some of the most notable small plane crashes of our time happened when the pilot suffered from a phenomenon called “spatial disorientation.” This occurs when the pilot becomes confused, often because of clouded visibility and he thinks he is flying right-side-up, but is actually upside-down. If the pilot does not realize his mistake in time, the results are disastrous. So many people I have talked and prayed with feel like our culture is careening toward an unknown horizon, totally upside-down. Each week this fall, we will turn to the Bible for direction, answers, and a clear vision of God’s truth amid unprecedented times.

For those attending Worship and Bible Study in person this weekend, we are continuing to follow safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office recommendations with regard to masks, social distancing, sanitization, and more. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

Be confident of my continued prayers for our Second Family.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

This weekend we close our study of Philippians 4 with a passage that brings both comfort and confidence: 

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)

As a boy, going back to school meant a trip to the store to purchase the supplies I would need for the new school year. Back then, we bought pencils, new pencil boxes, notebooks, and other things that would last all year long. Looking back, I know my parents sacrificed to make those purchases. As a father, I remember my boys coming home with much more detailed lists that their mom would take them to buy before the first day of school. I am told that the list of supplies in this day and age no longer includes a pencil box, but is very specific, detailed, and long. Each of my school-aged grandchildren has a particular list of supplies they need. If I go to the store and grab a bunch of pencils and a pencil box for them, I will miss everything on their list. I have no idea what they need! 

Philippians 4 assures us that we have a Heavenly Father who knows what is on our list and will supply all of our needs. Not only does He know what our needs are, He supplies us from the glorious riches we have in Jesus. I am comforted to know that my God knows my specific and individual needs and has the desire and ability to supply everything on that list! 

Our fall sermon series entitled, “This Is U.S. 2020,” will address the culture war in which we are currently engaged. Each week, we will explore a different battlefront. Join me in praying for this study as we seek God’s truth amid turmoil, polarized worldviews, and cultural coups. Thankfully, we enter the new series already assured that our God knows and supplies all of our needs!

For those attending Worship and Bible Study in person this weekend, we are continuing to follow safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office recommendations with regard to masks, social distancing, sanitization, and more. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

Be confident of my continued prayers for our Second Family.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

The summer at Second is off to a great start. In Worship, our summer sermon series continues, as we mine the riches of Philippians 4. This weekend, our sermon is entitled, “New Strength.” Sixty-four years ago, on July 30, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law officially declaring In God We Trust to be the nation’s official motto. This came two years after the President advocated to insert under God into the Pledge of Allegiance. At a Flag Day speech in 1954, Eisenhower explained why he was passionate about including under God in the Pledge of Allegiance:

“In this way, we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way, we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.”

I believe President Eisenhower’s words are both timely and true. Whatever today or tomorrow brings, our greatest resource is spiritual weapons that are strengthened and well-honed. Philippians 4:13 encourages us that we can do ALL things through Christ, who provides the strengthening we need!

You won’t want to miss a minute of our fall sermon series entitled, “This Is U.S. 2020.” We will continue to expand our study of how we can flex and strengthen our spiritual muscles as we address the cultural war in which we are engaged.

Summer is the perfect time to maximize your circle of influence within your neighborhood, friend circle, and even within your own home. Whether you bring visitors to campus Bible Study and Worship or gather online to worship together remotely, invite friends and family to be a part of your Second Family.

For those attending Worship and Bible Study in person this weekend, we are continuing to follow safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office recommendations with regard to masks, social distancing, sanitization, and more. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

I look forward to fun and fellowship this weekend.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

There is no shortage of excitement at the Fellowship of Excitement this week! VBS online is going strong, and I am hearing reports from parents and grandparents alike that our kids (and the young at heart) are having a ball. Lisa and I have enjoyed watching it online! You can quickly see that “Second Loves Kids” is more than just a slogan! Our video team continuously does an outstanding job, the JUMP and GIGL teams are knocking it out of the park with worship, and Karate Camp: The Movie is an instant hit.

Interestingly, the word karate means “empty hand.” I can’t think of a more perfectly symbolic way for us to approach this season than with empty hands, turned toward heaven. Often, we find ourselves holding on to things that do not matter, and that ultimately can never satisfy or bring any level of peace. Let’s release to the Lord anything that we are gripping too tightly, and in turn, ask Him to fill us with His peace and provision; His daily bread. Finally, whether you are joining us online or in person at your campus, let’s raise empty hands in worship and praise this weekend.

For those attending Worship and Bible Study in person this weekend, we are continuing to follow safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office recommendations with regard to masks, social distancing, sanitization, and more. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

I look forward to what the Lord will do in the weeks ahead! He alone is worthy of our uplifted hands!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

As we navigate the ever-changing waters of our current climate, I continue to be amazed and proud of the creativity demonstrated throughout this season of unusual circumstances. Our staff and volunteers remain hard at work to keep things exciting and innovative for the Second Family. VBS is no exception – and it is almost here! July 20-24, we will take everything you love online, from the classroom activities to a brand-new movie. You won’t want to miss this fun-filled week, featuring Karate Camp: The Movie!

Each day, visit second.org/vbs to download the at-home sessions, including a devotional, worship with our JUMP and GiGL Teams, indoor and outdoor activities, craft, memory verse, and talking points. Then, watch the latest episode of Karate Camp: The Movie with new episodes posted every morning at 8 a.m. You will not want to miss this time with family, friends, and especially those for whom you have been praying in your sphere of influence. This is a great and fun-filled way to share fellowship with neighbors and friends who have young children. Actually, each year I hear from adults who come for the kids, but fall in love with the VBS message and program themselves! So, be sure to invite those who are young and young at heart to join us online next week.

For those attending Worship and Bible Study in person this weekend, we are continuing to follow safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office recommendations with regard to masks, social distancing, sanitization, and more. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

Our summer series, “All Things New,” will continue this weekend, bringing us encouragement and practical wisdom from the book of Philippians. I look forward to what the Lord will do in the weeks ahead at the Fellowship of Excitement!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

This weekend, we kick off our summer series, “All Things New.” You will not want to miss this study of Philippians 4, one of the most encouraging passages in Scripture. Philippians 4 promises peace as a result of prayer and petition. Peace is the illusive state of being all people, religious or non-religious, crave. As Christians, peace does not have to be out of reach or dependent upon anything other than Christ. The word peace used in Philippians 4 actually means wholeness or unity. Think about that. Personally, we each long to be whole – body, mind, and spirit. As a community, we long for wholeness and unity. As families, we endeavor to be whole – all members equally happy and healthy. And as the Body of Christ, we must strive for wholeness with Christ as the head, and each member as vital, contributing parts of the body.

This is going to be a great summer as each Sunday the letter to the Philippians brings words of comfort, assurance and encouragement. Additionally, JUMP opens on all campuses this weekend giving kiddos in grades 1 through 4 the opportunity to learn from God’s Word in a fun and exciting way. This is a great time to invite those in your circle of influence to join the fellowship we enjoy as believers and members of the Second Family!

For those attending Worship and Bible Study in person this weekend, we are continuing to follow safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office recommendations with regard to masks, social distancing, sanitization, and more. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

I look forward to worshipping with all of you this weekend!

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young

Dear Second Family,

Happy 4th! We commemorate Independence Day as the day that the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The first Fourth of July celebration was by the colonies, with fellowship and fireworks. The tradition continues 244 years later! As a church, we will celebrate in person and online with fellowship and a resounding time of worship led by Veritas, our special musical guests. When Veritas leads worship, I not only hear with my ears, but I feel the music in my chest - a foretaste of heaven when all believers sing praises to our King.

For those attending Worship and Bible Study in person this weekend, we are continuing to follow safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Office recommendations with regard to masks, social distancing, sanitization, and more. You can review our guidelines for Worship, Bible Study, and Childcare HERE. If you are in a high-risk category or feel more comfortable at home, please worship with us online at second.org.

Trey Gowdy’s message spoke to me in a profound way last weekend. I always enjoy having him home and hearing his heart for the Lord. Trey is a great example of bearing witness for Christ within our own realm of influence. Though most of us are not in a congressional sphere, our own circle of influence is vital for the Kingdom. Tradition has it that John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, declared that he signed the Declaration of Independence "with a great flourish" so England's "King George can read that without spectacles!" I love that. As the Body of Christ, I believe we are called to live lives that are so obviously Christ-like that no one has to wear spectacles to recognize us as Christians.

Enjoy this holiday weekend, and make sure you “sign your name with a flourish,” boldly proclaiming Christ within your own circle of influence.

His and yours,

H. Edwin Young