The Journey Church Houston Podcast

How to Read the Bible | Session 11: New Testament Narrative

How to Read the Bible |  Session 11: New Testament Narrative
What’s the point of the Gospels? Are they just collections of inspirational teachings and miracles?
In this session, Pastor Mace Perez explores the New Testament narrative books—the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John plus Acts—aren’t random stories, but essential contributors to the one great Story the Bible tells: from Creation, to Fall, to Redemption, to Restoration.
New Testament narrative is real history with theological purpose. We dig into how Gospel writers chose and arranged their stories to show who Jesus really is, the fulfillment of Old Testament hope. We also explore how Acts continues the story, tracing the spread of the gospel through the Spirit-empowered church.
💡 Learn how to:
Avoid common mistakes when reading the Gospels
Interpret stories in context of the larger Gospel message
Recognize how the NT narrative fits into the whole Biblical Story
Whether you're new to the Bible or want to deepen your understanding, this class will help you read with clarity, context, and confidence.

Genesis 18:16–19:38 | The Justice and Mercy of God

Will God allow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished?To address this question, we turn to one of the most sobering and surprising stories in Scripture.
In this sermon, we explore the destruction of Sodom and the rescue of Lot in Genesis 18–19, where God's perfect justice and His unexpected mercy collide. Abraham intercedes for a wicked city. Lot, flawed and fearful, is spared—not because of his goodness, but because of his connection to a mediator.
Through this account, we see a crucial truth: ➡️ God is just and must deal with sin. ➡️ God is merciful and provides a way of escape—through a mediator.
Ultimately, this all points to Jesus Christ, the true and better Mediator. At the cross, God's justice against sin and His mercy toward sinners meet. In Him, we are offered righteousness by grace through faith.
📖 Key Themes:
Why God must judge sin
How Lot’s story reveals our need for grace
How Jesus fulfills the role of the perfect Mediator
What it means to receive mercy and walk in new life
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📍 The Journey | A church in the Heights, Houston 🌐 Learn more: www.thejourneyhouston.org

How to Read the Bible | Session 10: Old Testament Wisdom Literature

How to Read the Bible | Session 9: Old Testament Poetry 📖
Understanding the Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
The Wisdom Literature of the Bible is some of the most encouraging yet oft misunderstood books of the Bible. Wisdom books are philosophical writings about the human situation. They answer -Question of suffering -Question of right vs wrong -Question of life and death -Questions of love and desire -Existential questions of reality. They are Concerned with TRUTH. 🔍 Whether you're new to the Bible or looking to go deeper, this session will help you read and respond to the poetic books with fresh eyes and an open heart. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more content to help you understand and enjoy the Bible. 🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss a session!
#BibleStudy #HowToReadTheBible #OldTestamentWisdom #Psalms #wisdom #SpiritualGrowth #TheJourney #philosophy

Genesis 17:15-18:15 | Is Anything Too Hard For the Lord?

Genesis 17:15-18:15 | Is Anything Too Hard For the Lord?
 
Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe that the Lord can and will do anything to fulfill His promises? In this sermon Pastor Mace explores two responses to this question in Genesis 17:15-18:15. Abraham and Sarah both laugh, but what comes next reveals the true condition of their heart. 🔔 🔔 If this message encourages you on your spiritual journey, please like, share, and subscribe to help spread the hope of the Gospel. For more information about The Journey and to explore additional resources, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.
#Genesis1814 #IsAnythingTooHardForTheLord #FaithInGod #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #GodsPromises #MiracleOfGod #AbrahamAndSarah #BiblicalMiracles #NothingIsImpossibleWithGod

Easter 2025 | Matthew 28: He Has Risen!

He Has Risen! | Matthew 28 | Easter 2025
💥 “It’s not supposed to be this way...” You’ve said it. We’ve all felt it. When the diagnosis comes... When the job is gone... When your marriage falls apart... When someone you love dies...
The first followers of Jesus must have felt the same after watching their hope crucified and buried in a tomb.
But then—everything changed.
In this Easter message from Matthew 28, Pastor Mace Perez explores the most world-altering event in history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This sermon will help you see: ✅ Why the resurrection is the answer to life’s deepest pains ✅ How we can have confidence that Jesus actually rose from the dead ✅ How you’re invited to respond—whether you’re ready to believe or still just exploring
🔔 Subscribe to stay connected with more messages that speak truth, goodness, and beauty into the modern world. 📖 For more about The Journey, visit www.journeyhouston.org
Key Quotes
“He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man.” — C.S. Lewis “You are not suffering from anything that a good resurrection can’t fix.” — D.A. Carson “No matter how devastating our struggles … the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.” — Josh McDowell
Whether you believe, doubt, or are somewhere in between, you're invited to come and see.

How to Read the Bible | Session 9: Old Testament Poetry

How to Read the Bible | Session 9: Old Testament Poetry
📖 Understanding the Psalms and the Power of Hebrew Poetry
Over one-third of the Bible is written in poetry—and today, we begin to explore this rich and beautiful genre, focusing especially on the Psalms. In this session, Pastor Mace Perez guides us through the emotional and spiritual depth of Old Testament poetry, helping us see how these writings are designed to make us think deeply and feel intensely.
Far from being distant commentary, biblical poetry invites us into the lived experiences of its authors—experiences of joy, sorrow, repentance, longing, and praise. You'll learn how to identify and interpret key poetic elements like:
Terseness – saying a lot in a few words
Parallelism – the heartbeat of Hebrew poetry
Figurative imagery – colorful language meant to stir the heart and soul
🔍 Whether you're new to the Bible or looking to go deeper, this session will help you read and respond to the poetic books with fresh eyes and an open heart.
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more content to help you understand and enjoy the Bible.
🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss a session! 

Palm Sunday 2025 | Matthew 21:1–11 | The Kingdom We Long For, The King We Need

Palm Sunday 2025 | Matthew 21:1–11 | The Kingdom We Long For, The King We Need
We all long for a better world—a just kingdom, a good ruler, and lasting peace. On Palm Sunday, Jesus enters Jerusalem to the sound of cheers and waving palm branches. The people cry, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” believing their long-awaited King has finally come. But this King is not what they expected. And the Kingdom He brings doesn’t arrive in power, but in humility—on the back of a donkey, headed for a cross.
In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Steven Hiller teaches on Matthew 21:1–11. Discover the significance of the Triumphal Entry and see how it fits into the larger story of God’s Kingdom—one that begins with suffering but ends in glory. The people wanted a conquering King. Jesus came as a suffering Savior. Before the crown, there must be the cross.
🔔 Subscribe for more messages that help you discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian Story. 📖 Related Scripture: Matthew 21:1–11 | Psalm 118:19–29 | Zechariah 9:9 | Isaiah 62:11

How to Read the Bible | Session 8: Old Testament Prophecy

How to Read the Bible | Session 8: Old Testament Prophecy
The Old Testament Prophets: poetic, powerful… and often perplexing.
In this session of our How to Read the Bible Discipleship Class, we explore one of the most misunderstood and overlooked parts of Scripture—Old Testament Prophecy. Though often heavy and full of judgment, these books are deeply relevant and full of grace, hope, and God's heart for His people and the world.
📚 In this session, you’ll learn:
Why OT prophecy matters—and why we often avoid it
How to understand the prophets in their historical and literary context
The “World Cup” analogy that makes the prophetic world come alive
The basic 3-part message most prophets communicated
How to read and apply prophetic texts using Micah 6:6–8 as a case study
💡 Whether you’ve struggled with the prophets or are diving in for the first time, this session gives you the tools and confidence to read them well.
🔔 Subscribe for more discipleship content and Bible study tools 📍 Join us Sundays at 9:30 AM for Discipleship Class, 10:30 AM for Worship |1703 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008 🌐 Learn more: www.thejourneyhouston.org

Genesis 17:1–14 | The Sign of the Promise

Genesis 17:1–14 | The Sign of the Promise
What does an ancient practice like circumcision have to do with your life today?
In this message from Genesis 17:1–14, Pastor Mace Perez unpacks the covenant sign God gave to Abraham—circumcision—and why it’s actually good news for us. Just like a wedding ring serves as a sign and reminder of a deeper commitment, God gave His people a physical reminder of His promise: “I will be your God.”
📖 We’ll see:
Why it’s never too late for God to work in your life
How God's promises are as good as done
What circumcision symbolized for Israel—and why it's been fulfilled
How we now put on the signs of the New Covenant: baptism and the Lord’s Supper
How to respond like Abraham: with worship and obedience
Whether you’re new to the Bible or have followed Jesus for years, this passage reminds us of the faithfulness of God—and calls us to live in light of His promises.
🔔 Subscribe for more sermons and resources from The Journey Church 📍 Join us Sundays at 10:30 AM | 1703 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008 🌐 Learn more: www.thejourneyhouston.org

How to Read the Bible | Session 7: Old Testament Law

Why does the Old Testament Law matter, and how should we read it as Christians today? In Session 7 of our How to Read the Bible class, Pastor Steven Hiller helps us dive into the role of the Law in Scripture, its purpose in Israel’s story, and how it points us to Jesus.
🔍 Key Topics:
The Law as part of God’s covenant with Israel
The difference between the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants
How blessings and curses functioned in Israel’s history
The role of the Law in pointing to Christ and the New Covenant
How to approach Old Testament commands today
Through this session, we see that the Law is more than just rules—it reveals the character of God, His call to holiness, and His plan for redemption. Join us as we unpack how to read and apply these Scriptures with a gospel-centered lens!
📖 Key Passages: Deuteronomy 6:5, Exodus 19:4–6, Deuteronomy 28, Jeremiah 31:31–33
🔔 If this lesson encourages you in your spiritual journey, please rate, review, share, and subscribe. For more information about The Journey and additional resources, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.