The Journey Church Houston Podcast

Why Believe?, Session 12: Q&A Day + Conclusion

In the final session of our Why Believe? discipleship class, Pastors Mace Perez and Steven Hiller tackle participant-submitted questions and some of the most common critiques of Christianity that we didn’t cover earlier in the series.
In this thought-provoking session, we explore:
Are fear and worry always from Satan?
Are all sins equal?
How can you explain all of the injustice and religious violence in the world?
Isn’t Christianity repressive when it comes to matters of gender and sexuality?
We conclude by reflecting on the power of the Christian Story as the only framework that fully makes sense of the world, addressing lingering doubts, and equipping followers of Jesus to share the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Gospel.
Whether you’re wrestling with these questions, seeking deeper understanding, or equipping yourself to engage a skeptical world, this session is for you.
📖 Key Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
If this teaching invites you to reflect on the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian Story, please like, subscribe, and share! For more resources or to connect with us, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.

Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 - The King Will Bring Light to the Darkness

Where can we find hope and light in a world filled with darkness? In this Advent sermon from "The Promised One" series, Pastor Mace Perez unpacks the powerful prophecy of Isaiah 9. This passage foretells the coming of a King who will bring eternal peace, righteousness, and light to those walking in darkness.
This message explores the historical and spiritual significance of Isaiah’s words and shows how Jesus Christ fulfills the prophecy as the Light of the World and the Prince of Peace. Discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian Story as we celebrate the hope of Advent together.
If this message inspires you, please rate, review, share, and subscribe to help spread this Good News. To learn more about The Journey and access additional resources, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.

"Why Believe?," Session 11: The Gospel (Part 3), Christianity and Salvation

In Session 11 of our “Why Believe?” Discipleship Class, Pastor Mace Perez explores the heart of the Christian faith: salvation through Jesus Christ. 
We examine humanity's radical corruption by sin and why only Christianity offers a solution that addresses our deepest needs. Through vivid metaphors like sin as transgression and slavery, we unpack why we need a Savior and how God's grace through the cross provides both forgiveness and transformation.
Discover how Christianity uniquely answers the questions of guilt, brokenness, and hope, while tackling objections like, "Why did Jesus have to die?" and "Why are Christians so awful?" Join us for this compelling discussion on the gospel of grace that changes everything.
If this teaching invites you to reflect on the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian Story, please rate, review, subscribe, and share! For more resources or to connect with us, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.

Genesis 22:15–18 - Through Israel the Seed Will Bless the Nations

In the second week of our Advent series Pastor Steven Hiller explores the profound promises of God’s Kingdom as revealed in Genesis 22:15–18. 
Journey with us through Scripture to uncover the depth of God's salvation plan—a Kingdom plan that defeats darkness, blesses the nations, and offers eternal life as a tangible, glorious reality. Discover how the promise of Christ's second coming transforms despair into hope and invites us to live today as citizens of His eternal Kingdom. Let’s celebrate the advent of our King, who makes all things new.
If this message helps you discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian story, don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share! For more resources or to connect with us, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.

Genesis 3:8–15, The Seed of the Woman Will Bruise the Head of the Serpent

There’s nothing in the human experience like eagerly anticipating the birth of a baby. 
As we enter Advent, we remember the anticipation of Christ’s first coming and look forward to His second. In this message from Genesis 3:8–15, Pastor Mace Perez explores the first promise of the gospel—the Protoevangelium—and how it points to the ultimate victory of Jesus over Satan.
Discover how this ancient promise invites us to hope in Christ, rest in His victory, and develop meaningful Advent traditions that keep our hearts focused on Him. Whether you're exploring faith or a long-time believer, this message calls us all to celebrate the Promised One who will one day vanquish Satan forever.
If this message helps you discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian story, don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share!
For more resources or to connect with us, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.

John 21: The Restoration and Sending of the Eyewitnesses

Can grace transform even the most broken lives into powerful witnesses of Christ?
In John 21, the final chapter of John’s Gospel, we witness the profound restoration of Peter and the commissioning of the apostles. Pastor Steven Hiller unpacks the themes of forgiveness, grace, and the call to mission, reminding us that no sin is too great for the redeeming love of Jesus.
From Peter’s humbling restoration at the seaside to John’s closing testimony, this sermon beautifully ties together loose ends of the Gospel narrative, challenging us to embrace our call to share the Good News with a dying world.
Whether you're seeking hope in forgiveness, encouragement in your faith journey, or insight into the apostles’ mission, this sermon will inspire you to see how a heart grateful for the Gospel multiplies the Gospel.
If this message helps you discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian story, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, and share!
For more resources or to connect with us, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org. 

Why Believe?, Session 10: The Gospel (Part 2) - Christianity and Sin

Christianity presents a unique and challenging view of the human condition: we are not merely flawed; we are radically corrupted by sin. In this session of "Why Believe?," Pastor Mace Perez unpacks this profound claim, exploring the Christian belief that our deepest problem is not simply a result of circumstances or a lack of education but a fundamental issue within our hearts.
Key Insights:
- What Radical Corruption Means: "Radical" refers to our core, showing that sin impacts us at the very root of our being. This goes beyond simply breaking rules—it reveals how we tend to prioritize anything over God.
- Evidence in the World and Our Hearts: From global conflicts to personal struggles, evidence of sin surrounds us. Even with our best intentions, we struggle to meet our own standards, let alone God’s. The Christian story resonates deeply because it provides an honest answer to this pervasive problem.
- Our Need for a Savior: History shows that no social reform, education, or religious system can fully cure humanity's moral corruption. When we recognize the extent of our brokenness, the Christian perspective becomes compelling and essential: we need a Savior.
 
If this teaching invites you to reflect on the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian Story, please subscribe, rate, review, and share! For more resources or to connect with us, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.

John 20: The Resurrected King

J.R.R. Tolkien famously coined the term “eucatastrophe” to describe a sudden, miraculous turn of events that brings unexpected joy when all hope seems lost. He believed that the greatest eucatastrophe in history is found in the story of Jesus Christ, culminating in His resurrection. But how can we be sure that the resurrection really happened? And why is it so pivotal to our faith?
In this powerful sermon, Pastor Mace Perez delves into John 20, exploring compelling evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. Discover why Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Lord, the empty tomb, and the transformed lives of the disciples are all key proofs that Jesus is alive. Learn how the resurrection is not just a historical event but the ultimate turning point that confirms Jesus as the Son of God who brings life, hope, and the promise of a new creation.
Key Questions Addressed:
How do we know the resurrection is real? Explore multiple eyewitness accounts, the significance of the empty tomb, and the fulfilled prophecies that point to Jesus’ victory over death.
Why does the resurrection matter? Understand how this great eucatastrophe changes everything, from our understanding of Jesus’ identity to the hope we have for eternal life.
If this message helps you discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian story, don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share! For more resources or to connect with us, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.

Why Believe? - Session 9: The Gospel (Part 1) - The Uniqueness of Christianity

What makes Christianity unique among the major world religions?
In this session of our "Why Believe?" class, Pastor Steven Hiller begins a mini-series about how the core message of Christianity, the gospel, is itself evidence for the truth of Christianity.
 
Christianity uniquely addresses the human condition, recognizing our radical moral failure and our need for a Savior. We'll compare Christianity's claims about sin and salvation with Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Discover why the Gospel is not just another self-help solution but the transformative good news that meets our deepest needs.
 
If this lesson has helped you on your journey to discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian Story, please like, subscribe, and share. For additional resources or to connect, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.

John 19 - The Crucified King

What does the cross truly symbolize?
In this powerful message, Pastor Mace Perez dives into John 19 to explore the deeper meaning behind the most recognizable symbol in Christianity.
The cross isn't just a historical event—it's the moment of Jesus' greatest glory, revealing Him as the Son of God, the true King, and the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Discover how the crucifixion was not a defeat but a victory, a testament to His love, and a call for us to believe.
If this message helps you discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Christian Story, be sure to like, subscribe, and share! For more resources or to connect with us, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.