The Journey Church Houston Podcast

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.
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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
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
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

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.

The God Who Hears and Sees | Genesis 16
There are moments in life that bring us to the end of ourselves—whether in marriage, parenting, health, work, or struggles with sin. What do we do when we feel lost, broken, or out of options?
In this sermon from Genesis 16, we see Abram and Sarai attempt to fulfill God's promise by human means rather than trusting the God who hears and sees. Their plan leads to conflict and suffering, but God meets Hagar in the wilderness, revealing Himself as El Roi—The God Who Sees Me.
Through this passage, we are reminded: 🔹 God hears our cries 🔹 God sees our struggles 🔹 God is faithful to His promises
Instead of taking matters into our own hands, we must put them in His hands. Just as God heard Israel’s cries in Egypt, He hears us today. And in the greatest act of love, God heard, God saw, and God came—through Jesus Christ!
🔔 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.

Welcome back to our How to Read the Bible series!
In this session, Pastor Steven Hiller helps us dive into Old Testament Narrative—the dominant genre of Scripture, making up over 43% of the Bible! 📖✨
Understanding context and genre is key to interpreting any passage, and today we’ll explore why God communicates through story, how narratives shape our hearts and minds, and the essential literary tools for interpretation.
We’ll cover:
✅ Why stories are powerful and how they shape faith
✅ How plot structure reveals meaning
✅ The role of characters, themes, and symbols
✅ Why the Bible is a dramatic plot, not episodic
✅ How Old Testament narratives point to Jesus By the end of this lesson, you'll be equipped to read biblical stories in their proper context, avoiding common misinterpretations and uncovering the rich, unified story of Scripture.
🔔 If this lesson encourages you in your spiritual journey, please like, share, and subscribe. For more information about The Journey and additional resources, visit www.thejourneyhouston.org.

Questioning God While Waiting on Him | Genesis 15 Sermon
Have you ever found yourself waiting on God—longing for wisdom, freedom from sin, peace, justice, or even Christ’s return—only to wrestle with doubt and questions? 
As Pastor Mace Perez preaches on Genesis 15, we see Abram in a similar place, questioning God’s promises as he waits. How does the Lord respond? By confirming His covenant promises of seed and land, showing that He is always faithful.
In this sermon, we explore: 📖 Abram’s doubts (Gen. 15:1–3) – Will God provide an heir? ✨ God’s reaffirmation (Gen. 15:4–5) – As numerous as the stars! 🙏 Abram’s faith (Gen. 15:6) – Justified by faith alone. 🏡 The Promised Land (Gen. 15:7–21) – A sealed covenant that rests solely on God’s faithfulness.
Ultimately, we learn how to wait in faith—trusting that God always keeps His promises. Just as Abram was justified by faith, so too are we through the finished work of Christ. In the waiting, let’s remember: God is faithful, His promises are sure, and His Kingdom will come.
🔔 If this message encourages you on your spiritual journey, please rate, review, 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.

Life can feel like an uphill battle—whether it’s illness, parenting struggles, fighting sin, or grieving over those we know who don’t know the Lord.
As Pastor Mace Perez preaches from Genesis 14, we see one of the greatest underdog stories in the Bible: Abram, with just 318 men, takes on four mighty kings and miraculously rescues Lot. But this story isn’t just about Abram’s bravery—it’s about the Lord’s faithfulness. Through Abram’s encounter with the mysterious priest-king Melchizedek, we’re reminded that true victory comes not from our strength but from being on the Lord’s side.
In this sermon, we explore how:
🔥 God fights for His people
🔥 Faith is evidenced by action
🔥 Our ultimate victory is secured in Christ If you feel like an underdog in life’s battles, take heart—with the Lord, you will win!
🔔 If this message encourages you on your spiritual journey, please rate, review, 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.

It is a tragic mistake to walk away from the true source of blessing.
In this sermon, Pastor Steven Hiller unpacks Genesis 13, where Lot separates from Abram, choosing what appears to be the better land but ultimately stepping away from God’s provision. This decision foreshadows the trouble to come. Yet, even in the midst of human failure, God remains faithful to His promises.
Join us as we explore how trusting in God's way leads to true blessing and why walking away from Him—even for something that looks appealing—can lead to unforeseen consequences.
🔔 If this message encourages you on your spiritual journey, please rate, review, 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.