Story Church Houston Podcast

When God Invites You to Slow Down

In this message from our Chisels series, we look at John 15 and Jesus’ call to abide in Him. In a hurried world, it is easy to confuse busyness with fruitfulness. But Jesus reminds us that we are branches, not the vine. Lasting fruit does not come from striving. It comes from remaining connected to Him. Slowing is not failure or punishment. It is an invitation to be present with God and allow Him to shape us from the inside out.

A Dangerous Word We Say Every Day

What if one of the most dangerous words in your life isn't a bad word at all? It's a word we use every day. A word that sounds harmless. Responsible, even. A word parents use with their kids, husbands and wives use with each other, and followers of Jesus often use with God. "Later." In Luke 9, Jesus encounters three people who want to follow Him. None of them reject Him. None of them oppose Him. Instead, they all respond with a version of the same phrase: "Yes, Lord... but first." In this message from our Chisels series, we explore how delayed obedience can quietly keep us from experiencing what God has for us. Through Scripture, personal story, and practical application, we'll discover why following Jesus often requires trusting Him today instead of waiting for tomorrow. Because eventually, later has a way of becoming never.

Why Is It Called Good News?

Why do Christians call the story of Jesus “good news”? And why is it called Good Friday when it is the day Jesus died? In this message, Kameron kicks off our series Chisels by sharing how God used Romans 6:23 to shape his understanding of the gospel. The Bible tells us the bad news clearly: sin separates us from God. But the good news is even greater: eternal life is a gift from God through Jesus. This message is a reminder that you do not have to be good enough to come to Jesus. You do not have to clean yourself up first. Salvation is not something you earn; it is a gift you receive. Scripture: Romans 6:23, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 5:8, John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17 Story Church exists to help people find and follow Jesus.

Can You Trust the Bible?

Pastor Joseph explores honest questions about the Bible. Has it been changed? Is it a big game of telephone? Why are there so many translations? Can we trust the people who wrote it down? The Bible is not fragile, and God is not afraid of our questions. But the greatest miracle of the Bible is not only that it was preserved. It is that the whole story points us to Jesus.

Does Prayer Actually Work?

A message about prayer, unanswered questions, and what Jesus teaches us about talking to God. In week 2 of Asking for a Friend, we explore the question many people wonder but may not know how to ask: Does prayer actually work? Jesus shows us that prayer is not about using perfect words, impressing God, or controlling outcomes. Prayer is how we bring our real life to our real Father. Whether you are new to prayer, struggling with unanswered prayers, or trying to help your kids understand what prayer is, this message reminds us that God hears us, cares for us, and invites us to come close.