Daniel Houck Preaching Podcast: Recent Episodes
Daniel W. Houck
Join pastor, author, and theologian Daniel Houck for Calvary Hill's weekly preaching podcast. To learn more, visit calvaryhillbc.org.
Christians are often anxious about the word “predestination”; yet Paul teaches it with joy in Ephesians 1:3–14. In this sermon, Daniel Houck offers biblical criticism of the Calvinist account of predestination, pointing to another understanding of the doctrine rooted in the teachings of Luis de Molina.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
This sermon on Ephesians 1:1–2 introduces the book and its main theme: union with Jesus Christ, in whom there is a perfect union of God and man.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses Matthew 25:14-30 and the importance of taking risks to maximize returns on the opportunities God has given us.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus tells a story about five wise bridesmaids who were ready for the groom’s arrival at the wedding, and five foolish ones who weren’t. In this sermon on Matthew 25:1–13, Daniel Houck discusses the spiritual meaning of the groom’s arrival, the wisdom of the wise bridesmaids, and the mistake of the foolish ones.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In our increasingly isolated culture, it is difficult to build any community—let alone a Christlike one. In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses what Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law teaches us about Christlike community. The fact that this healing happened in her home is not just an incidental detail of the story, but a clue to the meaning of a genuine Christian community.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
After predicting a series of disasters that would occur during “this generation”—during the lifetime of his original audience—Jesus then prophecies about his second coming. We don’t know when it will occur, but are freed to live every day in expectation.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus predicts that his church will face massive obstacles in the wake of his ascension into heaven: from false Messiahs to natural disasters, to the Roman Empire itself desecrating and destroying the temple itself. Yet he assures them, and us, that we will persevere by faith.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
The conclusion of the seven woes in Matthew 23 segues into Jesus’ prophecy of what is to come in Matthew 24. The Pharisees and teachers of the law will not heed his warnings, and the temple will come down. This sermon concludes Matthew 23 and the “Warning” series, and introduces our next series on Jesus’ prophetic words in Matthew 24.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
We don’t like hearing bad news about ourselves. It’s human nature to shoot the messenger. And yet God has given his people prophets to bring the word calling them back to him. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and teachers of the law for rejecting the ultimate prophet: Jesus himself. In this rebuke, we are warned to have the humility to accept a prophetic word ourselves.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
We tend to be tempted by either shamelessness (refusing to admit when we’re wrong) or shame-filled, thinking our sin and wrongdoing have put us too far from God. In this sermon on Matthew 23:25–28, Daniel Houck discusses Jesus teaching on purity and the right response to shame: looking to Jesus and Jesus alone for cleansing. In Him, we can live unashamed: not because we are perfect in ourselves, but because he shares his perfection with us.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this second sermon on Matthew 23:23–24, Daniel Houck discusses why following Christ isn’t reducible to filling a spiritual checklist of tithing, praying, and so on. Jesus commended the Pharisees to the extent they did these things, but challenged them—and us—to make a sacrifice of their entire life.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon on Matthew 23:23–24, Daniel Houck discusses part of Jesus’ fourth warning to the Pharisees. They neglected the weightier matters of the law, but they did not fail to tithe, even on spices that weren’t technically mentioned in the law. If we refuse to tithe—to give a tenth of our income to God—how are we any better than the Pharisees?
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon on Colossians 1:15–20, Daniel Houck discusses the purpose of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus says to do everything the Pharisees say, without doing what they do. What lessons does this have for how Christians should view pastoral leadership today?
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
The Messiah is David’s descendant, and David’s Lord. How can this be? In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses Jesus’ identity, who he really is: the Son of God.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and why is doing so the greatest commandment of all?
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus’ enemies unite to trap him with a question over taxes. Surely he must either support paying taxes, proving that he is a stooge of Rome, or be against paying taxes to Caesar, which would open him up to the charge that he was leading a rebellion. In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses how Jesus responds to this trap, and what we can learn from it.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus has harsh words for the leaders of Israel who had become corrupt, but in this parable, he warns Christians that they are no longer immune from temptation. The parable of the wedding banquet is a joyful yet sobering reminder that following Christ requires ongoing repentance.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this dark parable of Jesus, judgment comes on tenants who murder the messengers of the owner. What does this mean by God’s work in Israel and the history of salvation?
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Prostitutes are entering the kingdom of heaven before priests. That is the genuinely shocking teaching of Jesus in the parable of the two sons. There is no one who is too far gone to go back to God, and no one who is so religious as to not need repentance.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Why did Jesus curse a fig tree while walking with his disciples? How could he have promised that whatever we ask for in faith, we will receive? In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses the living parable of the curse of the fig tree, and shows what Jesus teaches us about the nature of faith, prayer, and the Christian life.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus’ authority was characterized by humility, boldness, and divinity. Perhaps surprisingly, we are to imitate him in each of those respects.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Have you ever prayed for something that mattered to you, and given up when it didn’t happen right away? What does that say about how you view prayer? The God to whom you pray? In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses the power of persistent prayer.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon on Matthew 20:17–28, Daniel Houck discusses the meaning of Jesus’ death, and its significance for how we live.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
This sermon discusses the parable of the workers in the vineyard, which may grate against our sense of fairness and justice. It is ultimately, however, a parable that teaches us profound lessons about the grace of God: both in world history and our individual lives.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
This sermon discusses what might seem like a surprising, out-of-character decision by Jesus: to turn a prospective follower away. Why would Jesus have done that? In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses the cost of discipleship and Jesus’ teaching on the idol of wealth.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus offers forgiveness freely, but when you accept that forgiveness you owe it to others. In this sermon on the unforgiving servant, Daniel Houck discusses the misconception that the grace of the gospel is “cheap” and allows us to live our lives as though nothing had changed.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Just as athletes need coaches, training, and accountability to improve, Christians need spiritual accountability to follow God.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
This sermon discusses Jesus' countercultural teaching that the path to God requires giving up parts of our personality.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Christians are sometimes tempted to think pursuit of greatness is the sin of pride. But Jesus actually instructs his disciples to pursue greatness. The path to greatness, however, is counterintuitive.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
What does this strange passage about Peter catching a fish with a coin in its mouth mean? In this sermon, Daniel Houck shows how this passage reveals two powerful aspects of the person of Jesus Christ.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus gives his disciples a preview of his eternal glory in an event known as the “transfiguration.” This sermon discusses that event and the hope it brings.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus says that anyone who wants to be a Christian must pick up a cross, and be willing to undergo suffering for his sake. Why does that mean? Why would anyone want to do that? In this sermon, Daniel Houck addresses these questions on one of Jesus’ central teachings on discipleship.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Expert knowledge is less and less valued in our culture. This sermon discusses the “crisis of expertise” and what Jesus’ confrontation with the expert Pharisees and Sadducees tells us about how we should treat authoritative knowledge.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses how to stay focused on Christ in the midst of a storm.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
What does the feeding of the five-thousand teach us about spiritual growth? In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses how God multiplies the little we have when we offer it to him in faith.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
This sermon discusses why the kingdom of God should be our ultimate goal in life.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
This sermon discusses several passages from Matthew 12, focusing on the Sabbath.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon on Matthew 13:1–23, Daniel Houck discusses the Parable of the Sower.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon on Matthew 13:24–33, Daniel Houck discusses three parables about the growth of the kingdom, and the Christian attitude toward the world.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Daniel Houck discusses the mission of the church in Matthew 10, with an eye on the similarities between the Apostles and us.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses the nature and purpose of Jesus' miracles.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
This Easter sermon from Daniel Houck discusses the Gospel of John's account of the resurrection. John's confused faith, and Mary's confusion, were overcome by a personal encounter with their resurrected Lord.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses why Jesus is the solid foundation that allows us to withstand even the worst storms of life.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus teaches that following him is difficult and countercultural. In this sermon, Daniel Houck explains this teaching in its context, and shows how it can inspire us to follow Jesus more actively today.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Daniel Houck discusses how obeying the Golden Rule can improve relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and others.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus tells his disciples that if they ask their Father in heaven for something, they will receive it. But how could that be true, since many of our prayers go unanswered? In this sermon on Matthew 7:7–11, Daniel Houck discusses Jesus' second teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount, and why, although we don't always get exactly what we ask for in prayer, Jesus tells us to go to the Father with all our requests.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses Jesus' commandment not to judge.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discuses Jesus’ teaching on anxiety. https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
Jesus’ command not to store up treasure on earth is uncomfortable. It’s tempting to water it down. What did Jesus mean? Why should we store up treasure in heaven instead? How can we apply this to our lives in the “Age of the Retail Investor”? In this sermon on Matthew 6:19–24, Daniel Houck discusses Jesus’ teaching on wealth.
In this sermon on Matthew 6:16–18, Daniel Houck discusses Jesus' teaching on fasting. Self-denial is the path to finding God.
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses why Jesus told his disciples to pray, and the specific "Lord's Prayer" that he taught them to pray.
Jesus commands his followers to love their enemies. What did he mean? Why should we listen? How could we possibly carry out this seemingly impossible command? Daniel Houck addresses these questions in this sermon on Matthew 5:38–48.
https://bio.link/danielwhouck
https://www.calvaryhillbc.org/
What does it mean to have integrity? Is it about finding yourself? Obeying the law? Or something else altogether? In this sermon Daniel Houck discusses Jesus’ teaching on four subjects that bear on what integrity is, and how to become a person that has it.
Daniel Houck gives an update about how things are going at Calvary Hill, and where to go from here.
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses Jesus’ teaching on how to fulfill the law of God
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses Jesus’ countercultural teaching on the nature of the good life.
In this sermon, Daniel Houck discusses the meaning of baptism in general and Jesus' baptism in particular.
In this sermon on Matthew 2:13–23, Daniel Houck talks about God saving the baby Jesus from Herod, and Jesus’ journey out of Egypt. God can save you from your earthly enemies; he will save you from your ultimate enemy: death.
In this sermon on Matthew 2:1–12, Daniel Houck shows how the Magi who visit Jesus offer us a model of true worship.
In this sermon on Matthew 2:1–12, Daniel Houck shows how the Magi who visit Jesus offer us a model of true worship.
Daniel Houck preaches on Matthew 1:18–25 and discusses what we can learn from Joseph’s response to a difficult test.
Beware, here are the things that can sink your friendships and stunt your spiritual growth.
Guest Preacher: Jim Ailor
Contrary to popular belief, you can’t LifeBoat with just anyone. Here are the factors you should consider as you choose friends that will help you grow spiritually.
Guest Speaker: Jim Ailor
Everybody wants deep, meaningful friendships and almost all spiritual growth happens in the context of a small group of friends. LifeBoats are friends with purpose. What’s the purpose? To spur one another to grow in Christ.
Guest Speaker: Jim Ailor