In this message, Pastor Noel shares his personal journey into motorcycling, highlighting how a series of seemingly unrelated events led him to his passion, illustrating that some life choices are part of a larger, unseen plan. He then uses the biblical story of Jonah to explore the complex relationship between God's sovereignty and human free will in salvation, demonstrating how even disobedience can be woven into a divine purpose. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever...
Jul 14, 2025•39 min•Ep. 335
In this message, Pastor Jordan explores the history and purpose of church denominations, from the early unified church to the Great Schism and the Protestant Reformation. He distinguishes between "closed-handed" core theological beliefs (like the Nicene Creed) and "open-handed" practices that lead to denominational differences. Drawing from Romans 14, Jordan encourages unity amidst diversity, emphasizing that believers, regardless of their specific denominational practices, are accepted by God a...
Jul 07, 2025•42 min•Ep. 334
In this message, Pastor Justin Detmers tackles the topic of spiritual warfare, encouraging a shift from fear and sensationalism to a sober and optimistic perspective. He asserts that Christians operate from a place of victory already secured by Christ, rather than fighting for it. Justin outlines key strategies for this battle: recognizing the true spiritual enemy, resisting with the truth of God's Word, and ultimately rejoicing in Christ's triumph.
Jun 30, 2025•46 min•Ep. 333
In this message, Pastor Tony tackles the common struggles of doubt and apathy in the Christian faith, drawing from his personal journey and biblical examples. He defines doubt as a dynamic force that can lead from philosophical questioning to emotional and volitional resignation if left unaddressed.
Jun 24, 2025•37 min•Ep. 332
In this Father's Day message, Hezekiah openly addresses the complexities and emotional nuances surrounding fatherhood, acknowledging both its joys and pains. He emphasizes that while earthly fatherhood is imperfect, it serves as a powerful reflection of God's perfect, compassionate, and present fatherhood.
Jun 17, 2025•27 min•Ep. 331
In this message, Pastor James explores the profound concept of fatherhood, emphasizing its role in helping us understand God's character and love. He delves into biblical meanings of "Abba" and "Pater" to highlight God as our ultimate provider, source of wisdom, and loving Father.
Jun 17, 2025•34 min•Ep. 330
In this message, Pastor Tony delves into the profound role of fathers, focusing on how they can build a spiritual legacy. He breaks down four core commitments for dads: following Jesus, leading with purpose, serving others selflessly, and loving sacrificially. Through biblical insights, Tony encourages fathers to live out these principles, highlighting that their journey is empowered by God's grace and their own beloved standing as His children.
Jun 17, 2025•35 min•Ep. 329
In this message, Pastor Justin addresses the profound pain of family hurt, drawing from the biblical story of Joseph and the concept that "Family Hurts, Faith Forgives." He explains that while we cannot control the pain inflicted upon us, we can choose our response, emphasizing that forgiveness, though difficult, is a healing and liberating act. Justin highlights how Joseph's ability to forgive stemmed from knowing God's place, gaining a divine perspective on his suffering, and choosing to bless...
Jun 10, 2025•39 min•Ep. 328
In this message, Hezekiah tackles the difficult question of "what to do when the people who are supposed to love you hurt you." Drawing on the biblical story of Joseph and the life of C.S. Lewis, he explains that family hurt is inevitable in a fallen world. Hezekiah encourages listeners to avoid common unhelpful responses like building walls, harboring bitterness, or minimizing pain, and instead emphasizes that true healing comes from inviting Jesus into our wounds.
Jun 10, 2025•31 min•Ep. 327
In this message, Pastor Tony addresses the challenging topic of "when family hurts," exploring how to navigate sin, forgiveness, and reconciliation within relationships. He emphasizes that just as God, through Jesus, forgave our overwhelming sin debt, we are called to extend grace and forgiveness to others.
Jun 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 326
In this message, Pastor Noel provides a fresh perspective on parenting, framing it not as a mission to perfect children, but as an act of pointing them to Jesus. Drawing from personal experience and biblical insights, he encourages parents to avoid making their children an idol and instead focus on teaching them God's law and, crucially, God's grace. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Download a copy of the Exodus Journal Visit us online: ri...
Jun 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 325
In this message, Dr. Justin Detmers explores the profound meaning of marriage, contrasting society's view of it as a mere contract with God's design as a sacred covenant. Drawing from Ephesians 5, he challenges listeners to see marriage as a reflection of Christ's self-sacrificing love for the church, rather than a pursuit of personal fulfillment. Dr. Detmers emphasizes that true biblical headship and submission are rooted in mutual love, honor, and service, offering a counter-cultural paradigm ...
May 27, 2025•43 min•Ep. 324
In this message, Pastor Hezekiah reinterprets Ephesians 5:22, explaining that "submission" for wives, and "headship" for husbands, are rooted in mutual self-sacrificial love, mirroring Christ's relationship with the church. He challenges traditional, often harmful, interpretations by emphasizing that biblical marriage is about humility and service, not control or superiority. Ultimately, he argues that healthy marriages reflect the gospel, showcasing God's unconditional love and redemption....
May 27, 2025•33 min•Ep. 323
In this message, Pastor James delves into the biblical perspective on marriage, defining it as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, supernaturally united by God. He emphasizes that marriage serves to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ to the world and to sanctify (make holy) married individuals, reflecting Christ's relationship with the church. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Download a copy of the Exodus Journal Visit us on...
May 27, 2025•36 min•Ep. 322
In this message, Pastor Noel discusses the often-overlooked topic of singleness within the church, drawing insights from 1 Corinthians 7. He emphasizes that singleness, like marriage, is a gift from God, offering unique opportunities for undivided devotion to the Lord and gospel ministry. Noel challenges common misconceptions that view singleness as a lesser state or a "waiting room" for marriage. He encourages singles to leverage their flexibility for God's purposes while also addressing the te...
May 20, 2025•36 min•Ep. 321
In this message, Tony explores the biblical perspective on singleness within the church family, drawing from 1 Corinthians 7. He emphasizes that both singleness and marriage are godly pursuits and that neither status makes one more or less valuable in God's eyes. Tony highlights that singleness can be a gift, offering an undivided focus on serving the Lord and building meaningful relationships within the Christian community, which serves as a true spiritual family. Subscribe to AfterWords on App...
May 19, 2025•37 min•Ep. 320
In this message, Jordan addresses common misconceptions surrounding singleness, both within and outside of religious contexts. He challenges the idea that being single equates to being behind or a punishment, arguing instead that singleness offers a unique opportunity for holiness and a focused relationship with God. Jordan also debunks the expectation that single individuals should disproportionately dedicate their time to work or ministry, emphasizing their equal need for community and relatio...
May 19, 2025•40 min•Ep. 319
In this message, Noel shares the stories of three often overlooked mothers in the Bible: the widow in 2 Kings, Rufus' mother in Romans 16, and Timothy's mother and grandmother in 2 Timothy. He highlights their faith and impact, emphasizing that while their contributions might seem small or go unnoticed, God sees and values them. The sermon encourages listeners to appreciate and thank the mothers in their lives.
May 12, 2025•33 min•Ep. 318
In this message, Tony reflects on the concept of generations within the church family, drawing from Titus 2 to highlight the distinct yet vital roles of older and younger men and women. He emphasizes that spiritual maturity isn't tied to physical age, as illustrated by the idea of being "born again" at any stage of life. The sermon encourages building relationships, honoring one another, and loving deeply across generations within the church. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, ...
May 05, 2025•39 min•Ep. 317
In this message, Pastor James reflects on his family's experience with loss and the powerful support received from their multi-generational church community. Drawing from Titus 2, the sermon emphasizes the importance of different generations within the church learning from and serving alongside one another. It highlights specific roles and qualities for older men and women, younger women, and young men, all aimed at creating a community that reflects the gospel. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple ...
May 05, 2025•37 min•Ep. 316
In this message, Noel introduces a new series centered on the family by referencing a decades-old study that observed connections between family dynamics and societal trends throughout history. The discussion touches on predictions made in 1947 that seem relevant to today's cultural landscape. Noel explores how families, in all their imperfections, can find their footing in the modern world. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Visit us online...
Apr 28, 2025•37 min•Ep. 315
In this message, Pastor Noel unpacks the Easter story through the lens of the Old Testament book of Exodus, highlighting God's consistent act of remembering and rescuing his people. He focuses on the encounter Jesus had with Cleopas and Mary on the road to Emmaus, where Jesus himself explained how the scriptures pointed to his suffering and resurrection. Noel emphasizes that just as God remembered the Israelites in their suffering, Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection demonstrate that we too are s...
Apr 22, 2025•26 min•Ep. 314
In this message, Justin uses the unusual stories of Buckingham Palace intruders to illustrate the gravity of entering a royal presence, drawing a parallel to the sacredness of the Old Testament tabernacle where even Moses was barred. He unpacks the tabernacle's structure and rituals, underscoring the divide between a holy God and human sinfulness. Justin then transitions to the New Testament, presenting Jesus as the ultimate high priest and sacrifice whose death tore down the barrier, offering d...
Apr 14, 2025•37 min•Ep. 313
In this message, Tony concludes their study of Exodus, highlighting the Israelites' eventual obedience and the presence of God dwelling among them in the tabernacle. He draws a parallel between the tabernacle and Jesus, who also came to "dwell" among humanity. Tony explains that just as the Old Testament priests facilitated worship, Jesus, as the ultimate high priest, offers a permanent resolution for sin. On Palm Sunday, this message emphasizes remembering Jesus' sacrifice and encourages believ...
Apr 14, 2025•33 min•Ep. 312
In this message, speaker Jordan examines the biblical account of the Israelites' generous contributions for the tabernacle's construction, emphasizing that their offerings stemmed from gratitude for God's provision. Sharing personal anecdotes, including the significance of his grandfather's handmade wedding bench, Jordan illustrates how individuals can dedicate their resources and talents to honor the divine. The core idea is that, mirroring the Israelites and a woman's offering of perfume, we a...
Apr 14, 2025•37 min•Ep. 311
In this message, Hezekiah explores the Israelites' impatience and idol-making while Moses was on Mount Sinai, highlighting their tendency to take God's presence for granted. The sermon draws parallels to modern-day misplaced trust and the danger of letting faith become ordinary. Ultimately, it contrasts Moses' role with Jesus as the "better Moses," emphasizing that through Jesus, God's presence is not something to be begged for but is already ours. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spo...
Apr 07, 2025•36 min•Ep. 310
In this message, Pastor Tony examines the biblical story of Moses' descent from Mount Sinai to find the Israelites worshipping a golden calf. The sermon explores themes of impatience, poor leadership exemplified by Aaron, and the people's quick return to old ways. Ultimately, the narrative is presented as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate mediator who offers true atonement for human sin, unlike Moses. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podc...
Apr 07, 2025•41 min•Ep. 309
In this message, Pastor James unpacks a challenging Bible story from Exodus 32 where the Israelites make a golden calf and face severe consequences. He discusses why people turn away from what's right, the importance of good leadership, and how seriously the story shows the issue of wrongdoing. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Download a copy of the Exodus Journal Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Instagram Send us feedback: podc...
Apr 07, 2025•33 min•Ep. 308
Noel explores the human drive to create, linking it to the divine artistry seen in both nature and religious artifacts like the Sistine Chapel. He then examines the intricate detail God gave for the Tabernacle in Exodus, arguing that beauty and grandeur are essential expressions of God's character. Ultimately, he connects this to the idea that human creativity reflects God's own, and that the Old Testament’s focus on beauty foreshadows the ultimate beauty and glory found in Jesus. Subscribe to A...
Apr 01, 2025•37 min•Ep. 307
In this message Noel explores our culture's obsession with instant results, drawing parallels to the biblical narrative of the Israelites' gradual journey to the Promised Land. He argues that just as the Israelites had to learn patience and obedience, we too must trust God's timing, even when faced with immediate desires or pressing spiritual questions. This sermon emphasizes that true transformation and divine intervention often occur 'little by little,' and that following God's guidance, like ...
Mar 24, 2025•36 min•Ep. 306
