In this message, Jeff Brewer, Executive Director of Word Partners, delves into the story and significance of Passover as a pivotal event shaping the identity of the Israelites. Drawing from Exodus, he highlights how God’s judgment and deliverance came through the blood of a lamb, foreshadowing a deeper deliverance fulfilled in Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb. Brewer invites listeners to reflect on the themes of substitution, redemption, and how faith in Jesus provides a refuge from judgment ...
Oct 29, 2024•33 min•Ep. 275
In this message, Pastor Tony teaches from Exodus 11:1-12:51, and explores the power of traditions and how they shape our identities and memories. He shares personal traditions, like Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, that bring a sense of gratitude and grounding. Drawing from the story of the Passover in Exodus, he highlights how God used tradition to remind the Israelites of His faithfulness, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this practice. This episode invites us ...
Oct 29, 2024•41 min•Ep. 274
In this message, Joe Swords teaches from Exodus 11-12, where God steps in to deliver Israel from their captivity in Egypt. Highlighting Israel’s helplessness under Pharaoh’s rule, the message examines how God’s judgment on Egypt and the Passover lamb’s sacrifice led to Israel’s freedom. By examining Israel’s story, he draws parallels to the ultimate deliverance through Christ, the true Passover lamb, who breaks the bonds of sin and offers hope to all who feel trapped and hopeless. Exodus 11:1-12...
Oct 28, 2024•38 min•Ep. 273
In this message, Hezekiah Trevino reflects on how we often ignore warnings in our lives, drawing from a humorous story about a car mishap. He connects this tendency to our spiritual lives, where we frequently overlook or downplay God’s warnings. Through the story of Pharaoh in Exodus, Hezekiah highlights the consequences of ignoring God and the danger of relying on temporary fixes for deeper spiritual issues. Ultimately, he encourages us to stop trying to control our own lives and fully surrende...
Oct 22, 2024•50 min•Ep. 272
In this message, Pastor James takes us through the story of Moses and the first nine plagues in Egypt, beginning with the Nile River turning to blood. Using historical and geographical context, James explains the significance of the Nile to the Egyptians and why it was chosen as the site for God’s demonstration of power. Pastor James focuses on the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh as the plagues escalate, starting with the first plague of turning the Nile to blood. He highlights how Phara...
Oct 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 271
In this message, Noel Jesse Hakenen reflects on the struggle many of us face when trying to hear from God. Drawing from Exodus 6, he explores why it can feel difficult to connect with God, even when we believe in His power and presence. Noel highlights the internal brokenness and external circumstances that often block us from hearing God’s voice and how we tend to rely on ourselves instead of trusting in Him. He emphasizes that only through Jesus can we find redemption, healing, and a restored ...
Oct 14, 2024•31 min•Ep. 270
In this message from Exodus 4:21–6:1, Pastor Noel highlights how God’s timing often clashes with our desire for quick fixes. While we may expect immediate results, both personal transformation and God’s larger plans take time, reminding us that God’s timing and purposes go beyond our understanding. Exodus 4:21-6:1 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 Se...
Oct 07, 2024•36 min•Ep. 269
In this message, Noel shares his personal struggle with imposter syndrome and relates it to the story of Moses in Exodus 3 and 4. He discusses how Moses felt unqualified when called by God, yet God chose him despite his insecurities. Noel encourages listeners to confront their own feelings of inadequacy and trust that they can be used for a greater purpose, and emphasizes that God often uses imperfect people to accomplish extraordinary things. Exodus 3:1–4:17 Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Pod...
Sep 30, 2024•37 min•Ep. 268
In this message, Pastor Tony explores the story of Moses in Exodus 2, highlighting the themes of forgetfulness and being forgotten. He shares how Moses’ impulsive actions led to exile, and how, even in the wilderness, God was preparing Moses for a greater purpose. Tony also reflects on how God’s remembrance isn’t about just recalling what was forgotten, but about His faithful action on behalf of His people, emphasizing that God hears, sees, and knows us, even when we feel overlooked. Subscribe t...
Sep 24, 2024•35 min•Ep. 267
Pastor Justin teaches at the REO Town venue on Exodus 2:11-25, using the analogy of how diamonds are formed under immense heat and pressure over time. He also delves into how God shapes us through challenges and hardships, drawing connections between Moses’ life in the desert and our own struggles, and emphasizing that God uses these tough experiences to refine us for His purposes. This message highlights the value of perseverance and trusting in God’s timing, even when we feel like we are in th...
Sep 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 266
Pastor James teaches at the Holt Venue about the life of Moses, examining how events in his story parallel with the life of Jesus and illustrate God’s sovereignty. Through Moses’ experiences of injustice, exile, and leadership, we see a larger narrative of God’s salvation plan. The message highlights that, like Easter eggs in movies, God has embedded signs pointing to Jesus throughout scripture, offering a deeper understanding of His grace and purpose. This week's passage: Exodus 2:11-25 Subscri...
Sep 22, 2024•33 min•Ep. 265
Pastor Noel teaches from Exodus 1:1 - 2:10, walking through the the beginning of the Book of Exodus, which emphasizes the importance of names. As he delves into the story of Moses, Noel reflects on how God’s plans unfold in unexpected ways and the significance of trusting in His timing, reminding us that God knows our names and keeps His promises, even when we feel forgotten. Read Exodus 1:1 - 2:10 Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Download...
Sep 16, 2024•34 min•Ep. 264
As we launch a new series on the book of Exodus, Noel preaches on the idea that, like the Israelites in Exodus, we are forgetful people who often lose sight of God’s faithfulness. He highlights how the Israelites, after 400 years of slavery, began to wonder if God had forgotten them and questioned whether the stories they heard about Him were real. However, the sermon reassures that God never forgets His people and knows each of their names. It teaches that God’s faithfulness is unwavering, even...
Sep 09, 2024•31 min•Ep. 263
Pastor Noel teaches the final week of our Connect series, reminding us that Jesus is still at work building His church, and invites everyone to join in creating a welcoming and loving environment where people can discover the truth and life found in Jesus. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Instagram Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com...
Sep 02, 2024•38 min•Ep. 262
Pastor Tony reflects on his recent sabbatical and talks about the importance of serving in the church according to our gifts. He encourages us to discover and utilize our gifts within the church context, suggesting that engaging in service leads to a paradoxically fulfilling experience: the more one pours out in service, the more we are filled by God's grace. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Inst...
Aug 28, 2024•40 min•Ep. 261
Pastoral Candidate Ethan Fahy teaches at our Holt Venue as a part of our Connect series. Ethan discusses the importance of connecting with the church through service, drawing inspiration from Romans 12. He highlights the diversity of gifts within the church, emphasizing that everyone has a unique role to play. Faye also shares personal stories about his journey of discovering his gifts and encourages listeners to identify their own passions and skills to serve the church effectively. He provides...
Aug 28, 2024•28 min•Ep. 260
Hezekiah teaches at the REO Town Venue and talks about the deep human desire for connection and community. He emphasizes that while various communities offer a sense of belonging, they often only scratch the surface of the true, lasting community God designed us for. Drawing from scripture, the sermon highlights that living in genuine community—especially within the body of Christ—requires vulnerability, work, and a willingness to love others as Jesus has loved us. Hezekiah encourages believers ...
Aug 20, 2024•41 min•Ep. 259
Jordan Allen teaches at the Westside Venue and explores the deep human need for belonging, emphasizing that true belonging goes beyond surface-level connections. He shares personal stories about his own family and the challenges of expanding what it means to belong, both within a family and in a community. Jordan ties these themes to biblical teachings, particularly from Isaiah 43, highlighting that God’s love and redemption create a space where everyone can belong. He encourages us to embrace c...
Aug 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 258
In this sermon, Pastor James explores the importance of both our vertical connection with God and our horizontal connections with others. He emphasizes how God’s mercy transforms our lives, urging us to live sacrificially and pursue unity within the body of Christ. Drawing from Romans 12, he highlights practical steps for strengthening our relationships with fellow believers, fostering a community marked by humility, generosity, and love, which serves as a compelling witness to the world. Subscr...
Aug 19, 2024•26 min•Ep. 257
As we begin a new series called Connect, Pastor Justin Detmers emphasizes the importance of connecting with God. Drawing from Psalm 46, he invites us to be still, trust in God’s presence, and deepen our connection with Him, emphasizing that this spiritual “fortress” offers us peace, security, and the sustenance needed for our spiritual journey. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Instagram Send us f...
Aug 11, 2024•34 min•Ep. 256
Join Hezekiah Trevino as he explores the concept of gospel humility, emphasizing the importance of seeing ourselves truthfully, maintaining a low self-focus, and celebrating God’s work in our lives. Through examining key scriptures and personal experiences, this sermon encourages us to strive for humility, find freedom in living authentically, and recognize that true humility and celebration are rooted in the grace of Jesus Christ. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever...
Aug 06, 2024•35 min•Ep. 255
Pastor Mark Brett teaches at the Westside Venue and dives into the challenges of modern distractions and the negative internal narratives we often tell ourselves. Discover how God’s grace can help us focus on what truly matters and reshape our lives. Through practical steps and biblical insights, learn to renew your mind, resist conformity, and embrace transformation for a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podc...
Aug 06, 2024•38 min•Ep. 254
Pastor Justin Detmers teaches about the spiritual habit of forgiving offense. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Instagram Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com...
Jul 29, 2024•47 min•Ep. 253
Jordan Allen teaches at the Westside Venue about the spiritual habit of recognizing the broken and the beautiful in our lives and the world around us. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Instagram Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com...
Jul 29, 2024•31 min•Ep. 252
Hezekiah Trevino teaches at our REO Town Venue during our Trained by Grace series. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Instagram Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com...
Jul 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 251
Pastor James Granger teaches at our Westside Venue about how we grow in our faith as we go out on mission. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Instagram Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com...
Jul 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 250
Ethan Ezekian, Pastor of Union Church in Howell, Michigan, teaches at the Holt Venue during our Trained by Grace series. Visit Union Church online. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Instagram Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com...
Jul 22, 2024•42 min•Ep. 249
As we start a new series called Trained by Grace , Pastor Noel teaches from Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own poss...
Jul 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 248
Jordan Allen teaches at the Westside Venue from 2 Corinthians 13:1-13 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient, since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but powerful among you. For he was crucifie...
Jul 08, 2024•29 min•Ep. 247
Hezekiah teaches at our REO Town Venue from 2 Corinthians 13:1-13: This is the third time I am coming to you. Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient, since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but powerful among you. For he was crucified i...
Jul 08, 2024•31 min•Ep. 246
