AFTERWORDS: A Riverview Church Podcast

This week’s episode kicks off Riverview’s new series through the book of James with a conversation about why this short, complicated, and deeply practical book has been surprisingly difficult to teach. Jason and Noel unpack how James differs from books like Acts or Philippians, why it reads more like Proverbs than a linear argument, and how misunderstanding it can turn faith into a checklist instead of a life transformed by grace. They also explore what it means to “consider it pure joy” in trials, why wisdom is tied to endurance, and how James keeps pointing believers back to the promise of the “crown of life.” Finally, they discuss Martin Luther calling James the “epistle of straw,” the danger of reading James without the rest of Scripture, and why this series is ultimately meant to produce joy, not guilt.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

This week, Jason and Noel unpack the deeper tension underneath Jesus’ teaching on money in Luke 12: not just greed, but anxiety, control, and the way we struggle to think eternally. The conversation explores why we live as though this life is all there is, even while believing eternity is real, and how that shapes the way we view possessions, generosity, and security. They also discuss what it means to invest in people instead of things, the complicated balance between enjoying what God provides and holding it with open hands, and why anxiety may actually be one of the most common forms of greed. Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

This episode of the AfterWords Podcast digs deeper into Noel's recent sermon from 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, exploring the tension between cheerful giving, pressure, and spiritual formation. Jason and Noel talk about what it’s like to preach the same passage years later in a completely different context, why generosity is more about grace than obligation, and how habits of giving shape our hearts over time. The conversation also wrestles with practical questions from college students about cultivating generosity when resources feel limited, and what it would look like for the church to truly function as a “currency of grace” community. Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

In this episode, Alex sits down with James, Tony, Justin, and Jordan (in his first appearance as a Riv Pastor) to reflect on a weekend focused on stewardship and an eternal mindset. The conversation weaves together Jordan’s pastoral recognition, the growth of the MSU venue, and the deeper tension of what it means to live as if nothing we have is truly ours. The group explores how money, time, and habits quietly shape us—often exposing where we place our security—and why obedience rarely waits for perfect motives. Finally, they wrestle with awareness versus action, the challenge of forming better patterns over time, and how an eternal perspective can bring peace to present pressures.Listen to James' messageListen to Jordan's messageListen to Justin's messageListen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

Alex had a great conversation this morning with Jordan, Justin, Tony, and James, but due to a technical glitch, it didn't get recorded. It really was a great conversation, though, you're just going to have to take my word for it. We're working on the possibility of dragging them all back into the studio and making them do it over again, or maybe something a little bit less onerous. If that happens, we'll drop it in the feed. Otherwise, we'll be back next week. Listen to James' messageListen to Jordan's messageListen to Justin's messageListen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

In this episode, Alex sits down with James, Tony, Hezekiah, and Jon to unpack a weekend of messages centered on contentment and the tension between ambition, wealth, and faith. The conversation explores how desire shapes our lives, why contentment is something learned rather than found, and how both scarcity and abundance can pull us away from trusting Christ. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and cultural observations, they examine the subtle ways discontentment shows up—from everyday comforts to deeper questions of identity and security. The group also reflects on how community, perspective, and lived experience help re-anchor our hearts in what actually lasts.Listen to James' messageListen to Tony's messageListen to Hezekiah's messageListen to Jon's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

In this Episode, Alex talks with Noel about what turned out to be a chaotic but revealing weekend, as a flooded auditorium at the Holt Venue forced us to scatter across venues and live out its “one house, many rooms” identity in real time. From there, the conversation turns to the launch of the Rivals series, where Jesus Christ teaching about money as a competing master becomes the focus. Noel reflects on the difficulty of confronting money as a “rival god,” both personally and pastorally, and the subtle ways it shapes fear, anxiety, and decision-making. The discussion highlights how easily people miss or deflect these challenges, and why self-awareness is the real goal of the series. By the end, the episode frames the deeper question: what do we actually trust, and what are we afraid to lose?Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

Jason sits down with Noel and Jordan to unpack Easter weekend, from the challenge of preaching to a mixed crowd of regular attenders, first-time guests, and “Christmas and Easter” visitors to the joy of seeing lives changed through baptism. They reflect on why the Easter message does not need a fresh twist as much as it needs a clear, faithful retelling, and they compare the different ways Noel and Jordan approached that same central question: Is it worth it to follow Jesus? The conversation also highlights what has made the MSU venue so remarkable this year, especially the clarity students are finding in following Jesus and the unusual number of baptisms that have come from that community. At the end, they talk about Jordan entering the final stage of the elder process and what it means for Riverview to recognize someone God has already shaped for pastoral ministry.Listen to Noel's messageListen to Jordan's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

In this episode of AfterWords, Jason and Noel wrap up the church’s long journey through Acts and reflect on what surprised them most about the One More series, especially the way it captured the imagination of the church and led to more than 200 baptisms (including this upcoming Easter weekend). They talk about the intentionally unresolved ending of Acts, whether Paul ever actually got his audience with Caesar, and why Luke may have chosen to leave the story hanging. The conversation also digs into two of the message’s most compelling ideas: how sin can become something we love too much to let go of, and why the mission of Jesus is sustained not by hype but by ordinary faithfulness. They close by reflecting on Riverview’s deeper sense of calling and the “hope of Israel” that still pulsed through Paul’s heart even in chains.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

This episode of AfterWords unpacks Acts 27 through a lively group conversation about cruises, storms, and what it means to trust God when life feels out of control. Alex is joined by Jordan, Tony, Hez, and James, and they explore how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility meet in the middle of suffering, and why Paul’s confidence rested not in calm circumstances but in God’s promises. The conversation moves from theology to pastoral wisdom, with thoughtful reflections on perseverance, community, and the passages each of them returns to for courage. It is a rich and surprisingly funny discussion about what it looks like to cling to what is true when the storm does not stop.Listen to James' messageListen to Tony's messageListen to Hez's messageListen to Jordan's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

Jason talks with Noel about Paul’s trial before Agrippa and what it reveals about purpose in difficult circumstances. Noel explains how Paul’s situation wasn’t just something to escape, but a position God was using, even when the outcome was uncertain. The conversation explores the tension of interpreting narrative Scripture without turning it into a formula, while still drawing meaningful principles. They also clarify “works worthy of repentance” as the natural result of a changed mind, not a way to earn salvation. The episode closes with a practical challenge: to actively look for gospel opportunities, even when they interrupt your plans.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

In this episode of AfterWords, Jason and Noel talk through a passage in Acts that initially felt “administrative,” but unexpectedly resonated with many people who feel like life is heading in the wrong direction. Their conversation centers on the tension between God’s promises and the long seasons of waiting that often come before those promises are fulfilled. They reflect on how God’s faithfulness is often hidden inside ordinary events rather than dramatic miracles, and why trusting God’s character matters when the timeline doesn’t make sense. They also look at Paul’s steady focus on the resurrection—even during two years in prison—and what that persistence teaches about living with eternity in view.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

Jason sits down with Noel to unpack the weekend message from Acts, starting with Noel’s brand-new status as a grandfather and ending with a deeper look at how Paul navigated conflict and opposition. The conversation explores why fear often leads people to silence, how to “drop the temperature” in difficult conversations, and what it looks like to speak about faith naturally instead of treating people like projects. They also dig into Paul’s surprising shrewdness—how wisdom, situational awareness, and pure motives can work together in service of the gospel. The result is a practical conversation about curiosity, conviction, and how to make Jesus believable in everyday interactions.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

In this episode, Jason and the teaching team unpack the tension in Acts 21 around Paul’s decision to go to Jerusalem despite repeated warnings of suffering. They explore whether anyone was “wrong,” how to interpret prophecy faithfully, and what it means to test our understanding of suffering rather than avoid it. The conversation moves into the difference between contextualizing the gospel and compromising it, and why faithfulness does not guarantee comfort or acceptance. Listen to Hezekiah's messageListen to James' messageListen to Jordan's messageListen to Justin's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]—About Riverview ChurchRiverview Church is a multi-venue church based in Lansing, Michigan, where we invite everyone to know and enjoy Jesus as we stumble together in our pursuit to love like Him. Learn more at https://rivchurch.com

In this episode, Jason sits down with Tony, James, Jordan, and Hezekiah to unpack Acts 20, including Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders and the late-night gathering where Eutychus falls from a window. They reflect on what it reveals about the early church’s rhythms, Paul’s long obedience to his mission, and what it means to say, “my life is of no value to myself.” The conversation also explores leadership under pressure, cultural engagement without outrage, and why winning hearts matters more than winning arguments.Listen to James' messageListen to Hezekiah's messageListen to Tony's messageListen to Jordan's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the Afterwards Podcast, Jason and Noel unpack Acts 19, focusing on what it means to have an incomplete understanding of faith and why the Holy Spirit matters in the life of a believer. They explore baptism—where it came from, what it signifies, and why belief in Jesus comes before having everything figured out. The conversation widens to the idea of the gospel not just changing individuals, but destabilizing entire cities, as seen in Ephesus. The episode closes with reflections on discipleship, identity, and how lasting change takes shape over time.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode, Jason and Noel unpack the sermon from Acts 18, moving behind the scenes to talk about sermon prep, manuscripts, teleprompters, and why experienced pastors still feel panic before preaching. Noel reflects on imposter syndrome as a possible means of grace, how God works through weakness, and why humility and confidence often coexist in faithful leadership. The conversation also explores Priscilla and Aquila, bi-vocational ministry, and the powerful role ordinary faithfulness—like opening your home—plays in God’s mission. Throughout the episode, they emphasize that God’s purposes are not fragile and do not depend on perfect people.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

Jason and Noel dive into Acts 17, exploring how Paul masterfully adapted his message to different audiences without compromising the Gospel. They discuss the tension of maintaining a "cross-eyed" perspective—holding fast to Scripture while remaining culturally fluent—and address listener questions about idols and engaging with secular art. The conversation also highlights the importance of becoming a "digital Berean" by prioritizing the Bible over YouTube algorithms and online opinions.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

This week, Jason talks with all four teachers to unpack one of the most layered stretches in Acts, where a single passage could have turned into a dozen different sermons. The conversation explores how pastors decide what to emphasize, how audience and venue shape application, and why disagreement, blocked plans, and hardship can still be part of God’s direction. The group digs into Paul and Barnabas’s conflict, the Spirit’s surprising guidance, and the tension between freedom and faithfulness in the prison narrative.  It’s a candid look at how ministry stays faithful to the text while navigating real people, real limits, and real pressure.Listen to James' messageListen to Hezekiah's messageListen to Jordan's messageListen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

Alex fills in for Jason again and dives deep with Noel into Acts 15 and why it represents a pivotal, make-or-break moment for the early church. Noel unpacks how the Jerusalem Council wrestled with grace, law, unity, and cultural difference, and why that tension still matters today. The conversation explores how good preferences can quietly turn into expectations and even requirements, often without us noticing. They also reflect on leadership, liberty, and what it really looks like to protect the gospel without flattening people’s cultures or consciences.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode, Noel and Alex dive into the challenges of living authentically in a culture that often tries to "neutralize" the edges of Jesus to fit a personal or social algorithm. They discuss the biblical account of Paul in Lystra, exploring what it means to truly deny oneself and prioritize Christ over the modern idols of politics, money, and comfort. The conversation also touches on the cost of vulnerability in leadership and practical ways to break free from the digital discipleship of social media.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

Jason sits down with Hezekiah and James to debrief Christmas Eve at the venues and talk about what made the night feel like a full-family celebration. From there, the conversation moves into Acts 13, including the very real geography of Paul’s journey and why seeing “scripture in stone” changes how you read the text. They wrestle with how the early church balanced planning with Spirit-led pivots, and why resistance does not automatically mean you’re off track. Listen to James' messageListen to Hezekiah's messageListen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the AfterWords Podcast, Jason sits down with Tony and James to talk through their Acts messages, starting with the church in Syrian Antioch as a strategic, multicultural “launching pad” for the gospel. They trace how persecution in Acts repeatedly backfires on the opponents of the church and becomes “rocket fuel” for the spread of Jesus’ message, often through unnamed believers. The conversation turns to Acts 12 and the question everyone asks: why James is executed while Peter is rescued, and how to hold grief and God’s sovereignty in the same hand. They finish with Herod’s downfall, “glory theft,” and what it looks like to redirect praise in a way that’s real, not performative.Listen to James' messageListen to Tony's messageListen to Justin's messageView our Christmas Eve service timesSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

Jason and Noel unpack a pivotal passage in Acts where baptism, obedience, and the gospel’s expansion collide in real time. They talk through Riverview’s decision to offer spontaneous baptisms whenever they appear in Acts and share stories of lives changed on the spot. The conversation widens to Peter, Cornelius, and the uncomfortable work of letting go of deeply held beliefs when God does something new. Along the way, they reflect on why this moment may be one of the most important turning points in the entire book of Acts.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this conversation, Jason talks with Tony, Jordan, and Hezekiah, and unpacks Acts 9:32–10:8. They start by exploring how each wrestled with finding the “thread” that ties together a set of seemingly disconnected stories. They discuss the purpose of miracles, why they often weren’t for the person healed, and how that shapes the way we think about suffering and unanswered prayer today. The group dives into the parallels between Peter’s actions and Jesus’ ministry, the communal nature of intercession, and the challenge of teaching passages that act as narrative “pivot points.” Along the way, they debate Christmas movies, getting canceled, and whether Peter knew what was about to happen when he cleared the room.Listen to Jordan's messageListen to Tony's messageListen to Hezekiah's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode, Jason and Noel unpack Saul’s surprising transformation in Acts 9, exploring how a man who seemed spiritually flawless—and deeply dangerous—could be so radically redirected by Jesus. They discuss Saul’s early influence, his role in the persecution of the church, and why his conversion required such extraordinary trust from the first believers. Noel explains how Scripture frames misguided zeal, suffering, and transformation, offering a lens for understanding both ancient and modern examples of dramatic faith change. The conversation closes with reflections on skepticism, influencer culture, and how genuine encounters with Jesus still overturn expectations.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

This episode of the Afterwards Podcast starts with a lighthearted debate about Christmas decorations—real vs. fake trees, timing, and “country living”—before pivoting into a deeper conversation about two consecutive weeks of baptisms across Riverview’s venues. Jason, Tony, Justin, and Jordan share stories of planned and spontaneous baptisms, including students at MSU, families driving in from out of state, and people who responded in the moment. From there, they unpack Acts 8 and Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian man, exploring how quickly the gospel begins to reach “the ends of the earth” in ways that don’t always look obvious or spectacular. They also talk about how to discern when God is prompting you to do something, how to “test” those promptings with Scripture, community, and wisdom, and what it means to be faithful in seemingly small moments that God can turn into deep transformation. They close with a behind-the-scenes look at how they handled the more complex parts of the passage (like the eunuch) and how they think about sermon titles, tone, and what does—or doesn’t—make it into a Sunday message.Listen to Justin's messageListen to Hezekiah's messageListen to Jordan's messageListen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

This week, Noel recaps a whirlwind weekend that included church planters, Harley rides, and the unexpected guest star of the morning: a spider swimming in his water cup. Jason and Noel unpack the message from Acts 8, exploring why Philip went to a place everyone assumed was irredeemable—and how God upended those assumptions. They dive into persecution, joy, baptism, Simon the Sorcerer, and why early Christians scattered and preached instead of hiding. Along the way, they touch on wacky preaching moments, revival, and why no one is beyond redemption.

In this episode of the Afterwards Podcast, Alex and Noel talk about the message from Acts 7 and how Stephen’s boldness, forgiveness, and faith in the face of death challenge believers today. Noel explains how Stephen’s sermon before the Sanhedrin exposed Israel’s history of resisting God’s work, connecting it to how the church today must fight comfort and remain open to being sent out. They discuss Riverview’s history of church planting, the tension between nostalgia and next-generation ministry, and how forgiveness—like Stephen’s final prayer—is about releasing others even when they don’t repent. The episode ends with a call to consider participating in church planting and a reminder that humility and forgiveness keep us from getting in God’s way.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the AfterWords Podcast, Jason and Noel unpack Acts 6, where rapid growth in the early church led to tension, complaints, and the creation of a new leadership structure. They discuss how the apostles handled the challenge of unmet needs without losing focus on prayer and preaching, and how that model still shapes church life today. The conversation ranges from coffee cleanups to deacon roles, trust, leadership, and the humanity that inevitably comes with growth. It’s a practical, down-to-earth look at how systems and people work together in the body of Christ.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

This week on the AfterWords Podcast, Jason sits down with Jordan, Tony, and James to talk about Acts 5 and what it means to obey God rather than people. They unpack what faithful obedience looks like when authority and conviction collide, how the apostles found joy in suffering, and why Gamaliel’s words still echo in the church today. Along the way, they imagine the Book of Acts as an action movie, debate who would direct it, and wrestle with what real persecution and faithfulness look like in 2025.Listen to James' messageListen to Jordan's messageListen to Tony's messageListen to Hezekiah's message

Jason and Noel open with a conversation about Riv’s decision to stop passing the red buckets. They unpack why the shift lowers guilt, improves service flow, and still calls people to conviction-driven generosity even if the budget dips. From Acts 4–5 they contrast Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit with Jesus’ generosity, argue that every sin is foremost against God, and urge us to more loosely hold our possessions. They finish by talking about the “Peter’s shadow” verses and why that section didn’t make the sermon.Listen to Noel's messageJason and Noel talk about techSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

Jason and Noel talk about Acts 4, beginning with a running pineapple-pizza joke that frames a larger point about unity and “buckets of belief” (orthodoxy vs. preferences) and why many church fights are trivial. The episode contrasts American discomfort with real persecution abroad and argues that bold witness grows from re-scaling our “pittance” of suffering against the “weight of glory.” Practical boldness starts small: tell someone the name of your “One More,” invite them, and let that accountability fuel your courage. They also spotlight Riverview’s local strategic partners, and Noel's "one thing that didn't make the message" takes an unexpected turn.Listen to Noel's messageWhat does Noel mean by "buckets of belief?"Positions and Postures (more about buckets)Riverview's Local Strategic Partners

In this episode of The AfterWords Podcast, Jason and Noel start lightheartedly—with new Riverview merch and some good-natured teasing—before diving deep into Acts 4. They explore how Peter and John’s boldness before the Sadducees reveals the tension between human control and divine truth, and how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to speak with extraordinary courage. The conversation unpacks civil disobedience, spiritual gifts, and why the Sadducees’ obsession with control feels surprisingly modern.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the Afterwards Podcast, Jason and Noel dive into a message from Acts 3 that sparked more feedback than usual. They discuss why the early church’s devotion in Acts 2:42 wasn’t meant to be an end but a launching point for sharing Jesus outside the walls of the church. The conversation explores the river-versus-lake metaphor, how to recognize and engage with people in everyday places, and the tension between faith, evangelism, and meeting real needs. Along the way, Noel reflects on evangelism as both a gift and a calling, and shares practical ways to have conversations that point toward Jesus.Listen to Noel's message.Subscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

This week on the Afterwards podcast, Jason sits down with Tony, Justin, and James to reflect on Acts 2:42–47 and how the early church compares with our modern experience of church. The conversation covers everything from the romanticized view of the first-century church to the challenges of living out devotion, fellowship, and mission in today’s culture. They talk about why community is necessary, how distractions and individualism pull us away, and what it looks like to stay devoted together. Along the way, there’s humor, a mea culpa, and plenty of practical reflection on what it means to be the church now.Listen to James' messageListen to Tony's messageListen to Justin's messageCheck out RivCommunitiesSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

This week’s episode of Afterwards brings together five teachers for a wide-ranging conversation on Peter’s first recorded sermon in Acts 2. The group unpacks how Luke recorded the message, what it means that “with many other words” Peter kept going, and how oral tradition and the Spirit’s inspiration shape our understanding of scripture. They also wrestle with whether baptism is part of salvation, how preachers should respond to heavy cultural events, and why the gospel always remains the central focus. Along the way, they share stories of recent baptisms, moments of hope, and the challenge of preaching faithfully in difficult times.Listen to James' messageListen to Jordan's messageListen to Tony's messageListen to Hezekiah's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the Afterwards Podcast, Jason and Noel record from Jacksonville, Florida while attending a conference. They unpack what it really means for a church to be Pentecostal—united in prayer, empowered by the Spirit, and focused on the gospel. The conversation dives into common confusions about the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and how spiritual gifts function in the church today. Along the way, they draw connections from Pentecost to cultural engagement, the Tower of Babel, and what it means to speak the language of the next generation.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the AfterWords Podcast, Jason and Noel dive into Acts 1:12–26 and wrestle with what it means to find meaning in a passage that at first seems sparse. They unpack how the disciples responded after seeing the risen Jesus face to face, why replacing Judas mattered, and how Scripture plus prayer gave them a plan. Along the way, they discuss the role of the Holy Spirit, the dangers of misusing verses, and what it means for the church today to be continually united in prayer. The conversation blends humor, theology, and practical insight—including chainsaws, unfinished summer projects, and even the awkward question of “who’s Peter?”Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of AfterWords, Jason and Noel reflect on the launch of Riverview’s new teaching series, called One More. They talk about "why Acts?" as well as the excitement of returning to Michigan State’s campus with a packed service. They also discuss the vision behind the “One More” theme, the unstoppable story of the church in Acts, and the role of eyewitnesses and the Holy Spirit in shaping bold faith. They also explore tough questions about martyrdom, baptism, and why churches often talk less about the Spirit. Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the One More Series JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of AfterWords, Jason and James reflect on the final message of the Upvote series, which explored the ultimate question: what happens after we die? They discuss how the Bible speaks to eternity, heaven, and misconceptions about the afterlife, and why it can be so difficult for us to grasp eternal realities. The conversation ranges from the challenges of teaching topical sermons to the hope of resurrection, the tension between grief and joy, and the comfort of Paul’s words about being “at home with the Lord.” Finally, they consider how an eternal perspective reshapes how we live right now.Listen to James' messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of AfterWords, Jason sits down with Hezekiah to unpack his recent message from Acts 17, where Paul addresses the people of Athens about the “unknown god.” They discuss what sets Christianity apart from other religions, why the difference is ultimately about Jesus, and how to navigate conversations in a world full of competing beliefs. They explore Paul’s approach to evangelism, the importance of relationship over religion, and how to speak to people who are turned off by the label “Christianity.” Plus, Jason gets the backstory on Hezekiah's amazing cereal-box “Word-Os” shirt.Listen to Hezekiah's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of AfterWords, Jason and Noel dive into a challenging and often controversial topic: the biblical distinctions between men and women. They reflect on the message from the weekend, discuss the cultural and theological tensions surrounding gender roles, and explore why Riverview Church holds a complementarian view. From clapping quirks to 10,000-word sermon drafts, they unpack the seriousness, the nuance, and even the joy found in this conversation. Plus, Noel shares the best question he got all weekend—and why it caught him off guard.Listen to Noel's messageSacred Embodied Temples - Dr. Justin Detmers, 10/29/2023The Meaning of Marriage - Tim and Kathy KellerSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the AfterWords podcast, Jason and Tony unpack the sermon about emotions and explore the role they play in our spiritual lives. From World Emoji Day to the writings of Paul, they reflect on how emotions are both a gift from God and a battleground between flesh and spirit. The conversation touches on anxiety, anger, joy, and how scripture helps us process and respond to emotions in healthy, gospel-centered ways. With honest reflections and practical wisdom, they remind us that emotions are gauges—not guides—and that spiritual habits and godly community are key to navigating them well.Listen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

This week on the Afterwards Podcast, Alex and Pastor James unpack the intersection of faith, mental health, and physical well-being, reflecting on Elijah’s breakdown and the tender response of God. James shares personal experiences with anxiety, grief, and PTSD, and explores how we can live whole lives by stewarding our minds, bodies, and souls. The conversation touches on addiction, gluttony, rhythms of rest, and the importance of scripture and community in navigating struggle. Listen to James' messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the AfterWords podcast, Alex McGraw sits down with Pastor Noel to explore one of the most theologically loaded and emotionally charged questions in Christianity: Does God choose us, or do we choose Him? They unpack the mystery of God’s sovereignty and human free will through the story of Jonah, salsa dancing, motorcycles, and the butterfly effect. Along the way, they discuss how this tension brings comfort, how our failures fit into God’s plan, and why embracing mystery is often more faithful than forcing certainty. It’s a conversation that will make you laugh, think deeply, and maybe even rethink your theology—gleefully inconsistently, of course.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

This week, Jason sits down with Jordan to discuss his message on the history and purpose of Christian denominations. Using Jordan’s extensive shoe collection as a metaphor, they explore how different "brands" of Christianity can all be valid while having distinct philosophies. They also cover RIV's non-denominational status, how the church maintains theological accountability, and how to approach conversations with people from different faith backgrounds.Listen to Jordan's messageWatch this episode on YouTubeSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of AfterWords, Jason sits down with Justin to unpack the message with the most listener questions ever, on the topic of spiritual warfare. They explore what was left out of the sermon (by design), why people tend to over-credit Satan for their struggles, and how to see and counter the enemy’s work not just in the extraordinary, but in the everyday. They also talk about mental health, the influence of ideology, and why C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters might be the most chillingly insightful book he ever wrote.Listen to Justin's messageTheodicy (from GotQuestions.org)Subscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of AfterWords, Jason and Tony kick off the new “Upvote” series by reflecting on the topic of doubt—and why it doesn’t have to be the enemy of faith. They explore the difference between honest, faithful doubt and the kind that leads to apathy or isolation. Drawing from personal experience, scripture, and Gary Habermas’s framework on doubt, Tony shares practical ways to “diagnose your doubt” and move toward deeper trust in God. They also touch on the importance of community, the dangers of apathy, and how even when our faith feels small, the object of that faith remains strong.Listen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]

In this Father’s Day episode of The AfterWords Podcast, Jason sits down with Hezekiah, Tony, and James to reflect on the sacred calling of fatherhood. They talk about what it means to reflect the heart of God as a dad, how their own experiences as fathers shape their understanding of God’s love, and the challenges of being present, not perfect. From grilled kebabs to deep conversations about cultural portrayals of dads, this honest and encouraging conversation speaks to every stage of parenting. Listen to James' messageListen to Hezekiah's messageListen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected]