AFTERWORDS: A Riverview Church Podcast

Episodes

• 
  We Call that Raccoon Mode 21.10.2026 40m

  What happens when we're convinced we're doing the right things for God, but our hearts are slowly drifting away from Him? This week on AfterWords, Alex and Noel discuss Solomon's subtle compromises in 1 Kings 9, the spiritual reality behind idolatry, and how even good things can become ultimate things in our lives. They also explore practical ways to return to the Lord's table, the difference between healthy encouragement and an unhealthy need for approval, and how to recognize the idols we don't even realize we're worshiping. Plus, why the Lord's Supper reminds us that we're one united body in Christ.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected] additional resources for the KINGS series, including the Study Journal, at rivchurch.com/kings—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
• 
  My Thoughts are So Noisy 14.10.2026 36m

  How do we recognize God's goodness in the middle of everyday life, especially when the days feel long? This week on AfterWords, Alex and Tony revisit Solomon's blessing in 1 Kings 8 and discuss what it means to live with wholehearted devotion to God. They explore how to enjoy God's good gifts without allowing them to compete for our worship, why spiritual mountaintop moments don't guarantee a life without challenges, and how intentional rhythms of remembrance help us recognize God's faithfulness. Plus, Tony shares some memorable stories from his summer working on a cattle farm, and they discuss why it's never too late to start enjoying God again.Listen to Tony's messageListen to Andrew's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected] additional resources for the KINGS series, including the Study Journal, at rivchurch.com/kings—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
• 
  Like a Hungry Toddler 07.10.2026 30m

  This week, Alex and Noel dig deeper into Solomon’s prayer in 1 Kings 8, from what to do when two people are both convinced they’re right to why understanding our own hearts should make us more gracious toward others. They explore what Solomon’s repeated emphasis on God’s name and attributes reveals about who God is, and why praying Scripture can shape the way we think, feel, and worship. They also talk about written prayers, embodied worship, and the tension between authentic expression and our fear of emotionalism. Finally, Noel confesses to behaving like a hungry toddler, Alex worries that every sermon illustration is secretly about her, and they agree that trying to be God mostly makes everyone miserable.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected] additional resources for the KINGS series, including the Study Journal, at rivchurch.com/kings—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
• 
  Little Nerdy Rabbit Trail 30.09.2026 39m

  This week on AfterWords, Alex talks with Jon, Hezekiah, and Jordan about their messages from 1 Kings 8 and what happens when God’s presence fills Solomon’s temple. They discuss the difference between seeking God and trying to control him, why worship begins with his faithfulness, and how to recover a sense of wonder in everyday life. The conversation also gets practical about gratitude, stillness, and sharing the messy parts of our stories. Plus: moving hacks, emo Psalms, and the mystery of the missing manna.Listen to Hezekiah's messageListen to James' messageListen to Jon's messageListen to Jordan's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected] additional resources for the KINGS series, including the Study Journal, at rivchurch.com/kings—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
• 
  Only One With a White Hat 23.09.2026 39m

  What does Solomon’s temple tell us about the character of God—and why does Scripture spend so much time describing every detail? This week, Jason and Noel talk about the surprising size of the temple, why beauty and craftsmanship matter, and how creation itself reveals something about God. They also wrestle with God’s conditional promise to Solomon when God already knows Solomon won’t keep his end of the deal, and how that fits inside God’s larger, unconditional promises. Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected] additional resources for the KINGS series, including the Study Journal, at rivchurch.com/kings—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
• 
  Welcome to the BeforeWords 16.09.2026 32m

  Alex talks with Noel about his message from 1 Kings 4 about Solomon’s wisdom, prosperity, and the subtle cracks already appearing in his kingdom. They explore how wisdom requires slowing down enough to pay attention, why Solomon’s use of forced labor complicates an otherwise glowing picture of Israel’s flourishing, and what our own culture might be failing to notice. They also wrestle with why Christians can feel suspicious or even guilty when life is good—and how Psalm 23 gives us permission to receive both green pastures and dark valleys from the same faithful Shepherd.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected] additional resources for the KINGS series, including the Study Journal, at rivchurch.com/kings—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
• 
  Why Is He Such a Chucklehead? 09.09.2026 41m

  What does it actually mean to be wise—and how does the wisest man who ever lived still manage to make such disastrous choices? This week, Alex, James, Jordan, and Hezekiah dig deeper into 1 Kings 3, exploring Solomon’s request for wisdom, the tension already showing in his reign, and why biblical wisdom is less about knowing the right answer and more about recognizing our dependence on God. We also talk about discerning God’s will when Scripture doesn’t give a clear answer, the role of community in making wise decisions, and the danger of turning our personal preferences into universal convictions. Plus, we wrestle with high places, questionable marriages, 700 wives, and why Solomon may ultimately be a “do as I say, not as I do” kind of guy.Listen to Hezekiah's messageListen to James' messageListen to Jordan's messageListen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected] additional resources for the KINGS series, including the Study Journal, at rivchurch.com/kings—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
• 
  We Have a Fan Theory 02.09.2026 37m

  In this episode, Alex and Noel unpack Psalm 72 and its picture of what a good king should be: just, righteous, protective of the vulnerable, and ultimately dependent on God. They discuss how Christians should think about authority, opposition, abuse of power, and the responsibility to honor leaders without ignoring wrongdoing. The conversation also turns personal as they consider how much influence we each have on the people around us and what it might mean to be experienced “like a spring rain.” Plus, they dig into whether Solomon actually wrote Psalm 72—and entertain a surprisingly plausible Song of Solomon fan theory.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected] additional resources for the KINGS series, including the Study Journal, at rivchurch.com/kings—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
• 
  The Bible Throws Shade 26.08.2026 32m

  This week, Alex and Noel kick off the journey through First and Second Kings by digging into the strange, complicated final days of David and the beginning of Solomon’s reign. They talk about self-exaltation, mixed motives, justice and vengeance, and what to do with some of the Old Testament’s more violent and uncomfortable stories. Noel also explains how Israel’s kings point toward Jesus as the true King and why the failures of even the “good” kings matter. Plus, they chase a few biblical footnotes involving curses, thrown rocks, deathbed hit lists, and some surprisingly funny moments in Kings.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: [email protected] additional resources for the KINGS series, including the Study Journal, at rivchurch.com/kings—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
• 
  An Absolute Wild Weekend 19.08.2026 39m

  In this episode, Alex and Noel reflect on the final passage of James and an unusually powerful weekend marked by prayer, confession, and people responding together in community. They talk about why physical expression in worship can be meaningful without becoming performative, how Riv approaches anointing with oil, and how to think about miraculous experiences through the framework of Scripture. Noel also explains how confession can break the cycle of sin, shame, and isolation, and why every follower of Jesus can pray as someone made righteous in Christ. They close by looking back at James as a book filled not just with commands, but with grace, joy, and a call to pursue people who are drifting.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  I Like Nuisance Waiting 12.08.2026 39m

  This episode looks back at the book of James and explores what the series revealed about its surprising depth and practical wisdom. Jason talks with Andrew, Jordan, and James about patience, waiting, and the tension between faithfully doing what we can while trusting God with what we cannot control. They also unpack why Job can be an example of endurance despite all his complaining, what it means to wait well instead of becoming an “obnoxious waiter,” and how hope in Jesus’ return changes the way Christians experience uncertainty and suffering. The conversation closes with material that didn’t make the sermons, including the Testament of Job and why making vows can be another attempt to take control away from God.Listen to Andrew's messageListen to James' messageListen to Jordan's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  Somebody Started Making Coffee 05.08.2026 37m

  This week, Alex sits down with Justin and Andrew to unpack James 5:1–6 and one of the strongest rebukes in the New Testament. They explore what James is really saying about wealth, oppression, justice, and God’s heart for the vulnerable, while wrestling with difficult questions about how Christians should respond to injustice today. The conversation ranges from modern economic systems and moral responsibility to the prophets, church history, and why Scripture so consistently tells its story from the perspective of the oppressed. Finally, they reflect on what it means to trust God’s justice without surrendering our responsibility to love our neighbors well.Listen to Andrew's messageListen to Jordan's messageListen to Justin's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  I Wanna Do What I Wanna Do 29.07.2026 37m

  In this episode, Jason talks with Hezekiah, Jon, and Tony about James 4:11–17 and the pride that can shape how we speak about others and make plans for ourselves. They distinguish loving correction from judgment and discuss practical tools for understanding passages that seem confusing or contradictory. The conversation also explores what it means to plan wisely while remaining dependent on God rather than treating him as an afterthought. They close by reflecting on control, the brevity of life, and why getting exactly what we want may not always be good for us.Listen to Jon's messageListen to Tony's MessageDue to a technical issue, audio of Hezekiah's message is not availableSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  You’re A Spiritual Toddler 22.07.2026 33m

  In this episode, Alex sits down with Tony to unpack James 4:8–10 and explore why repentance is ultimately an invitation back to the presence of God, not just a response to guilt. They discuss how repentance changes as we mature in our faith, why authentic Christian community is essential for growth, and how the story of the prodigal son reframes God’s heart toward those who return to Him. Along the way, they talk about Bible reading rhythms, the courage it takes to be known by others, and the tension between the prodigal son and the older brother that often shows up in our own lives.Listen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  Started Fighting the Wrong War 15.07.2026 28m

  This week, Alex and Noel unpack James 4:1-7 and explain why the passage is aimed at conflicts within the church, not the culture outside it. The conversation explores how pride, selfish ambition, and misplaced priorities can undermine the church’s witness, why God’s grace sometimes feels like resistance, and how prayer reveals what kingdom we’re really pursuing. They also discuss repentance as a realignment of allegiance, the surprising encouragement that comes from years of faithful community, and why the Holy Spirit often works in ways the preacher never expects.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  We Gotta Talk About Demons 08.07.2026 32m

  In this episode, Alex talks with Noel to unpack James 3’s contrast between earthly wisdom and wisdom from above, exploring how envy, selfish ambition, gentleness, and peace reveal what’s really happening in our hearts. They discuss why James was writing to believers—not outsiders—and how God’s grace meets people in the middle of their ongoing struggle with sin. They also dive into questions that didn’t make the sermon, including demonization, the tension between grace and transformation, what it means to cultivate peace, and why Christians should think of themselves as citizens of heaven first.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  Flippancy and Thoughtfulness 01.07.2026 39m

  In this episode, Noel and Alex continue the conversation around James 3, unpacking why teachers are held to a higher standard and what that means for anyone who handles Scripture. They explore how our words reveal our hearts, the challenges of communicating wisely in an age of social media and AI, and the difference between thoughtful correction and a critical spirit. Along the way, they discuss practical ways to let Scripture shape our speech, why context matters when choosing our words, and how Christians can speak truth with both courage and gentleness.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  You Are a Senseless Person 24.06.2026 36m

  This week on AfterWords, Alex sits down with James and Riv's newest elder, Hezekiah Trevino, to unpack James 2:14-26 and the relationship between faith and works. They discuss why James and Paul can use the same story of Abraham while making different points, what it means for faith to be demonstrated through action, and how Christian growth is often seen in a person’s trajectory rather than perfection. The conversation also explores community, sanctification, rewards, and why James challenges believers to live in a way that reflects what they claim to believe. Along the way, they dive into Rahab and Abraham, Luther’s struggle with the book of James, and the practical implications of faith that is alive and active.Listen to Hezekiah's messageListen to James' messageListen to Tony's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  We Want to be the Favored Ones 17.06.2026 33m

  In this episode, Noel and Alex continue their conversation through James 2, exploring how favoritism reveals the gap between what we claim to believe and how we actually treat people. They discuss snap judgments, wealth and status in the church, why discipling people looks different across socioeconomic situations, and how easy it is to seek favoritism for ourselves while missing those around us. The conversation also gets practical, examining what it looks like to create a culture where everyone is noticed, welcomed, and treated with dignity. Finally, Noel shares stories from Cedar Point, church life, and the surprising challenges of living out James’ teaching.Listen to Noel's messageSubscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)Visit 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
• 
  Every Heretic Has His Verse 10.06.2026 43m

  In this episode of AfterWords, Alex and Noel dig deeper into James 1 and the tension between faith, works, law, and grace. They explore what it means to be a “doer of the word,” why James’ “perfect law of freedom” isn’t a callback to legalism, and how the gospel changes the way Christians view obedience. Along the way, they wrestle with righteous anger, spiritual disciplines, caring for the vulnerable, and the challenge of holding truth and compassion together. The conversation also includes a surprisingly deep detour into digital distraction, reading habits, and whether anyone knows how to pronounce “tiramisu.”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