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.

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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, 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.

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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 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.

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Due to a technical issue, audio of Hezekiah's message is not available

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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 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.

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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, 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.

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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 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.

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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, 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.

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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 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.

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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, 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.

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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, 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.”

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About Riverview Church
Riverview 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