The culture has a LOT to say about sex. But what does God say?

In this episode of Word and Flesh, we begin a new series by stepping back and asking a deeper question: how are we meant to think about these things as Christians?

Rather than reducing the conversation to mere rules or reactions, we explore a more foundational framework rooted in identity and grace. The culture tells us to define ourselves by our desires. The church has often responded with silence or simple prohibitions. But Scripture offers something better: transformation through Christ.

In this conversation, we cover:

We also begin to apply these truths to real life—for both singles and married couples—laying the groundwork for the episodes to come.

What does it actually mean to “grow in grace”?

If grace is a gift from God, how can we grow in it? And what does that look like in real life?

In this episode of Word and Flesh, we unpack one of the most important (and often misunderstood) ideas in the Christian life. Many believers swing between two extremes—performance-driven Christianity or passive, apathetic faith.

Scripture calls us to something better.

We explore:

Grace is not just something that forgives you—it’s the power that changes you.

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Produced by Ethen Demarce

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Episode Art:

Word & Flesh logo, by Rebekah Wright

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Signoff:

"Further up, and further in." -- Aslan the Lion, The Last Battle, by C.S. Lewis

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Word & Flesh Theme - "Dominus me regit"
Created with Suno

Lyrics (in Latin):
Dominus me regit,
nihil deerit mihi;
in pascuis virentibus me ponit.
Super aquas quietis ducit me,
animam meam reficit;
in viis iustitiae me ducit.

Translation:
The Lord guides me;
I will lack nothing.
In green pastures He places me.
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness.
*based on Ps. 23*

"Your authority is not your own. It is on loan from God."

If you’ve been given authority—at home, at work, or in the church—how are you supposed to use it?

In this episode of Word and Flesh, we move from talking about authority to actually using it. What does it look like to lead well without becoming controlling, harsh, or passive?

We cover a practical, biblical framework for using authority rightly:

Whether you’re a parent, a pastor, a business owner, or just someone trying to lead faithfully in your sphere, this episode will help you think clearly about how to use authority in a way that actually leads to flourishing.

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Episode art:

Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples -- by Jacopo Tintoretto, Public Domain

What should Christians think about politics—and how involved should they be?

In this episode of Word and Flesh, we wrap up our discussion on authority by turning to one of the most debated topics today: government and political engagement.

We explore:

We also wrestle with a key question:
Can politics actually bring about the kind of change Christians hope for?

Ultimately, this conversation points us back to where real transformation happens—not in national elections, but in faithful obedience, gospel proclamation, and everyday discipleship.

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Episode Art: Paradise from De Civitate Dei (City of God) 15th Century

What role should the church actually play in your life?

In this episode of Word and Flesh, we continue our conversation on authority by focusing on the local church—its role, its authority, and why it matters more than most people think.

In a culture where church is often treated as optional, personal, or even unnecessary, we ask:

We also talk about the difference between attending church and actually being part of it—living in meaningful relationships, submitting to biblical teaching, and growing together as the body of Christ.

If you’ve ever wondered:

This episode will challenge and clarify how you think about the church. Also we use the word "ticklish" a lot.

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Episode Art: "Supper at Emmaus", by Caravaggio, Oil on Canvas, 1601

What is authority—and who actually has it in your life?

In this episode of Word and Flesh, we tackle one of the most foundational (and controversial) issues in the Christian life: authority. We all live under authority—but not everyone thinks carefully about where that authority comes from or how it shapes their life.

We explore:

From parenting and discipline to cultural confusion and personal autonomy, this conversation gets practical quickly.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like:

This episode will help you think more clearly—and live more faithfully.

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Episode Art:

Christ in front of Pilate, Mihály Munkácsy, oil on canvas, 1881

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Signoff:

"Further up, and further in." -- Aslan the Lion, The Last Battle, by C.S. Lewis

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Music Credits:

Hallelujah chorus - Messiah
Performed by: Oratorio Chorus
Composed by: G.F. Handel
Record format: Edison Diamond Disc
Matrix number: 4433-A-1-1 (6-1)
Recording date: 1916

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Word & Flesh Theme - "Dominus me regit"
Created with Suno

Lyrics (in Latin):
Dominus me regit,
nihil deerit mihi;
in pascuis virentibus me ponit.
Super aquas quietis ducit me,
animam meam reficit;
in viis iustitiae me ducit.

Translation:
The Lord guides me;
I will lack nothing.
In green pastures He places me.
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness.
*based on Ps. 23*

Welcome to the very first episode of Word and Flesh, a podcast from the elders of Riverview Baptist Church.

Why another Christian podcast?

In this episode, the elders of Riverview explain the heart behind this new venture: helping our people think biblically about all of life—not just Sunday mornings. From the limits of the pulpit to the dangers of outsourcing wisdom to social media, we explore why embodied, local, pastoral guidance matters more than ever.

We also introduce the vision of “thick culture,” the meaning behind the name Word and Flesh, and why Christians are called to live rooted, thoughtful, and God-glorifying lives in every area.

This podcast exists to help you think well, live faithfully, and apply God’s Word to real life.

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Episode Art:

Word & Flesh logo, by Rebekah Wright

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Signoff:

"Further up, and further in." -- Aslan the Lion, The Last Battle, by C.S. Lewis

--------

Music Credits:

Hallelujah chorus - Messiah
Performed by: Oratorio Chorus
Composed by: G.F. Handel
Record format: Edison Diamond Disc
Matrix number: 4433-A-1-1 (6-1)
Recording date: 1916

~

Word & Flesh Theme - "Dominus me regit"
Created with Suno

Lyrics (in Latin):
Dominus me regit,
nihil deerit mihi;
in pascuis virentibus me ponit.
Super aquas quietis ducit me,
animam meam reficit;
in viis iustitiae me ducit.

Translation:
The Lord guides me;
I will lack nothing.
In green pastures He places me.
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness.
*based on Ps. 23*