Do Spiritual Disciplines Really Change You? | Bible Reading, Prayer, Fasting & More (Ep. 14)

Do Spiritual Disciplines Really Change You? | Bible Reading, Prayer, Fasting & More (Ep. 14)

Do spiritual disciplines matter? Or should the Christian life just be a whimsical, "do what you feel and hope for the best" kind of thing? In this episode, we discuss the purpose of spiritual disciplines and why practices like Bible reading, Scripture memory, prayer, fasting, confession, generosity, and Sabbath rest aren't attempts to earn God's favor. They're gifts God uses to transform His people. Along the way, we tackle one of the biggest misconceptions in modern Christianity: the difference between spiritual discipline and spiritual legalism.

Should Women Be Pastors? | Our Response To The SBC Controversy (Ep 13)

A recent vote by Southern Baptists exploded headlines (and lots of heads) across the country. The vote? To clarify that the office as well as the functions of a pastor/elder are reserved exclusively for men. Critics called the move backward, oppressive, and harmful to women. But what actually happened? And more importantly, what does the Bible actually teach? In this episode of Word & Flesh, we discuss the recent Southern Baptist Convention controversy (and how it was more the closing of a loophole than the changing of a position), the role of pastors in the church, and God's design for men and women. We discuss: What the SBC actually voted on Why the issue became national news 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14 The office of pastor and biblical authority Whether women can teach and serve in ministry Why role and value are not the same thing The vital importance of women in the life of the church Why Christians should trust God's design even when it conflicts with modern culture Most importantly, we address a question at the center of this debate: Does a difference in role mean a difference in value? *Checks Bible...* NO! Men and women are created in the image of God, are of equal value before Him, and yet are uniquely called to different responsibilities within the home and the church. That's controversial these days. But it doesn't make it any less true.

Who Will Teach Your Kids About Sex? | Parenting in a Confused Culture

Somebody is going to disciple our children. Who will it be? Questions about sex, identity, relationships, and God's design are arriving earlier than ever, and Christian parents cannot afford to remain passive. In this episode, the elders of Riverview Baptist Church discuss how to talk to children about sexuality in an age of confusion and competing worldviews. Rather than relying on one awkward conversation, we argue for hundreds of small conversations that build a strong, positive vision of God's design, over time. Topics include: * Biblical manhood and womanhood * Talking to children about sex * Identity and feelings * Social media and entertainment * Homosexuality/transgender issues and cultural pressure * Grace and truth * Healthy parental boundaries * Modeling a beautiful Christian marriage God's design for humanity is good, beautiful, and life-giving. Parents have the privilege and responsibility of helping their children see that before the culture teaches them otherwise.

The Glory of Submission | Women's Struggles & Biblical Womanhood (Ep 11)

Submission. For many people, it's one of the most uncomfortable words in the Bible. Our culture has spent decades teaching women that submission is weakness, oppression, or the loss of personal freedom. Scripture paints a very different picture. In this episode of Word & Flesh, we continue our series on biblical womanhood by exploring one of the most misunderstood topics in the Christian life: submission as an act of faith. We discuss: * Why submission ultimately begins with trusting God * The difference between biblical submission and worldly caricatures * Why women are called to joyful partnership, not passive silence * How older women are called to disciple younger women * What wisdom looks like in everyday life * What to do when a husband isn't leading well * Why encouragement often accomplishes what criticism never can * How feminism has shaped modern assumptions about marriage, authority, and fulfillment We also tackle practical questions that many Christians are afraid to ask: * What if my husband and I disagree? * What if he's passive? * What if he's wrong? * What does submission actually look like in a healthy Christian marriage? But beneath all of those questions lies a much bigger one: What if God's design is actually glorious? In Titus 2, women are called to be self-controlled, pure, kind, and submissive to their own husbands "that the word of God may not be reviled." That's a breathtaking calling. The goal isn't merely a better marriage. The stakes are bigger than that. A woman's faithfulness can adorn the gospel, strengthen the church, bless her family, and display the beauty of God's wisdom to a watching world.

Why Men Fail to Lead | Ep 10

What causes men to shrink back? In this episode of *Word and Flesh*, we continue the conversation on biblical masculinity by turning to one of the central struggles of men: passivity, fear, and abdication. From Adam in the Garden to Peter denying Christ, Scripture repeatedly shows men failing to step into the responsibilities God has given them. Facts: modern men struggle with the same thing. Riverview Elders Nathan Bechtold, Michael Beene, and Ryan Anderson talk about: * why men avoid leadership * the difference between taking initiative and taking control * how insecurity fuels both passivity and domination * why “happy wife, happy life” is a terrible vision for marriage * what it looks like to shepherd your wife spiritually * how men can begin leading their homes in family worship * and why shrinking back is so spiritually dangerous We also discuss practical realities many Christian men face: fear of conflict, fear of failure, feeling spiritually inadequate, emotional disengagement, and the temptation to substitute career success or hobbies for real kingdom responsibility. At the center of the conversation is this call: Do not shrink back. Christ has already won the victory. Men are called to press in, bear burdens, lead courageously, and take initiative for the good of others and the glory of God. Look to the King!