That Deflection Mechanism

You Are a Senseless Person

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 message [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roots-and-fruits-hezekiah-trevino/id73802582?i=1000773748953] Listen to James' message [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-together-james-granger/id73802582?i=1000773748951] Listen to Tony's message [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-together-tony-pyle/id73802582?i=1000773748952] Subscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riverview-church-message-podcast/id73802582] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6m7Hg7CJSIyFJ3zp2u3bj6?si=3ccf91d033054248]) Visit us online: rivchurch.com [https://rivchurch.com/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rivchurch] Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com [podcast@rivchurch.com] — 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 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF9FbDhfeXVYUnhtMmJvUmhuOGZvaW54cGxoQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSjM2TUNWVE9SNzJBSEh4M3lleElpanYtNzFaWFBrV0VBTnNNaEpMSFNoWnY1N01IQ3ZXSi1Jd1dvMVkxc19OR0t4cE1sR1lIQUpIZndrTWFtZTd1dzVlYUs4clh2a3cxbzNPNEJKbV9ia1FiVHhfQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Frivchurch.com%2F&v=W_rwoS5Yf4o]

We Want to be the Favored Ones

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 message [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-royal-law-noel-heikkinen/id73802582?i=1000772964344] Subscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riverview-church-message-podcast/id73802582] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6m7Hg7CJSIyFJ3zp2u3bj6?si=3ccf91d033054248]) Visit us online: rivchurch.com [https://rivchurch.com/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rivchurch] Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com [podcast@rivchurch.com] — 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 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF9FbDhfeXVYUnhtMmJvUmhuOGZvaW54cGxoQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSjM2TUNWVE9SNzJBSEh4M3lleElpanYtNzFaWFBrV0VBTnNNaEpMSFNoWnY1N01IQ3ZXSi1Jd1dvMVkxc19OR0t4cE1sR1lIQUpIZndrTWFtZTd1dzVlYUs4clh2a3cxbzNPNEJKbV9ia1FiVHhfQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Frivchurch.com%2F&v=W_rwoS5Yf4o]

Every Heretic Has His Verse

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 message Subscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riverview-church-message-podcast/id73802582] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6m7Hg7CJSIyFJ3zp2u3bj6?si=3ccf91d033054248]) Download a copy of the One More Series Journal [https://cdn02.rivchurch.com/assets/One-More-Studuy-Journal.pdf] Visit us online: rivchurch.com [https://rivchurch.com/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rivchurch] Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com [podcast@rivchurch.com] — 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 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF9FbDhfeXVYUnhtMmJvUmhuOGZvaW54cGxoQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSjM2TUNWVE9SNzJBSEh4M3lleElpanYtNzFaWFBrV0VBTnNNaEpMSFNoWnY1N01IQ3ZXSi1Jd1dvMVkxc19OR0t4cE1sR1lIQUpIZndrTWFtZTd1dzVlYUs4clh2a3cxbzNPNEJKbV9ia1FiVHhfQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Frivchurch.com%2F&v=W_rwoS5Yf4o]

A Lot of Drama in Me

Noel returns from a whirlwind trip to Manila to tackle Psalm 22 — Riverview's first foray into a new fifth-Sunday Psalms series. He and Alex geek out on a translation puzzle in verse 21, debating why some Bibles include "you answered me" and others don't, and what's actually at stake in that hinge. The conversation goes deep on whether Jesus was truly separated from the Father on the cross, the limits of systematic theology, and why holding open questions is part of healthy faith. Listen to Noel's message [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exhaling-pain-inhaling-grace-noel-heikkinen/id73802582?i=1000770621800] Subscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riverview-church-message-podcast/id73802582] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6m7Hg7CJSIyFJ3zp2u3bj6?si=3ccf91d033054248]) Download a copy of the One More Series Journal [https://cdn02.rivchurch.com/assets/One-More-Studuy-Journal.pdf] Visit us online: rivchurch.com [https://rivchurch.com/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rivchurch] Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com [podcast@rivchurch.com] — 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 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF9FbDhfeXVYUnhtMmJvUmhuOGZvaW54cGxoQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSjM2TUNWVE9SNzJBSEh4M3lleElpanYtNzFaWFBrV0VBTnNNaEpMSFNoWnY1N01IQ3ZXSi1Jd1dvMVkxc19OR0t4cE1sR1lIQUpIZndrTWFtZTd1dzVlYUs4clh2a3cxbzNPNEJKbV9ia1FiVHhfQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Frivchurch.com%2F&v=W_rwoS5Yf4o]

That Deflection Mechanism

This week, Alex talks with Tony, Hezekiah, and Andrew about James 1:13-18, trials, temptation, and how God uses hardship to mature his people without ever being the source of temptation. They discuss the difference between lament and grumbling, why suffering can narrow our view of reality, and how James expands our timeline toward the hope of Christ’s return. The conversation also explores self-deception, cultural “truths” that pull us away from Scripture, and why knowing God’s character is essential when life feels confusing or painful. Listen to Andrew's message [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-be-deceived-andrew-bolkcom/id73802582?i=1000769673540] Listen to Tony's message [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-be-deceived-tony-pyle/id73802582?i=1000769673443] Listen to Hezekiah's message [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-fall-for-it-hezekiah-trevino/id73802582?i=1000769676300] Subscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riverview-church-message-podcast/id73802582] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6m7Hg7CJSIyFJ3zp2u3bj6?si=3ccf91d033054248]) Download a copy of the One More Series Journal [https://cdn02.rivchurch.com/assets/One-More-Studuy-Journal.pdf] Visit us online: rivchurch.com [https://rivchurch.com/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rivchurch] Send us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com [podcast@rivchurch.com] — 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 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF9FbDhfeXVYUnhtMmJvUmhuOGZvaW54cGxoQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSjM2TUNWVE9SNzJBSEh4M3lleElpanYtNzFaWFBrV0VBTnNNaEpMSFNoWnY1N01IQ3ZXSi1Jd1dvMVkxc19OR0t4cE1sR1lIQUpIZndrTWFtZTd1dzVlYUs4clh2a3cxbzNPNEJKbV9ia1FiVHhfQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Frivchurch.com%2F&v=W_rwoS5Yf4o]