When Christians Get Stuck, And What To Do About It | Ep 6, Growing In Grace

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!

Lead. Provide. Protect. Virtuous Manhood in a Broken Culture | Ep 9

What does it actually mean to be a man? In this episode, we explore a biblical vision of masculinity that goes far deeper than cultural stereotypes. Instead of passivity on one side or domination on the other, Scripture calls men to something better. We define a virtuous man as one who takes initiative to lead, provide, and protect others with humble, self-sacrificing love under God’s authority. From there, we walk through what that looks like in real life—at home, at work, and in the church. We also address: * why many men feel stuck or unsure of their role * how fear and comfort can lead to passivity * what true provision and protection actually look like * and why the cross is the clearest picture of real masculinity This episode is about recovering a vision of manhood that is strong, purposeful, and ultimately shaped by Christ. Music Credit Intro/Outro: Old Neptune, He's Roaring by Brian Sauvé, used with permission

What Is a Woman? The Beauty of Virtuous Womanhood | Ep 8

What is a woman? It’s a question our culture struggles to answer—yet Scripture speaks to it clearly, beautifully, and with purpose. In this episode of Word and Flesh, we begin a two-part conversation on virtous womanhood, not shaped by culture, but grounded in God’s design. We explore a biblical definition of a virtuous woman: A woman who nurtures and cultivates others with gentle strength, wisdom, and joyful partnership under God’s authority. From there, we begin to unpack what that actually means. In this episode, we cover: * Why the question “What is a woman?” even matters * How culture has distorted and confused womanhood * What it means that a woman is designed to nurture and cultivate * The beauty and dignity of being a “helper” (and why that word is misunderstood) * How God uniquely designed women as life-givers—physically, relationally, and spiritually * What virtuous womanhood looks like for married and single women alike * Why God’s design is not restrictive—but life-giving We also begin to address the tension many feel when approaching this topic—especially in light of cultural messaging and personal experiences. This is about recovering a vision of womanhood that is strong, dignified, and deeply rooted in truth. And that's a beautiful thing.

Sex, What the Church Missed, and Why God's Design is Best | Ep 7

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: * Why your sexuality is not the core of your identity * What it means that God created us male and female * How the church has historically struggled to talk about sex (and where it went wrong) * The difference between behavior modification and real heart transformation * Why God’s design is not restrictive—but actually leads to life and freedom * How grace empowers change, even when your desires don’t immediately align We also begin to apply these truths to real life—for both singles and married couples—laying the groundwork for the episodes to come.

When Christians Get Stuck, And What To Do About It | Ep 6, Growing In Grace

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: * What grace actually is (and isn’t) * The tension between effort and earning * Why spiritual growth requires real effort—but not self-reliance * What 2 Peter says about growing in grace * The difference between duty and joy * Why focusing on yourself can actually stall your growth * How grace empowers everyday obedience * What it looks like to depend on God in evangelism, Bible reading, and leadership Grace is not just something that forgives you—it’s the power that changes you. ~ Produced by Ethen Demarce ~ Episode Art: Word & Flesh logo, by Rebekah Wright ~ Signoff: "Further up, and further in." -- Aslan the Lion, The Last Battle, by C.S. Lewis ~ 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*