In this message, Pastor Tony explores the concept of God's grace through the famous parable of the prodigal son, challenging listeners to understand grace as an unearned, unconditional gift. He contrasts human tendencies to earn favor with God's radical approach of freely giving love and acceptance, regardless of past mistakes or current performance. Using the parable and biblical references, Pastor Tony argues that grace is not a one-time transaction but a continuous, transformative experience that meets people exactly where they are. He encourages us to "savor" God's grace, distinguishing between appreciating it and taking advantage of it, and emphasizes that true grace changes how people view themselves and others.

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

In this message, REO Town Venue Director Hezekiah Trevino explores the concept of grace as a free, unearned gift from God. He challenges listeners to understand grace not as a one-time transaction but as a continuous, transformative experience that sustains and empowers people. Trevino argues that grace is meant to be both received and extended to others, regardless of whether they seem to "deserve" it. He emphasizes that grace is about unconditional love and forgiveness, not performance or earning favor.

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

In this message, Pastor Noel looks at the first half of the Christmas story as we find it in John 1:17: "For the law was given through Moses." Noel teaches how the Bible teaches that the law was meant to point to our need for Jesus and how--through Jesus--the law was fulfilled. Finally, we see how Christ frees believers from the law's weight and empowers them to live in the light of His Spirit.

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

This week, Pastor Noel explores the Christmas story through the lens of the Gospel of John, emphasizing the theological depth and transformative power of Jesus as the Word made flesh. Drawing connections to the themes of light overcoming darkness, grace paired with truth, and the unique perspectives of the Gospel writers, this message challenges listeners to see Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the Creator, Savior, and ultimate source of life. Whether you’re wrestling with faith or seeking deeper meaning this season, this episode invites you to consider the radical implications of Jesus’ birth and identity.

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

In this message, Pastor Tony explores Exodus 18, where Moses is reunited with his family and receives critical leadership advice from his father-in-law, Jethro. Tony highlights God’s ongoing provision, not just through miracles, but through practical wisdom and shared leadership. The sermon challenges listeners to embrace community, value honest feedback, and reflect on the power of personal testimony. Ultimately, it points to Jesus as the ultimate mediator who fulfills what Moses foreshadowed.

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

In this message, Pastor Justin dives into Exodus 18 to explore what it means to manage overwhelming responsibilities in a healthy, sustainable way. Using the story of Moses and Jethro, he unpacks the importance of delegation, shared leadership, and finding balance amidst life’s demands. Pastor Justin challenges listeners to rethink self-sufficiency, embrace wise counsel, and discover how God provides grace for every task—even when it feels too heavy to bear.

Exodus 18:1-18:27

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

In this message, Pastor Noel reflects on the tests faced by the Israelites in the wilderness as described in Exodus 15-17. Through moments of provision, challenges, and reliance on God, we see a pattern of forgetfulness that mirrors our own lives. Pastor Noel reminds us that God’s message is consistent: “I got you.” Whether through His provision, His grace, or the support of those around us, we are called to trust God daily, knowing He is our rock, provider, and ultimate source of strength.

Exodus 15:22-17:16

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

In this message, Pastor Noel reflects on the famous Red Sea story from Exodus, exploring its resonance in today’s culture. The message underscores how we often tie our hopes to political outcomes, much like the Israelites’ hopes for freedom in Egypt. However, true freedom doesn’t come from politics or earthly circumstances, but from a deeper trust in God. Using Moses’ leadership and the miraculous crossing as a metaphor, the sermon suggests that just as the Israelites were called to trust beyond what they saw, we too can find peace by shifting our focus from temporary solutions to a more profound faith in the path God sets before us.

Exodus 13:17-15:21

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

In this message, Pastor Noel explores two significant commands from Exodus 13 that God gave the Israelites: to eat unleavened bread for seven days and to consecrate their firstborn. He explains how these practices were meant to prompt questions from children, creating opportunities for parents to share stories of God's deliverance. Through an unexpected focus on the law about redeeming firstborn donkeys, Noel draws a parallel between humanity's need for redemption and the donkey's need to be redeemed by a lamb.

Exodus 13:1-16

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

In this message, Jeff Brewer, Executive Director of Word Partners, delves into the story and significance of Passover as a pivotal event shaping the identity of the Israelites. Drawing from Exodus, he highlights how God’s judgment and deliverance came through the blood of a lamb, foreshadowing a deeper deliverance fulfilled in Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb. Brewer invites listeners to reflect on the themes of substitution, redemption, and how faith in Jesus provides a refuge from judgment and a renewed identity as God’s children.

Exodus 11:1-12:51
More about Jeff

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]

In this message, Pastor Tony teaches from Exodus 11:1-12:51, and explores the power of traditions and how they shape our identities and memories. He shares personal traditions, like Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, that bring a sense of gratitude and grounding. Drawing from the story of the Passover in Exodus, he highlights how God used tradition to remind the Israelites of His faithfulness, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this practice. This episode invites us to remember and recognize the importance of simple practices that keep our hearts anchored in faith and gratitude.

Exodus 11:1-12:51

Subscribe to AfterWords on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Download a copy of the Exodus Journal
Visit us online: rivchurch.com
Follow us on Instagram
Send us feedback: [email protected]