Word & Flesh

Riverview Baptist Church
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semimonthly

A podcast from Riverview Baptist Church, firstly for our people. The elders of RBC dive into how we flesh-out the application of God's Word in our daily lives. Topics include authority, biblical masculinity and femininity, roles in the home/community/church, family worship, and much more. Host: Nathan Bechtold Co-Hosts: Michael Beene, Ryan Anderson Producer: Ethen DeMarce Logo: Rebekah Wright

  1. Jun 25

    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. Chapters (00:00:17) - Southern Baptists Pass Amendment to Prohibit Women From the Office of(00:01:37) - Southern Baptists: Response to the Women's Ordination(00:02:59) - Word and Flesh(00:03:59) - Southern Baptists on Cooperation With the SBC(00:08:39) - Michael Bastian on the Concerns About Southern Baptists(00:11:41) - Southern Baptists: The Proposal to Protect the Office of Pastor(00:16:51) - First Timothy 2: Women's Right to Lead(00:24:13) - Paul on Women and the Order of the Church(00:30:04) - Paul on Women and the Church(00:35:00) - Paul on the Right and the Home(00:37:31) - Beth Moore on Her Personal Call(00:39:43) - Questions about Women in the Church(00:45:53) - Teaching Matters: Role Decodes Value(00:48:19) - Try It God's Way(00:49:54) - Southern Baptists: We Don't Value Women(00:51:54) - A Short Talk on the Home

    55 min

  2. Jun 9

    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. Chapters (00:00:16) - Where Do Babies Come From?(00:01:30) - Wonders of the World(00:03:52) - How to Start a Conversation About Sex With Your Child(00:13:03) - Discussing Disney Movies With Kids(00:14:13) - On the Sexual Identity Conversation(00:19:20) - Why I built the fence(00:21:34) - On Permissive Parenting(00:27:35) - Problems of Teaching Your Child About Sexuality and Gender(00:30:59) - Feelings and Truth for Teenagers(00:37:09) - Topics of Sexual Ethics for Kids(00:45:49) - How to Talk About Gender and Sexuality With Your Child(00:49:35) - Deuteronomy 6: On Your Heart

    52 min

  3. Jun 1

    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. Chapters (00:00:16) - A Virtuous Woman(00:01:42) - Wonders and Flesh(00:02:38) - The VIRTUE OF A WOMAN(00:04:35) - Wonders of the World(00:12:15) - Wonders of the World(00:14:20) - What is Submission in the Marriage?(00:16:52) - Wonders of the World: Subjugation and Control(00:22:06) - God Made Adam Out of the Dust(00:27:00) - How To Have a Voted Marriage(00:29:50) - Wonders of the Kingdom: What If My Husband's(00:34:27) - The Husband's Role in Marriage(00:36:16) - How to Approach a Husband Who's Not Leading(00:42:17) - Peter on His Wife's Love(00:47:29) - What Does Submissive Marriage Look Like?(00:52:56) - Forgiveness in the Marriage(00:54:45) - Paul's Stakes for Women

    59 min

  4. May 28

    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! Chapters (00:00:16) - We Fail(00:01:47) - The Virtuous Man(00:03:00) - What Men Are Deserve to Do(00:04:51) - None Shall Shrink Back(00:06:01) - "Shrinking Back": Why Men Fail(00:09:36) - Leading Well(00:13:13) - What Does It Look Like for a Man to Shepher His Wife(00:21:03) - How to Lead Your Wife(00:28:23) - 7 Reasons Why I Shouldn't Lead My Wife(00:31:12) - What are things that good leadership is not like(00:36:53) - Separation of the Home(00:39:54) - What is the burden my wife needs to bear?(00:41:33) - Leading the Family(00:47:19) - How to Have Family Worship(00:51:43) - Taking Initiative With My Daughter(00:55:58) - God's Words for Men

    1h 1m

  5. May 17

    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 Chapters (00:00:09) - What Makes a Man a Man?(00:01:29) - WORD AND FLEE(00:01:53) - Vincy of Manhood and Womanhood(00:03:08) - Virtuous Manhood(00:06:19) - What is Virtue? (In Latin, V I, r(00:09:24) - Ryan on Taking Initiative in Life(00:13:33) - Adam Was Given Responsibility First(00:17:43) - What Stops Men From Taking Initiative?(00:22:50) - Part 3: Taking Initiative(00:26:20) - Lead, Provide and Protect(00:28:40) - Provision and Domination in the Garden(00:32:44) - Bearers of the burden(00:35:18) - Ben Sasse: Cynicism is Denied Manliness(00:39:42) - Philip Jones on True Masculinity(00:46:18) - Come on Boys, Don't Be Slow

    54 min

  6. May 11

    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. Chapters (00:00:17) - What is a Woman?(00:01:01) - WORD AND FLEE: The Culture of Women(00:02:08) - What is a VIRGIN WOMEN?(00:03:11) - What is a Virtuous Woman?(00:04:31) - What is a VOTIVE WOMAN?(00:07:44) - A Woman's Virtue and Her Manhood(00:09:13) - Adam and Eve: Nurture and Cultivation(00:11:59) - Virtue and the role of women(00:15:58) - Proverbs 31: The Valor of Women(00:20:11) - Genesis 2:18- A Woman's Authority(00:24:43) - How Having a Wife Made Me a Better Man(00:25:55) - Prescriptivism and the virtuous woman(00:27:12) - The normative character of unmarried women in the Bible(00:28:34) - Cultivating the Biblical Womanhood(00:35:22) - Virtuous Womanhood in the World

    38 min

  7. May 4

    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. Chapters (00:00:16) - Wonders of Gender and Sexuality(00:02:03) - What Does It Look Like to Grow in Grace on Sexuality and(00:06:17) - The temptation of sexual behavior(00:06:54) - What Was Missing in the 90s Sexual purity culture?(00:12:28) - Don't Apologize for What the Bible Says About Sexuality(00:16:45) - Sexual purity for the lost(00:21:16) - Sexual Desire and How to Change It(00:27:31) - God's Grace is Not a Leash(00:30:28) - Sexual Ethics for Unmarried People(00:35:03) - Paul on Sex and Married People(00:39:21) - Sexual ethics, the fall

    44 min

  8. Apr 30

    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* Chapters (00:00:16) - What Does It Mean to Grow in Grace?(00:01:25) - Ryan Anderson Welcomed Baby into the World(00:02:28) - The 2026 Vision(00:03:28) - PODCAST: Word and Flesh(00:05:01) - What Might It Look Like to Be Growing in Grace?(00:09:36) - Grow in Grace(00:13:00) - Paul on Efforts to Pursue Godliness(00:17:06) - Paul says, literally, by the grace of God, I am(00:18:57) - What is spiritual growth?(00:21:25) - What is the Christian Purpose?(00:24:56) - 2 Peter 3:18- Grow in Grace(00:28:41) - Michael Biehn on Growing in Grace(00:34:13) - Peter and the Dying to Self(00:39:35) - Growing in Grace

    44 min
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5
out of 5
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About

A podcast from Riverview Baptist Church, firstly for our people. The elders of RBC dive into how we flesh-out the application of God's Word in our daily lives. Topics include authority, biblical masculinity and femininity, roles in the home/community/church, family worship, and much more. Host: Nathan Bechtold Co-Hosts: Michael Beene, Ryan Anderson Producer: Ethen DeMarce Logo: Rebekah Wright

Information

  • Creator
    Riverview Baptist Church
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Word & Flesh

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