A Particular Type Of Person

A Particular Type Of Person

From AFTERWORDS: A Riverview Church Podcast by Riverview Church

May 20, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 128

About this episode

The episode discusses the complexities of teaching the book of James and its implications for faith and grace.

This week’s episode kicks off Riverview’s new series through the book of James with a conversation about why this short, complicated, and deeply practical book has been surprisingly difficult to teach. Jason and Noel unpack how James differs from books like Acts or Philippians, why it reads more like Proverbs than a linear argument, and how misunderstanding it can turn faith into a checklist instead of a life transformed by grace. They also explore what it means to “consider it pure joy” in trials, why wisdom is tied to endurance, and how James keeps pointing believers back to the promise of the “crown of life.” Finally, they discuss Martin Luther calling James the “epistle of straw,” the danger of reading James without the rest of Scripture, and why this series is ultimately meant to produce joy, not guilt. Listen to Noel's message Subscribe to our Messages podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify ) Download a copy of the One More Series Journal Visit us online: rivchurch.com Follow us on Instagram Send us feedback: 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…

People in this episode

Host: Jason

Guest: Noel

Topics covered

  • book of James
  • faith and grace
  • wisdom and endurance
  • joy in trials
  • scriptural interpretation

Keywords

  • James
  • faith
  • grace
  • wisdom
  • trials
  • joy
  • scripture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Riverview Church

Books & works: book of James, Acts, Philippians, Proverbs, epistle of straw

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