Anglican Church of the Incarnation - Richmond, Virginia

In this opening session of a new series, we consider how the Early Church read the Scriptures and why that way of reading still matters. Beginning with foundational assumptions—practice over theory, reading within the Church, and seeking communion with God Himself rather than mere head knowledge—the lesson introduces the fourfold pattern often called the quadriga . These four “horses” of interpret...

The Rev. Jim Pittman // Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99; Philippians 3:7-14; Matthew 17:1-9

What is the Book of Common Prayer, and why is it central to Anglican worship? This edition of Ask the Church traces its origins to the English Reformation, when Thomas Cranmer translated and revised the Church’s liturgy into English so the people could fully participate. It explains how the Prayer Book preserves inherited Christian worship while rooting it deeply in Scripture. Listen to learn how...

The Rev. Justin Hendrix // 2 Kings 22:8-20; Psalm 27; 1 Corinthians 2; Matthew 5:13-20

What is substitutionary atonement, and why does it sometimes generate controversy among Christians today? This edition of Ask the Church explores the biblical meaning of Christ bearing our sins and clarifies common misunderstandings that portray the doctrine unfairly. We also learn how substitutionary atonement fits alongside other biblical images of salvation, rather than replacing them. 📩 Have...

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 37:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

Who is Satan, and how does he tempt human beings? In this edition of Ask the Church , we explore a biblical understanding of Satan, emphasizing both the reality and the limits of his power. We learn how temptation most often works through deception rather than coercion, and why Christians need not live in fear. 📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email steven@incarnationrichmond.org 🎥 Like,...

The Rev. Charles Alex Riffee // Amos 3:1-11; Psalm 139:1-18; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; Matthew 4:12-22

What does it mean to be made in the image of God? This edition of Ask the Church explores the biblical teaching that human dignity flows from God’s creative purpose, not from our abilities or achievements. The image of God is expressed through our relationships and responsibilities as we seek to faithfully represent God in the world. 📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email steven@incarnatio...

In this special Sunday School lesson, we explore the Gospel of John as a retelling of the Exodus story. Tracing themes of deliverance, worship, living water, and new creation helps illuminate how John presents Jesus as the one who forms God’s people as His children. The discussion moves toward a reflection on the Church as a kingdom of priests , with forgiveness at the heart of Christian vocation,...

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Exodus 12:21-28; Psalm 40:1-10; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

What are the Creeds, and why do Christians continue to say them week after week? This edition of Ask the Church introduces the Nicene, Apostles’, and Athanasian Creeds, explaining their origins, purposes, and place in Christian worship. We also address a common concern: what should we do when reciting the Creeds begins to feel rote rather than heartfelt? Listen to learn how the Creeds summarize th...

The Rev. Justin Hendrix // Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 89:20-29; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17

Why do Anglicans baptize babies while some other Christian traditions do not? In this edition of Ask the Church , we explore how these differences flow from an understanding about the nature of baptism itself—whether it is primarily a human symbol or a sacramental action of God. Drawing on Scripture and biblical parallels with circumcision, we see that infants are included in the covenant while st...

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 84; Ephesians 1:3-14; Luke 2:41-52

What is the Feast of the Epiphany, and why do Christians celebrate it on January 6? On this edition of Ask the Church , we learn how Epiphany marks the revelation of God in Jesus Christ—especially to the Gentiles—and why it has been celebrated since the earliest centuries of the Church. We also discover how Epiphany opens the season of Ordinary Time, inviting Christians to reflect on how God’s sel...

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Isaiah 61:10-62:5; Psalm 147:12-20; Galatians 3:23-4:7; John 1:1-18

The Rev. Justin Hendrix // Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:6-20

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Isaiah 9:1-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20

Rev. Michael Davis // Isaiah 7:10-17; Psalm 24; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

In this third session on death and dying, we explore the Bible’s foundational teaching on what death is—and what it is not. Drawing from Jesus’ declaration that God is “not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Mt 22:32; Mk 12.27; Lk 20:38), and from Paul’s teachings on the resurrection, this lesson examines the relationship between body, soul, and eternal life. Far from viewing death as the en...

Why did God become man? In this edition of Ask the Church , we explore the Christian teaching that the Incarnation is about far more than Christ’s death on the cross. Drawing from Ephesians 1, we see how Jesus’s entire life replays and renews human history on our behalf, uniting heaven and earth in Himself. Join us to learn how the Incarnation reveals God’s plan to remake humanity through Christ’s...

Rev. Justin Hendrix // Isaiah 35; Psalm 146; James 5:7-20; Matthew 11:2-19

What are the Thirty–Nine Articles of Religion, and why do they matter for Anglicans today? In this edition of Ask the Church , we seek to explain how the Articles emerged during the English Reformation to address key theological questions and how they continue to serve as an authoritative statement of Anglican belief. Although not a complete confession of faith, the Articles—together with Scriptur...

In this second session on death and dying, we focus on the ethical challenges Christians often encounter at the end of life, especially in medical settings. Drawing on Scripture, theology, and decades of experience in chaplaincy and healthcare ethics, the discussion explores questions of autonomy, dignity, quality of life, and decision-making. In lieu of offering formulas or easy answers, the less...