Anglican Church of the Incarnation - Richmond, Virginia

In this second session, our discussion turns from individual philosophical arguments to the broader assumptions that shape modern debates about evil and God’s existence. Drawing on Scripture and the Christian tradition, we reflect on themes such as the Fall, original sin, eternal life, and the nature of human dependence upon God. Rather than attempting to explain away suffering, Dr. McDaniel encou...

In this edition of Ask the Church , we explore how prayer beads (and similar tools like an Eastern Orthodox prayer rope) can serve as a simple physical aid for focus and attention in prayer. We also offer cautions against treating the practice as automatic, superstitious, or a way of earning God’s favor, and how to keep the posture of prayer sincere. Finally, we address questions surrounding the H...

In this opening lesson, we begin examining the problem of evil as both a philosophical challenge and a theological question. Our discussion explores several major attempts to explain suffering—including free will defenses, higher-order goods arguments, and skeptical theism—while considering the strengths and limitations of each. Along the way, we are encouraged to reflect on how modern secular ass...

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Nehemiah 9:1-3, 6-15; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:13-25; John 10:1-10

In this edition of Ask the Church , we begin with the central conviction that in Scripture we encounter the living God—and that this should shape the urgency and priority of Bible reading. We offer a practical suggestion of beginning with the Gospels and letting the rest of Scripture “radiate out” from Christ, the key who helps everything else come into focus. We also encourage the daily practice...

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Isaiah 43:1-12; Psalm 116:11-16; Acts 2:14a, 36-47; Luke 24:13-35

How should Christians explain suffering to non-Christians? In this edition of Ask the Church , we explore a way of speaking about suffering that is honest, compassionate, and grounded in the heart of the Christian story. The Cross shows that God is not distant from human pain, and the Resurrection gives real hope that suffering will not have the last word. 📩 Have a question for a future episode?...

Rt. Rev. Dr. Quigg Lawrence // Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 111; Ephesians 4:25-32; John 20:19-29

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Acts 13:34-43; Psalm 118:14-17, 22-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-10

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Genesis 22:1-18; Psalm 69:1-22; John 18:1-19:37

In our concluding session in this series, we turn to Palm Sunday and explore the biblical meaning of the palm branches in the triumphal entry. Tracing the image through the Old Testament reveals a rich tapestry of themes: Gentile inclusion, fruitfulness, temple imagery, and the widening reach of God’s covenant promises. The lesson shows how reading Scripture across the whole canon deepens our unde...

What is hell, and how should Christians think about it faithfully? In this edition of Ask the Church , we begin with the scriptural teaching that judgment after death is real, and that the decisive issue is our response to Jesus Christ. We also explain why hell is not best understood as an “alien punishment,” but rather as the fruit of rejecting the only source of life and goodness—God Himself. Fi...

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; John 11:18-44

What is the Daily Office in Anglicanism, and how do we pray it? In this edition of Ask the Church , we explain Morning and Evening Prayer and the basic structure of the Daily Office—confession, psalms, Scripture readings, the Apostles’ Creed, and prayers. We also offer practical help for beginners, particularly when the Daily Office feels awkward or “stilted” at first when prayed alone. The Daily...

Rev. Justin Hendrix // I Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:1-14; John 9:1-13, 28-41

In this third lesson, we apply the Early Church’s fourfold approach to the Book of Job. Beginning with its place in Israel’s wisdom literature, our lesson explores how the story addresses suffering, justice, and the freedom to question God in faith. Reading Job in light of Christ reveals deeper patterns of faithful suffering, mediation, and vindication. The session concludes by considering how the...

Why do some churches celebrate Communion every week while others do it much less frequently? In this edition of Ask the Church , we explore how our church’s understanding of the Eucharist shapes how often it is celebrated. The discussion centers on the idea of the “means of grace”—the ways God has promised to give His grace through the proclamation of Scripture and the celebration of the sacrament...

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; John 4:5-42

What is apostolic succession, and why does it matter? In this edition of Ask the Church , we explore how the Early Church understood the passing on of apostolic authority and why succession is about preserving the faith, not institutional prestige. Apostolic succession connects the Church today to the Apostles by safeguarding both doctrine and sacramental life. It is ultimately about faithfulness...

In this second lesson, we begin practicing the Early Church’s fourfold approach to reading Scripture. Using Proverbs 31 as an example, we explore how the passage functions within the Hebrew Scriptures before considering its Christological, moral, and eschatological dimensions. Reading the text in this way reveals a depth that is often missed when the passage is treated as a simple set of instructi...

Psalm 50; Hosea 5:15—6:6; Matthew 9:9-13

What does it mean to “mortify” sin? In this edition of Ask the Church , we explore the biblical command to “put to death” the deeds of the flesh and explain how mortification differs from mere suppression. Drawing on Romans 8 and Colossians 3, we look at how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to actively fight sin as part of sanctification. Far from leading to despair, mortifying sin leads to free...

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17, 25; 3:1-7; Psalm 51; Matthew 4:1-11

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 103; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21; Psalm 51

Why do many Anglican Christians place ashes on the forehead on Ash Wednesday? This edition of Ask the Church explores the biblical symbolism of ashes as a sign of repentance and mortality, alongside the Church’s historic practice of beginning Lent in humility. We discuss how the words “Remember that you are dust” orient us toward both repentance and hope in Christ. Listen to learn the meaning behi...