Anglican Church of the Incarnation - Richmond, Virginia

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...

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