Anglican Church of the Incarnation - Richmond, Virginia

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 praying in common shapes what we believe and how we live.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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, inviting us to read Scripture more attentively and to consider how these themes shape both faith and daily life.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 the gospel, guard our faith, and unite Christians across all ages.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 still being called to grow into faith and obedience.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 self-revelation transforms everyday life. Listen in and join us in discovering why this ancient feast still matters today.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 end of life, we learn how Scripture presents death as a transition that draws us further into a closer relationship with God. This session seeks to offer a clear, hope-filled Christian vision of death, rooted in faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 life, death, resurrection, and ascension.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 Scripture, the Creeds, the liturgy, and the Ordinal—form a central part of Anglican doctrine.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

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 lesson provides a Christian framework for thinking faithfully and compassionately about complex end-of-life decisions. It invites believers to approach these moments grounded in the conviction that every person is created in the image of God and held in His care.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 72; Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12

What is Advent, and why do Christians prepare before celebrating Christmas? In this edition of Ask the Church, we trace the season back to the early centuries of the Church and explain why preparation—fasting, prayer, and repentance—comes before joy. Advent reminds us of the three comings of Christ: His birth in Bethlehem, His coming into our hearts, and His promised return. Tune in to discover the meaning behind the season’s themes of longing, hope, and holy preparation.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 24:29-44

Why is thanksgiving such an important Christian virtue? Far more than a seasonal theme, gratitude is the basic posture of the soul that trusts God. Scripture shows that giving thanks is “faith in action,” shaping us into people marked by humility, dependence, and hope. This edition of Ask the Church explores why thanksgiving lies at the heart of the Christian life and how practicing it helps form the heart even when gratitude feels difficult.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

This Sunday School lesson takes a thoughtful look at how Christians understand death and dying, drawing on Scripture, the historic witness of the Church, and experiences from pastoral care and hospital chaplaincy. We explore why modern culture tends to avoid this topic and how movements such as the Enlightenment and Romanticism have shaped contemporary attitudes toward mortality. The lesson introduces the historic Christian idea of Ars moriendi, reflecting on how believers through the centuries have prepared for death with courage, faith, and trust in the Resurrection. This is an invitation to consider what it means to approach death as disciples of Jesus — grounded in our identity in Him and sustained by the hope of new life.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:35-43

Money is one of the most frequently discussed topics in the Bible—and for good reason. It is powerful, deeply symbolic, and one of the easiest things to trust in instead of God. In this Sunday School lesson, we look at the Old Testament’s tithes, charity laws, and debt practices before seeing how Jesus fulfills the law and invites us into a deeper, freer, and more generous way of life.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Charles Alex Riffee // Psalm 17; II Thessalonians 2:13-3:5; Luke 20:27-38

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Isaiah 1:10-20; Psalm 32; Luke 19:1-10

Should Christians pray for the dead? In this edition of Ask the Church, we explore what the Bible and church history say about the practice and why the Anglican church rejects the medieval idea of purgatory. We discuss the difference between prayers for the dead (seeking to shorten suffering) and prayers about the dead (thanking God for their lives and commending them to His mercy).📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Justin Hendrix // Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22; Psalm 84; II Timothy 4:6-18; Luke 18:9-14

How can Christians resist temptation and stay faithful? This edition of Ask the Church explains the three sources of temptation— the world, the flesh, and the devil— and the two biblical responses: resistance and flight. It also explores why prayer and fellowship with other believers are essential in the struggle against sin.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 121; II Timothy 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8

Why should Christians confess their sins to a priest? In this edition of Ask the Church, we explore why the Bible assumes confession happens in community and how God works through others to assure us of His forgiveness. Drawing on James 5 and John 20, we learn how Jesus entrusted His Church with the authority to declare forgiveness and how Anglican priests exercise that ministry.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 113; 2 Timothy 2:1-15; Luke 17:11-19

Who can serve on the vestry of an Anglican church, and how are they chosen? In this edition of Ask the Church, we endeavor to explain the role of the vestry in church governance, its historical roots, and the different models Anglican churches use today. We also explore the biblical and diocesan criteria for those nominated to serve on our vestry, and how prayer shapes the final selection.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Justin Hendrix // Habakkuk 1:1-13; 2:1-4; Psalm 37:1-17; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10

Why do Anglicans use real wine at Communion rather than grape juice? In this edition of Ask the Church, we trace the story from the temperance movement and the invention of pasteurization, to the historical reasons Port became common in Anglican churches. We also address the question of what to do if you struggle with alcohol or gluten, and discuss why, if receiving only bread or only wine, we still participate fully in Communion.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6:11-21; Luke 16:19-31

Do Anglicans believe in Purgatory? Article XXII of the Anglican Articles of Religion rejects the medieval doctrine as “repugnant to the Word of God.” But that doesn’t end the conversation. In this edition of Ask the Church, we explore what Anglicans believe about Purgatory, why Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is sufficient, and how God’s sanctifying work continues in the lives of His people.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 138; Amos 8:4-12; Luke 16:1-13

Do Anglicans believe in transubstantiation? This edition of Ask the Church explores why Article 28 of the Anglican Articles of Religion rejects the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, while still affirming that Christ truly offers His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Drawing on the Anglican idea of “efficacious signs,” we see how the Sacrament both signifies and accomplishes what it promises (Christ's "Real Presence" in the Eucharist). Rather than speculating about how the mystery works, Anglicans emphasize the gift itself: Jesus offering Himself to us in the Eucharist.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

This fall in Sunday School, we are taking a deep dive into some of the most frequently asked questions that have been sent in for Ask the Church. In this first session, we look at the biblical and historical roots of ordination—what it means to be a bishop, priest, deacon, or lay person—and why these roles matter. Far from being “super-Christians,” clergy exist to equip the whole body for ministry. Every believer is called, gifted, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God, one another, and the world.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Rev. Michael Davis // Exodus 32:1,7-14; Psalm 51:1-17; Luke 15:1-10

Is it normal for a Christian to lose interest in prayer or Scripture reading? This edition of Ask the Church explores the reality of spiritual dryness—seasons where our devotional life feels like “just going through the motions.” Far from being unusual, these times can actually become opportunities for God to deepen our trust and faith. Listen now for practical encouragement on walking with Christ through dry seasons.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 1; Philemon; Luke 14:25-33⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org

Can Christians pray to saints who have died—or speak to loved ones who have gone before us? This edition of Ask the Church explores why the Anglican Articles of Religion reject the medieval doctrine of the Invocation of Saints and what Scripture teaches about prayer and intercession. It also addresses an important question many Christians wrestle with: can those who have died in Christ actually hear us now? Rooted in Scripture and tradition, we discuss how Anglicans honor the saints’ example while keeping Christ as our only mediator.📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email [email protected]🎥 Like, Follow, and Subscribe to keep up with future episodes and answers to your questions about theology, church practice, and worship from an orthodox Anglican perspective.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to: 📖 Biblical teaching for both head and heart 🕯️ Spiritual formation through liturgy and sacrament 🙏 A shared life of prayer and discipleship for all ages🌐 Learn more: https://incarnationrichmond.org