Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) church plant in the Richmond, VA area. Located in Short Pump, Incarnation seeks to make the gospel present to the people of Henrico County.
Church of the Incarnation, Richmond, Virginia
What does it mean when an Anglican church identifies itself as representing “Three Streams Anglicanism”? In this edition of Ask the Church, we explain the phrase “three streams, one river,” and how it points to Evangelical, Catholic, and Charismatic emphases held together in a shared life of worship. We also explore how that phrase can be misunderstood—since the gospel, the sacraments, and the life of the Spirit were never meant to be optional “add-ons.” The Church is meant to be Word-centered, sacramental, and Spirit-filled—together.
In this edition of Ask the Church, we explore why tradition isn't automatically a negative word, and why the real issue is how tradition is treated in relation to Scripture. We also reflect on the simple fact that all Christians learn how to read the Bible, worship, and live the faith from others—meaning none of us approaches Scripture in a vacuum. Anglicans hold Scripture as uniquely authoritative, while also encouraging believers to listen to the Church's historic witness so we can interpret the Bible with humility and wisdom.
Rev. Steven Breedlove // Isaiah 41:17-20; Psalm 148; 1 Peter 3:8-18; John 15:1-11
In this edition of Ask the Church, we address a common question and explain why it's an oversimplification of Anglican origins. The English Reformation involved deep questions about theology, worship, Scripture, and church authority, and those forces shaped Anglican identity far beyond the personal life of King Henry VIII and the political issues of his day. We seek to offer historical clarity while keeping the focus on what Anglicanism actually is: a reformed, creedal, catholic expression of the Christian faith.
Rev. Justin Hendrix // Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Psalm 66:1-11; 1 Peter 2:1-12; John 14:1-14
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 encourages us to consider how Christian belief reframes the meaning and context of evil itself. We also explore why Christians need not surrender our own theological commitments when engaging with intellectual challenges raised from a perspective of secular modernity.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:
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 Hail Mary and how Anglicans may think carefully about intercession while keeping Christ as our only mediator.
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 assumptions often shape these debates in ways Christians need not accept uncritically. This lesson lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of how the Christian tradition approaches suffering, evil, and the nature of God.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:
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 of praying the Psalms, which teach us God's own words for praise, lament, and trust, and in turn deepens and enriches our common life of prayer.
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.
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 understanding of Christ's kingship and the Church's calling in the world. It is a fitting conclusion to a series devoted to reading Scripture in the tradition of the early Church.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:
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. Finally, we briefly discuss two questions that Christians have debated for centuries: whether hell is eternal and whether repentance after death is possible.
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 Office is a way of joining the Church's shared prayers and letting Scripture and prayer shape daily life together.
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 these themes shape Christian hope and perseverance.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:
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 sacraments. Understanding the Lord's Supper in this way helps explain why many churches (including ours!) celebrate it more regularly.
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 to Christ and the gospel entrusted to His Church.
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 instructions. The session seeks to model how Scripture, read within the life of the Church, continually leads us back to Christ.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:
The Rev. Charles Alex Riffee // Psalm 33:12-21; Genesis 12:1-9; John 3:1-16
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 freedom and new life in Christ.
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 behind this solemn and powerful Christian tradition.
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 interpretation (historical, Christological, moral, and eschatological) offer a framework for reading Scripture in a way that ultimately points us towards a fuller vision of Christ.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:
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 praying in common shapes what we believe and how we live.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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