Podcasts about Semon

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

Psalm 141, Luke 6:43-45 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

Semon March 1 by Sunnybrook Christian Church

Joel 2:12-13; Matthew 6:21 The Rev. Dan Marotta

The Rev. Charles Alex Riffee // Psalm 33:12-21; Genesis 12:1-9; John 3:1-16

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:

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.

Psalm 34:1-22; Matthew 11:28-30 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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

Psalm 103:8-14; Matthew 11:28-30 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

Song of Songs 1:1-4; John 1:37-39 David Bailey

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.

Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Luke 18:1-8 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Mark 8:1-10 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

Isaiah 42:1-4, Mark 8:27-30 J.R. Briggs

Isaiah 42:1-4, Mark 8:27-30 J.R. Briggs

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

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:

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.

Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 11:1-4 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

Jeremiah 31:7-14, Matthew 2:1-12 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

Gal 3:23 - 4:7; John 1:1-18 The Rev. Lane Cowin

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

The Rev. Dan Marotta

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

Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:39-45 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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:

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.

Hebrews 1; Luke 1:26-38 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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

Psalm 131; Luke 1:5-20 AJ Sherrill

Isaiah 41:8-14; Luke 1:1-4 Will Clark