Podcasts about Semon

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

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:

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.

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

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.

Philippians 4:14-23; Matthew 26:6-13 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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

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:

Philippians 4:2-7; Matthew 6:25-34 The Rev. Lane Cowin

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:

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

Philippians 4:2-7; Matthew 6:25-34 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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).

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

Philippians 3:17-21; Matthew 16:24-26 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

Philippians 3:12-16; Luke 9:51-62David Bailey

Philippians Philippians 3:12-16; Luke 9:51-62 David Bailey

Semon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (19 October 2025). Text: Luke 18:1-8

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.

Philippians 3:1-11; Matthew 5:17-20 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

Philippians 2:19-30; John 14:12-20 Will Clark

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.

Philippians 2:12-18; Matthew 5:13-16 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

Philippians 2:3-11; Matthew 20:20-28 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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.

Philippians 2:1-5; Matthew 23:1-12 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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

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:

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.

Philippians Philippians 1:18b-30; Matthew 10:26-33 The Rev. Dan Marotta

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:

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.

Philippians 1:12-18a; Matthew 28:16-20 The Rev. Dan Marotta

Rev. Justin Hendrix, Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14

Philippians 1:1-11; Matthew 18:15-20 The Rev. Dan Marotta

Psalm 98:1-9; Matthew 26:30–31 Oldson Duclos