Podcasts about Semon

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

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

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

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

What is an Anglican Province, and why are some church leaders called Primates? If you've ever wondered how the Anglican Communion is structured around the world, this episode offers a clear and simple explanation. Learn what makes up a Province, what the role of a Primate is, and how these pieces fit together in the global Anglican family. Listen now to deepen your understanding of Anglican life and governance.

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

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 46; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:22-30⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:

What do Anglicans believe about Mary, the mother of Jesus? This edition of Ask the Church explores the Anglican view by asking three key questions: What must we believe? What may we believe? And what do we set aside as inconsistent with Scripture and tradition? From Mary's role as Theotokos (God-bearer) to questions about perpetual virginity, the Assumption, and the Immaculate Conception, this teaching shows how Anglicans honor Mary as the greatest of the saints while keeping Christ at the center. Listen now to gain clarity on this important aspect of Christian faith and tradition.

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

Very Rev. Charles Alex Riffee // Psalm 82; Hebrews 12:1-14; Luke 12:49-56

Why pray words that aren't your own? From the Psalms to the Lord's Prayer, the Bible is filled with examples of God's people using pre-written prayers in worship. Far from stifling authenticity, these prayers connect us to the wisdom, breadth, and unity of the Church through the ages—helping us pray in ways we might never think of on our own. In this edition of Ask the Church, we explore the biblical roots of pre-written prayers and how they can enrich both personal and corporate prayer today.

Guest Sermon // Psalm 33:10-21; Hebrews 11:1-16; Luke 12:32-40

Psalm 96:1-12; Luke 4:16-21 The Rev. Lane Cowin

Psalm 96; Luke 19:37-40 Will Clark