The Vicar’s Study: Faith and Hope for an Unsteady World

Fr. Chris responds to a recent Tik-Tok creator who suggests that Jesus did not have to die for our sins.  By looking at the attributes of God and the true nature of sin, we understand better the divide that existed between us and God.  Not only that, but when we examine the role of the Old Testament sacrificial system, Jesus own death can be viewed in a new light.  When we examine these things we begin to grasp how love and justice, mercy and accountability fit into the economy of God.

While many people believe in the Resurrection, a study by Lifeway research found that many Christians do not understand why the Resurrection is relevant to their lives.  In this teaching, Fr. Chris, walks through the centrality of the Resurrection to the Christian faith, why the accounts of the Resurrection are reliable, and why the Resurrection is the anchor of life in Christ.  

Fr. Chris unpacks the major themes that emerged from the recent G26 meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.  This was a significant meeting that highlighted the major issues facing Anglicanism today and presented a renewed vision for the future of the Anglican Church.  Resources used in this video:The Jerusalem Statement (2008): https://gafcon.org/communique-updates...The Kigali Commitment (2023): https://gafcon.org/communique-updates...The Abuja Declaration (2026): https://gafcon.org/communique-updates...David Roseberry's Article via "The Anglican" on Substack: https://davidroseberry.substack.com/p...Ask

The Gospel will always challenge us and in this day and age few passages challenge modern thinking and culture than Romans 1.  Fr. Chris unpacks this chapter and shows how suppression of the truth leads to the idolatry of self which can't help but manifest in how we conduct ourselves --sexually and otherwise.  But there is great hope for each of us in the Gospel and no sinner is beyond the reach of the mercy and grace of God.

A common charge made against the Anglican Church is that it began because Henry VIII wanted to get a divorce from Catherine of Aragon.  Henry certainly played a major role, but did he actually start the Anglican Church?  By looking at the history of the Anglican Church, the theology of Henry VIII, and the major themes of the English Reformation, Fr. Chris unpacks this complex time and examines this fundamental question.Sources used for this video:The English Reformation, 2nd Edition, Dickens, A.G.Worship by Faith Alone, Hicks, ZacA History of the Church in England, Moorman, J.R.H.Ye Are the Body, Spencer, BonnellEmblem of Faith Untouched: A Short Life of Thomas Cranmer, Williams, Leslie

In this week's podcast, Fr. Chris walks through Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3.  Being "born again" is essential to the Christian faith-- Jesus says without it one "cannot see the Kingdom of God".  Looking at what being "born again" actually means and how it works, Fr. Chris shows how God's mercy and provision take center stage in our faith.  

In this episode Fr. Chris Findley looks at the Temptation of Jesus and the tactics of the tempter.  When did he approach Jesus and how?  What were the temptations aiming toward?  Walking through this passage we will see an overarching principle regarding the timing of temptation as how we are tempted in similar ways as Jesus was.  Fr. Chris also addresses how Jesus teaches us to fight temptation in our own day.

What do we need to keep in mind as we pray? What beliefs undergird a strong and vibrant prayer life?  Chris Findley walks us through three key things we need to remember as we lift up our needs and concerns to Him.

What is Lent?  What do I do during Lent?  Fr. Chris walks us through the basics about Lent and how we can faithfully enter into this penitential season.  From its penitential nature to common liturgical observances, Fr. Chris suggests Lent be viewed as an opportunity for deepening our Christian walk.