Contending for Christ Through the Creed: Apologetics for Loving Answers on the Christian Faith
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
Holy Scripture directs all Christians to contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Unfortunately, all too often the Christian resorts to defensiveness that amounts to becoming contentious, which is contrary to the way of Jesus Christ. Engaging for Christ requires both gentleness and respect (1 Pet 3:15). But where to begin? In this unique approach to cultural apologetics, Alfonso Espinosa employs the outline of the ancient Apostles’ Creed. Creedal organization not only demonstrates the timeless and enduring relevance of the Christian faith, but it also puts forth a logical and systematic approach to Christian apologetics. Such a method is first immensely personal since the Creed begins with “I believe.” At the same time, however, it does not perpetuate the hyper self-centeredness of our age but presents the outward orientation to consider the importance of creation, Christ-centered salvation, and the churchly context of the work of the Holy Spirit. In all this apologetic clarification, important answers to the faith once delivered are offered so that comfort is had not in religious ambiguity and subjectivism, but rather in the objective foundation of truth that endures, truth that we can contend for.
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- Employs the outline of the ancient Apostles' Creed.
- Demonstrates the timeless and enduring relevance of the Christian faith.
- Puts forth a logical and systematic approach to Christian apologetics.
“Rev. Dr. Espinosa has done it again! A real triumph! This work will help you to find a way to communicate the truth of our faith in a winsome and faithful way. You will learn that speaking the creed is telling the story of our faith in a steadfast way. Rev. Dr. Espinosa has a delightful way of weaving story with truth that makes the journey enjoyable to the end.”
—Robert Sundquist, Pastor, Faith Community Lutheran Church and Schools, Las Vegas, Nevada
“Rev. Dr. Espinosa reinvigorates the Apostles’ Creed by articulating how it is the perfect framework for Christians to use to defend their faith in the current cultural climate. It includes relevant encouragement on how to faithfully bear witness to the truths set before us in God’s word, while also highlighting the importance of doing so with gentleness and respect. It is a must-read for those seeking a refreshing reminder that the foundations of our faith, God’s word and the Apostles’ Creed, are not only eternally true but also the best resource for addressing the complex problems that face the Christian today. Espinosa is a master of translating complex ideas into digestible and palatable language for our twenty-first-century minds. This book eloquently meets many great needs that we have in the church today!”
—Aaron Puls, Instructor of Theology, Crean Lutheran High School, Irvine, California
“Contending for Christ Through the Creed is an invaluable resource for anyone teaching the catechism to any age group, as it uses the Apostles’ Creed to address the pressing questions of our generation about the Christian faith. It also serves as a powerful tool for both learning and teaching evangelism, providing a gospel-centered framework that keeps conversations focused on the essential truths of Christianity. Rev. Dr. Espinosa’s work is both insightful and thought-provoking, seamlessly weaving responses to common skeptical questions about God, Scripture, Jesus, salvation, and eternal life into the familiar structure of the Apostles’ Creed. Additionally, it reassures lifelong Christians by demonstrating the reasonableness and truthfulness of the faith, equipping them to answer challenging questions with confidence.”
—Ross Johnson, Director, LCMS World Relief and Human Care Disaster Response
“When some would tell us that we have to pick up the weapons of our enemies if we want to win, Espinosa reminds us that our God is our hope; he is the powerful one, and we are the most effective when we ground our lives in his unchanging truth and love. Espinosa brings us ‘back to the basics,’ with a tour through our creeds, deeply rooted in Scripture, and accompanied by practical applications to contemporary cultural issues addressed from the heart of our deeply gracious God.”
—Rachel Ferguson, Professor of Business, Concordia University Chicago
“During their arduous journey through the wilderness, disciples of Christ the world over have been led by the Holy Spirit throughout history to stand firm in the faith delivered to the saints. Along the way, they have often faced suspicion about or opposition to their claims. Exhorting Christians today to contend for the faith without being contentious, Dr. Espinosa unpacks what makes Christian claims suspect in North America today. Using the Apostles’ Creed as his roadmap, the author responds to objections to the church’s confession by offering a Gospel-centered, theologically winsome, and pastorally caring account of God’s loving purposes for his creation through Jesus Christ. Through storytelling, biblical exposition, theological reflection, and practical questions for discussion in each chapter, Espinosa invites us to revel in and proclaim to others the beauty of living, moving, and having our being in our merciful triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
—Leopoldo Sanchez, Professor of Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri