Book: Contending for Christ Through the Creed: Apologetics for Loving Answers on the Christian Faith

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. 

Chapters:

Introduction: Contending While Loving

Part I: Contending for the Faith According to the First Article of the Creed

     1. Contending for Identity: “I”
     2. Culture and the Old “I"
     3. Contending for the Father
     4. Contending for the Creator

Part II: Contending for the Faith According to the Second Article of the Creed

     5. Contending for Jesus Christ of Real History

     6. Contending for Jesus, God Who Die

     7. Contending for Jesus, the Death of Death

     8. Contending for Jesus, the Keeper of Promises Coming Again

Part III: Contending for the Faith According to the Third Article of the Creed
     9. Contending for the Holy Christian Church
   10. Contending for Our Same Bodies Raised
   11. Contending for the Life Everlasting

Available from Amazon 

Podcast: Preaching to Uncle Bob: Evangelistic Preaching in a Post-Christian World with John Dickson

In this episode, Ridley College Faculty member, Tim Johnson, sits down with the John Dickson — historian, author, podcaster, and public Christian — ahead of the annual Ridley Preachers Conference. 

Their conversation centres on one of the most important and underestimated skills in ministry: evangelistic preaching. Not the Billy Graham crusade kind — but the kind that happens every Sunday in local churches around the country, where real doubters are sitting in real pews. 

John makes a compelling case that the local church is still the most powerful evangelistic tool we have, and that any preacher — not just the gifted evangelist — can learn to preach in a way that has something for the doubter in the room. 

They explore the difference between evangelistic preaching and evangelism, the common missteps that lose sceptical listeners, how to handle questions about Christianity's goodness and reputation, what Aristotle's three elements of persuasion have to do with the pulpit, and John's one piece of advice for anyone preparing an evangelistic sermon this Sunday. 

Whether you're a seasoned preacher or just starting out, this is a conversation that will change the way you think about your next sermon.

You can listen to this podcast here

Book: Apply the Word

Every preacher wants to see God’s Word impact their congregation. 

We wrestle with meaning, check the original Greek, and consult commentaries to make sure we’re faithful, articulate, and gospel-driven . But what if, in our diligence, we’re neglecting application, leaving our listeners informed rather than transformed?

Richard Coekin is passionate about application and candidly shares his own mistakes and growth in preaching over the past thirty years. Writing for both new and experienced preachers, Coekin lays out what good application is, what it’s not, and how to develop in this vital area so congregations don’t just hear the Word, but are equipped to put it into practice.

Key Points 

• The Problem with Expository Preaching: Why accurate textual exposition often neglects clear, practical application, leaving congregations informed but unchanged.
• Defining True Application: What faithful, text-driven application looks like (and distinguishing it from legalism, moralism, or subjective opinion).
• Application to the Heart: Shepherding listeners across different life situations—addressing tired parents, anxious believers, proud leaders, and skeptical guests.
• Nuts and Bolts of Sermon Preparation: Practical techniques and structural tools for incorporating clear application directly into sermon outlines and delivery.

Available on Amazon

Worship and Study resource: Creation in Christ Day

Creation in Christ or Feast of Creation has been introduced into the liturgical calendar to be celebrated on 1 September or the nearest following Sunday.  

Grounded in the ancient liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church, “Creation in Christ” (or “Feast of Creation”) celebrates God as Creator and ponders the great mystery that everything was created through Christ. And, as a result, it also inspires us to care for the gift of the created world. Although the rich theme of Christ’s activity in creation abounds throughout the liturgical year, setting aside this day brings an important focus to this mystery.

Resources 

Creation in Christ Web site

LWF  information

Consultation on Common Texts - recommended texts and rationale

ELCA - Year A worship resources

2026 August Lutheran Fellowship Gatherings weekly resource

 

AUGUST weekly resources

Click on the weekly links below  to access the weekly resources

August week 1:   Pentecost 10 Proper 13 Matthew 14:13-21

August week 2:  Pentecost 11 Proper 14 Matthew 14:22-33

August week 3:  Pentecost 12  Proper 15 Matthew 15:10-28

August week 4:  Pentecost 13 Proper 16 Matthew 16:13-20 

DONATE HERE

 

The Lutheran Fellowship Gathering weekly resource is for small groups or small worshipping communities to help them connect with God and each other focussing on the Gospel reading of the Revised Common Lectionary  

I have made this resource available is to support people who wish to gather around God’s Word, focus on Jesus and to grow as part of God’s church.  

You may want to use it to help you start a small group in your church community, or to gather people in a community where a Lutheran church currently is not present.  

This resource is offered free of charge to non-commercial situations, on the understanding that you will not charge for copies or its use.   

This resource has been developed by Pastor Richard Schwedes, richardschwedes@gmail.com 

If you have feedback, suggestions or improvements feel free to email me