This fall we have a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Christian faith through Chris Hall’s world-class teaching on the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of faith that has shaped Christian doctrine and our Anglican tradition for centuries. But for many, attending Chris’s class may feel like jumping into the deep end of the theological pool. After a few minutes you may find yourself thinking, “I have no idea what he’s talking about… but it’s exactly what I believe!”
The Question of Belief
That raises an important question: How can we really know what we believe?
In a world filled with differing opinions and interpretations of faith, it’s essential to anchor ourselves in the core truths of God’s Word. Belief is more than a mere acceptance of religious ideas; it involves a journey of exploration, and even questioning, but ultimately, it leads to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. The Nicene Creed is an indispensable reference point for that journey because it summarizes what faithful Christians have concluded about key doctrines throughout church history.
Two Essential Exercises
In addition to attending Dr Hall’s class, I want to encourage you to try two essential exercises that can deepen your faith this fall.
- Writing Your Personal Testimony. Take time to write the story of how you came to know Christ, or where you currently stand in the process. This exercise involves introspection and honesty. What experiences shaped your beliefs? Who were the influential figures in your spiritual journey? By articulating your testimony, you’ll clarify what you really believe. Years ago, I went to an evangelism class at our previous church in West Philadelphia. At the beginning of the course, the pastor gave us an assignment of writing a personal testimony that we could read aloud by the end. “I’ve been a Christian all my life,” I thought, “so I don’t need to write anything down. I’ll just wing it.” When the day came to read our statements, the pastor called on me first. When he realized I hadn’t done the assignment, to my embarrassment, he moved on to someone else. For several years that experience bothered me, so one day I sat down and wrote it all out. It was such an encouragement to reflect on how God drew me to himself, and I was sorry I hadn’t done it years earlier. Now I keep my testimony on my laptop so
I can review it and, “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks for the hope you have within you” (1 Peter 3. 15). - Crafting Your Personal Apologia. The term apologia comes from the Greek word for defense, and it’s different than your testimony. It means articulating the reasons for your faith—why you believe what you do and how you can winsomely defend those beliefs against challenges. This may include historical evidence, personal experiences, or theological insights. As you reflect on your beliefs, think about the questions you’ve wrestled with. What doubts have you faced, and how have you addressed them? Crafting this defense helps solidify your own understanding and equips you to engage in meaningful faith-based conversations with others. If you want one example of what this looks like, check out how the Apostle Paul combined his testimony and apologia in Acts 26.
Some of My Favorite Books
At this point you may be thinking, “Sure Whitney, I’d love to write out my personal testimony and apologia, but I’m not sure I know enough yet.” If that’s how you feel, no problem! Let me recommend some of my favorite books that may help you.
- The Reason for God, by Timothy Keller, addresses common doubts and objections to Christianity while presenting a compelling case for faith. Through thoughtful discussions on topics such as suffering, morality, and the existence of God, Keller encourages us to explore the rationality of Christian belief. I appreciate his engaging style that combines personal anecdotes, philosophical insights, and theological depth, making it useful to both skeptics and believers.
- Know What You Believe, by Paul Little, is a concise guide to the main doctrines of Christianity. Little explores foundational beliefs such as the nature of God, Jesus Christ, salvation, and the Holy Spirit, providing clear explanations that demystify complex theological concepts. This book will give you a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian in today’s world.
- The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel, is one I’ve mentioned in my sermons.
It’s a journalist’s examination of the evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Using interviews with experts in theology, archaeology, and history, Strobel meticulously analyzes the claims of Christianity. His journalistic approach provides a compelling narrative that challenges skeptics while affirming believers. - More Than a Carpenter, by Josh McDowell, is a short though powerful exploration of the identity of Jesus Christ I discovered years ago. McDowell combines personal testimony with rigorous research to present Jesus not merely as a historical figure but as the Son of God.
- Mere Christianity, by CS Lewis, is a classic work that distills the essence of Christian belief into an accessible format. Originally based on a series of radio broadcasts during World War II, the book addresses the moral law and the nature of God, the problem of sin, and the Christian life. Lewis masterfully navigates complex theological concepts in his comfortable prose.
A Journey Together
As we embark on this journey over the coming weeks, let us approach it as an opportunity for deepening our faith together. Attending Chris Hall’s class, reflecting on our personal testimonies, crafting our apologias, and exploring classic Christian books will all make us a congregation that is even more “solid at the core.” May this fall be a transformative season in our spiritual journeys as we continue seeking “to know Christ and make him known.”
