Faith That Can Be Examined

New to the Space

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr 

Fire That Speaks

WEEK 6 DAY 3 — FAITH THAT CAN BE EXAMINED

Acts 2:22–32

Some people assume faith requires intellectual surrender. Acts 2 says otherwise.

When Peter stands to explain what happened, he does not say, “Just believe.”

He argues.

“Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works… which you yourselves know.”

Peter appeals to public history.

Then he says,: “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses.”

Plural. Eyewitnesses. Christianity begins with claims that can be evaluated.

• Fulfilled prophecy.
• Public execution.
• Empty tomb.
• Living witnesses.

Faith is not the absence of thought. It is trust built on credible testimony.

C.S. Lewis wrote: “Christianity, if false, is of no importance. If true, it is of infinite importance.”

• The resurrection is the hinge. If it did not happen — we are wasting time.
• If it did — everything changes.

Few have rejected Christianity after examination — many without it?  

NOTE: Many modern objections are inherited rather than investigated.

Acts 2 challenges both sentimentalism and cynicism.  Peter does not manipulate emotion. He presents evidence.

Then he calls for response.

Your faith does not require intellectual dishonesty. It requires honest engagement.

And here’s the deeper concept to consider. If the resurrection is true, neutrality becomes an illusion.  

• Because a risen Lord is not a private preference.
• He is sovereign reality.

Today, instead of vague belief, choose serious examination.  It will literally change your approach to Jesus and how you live as a Christ follower!

Action Step:

Read Acts 2:22–36 carefully. Write down the logical structure of Peter’s argument. Notice how Scripture, history, and testimony converge.  This is a good format for sharing your faith with non-believers.