New to the Space

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.

About our Author

Pastor James M. Armpriester, Jr. worked as a molecular biologist at Procter & Gamble for ten years before becoming a pastor. With over thirty years of experience in ministry, he has been heavily involved in church planting and church health. He has served as a district director in Ohio and North Texas and has been a national leader in curriculum development, coaching, and consulting for church planting and revitalization. Pastor Jim has been the lead pastor of several churches, including New Hope in Cincinnati, Ohio, First Assembly of God in Niagara Falls, NY, and Transformation Life Church, which has multiple campuses in New Jersey.

Read More

READ MORE

What Does the Resurrection Change?

New to the Spaceby Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr What Does the Resurrection Change? WEEK 4 DAY 1 Yesterday, as a church family, we opened a pivotal question in our New to the Space series.The message was titled “What Does the Resurrection Change ”And the big idea was...

When Love Refused to Protect Itself

New to the Spaceby Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr Why did Jesus have to die? WEEK 3 DAY 5 — WHEN LOVE REFUSED TO PROTECT ITSELFWhy Love Had to Go All the Way We talk about love like it’s a feeling. God treats love like a decision. While we were still sinners—Christ died...

The Curtain God Tore Himself

New to the Spaceby Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr Why did Jesus have to die? WEEK 3 DAY 4 — THE CURTAIN GOD TORE HIMSELFWhy Separation Had to Be Removed   Most people feel distant from God—and assume it’s because they failed. But Scripture tells a different story....