How can we strengthen our faith through the apostles' eyewitness accounts? Anchored by Eyewitness Reality 2 Peter 1:16: “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” What Makes Their Testimony So Solid? • First-hand sight: Peter, James, and John literally saw the transfigured Christ (vv. 17-18). • Multiple voices: “This Jesus God raised up, to which we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32). • Consistent message: From Jerusalem (Acts 2) to Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) the same facts were preached. • Prophetic confirmation: Their experience fulfills Moses’ and the prophets’ promises (Luke 24:25-27). • Spirit-sealed memory: “The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you” (John 14:26). How Their Eyewitness Accounts Fortify My Faith 1. Confidence that Scripture is factual, not fable. 2. Assurance that Jesus’ power and coming are proven, not hypothetical. 3. Motivation to cling to the same Christ those men were willing to die for. 4. Perspective: trials look smaller beside majesty they saw (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18). 5. Joy: the risen, glorified Lord is the very One who loves me today (Hebrews 13:8). Practical Steps to Strengthen Faith Today • Read their words aloud—hearing helps truth sink in (Romans 10:17). • Trace the harmony: compare Peter’s sermon (Acts 3) with John’s prologue (John 1) and Paul’s creed (1 Corinthians 15). • Memorize key eyewitness verses (1 John 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:16-18). • Journal how each account answers personal doubts. • Share one eyewitness detail with someone weekly; teaching reinforces belief (Philem 6). • Look for the promised “power and coming” in your day—answered prayer, conviction of sin, boldness in witness. Living in the Light of Their Sight Because the apostles saw His majesty, I can: – Stand firm when culture says Christianity is myth. – Expect Christ’s return with hope, not fear (2 Peter 3:10-13). – Worship with the same awe they felt on the mountain (Matthew 17:6). – Serve courageously, knowing eyewitness faith rests on solid ground (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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