What Would You Have Done If You...

Introduction
   I.  You, like I, have probably said, "If I had lived back in 'Bible Times,' it would
        have been easier to live right."
        A.  I have long since ceased to believe this.
        B.  We have far more evidence than those who lived in the first century.
        C.  It is certainly true that we have not seen miracles performed or talked
	  with Jesus or an apostle, but we have much evidence that can reasonably
	  be accepted by faith.  Rom. 10:17.
  II.  For a basis of our thought in this lesson, however, I would like for you to
        decide what you would have done if you had been various people in the first 
        century.
        A.  We can know what some of these people did, and we have evidence as to
	  the bases for their decisions.
        B.  Think with me about what you would have done if you had been one 
	  of these persons living two thousand years ago.

Body

  I.   What would you have done if you had been one of the devout Jews on        
        Pentecost?
        A.  You would likely have been among the multitudes who were moved by the 
	  Jewish leaders to demand that Jesus be crucified. Matt. 27:11-26.
	  1.  The Jewish leaders convinced the multitudes to demand the release of
	       Barabbas and to crucify Jesus. Vs. 20.
	  2.  Would you have allowed yourselves to give freedom to a murderer 
	       and (Lk. 23:18, 19) demand Jesus' crucifixion?
        B.  You would have heard about the out-pouring of the power of the Holy Spirit
	  upon the apostles.  Acts 2:1-13.
	  1.  These devout Jews were amazed at what they saw and heard. Vs. 12.
	  2.  A few mocked, though, saying the apostles were drunk. Vs. 13.
	  3.  Would you have been among the ones who were amazed or among
	       those who mocked?
        C.  How would you have responded to Peter's sermon?  Acts 2:14-36.
              1.  Peter preached Jesus as approved of God, put to death by lawless men,
	       raised from the dead, and elevated to the right hand of God. Vss. 22-36.
	  2.  You would have heard Peter say that you were responsible for His
	       death. Vs. 36.
	  3.  Would you have joined with those who believed Peter and who asked 
	       what they must do to be forgiven?  Acts 2:37.
	  4.  What would you have done when you heard Peter say, "Repent ye, and 
	       be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ?" Acts 2:38.
	  5.  What would you have done?
	  6.  Would you have been among those who, upon further exhortation, 
	       received the word and were baptized?  Acts 2:39-41.

What Would You Have Done If..., page 2.

  II.  What would you have done when those who had been baptized 
        "continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the 
        breaking of bread and the prayers?" Acts 2:42.
        A.  Would you have met with them each time they met?
        B.  Would you have let any little excuse keep you from the meetings.
        C.  What would you have done when persecution came against the church in
	  Jerusalem?  Acts 8:1-4.
	   
Conclusion
   I.  I could go on to other examples, but you know, if you had been among
        the obedient devout Jews on Pentecost, you would have obeyed when Philip
        preached Christ to you as he did to the Samaritans and to the Ethiopian.
  II.  If you had rebelled against the teaching of God on Pentecost, you would likely
        have done the same regardless of who preached to you.
III.  What would you have done if you had heard the gospel preached by Peter?
 IV.  What will you do upon having heard Christ preached today?

Prepared by:
  David Arnold
  June 17, 1995