Vol. 03, No. 44

Mt. Baker Beacon 2024

Steven J. Wallace
11/03/24 - Mt. Baker Beacon 2024

MY NAME IS “SOMEBODY”

Danny Linden

At times we may notice some gaps in our local congregation—a need is not being met or something is being left undone. When that happens, it’s easy to look around and say, “Somebody ought to fix that!”

Indeed, somebody should do something. Churches aren’t perfect and things can slip through the cracks. I doubt the church in Jerusalem deliberately overlooked the needs of the Grecian widows (Acts 6:1-7), but that doesn’t mean the problem wasn’t real. At the same time, it is not helpful to merely point out problems if I can be part of the solution! Somebody ought to fix that—but what if my name is “Somebody”?

1. “Somebody” ought to check up on the sick and shut-in. It’s easy to overlook those who we don’t see often. Their names get mentioned in the announcements and we wonder how they are doing, but does our concern translate into action? Much good can be accomplished with a card, a phone call, or a visit. Is anyone doing that? Somebody ought to!

2. “Somebody” ought to teach the children. Many churches struggle to keep teachers in rotation in the kids’ classes. It’s a lot of work to teach and it can be intimidating if you haven’t done it before. However, it’s incredibly detrimental if teachers are getting burnt out or classes are not able to continue. There are missed opportunities with children who will soon be launched into the world on their own. Somebody ought to teach them!

3. “Somebody” ought to contribute more to the church. When churches make their budgets available to the members, we are sometimes discouraged by how expenses increase when offerings may be stagnant. Think of all the good that could be accomplished if someone would just give a little extra! Somebody ought to take another look at their budget.

4. “Somebody” ought to open up their home to others. It’s a wonderful thing when brethren can get together outside of worship for social occasions, Bible studies, singings, and other events. Most of the time those occasions happen at someone’s home, which can be a lot of work for the one who is hosting. Or, from another perspective, a need can arise where someone needs a place to stay when passing through or a place to live for a time when they are between homes. That is an even greater sacrifice. With all of these Christians in all of these homes, surely we can find someone to open their home. Somebody ought to volunteer!

5. “Somebody” ought to share the gospel with the lost. Why aren’t there more visitors in our worship services? Why aren’t there more conversions? The suggestion may be made that we need a marketing campaign, a bigger sign, or a special event. Those things may have their place, but they also avoid the simple answer of Christians talking to their friends and neighbors about God. If only somebody would be bold enough to share the gospel!

Many more gaps could be mentioned, but the concept should be clear by now. If you can identify a gap in your local congregation’s work, you have done well—but you also have only done the bare minimum. Challenge yourself to be an active part of the church. Learn to do new things and make the sacrifices that you expect out of others. Everyone deals with the constraints of time, responsibilities, family, and budget. God works through His people to accomplish great things, but we must be willing to step up. Somebody ought to do something, and my name is Somebody!

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“LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION: THE DECEPTION OF EMPTY RELIGION”

Luke 12:1-3

What did Jesus tell us to “beware of”?
1. Is it fair to say there was nothing in Pharisaism that was worthy of admiration?
2. Is it appropriate to call someone a “hypocrite” who has a momentary lapse from the standard he presses toward?
3. What is a hypocrite?
How can a man honor Christ’s teaching on modesty and godliness (1 Tim. 2:9-10) while feeling drawn to immodesty around him?
How can a woman honor Christ’s teaching on advocating inner beauty and yet seek validation through outward appearances?
What is the significance of peace offerings in the Old Testament (Lev. 7:11-15)?

THOUGHT QUESTIONS:

How does the woman’s misuse of peace offerings illustrate hypocrisy (Lev. 7:11-15; Prov. 7:14, 27)?

How does Jesus embody the ultimate peace offering, where is this peace found, and what does that mean for our relationship with God (Eph. 2:14-18)?

“LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION: HELPS FROM PROVERBS 7”

Psalm 119:9-16

GUARD YOUR FEET – Prov. 7:8

A practical help against being tempted is to ______________ places that lead to temptation (Prov. 7:8; 1 Thess. 5:22).
What are some “Bible Flees,” and why are they crucial?
1. 1 Corinthians 6:18 -
2. 1 Corinthians 10:14 -
3. 1 Timothy 6:10, 11 -
4. 2 Timothy 2:22 -

GUARD YOUR EYES – Prov. 7:10

What did Job make a covenant with, and what tools and practices can help guard your eyes in today’s digital world (Job 31:1; cf. Psa. 119:37)?

GUARD YOUR EARS – Prov. 7:21

Is flattery a sin, and if so, what dangers are associated with it (Prov. 7:21; 26:28; 28:23; 29:5)?

GUARD YOUR HEART – Prov. 7:24, 25

Psalm 119:36, “Incline my ____________ to Your ____________, And not to covetousness.”
What was the purpose of the tassel (Num. 15:39, 40)?