THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER
"Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. " (John 5:39)

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1, FEBRUARY 4, 2001

            This is the first issue of the first volume of the Northern Kentucky Searcher.  The goal of this publication will be to encourage all who read it to “search the scriptures daily” as the noble Bereans did and were commended for so doing. (Acts 17:11 )  Jesus told certain Jews who had been offended by a statement He made to “search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)  There is no more worthwhile a pursuit that we can enter into than to study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that do not need to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.  

            The Searcher will be a tool for study.  There will be no biblical subject that we will refuse to consider and no bible theme that will be viewed as “off-limits” or “too hot to handle”.  Paul tells us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16 & 17)  

            Will the Searcher be controversial?  Sometimes.  Will there be times when a reader may disagree with a point made in an article?  To that I would say, Undoubtedly!  But if all who read the Searcher and all who write for the Searcher do so from  a heart that earnestly desires to know the truth and to obey it, an occasional disagreement will only cause us to work harder, dig deeper, and study more diligently.  There is not a single infallible person on this earth, and if the Apostle Paul would commend people for examining carefully every word he spoke in the light of the scriptures, than certainly we should welcome examination and sincere questioning.  

            We stand ready to “try the spirits, whether they are of God” (I John 4:1), and feel duty bound to examine every practice, doctrine, and belief taught by man in the name of religion.  At the same time we welcome a similar critical eye to be cast upon every word that appears on the pages of the Searcher.    Our Lord stated, in Matthew 7:1 & 2, the following; “Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”  It is sinful to judge when one is not willing to be judged by the same standard.  It is cowardice to refuse to defend what one teaches, whether by word or in print.   

            So, that is what The Northern Kentucky Searcher will be.  God thought enough about the teaching power of the printed page that He chose it as the medium through which you and I would receive His Word.  Peter stated it so well in 2 Pet. 3:1 & 2, when he wrote, “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:  That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior.”  Should you have a question you would like addressed just let me know.  

Greg Litmer

“WHY AM I HERE?”  

            You feel you aren’t able to enter into the worship.  Just when you have focused your attention on the words of the song and begun to feel that you are really being stirred to spiritual responsiveness, 18-month old Missy bangs her head on the back of the pew, her cries rising in crescendo above the singing.  Or you have just been able to grasp the preacher’s line of reasoning as he expounds a difficult verse, when 3-year old Johnny tugs urgently at your dress and insists in loud whispers that he has to go to the bathroom.  The ways in which your attention and concentration can be distracted by the little ones are endless.  Sometimes you feel that there is no real purpose in being at the church services while trying to cope with them.  You feel that you are getting nothing out of the service, and besides, the children are probably distracting others in the audience, so why take them?  Why not keep them at home so that you, the children, and others of the audience will all be happier?   

            Your feelings are perfectly understandable.  You do have a problem.  But don’t be discouraged.  Your problem, in reality, is a great and golden opportunity.  You have it within your power, if you deal wisely with this problem, to accomplish these wonderful objectives:  

A.  To implant in your children the habit of attending church services, thereby opening the way for them to learn about God as they grow up.  This may very well mean all the difference between their becoming faithful Christians or going the destructive ways of the world.

B.  You may not be learning much from the sermons, but you are learning for yourself  thoroughly practical lessons in patience, self-control, self-denial, perseverance, discipline, and obedience to God.  These lessons are the kind that are best learned under the pressures of hindrances and obstacles.  

C.  You are teaching others.  By faithful attendance and courageous tackling of your problems with the children you are setting a wonderful example to the rest of the congregation.  Such an example is a priceless asset to any church.   It is more powerful in influencing the lives of others than many sermons.  A church cannot have too many young mothers of this kind.  We need you all!  We want you all!  

            So, young mothers and fathers, don’t be discouraged!  Keep coming!  Bring the children!  Most of us have been through the same experiences with the little ones and we understand your difficulties.  We respect your concern for others.  We admire your fortitude in coming.  We want your fellowship in worship.  We need your help in teaching the church.  So, bring the little ones to the services all the time.  

            This article, with just a few changes, was written by Foy Short and to it I give a hearty “Amen!”  Paul told us in Rom. 13:7 to give honor unto whom honor is due.  Young mothers, you are appreciated, you are wanted, and the cries of your children are music to the ears of those who care about the future of the church.  

            I have one question, does it seem to you that your children always cry the loudest or make the most noise?  I know it always seemed to me that Rachel was two decibels louder than any other child and that Adam was two decibels louder than she was. I guess there is something to heredity after all.  

                                                 g.l.