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 4, NUMBER 21, MAY 23, 2004

JUST THINKING ABOUT THE FAMILY

PART 1

            What is the foundational unit of society as designed and created by God?  The answer to that question is the family.  In Genesis 2 we read some of the specifics of the creation account given in chapter 1.  Included in Genesis 2 is the beginning of the family with Eve being created as a suitable companion for Adam and the two of them being brought together and joined together by God.  They were given the charge “to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Gen. 1:28).  In this we see the formation of the basic unit of society.

            It has always been true that the welfare of man on earth has risen and fallen with the recognition of the importance of that basic family unit.  I say that because the emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual needs of every individual begin to be met in that family relationship as God designed it.  It is in the home that the most important truths must be learned and instilled.  It is in the home that respect and love for God as the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler must be formulated.  It is in the home that the principles of right and wrong, respect for authority, ethical standards, and personal responsibility must be taught.  This truth is found in both the Old and New Testaments.  Deut.  6:6-7 tells us, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”  Ephesians 6:4 puts it so simply with the words, “And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

            Any time, and to the same degree, that the most important truths of life fail to be taught in the home, society as a whole will suffer.  Sadly enough, many of the bad things that happen in society seem to sooner or later make their way into the church.  No thinking Christian can deny that the general breakdown of the family unit in our society has begun to manifest itself more frequently within the body of Christ.  We are seeing more unhappy families, more unruly children with no interest in spiritual things, more abuse of different kinds, more worldliness, more divorce.  We, whose responsibility it is to shine forth as lights in the world (Matt. 5:16), are in many instances allowing the world to exercise the greater influence.

            What can be done?  There is only one answer to the problems so many of us face in our families today.  We must follow the blueprint of the architect of the family – God.  He designed it.  He created it.  If any one would learn how to be a better husband, provider, father, and companion, let that person turn to God’s Word.  All of the principles and precepts needed to function in every relationship we sustain in the family are there.  Is it the desire of a woman to learn to be a godly wife, a godly mother, a best friend to her spouse?  Than let her study God’s Word and find every answer that she needs within its pages.  Does a son or daughter want to be the very best son or daughter they can be, the very best person they can be?  Such will not happen by following the examples of the world.  It will happen by learning and clinging to God’s Word.  David wrote in Psalm 119:9, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed thereto according to thy word.”

            Oh, brethren and friends, what God’s Word has to say about the family, and each member in it, is not trite nor antiquated.  “For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).  There is nothing like the Word of God.  It is absolutely unique and it is through its precepts that we get understanding (Psalm 119:104).

            I would not dare to present myself as an expert on the family, but God is; and over the next several weeks we are going to be examining, in very plain language, how principles found in God’s Word apply in our families.  I will write the articles with an open heart; please read them in the same way.

                                                            Greg Litmer

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE CLASS

We will be continuing our study in Matthew 19:1-15 and Mark 10:1-16.

MORE ABOUT THE TELEVISION PROGRAM

            Right now the plans are to create three different half hour programs for broadcast on channel 25.  The second program is in the process of being completed.  It takes a considerable amount of time and work to produce one of these programs.  As each program is completed, it will run for about a month.  After all three have been produced, they will run on a rotating basis.

            Mark Lyons, a professional photographer and member at Mill Road, is producing these programs for us at cost.  He is literally saving us thousands of dollars.  Many of you know Mark.  It would be really good to thank him for his efforts.

            Here are additional times when the program will be aired.

Monday, May 24 at 3:30 pm; Tuesday, May 25 at 4:00 am; Thursday, May 27 at 10:30 am; Friday, May 28 at 6:00 am.

            On the small independent station, channel 38 (WOTH) which is available only by antenna, it will air Sunday, May 23 at 11:00 pm; Monday, May 24 at 4:30 pm; and Friday, May 28 at 4:00 pm.

            Even if it should turn out that we do not receive a very strong response from the broadcasts, the DVD’s will be available for use in private, in the home studies.