The Foundational Basis of Genesis
G. Thomas Sharp • April 23, 2021
I have read again The Genesis Record, chapter 1 (Dr. Henry M. Morris, 2006). This was the “umpteenth” time for me to read this remarkable volume that was prepared by the modern father of Biblical creationism. And yes, it is written that well, and by the man that was without a doubt the father of the 20th century revival of Biblical creationism (in fact every Christian needs to read this book!). If I am ever again the headmaster of a Christian school, this book would be a graduation requirement.
Dr. Morris plainly tells us that the Book of Genesis is probably the most important book ever written (p.17), because if the Bible is ever printed without the Book of Genesis as its foundational basis, the balance of the Scripture would be bereft of meaning and purpose! This one book alone adequately deals with the origin of the universe, its order and complexity, the solar system, atmosphere and hydrosphere, life, man, marriage, evil, language, government, culture, the nations, religion, and Israel and its people.
It is significant that one of the first twelve chapters of Genesis is either quoted or referred to in the majority of the New Testament. Jesus continuously referenced Genesis, including specific reference to each of the first seven chapters. It is of vital importance that the reader understand that in all instances where NT writers referred to Genesis not one time did they infer or say Genesis was myth or allegory (p.22).
Dr. Nelson Glueck (gl-OO’-eh-k), a leading archaeologist during the latter half of the 20th century, wrote, “As a matter of record…it may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted {disputed} a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible" (Rivers in the Desert, NY, 1959, p. 31).
If a person chooses to disbelieve the Bible for whatever reason, no one can with academic certainty say that the Bible is inconsistent in its message, even though it was written by 40 or more writers, over a space of 1500 years; no one can say the Bible does not accurately treat all scientific data about which it speaks; no one can allege the history of the Bible is inaccurate; no one can say that Jesus Christ is not the center and circumference of its content; and no one can legitimately be offended at its ultimate message.
There is a Savior who was virgin born. His name is the above every name that has ever been name! He lived in a sinful world without sinning. He was the revelation God in the flesh. His ultimate objective was ratifying the covenant in His own blood - blood that speaks better things than the blood of Abel. He prayed more than any man prayed, and He loved unto the end of His fleshly life. But He arose on the third day and lead captivity captive! He stands open-armed with this invitation:
Dr. Morris plainly tells us that the Book of Genesis is probably the most important book ever written (p.17), because if the Bible is ever printed without the Book of Genesis as its foundational basis, the balance of the Scripture would be bereft of meaning and purpose! This one book alone adequately deals with the origin of the universe, its order and complexity, the solar system, atmosphere and hydrosphere, life, man, marriage, evil, language, government, culture, the nations, religion, and Israel and its people.
It is significant that one of the first twelve chapters of Genesis is either quoted or referred to in the majority of the New Testament. Jesus continuously referenced Genesis, including specific reference to each of the first seven chapters. It is of vital importance that the reader understand that in all instances where NT writers referred to Genesis not one time did they infer or say Genesis was myth or allegory (p.22).
Dr. Nelson Glueck (gl-OO’-eh-k), a leading archaeologist during the latter half of the 20th century, wrote, “As a matter of record…it may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted {disputed} a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible" (Rivers in the Desert, NY, 1959, p. 31).
If a person chooses to disbelieve the Bible for whatever reason, no one can with academic certainty say that the Bible is inconsistent in its message, even though it was written by 40 or more writers, over a space of 1500 years; no one can say the Bible does not accurately treat all scientific data about which it speaks; no one can allege the history of the Bible is inaccurate; no one can say that Jesus Christ is not the center and circumference of its content; and no one can legitimately be offended at its ultimate message.
There is a Savior who was virgin born. His name is the above every name that has ever been name! He lived in a sinful world without sinning. He was the revelation God in the flesh. His ultimate objective was ratifying the covenant in His own blood - blood that speaks better things than the blood of Abel. He prayed more than any man prayed, and He loved unto the end of His fleshly life. But He arose on the third day and lead captivity captive! He stands open-armed with this invitation:
“If any man thirsts let him come unto to Me and drink.”
John 7:37
Moses & History (part 3)
Over the course of time a person can accumulate many things. Most of the stuff we collect is meaningless to most everyone else, but when a person collects books, they can be treasured for a lifetime and even beyond. In this age of digital media, physical books seem to be less important to many people. Digital books are searchable, and copy/paste functions make it easy to use those great quotes. Yet, there is still something great about a physical book, things you can’t get digitally: the turning of pages, the feel of it in your hand, and the “book” smell. For our founder Dr. Sharp, physical books could never be replaced by digital. While my collection of books is growing each year, it is dwarfed by Dr. Sharp’s collection. Over the years he collected thousands of titles for research and enjoyment. Through the course of his ministry he had to sell his book collection a couple of different times to support his family, only to start collecting again when he was able to do so. When Doc passed his office full of packed bookshelves to me and said he would clear the shelves, I laughed out loud at the prospect of having loads of empty bookshelves. So I urged him to instead leave his books for my, and anyone else’s, use. Little did I understand that the four bookcases in my office were only a fraction of his entire collection. A couple of years back when Doc moved from his house, it was decided that his book collection would be stored at the office. Our thought was to establish a library, yet none of us had time to plan, organize and catalog all 79 boxes of books. They sat piled in his office until last year when my daughter Megan joined our ministry. She has a love of books, both reading and writing. So we offered her the task of cataloging and establishing Doc’s library. Can you picture me, a bbq lover, being offered a table full of succulent smoked offerings - brisket, sausage, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, turkey and all sides? Yep, that was Megan’s response to the library. For over four months she cataloged and organized the entire collection. The Dr. G. Thomas Sharp Library was completed earlier this year in his old office space, with overflow into my office. The entire 2700+ volume agglomeration is digitally cataloged for searching and locating. As you might expect, there is an extensive collection of creation and evolution subject matter, yet the library is full of many different categories. It very much reflects Doc’s love of gaining knowledge and research. An extensive commentary collection and multiple Biblical reference sections are invaluable to our ministry. There is even a whole bookcase housing books that are over 100 years old. Our desire was not to just house books but to also make a place of honor and inspiration. One wall exhibits Doc’s many diplomas, and throughout the library we have placed personal memorabilia of the mission trips he took over the years. Come, grab a book, relax in the sitting area and allow Doc’s handwritten notes from the margins or post-it notes bring a smile to your face. For those who may be more ambitious, Doc's office chair resides at the credenza for anyone to sit and be inspired to study. This is a place to honor Doc’s life and love for books. We at CTF have already utilized this great resource for further study, and we are so thankful to Diane and their family for donating these books for continued Kingdom growth. Blessings.