Who We Really Are
G. Thomas Sharp • March 19, 2021
The origin’s debate (better known as the Creation/Evolution debate) has been a heated discussion in our society (and the world for that matter). For some time now it has become a major cause for the secular basis in our belief systems, eventhough first origins cannot be proved scientifically. If, for example, science can prove plants, animals and life arose spontaneously and that continuous transition between simple, one-celled animals, did in fact give rise to multiple-celled animals, the question then becomes: how did this come about?
Did they arise spontaneously? Are they related in any way? Is there some kind of primordial force in the earth that convulsed or engaged matter to produce this phenomenon? Did matter arise or develop spontaneously from nothing, or from something? If the answer is from “nothing,” then we have no clue about the source of our origin. But if the answer is from "something", then what was that something?
If we came from nothing, then all our social and religious structures and forms are of human origin and have no basis in reality; they simply serve the here and now! But if there is reason to believe, and there is, that space, humankind and the earth are the result of a creative act of a holy God through the power of His Word, then we have a serious responsibility to bow before Him, obey Him and worshipfully serve Him.
Thus, it becomes immediately evident that the Creation/Evolution struggle is not just another meaningless debate of academic gobbledygook (that is, meaningless ideas concocted from simple men), but is indeed eternal! This is the bottom line in the Creation/Evolution debate; it is not about philosophy or even science, it is about who we really are!
If I am simply a container of atoms that exists because of natural reactions only, then I am no different than any inanimate object having no ultimate eternal potential. But if I am a creature made in the image of the omnipotent God, if He created me especially for His service and worship, then I have a task much greater and more important than world leader—president, king or emperor!
Our goal must be:
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For through the law I am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
(Gal 2:17-20)
EACH OF THESE ARTICLES ARE EXCERPTS FROM AMERICA’S EPIC ADVENTURE TM - CTF'S NEWEST VBS CURRICULUM From Lesson 1: The Pilgrims, Walking by Faith in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6
There are moments in life that we experience the Lord’s Providence, which is the continual guiding and caring of us for His purposes. We may go though trials and suffering now to refine our faith in preparation for eternity. Other times we may see it for the here and now, with the aligning of plans for His purpose in our life, maybe with the opening or closing of a door. Many times we see Providence only in hindsight, looking back on life and seeing His hand working, molding and inspiring us for His plans and to His glory. I can see the Lord’s Providence at many times over the course of my life. Early in my grade school years I developed a love for building models I was recently reminded, along with my father, that we built a train set together in our basement. Following that, I began to build model cars and airplanes. I now know that love of building, tinkering and problem solving was Providence preparing me for this ministry. The Lord taught me early on how to stay focused and pay attention to detail. What I thought was only a hobby at the time is now something I must use on a regular basis in things such as fossil restoration, building crates, trailer and vehicle maintenance for our mobile museum. Later in high school, while active in church, the Lord called me to serve our children’s church ministry. I began to help teach others about Jesus. It seemed insignificant at the time. I remember helping in lesson times and the puppet ministry. I even was cast as “Pastor Rufus” in one of our ongoing puppet skits. My opportunities to share Christ and be an example to those younger than I was tremendous. Again through His Providence, the Lord was guiding me and calling me to ministry. He developed in me the love of teaching His Word to others, priceless to me today. Then in college Providence brought Theresa and I together. The Lord knew exactly who I needed to be my bride for life. She is strong in my weakness and more Christ-like than anyone I know. She is the perfect helpmate and partner for me in ministry as well, which has so far been 34 years, to be exact. Many times the Lord has used her discernment to direct me through a situation that I did not see correctly. I am thankful every day for Providence that brought us together in life and eternal work. As I look back on my life, there are more Providential moments than I have space to write. Most of those times have directly guided me to this specific ministry and my call to preach and teach His Word. Looking back on life and identifying those moments of Providence from the Lord is humbling and awe-inspiring. Please take a moment to remember your own moments when Providence has been evident in your life. This ministry is about identifying Providence from the beginning. His plan from the start is us spending eternity in His presence. Our sin messed some things up, but not His plan. He always has and always will know exactly how to guide and care for us so that we bring Him the glory, now and eternally. There is not a month that goes by that we here at CTF don’t praise the Lord for His Providence through you, our supporters and sustainers. Join with me in thanks for His Providence each day, guiding as only our Creator and Savior could do. Psalms 31:3-5 Blessings.