Spiritual Darkness in America

G. Thomas Sharp • April 1, 2016

Jesus warned His listeners in Matthew 24:37-39 that the nonchalance and spiritual darkness of the Antediluvian Age would repeat itself just prior to His second coming (and this is why Biblical study of the Flood of Noah is so very important today).  The antediluvian people had become so desensitized by their self-interests and fleshly attractions until they were blinded to the many indications of coming judgment. Indeed, they were blind, and blind to the fact that they were blind—and that is hopelessly tragic!

This is just an observation, but I think it will reveal to those of you who have your ear on the ground just exactly what I am talking about. I was viewing the evening news this past week and was inundated with the following information (all in a span of about 15 minutes): an apparent murder of a young lady who was left in a shallow grave, the increased need for additional American help in the resistance against Isis, 22 inches of rain falls in in one day in the Houston, TX, accompanied by serious flooding in the downtown area, continued daily earthquakes in northcentral Oklahoma, a 7.8 earthquake in Ecuador, hundreds killed, followed by several aftershocks measuring above 6 pt. on the Richter scale, continued terrorism and isolation of Israel—and it goes on and on and on! Question: is all of this just a part of the normal climate of life?

The believing community in America is now facing what is probably the most momentous and potentially dangerous Presidential election in our 240 year history, which is reflected by America’s present unredeemed youth—most of which are labeled “millennials,” and who, for the most part, are in unparalleled favor of total socialism as the American way of life going forward. So it appears we are always just a generation away from complete atheism.

I am reminded of a series of quotes that I read some time ago that were recorded in David Barton’s book, “ Original Intent ” (I may have used these quotes a couple years ago, if I did please forgive me for the repetition). Nevertheless, then Governor of North Carolina, Samuel Johnston (1788), during their ratification of the U.S. Constitution, said:

“Those who are Mahometans [his spelling], or any others who are not professors of the Christian religion, can never be elected to the office of President or other high office, but in one of two cases: First, if the people of America lay aside the Christian religion altogether, it may happen. Should this unfortunately take place, the people will choose such men as think as they do themselves. Another case is if any persons of such descriptions should, notwithstanding their religion, acquire the confidence and esteem of the people of America by their…conduct and practice…they may be chosen.”

In this same vein, Richard Spaight, a signer of the U. S. Constitution, said:

“As to religion…no sect is preferred to another. Every man has the right to worship the Supreme Being in the manner he thinks proper. No test is required. All men of equal capacity and integrity are equally eligible to offices…I do not suppose an infidel, or any such person, will ever be chosen to any office unless the people themselves be of the same opinion.”

Finally, James Iredell, U. S. Supreme Court Justice (appointed by George Washington), said:

“But it is objected that the people of America may perhaps choose representatives who have no religion at all, and that pagans and Mahometans [his spelling] may be admitted into office…But it is never to be supposed that the people of America will trust their dearest rights to persons who have no religion at all, or a religion materially different from their own.”

May God have mercy on us all!  G. Thomas Sharp

By Ryan Cox June 18, 2025
Moses & History (part 3)
lined up books
By Matt Miles June 18, 2025
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.
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