Lecture

Pastors have the most influence on congregations. Preachers can teach good biblical theology and model sound use of the Bible. Pastors walk with their congregation through all of life's ups and downs and constantly apply Scripture. Putting the whole Bible together is a difficult task and there are different perspectives on how to do it. The central theme of the Bible is the kingdom of God displayed through His covenants.

The conflict between the offspring of the woman and the serpent is still ongoing. The ultimate offspring of Genesis 3:15 is Jesus. Human beings are either the offspring of the woman or the serpent. The parable of the wheat and tares also illustrates this conflict. Cain is the offspring of the devil while Abel is the offspring of the woman. Abel's sacrifice was accepted, possibly due to offering the best portions. The conflict between the two sides continues today.

The promise of offspring will be fulfilled through a king from the tribe of Judah. Genesis 38 and 49 reveal that the scepter will not depart from Judah. Despite Judah's past, he becomes the heir due to Reuben's exclusion and Simeon and Levi's sin.

Abraham is a new Adam and the means by which the world will be blessed. Abraham was initially an idolater before God called him. God promised Abraham a great name, a great nation, a kingdom, and that he would be a blessing for the whole world. The Covenant with Abraham includes the land which points to a New Eden, and the offspring Isaac, related to Genesis 1:28. To sustain populations, societies need to have enough children.