Allen Worship Experience

Main message: The pastor introduced a multi-week "Introduction to the Old Testament" course and used Genesis 1–3 to teach the foundational themes of creation, the imago Dei (image of God), humanity's purpose, the fall, and God's redemptive plan pointing to Jesus.

Key points:

• Course overview: a ~10-week Word on Wednesday syllabus studying Old Testament literature, history, theology, genres, and methods (biblical exposition, historical-critical method, group discussion); assigned readings and outcomes were given.
• Genesis 1 walkthrough: the six days of creation (light, sky, land/vegetation, sun/moon/stars, sea/birds, animals/humankind) and the seventh day of rest—creation is ordered and purposeful.
• Imago Dei: humans are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); the lecturer emphasized equality of male and female and asked students to reflect on what "made in the image of God" means.
• Genesis 2 perspective: retelling of creation with nuances (man formed from dust, woman from man's rib), community and vocation (to work and steward the garden), and the theological point that chapter 1 and 2 are complementary traditions (JEDP strands).
• Genesis 3 (the Fall): the serpent's deception, human shame and blame, the sequence of divine judgment (serpent first, then woman, then man), the expulsion from Eden, and the promise/enmity that points forward to redemption.
• Redemptive conclusion: because of sin humanity was barred from the tree of life, but Jesus provides access back to life and restoration—Genesis sets up the need for the Messiah.

Scriptures mentioned: Genesis 1–3, Genesis 12, Genesis 15–35, Exodus 1–30, Exodus 12–15, 1 Chronicles, 1 Kings, Deuteronomy