Genesis 3: “Did God Actually Say...?”

Adam and Eve lived in a world untouched by pain, guilt, or fear. They walked with God. They knew only the good of God’s creation and His will for them. But in Genesis 3, a voice enters the garden. We are introduced to one who would be our Accuser, the enemy of God and God’s people. The woman considers the serpent’s question, “Did God actually say..?” And for the first time ever she seeks to fulfill her own desires rather than God’s will. She eats. Her husband who stood by and did nothing, does something worse: he also eats. And with that one act, we learn the answer to the questions, “Why do bad things happen? Why is there sin and death in the world?”

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 3.

Genesis isn’t just the start of the Bible; it’s the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal.

In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you’ve read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.