This article explains why we have genealogies in the Bible, and looks at the differences between the genealogies of Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38.

This article is about Jesus Christ as the way of salvation, and the church as those who belong to The Way.

This article is about the church as saints of Jesus Christ.

Doubt comes when we look at ourselves, our sins, and our empty hands, while faith trusts the generous hand of a living and gracious God. Christ is the only way out of doubt, and through God’s Word and the sacraments we are directed away from ourselves to him. The certainty of faith remains a contested certainty, but through the struggle we learn to know Christ as our Saviour and remember that we remain beggars with a rich and generous God.

The church orders of England and the Netherlands have many similarities, because the kingship of Christ is the foundation of order in both churches. The Dutch churches begin with the local church, while Westminster begins with the universal church and gives more detailed rules for church government and liturgy. Westminster gives particular attention to ministers and their gifts, preaching, reverent worship, the Sabbath, visiting the sick, singing psalms, and fasting.

The letter to the Hebrews must be understood in its historical context as being written before AD 70 to Israelite Christians who were in danger of abandoning Christ and returning to the Old Testament worship with its sacrifices and ceremonies. The warning sections are directed to believers who had been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Spirit, and experienced the goodness of the Word of God, yet faced the danger of deliberate apostasy.

Walking in God’s presence is possible only by God’s grace in Jesus Christ, who seeks us despite our sin, so that we no longer need to hide from him but may live by his Word and walk in the way everlasting. We do not always foresee the outcome of our actions, but we can walk with confidence in God’s sovereignty, follow his commandments with faith and wisdom, and show loving empathy, submission to his authority, and responsible action toward others.

Christ is not only a teacher and the proclaimer of the gospel, but also the Redeemer, Saviour, Mediator, and the very content of the good news, while all his servants are only a voice that proclaims repentance, forgiveness of sins, and the doctrine of God’s Son. Peter’s confession shows that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and the only Person in whom the divine and human natures are united so that he alone could bear the punishment, restore righteousness, and give eternal life.

The laying on of hands is not a transfer of office or gifts but a beautiful gesture of blessing that can symbolize working under the hand of Christ.

The Bible does not give a blueprint for the ideal form of government, but it teaches Christians to submit to and obey authorities as instituted by God. This obedience has limits, because obedience to God is above all else and Christians must stand up for law, justice, and vulnerable people in society. Christians should therefore not separate politics from their responsibility in society, but live close to the King of kings and put their hand to the plough.

The task of preaching must be carried out carefully because the preacher proclaims God’s Word and the ministry of reconciliation, a message of eternal salvation or eternal judgment. The church must therefore carefully test who may preach, normally requiring thorough theological training while also allowing those with special gifts from the Lord to be tested and admitted.

Confessing is first of all confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, the Son of the living God, and affirming that salvation is found in his death and resurrection alone, because true confession is given by God and belongs both to the church and to every believer personally. The church must not avoid the burning questions of the day, but every confessional response must remain focused on Christ himself, so that no other lord claims our hearts and lives and people are directed to his grace and truth.

The fear of the LORD is loving reverence for the living God, shown in trusting him, listening to his Word, walking in his ways, and living a life of true piety that is centred on faith in Jesus Christ. It is the beginning of wisdom because it teaches us to walk in awe and trust, to recognize what is truly important, and to serve God rather than rely on ourselves or human wisdom. The fear of the LORD also has an ethical character, leading believers to holiness, loving service, compassion, and a God-glorifying way of life that is a witness to others.

God is the God of peace, and true shalom is not merely the absence of violence but the peace, blessing, and new life that he gives through Jesus Christ, who made peace by the blood of his cross and reconciled us to God. Christ is our peace, and those who have peace with God are called to pursue what makes for peace, to be peacemakers, and to sow righteousness in peace with wisdom, mercy, and sincere love. The church must therefore reject hatred, division, and hard hearts, and pray that God will reclaim our lives so that we truly live out the peace of Christ.

Soft drugs are not harmless because they can lead from habit to addiction, remove people from reality, damage body and mind, and often become the beginning of a destructive cycle. Christians should keep their distance from drugs because they have received the gospel of Christ, are called to honour God with their bodies, and do not need to seek happiness in a make-believe world. The glory of Easter calls believers to turn away from the empty and dangerous pleasures of the old world and to live as new people in Christ.

We must not run ahead of the Lord by judging and criticizing others, because judgment belongs to the Lord and will come at Jesus’ return. When we know ourselves as sinners before God, we become gentle towards one another, strict with ourselves, and humble before the Lord.

The LORD rolled away Israel’s reproach, not by a brilliant victory or human power, but through circumcision, pointing to Christ’s suffering and our need to cut our hearts and receive the honour of being children of God.

Christians are called to love their neighbour and live in peace with all people, while recognizing that the true battle is not fought with human violence but through spiritual warfare as followers of Jesus Christ. The greatest struggle is the fight against sin in our own hearts, and believers may face suffering with patience, resilience, and confidence because evil has been defeated through Christ’s cross and resurrection.

The canon of Scripture is not established by the church but received as the living Word of God, and the sixty-six canonical books are sufficient for the regulation, foundation, and confirmation of our faith. Although there were differences about the apocryphal books and the history of the canon was complex, the authority of Scripture rests in God speaking through it, so we do not read an old book but hear the voice of the living God.

Students need the care of the church because their study years are a time of important decisions, spiritual questions, and learning to take responsibility for Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance, while staying connected to the communion of saints. The church should show genuine interest, make room for honest questions, and give biblical answers, while students should identify with a congregation, guard their hearts, and grow in knowledge and in grace through the Scriptures.

Christian care is rooted in the mercy of God and the command to love our neighbour, and it calls Christians to show compassion through practical care, volunteer work, and faithful service to those who are lonely, suffering, elderly, or in need. Although care faces shortages, work pressure, and limited resources, the church and individual Christians can still bring comfort, hope, and a strong witness by showing the compassion of the Lord in both daily work and personal care.

The sermon is central to the worship service because it is a biblical word that arises from the Bible, speaks with the authority of God, and aims at an encounter with God by addressing the souls of the congregation. It must be in conversation with the hearers, be heard and digested in daily life, and remains even more important in online worship because the spoken Word is the most effective form of communication.

From April to August, 1991, five editorials were placed summarizing the Dutch Second Reformation (Nadere Reformatie) movement of the seventeenth- and early eighteenth-century. Recently I was asked to write a paper on the lessons that the church of the 1990s could glean from this movement The article below is a synopsis of this paper, submitted with the prayer that God may grant us revival in our dark day so that we may return in true humility with broken hearts and contrite spirits to the scriptural foundations our Dutch forefathers have laid.

This article forms the introductory remarks made in a sermon titled, How Did God Vote?, on the Sabbath after national elections in the United States.

This article was Dr. Visscher’s final chapel message before he retired, delivered at CRTS in May 2020.

The article encourages young Christians to be strong in the Lord by letting the Word of God abide in them, so that they can stand firm in the battle against the evil one and overcome temptation. It teaches that true strength comes through Christ, the sword of the Holy Spirit, and storing God’s Word in the heart, so that believers go from strength to strength.

Priorities are about doing the right things by giving first place to what is truly important, and the church must continually reflect from the Scriptures on what the congregation, the next generation, and the world around us need spiritually. The highest priority is Jesus Christ and him crucified, and this should shape preaching, church life, and family life so that parents make time to read the Bible, pray, and show their children love for the Lord.

The article explains that the assurance of faith rests on God’s Word, God’s promises in Christ, and the testimony of the Holy Spirit, who works through the gospel. Calvin teaches that assurance belongs to the essence of faith and that the fruits of the Holy Spirit confirm and strengthen faith, but they never replace God’s promises as its foundation.

The article argues that television entertainment has a pernicious influence because it brings the world into our homes, presents sin as normal, and encourages people to conform to the pattern of this world rather than to the will of God. It explains that the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life are strengthened through many entertainment programs, leading Christians toward worldliness, secularization, and the eclipse of God.

The article explains that good care at the end of life requires respect for the desires of the patient, doing good, avoiding harm, and acting with justice, while recognising that medical treatment is not always mandatory. It encourages Christians to discuss their wishes with family and doctors, consider a written declaration of will, and make careful decisions about treatments such as resuscitation based on the chance of success and the expected outcome.

The article explains that the Aaronic blessing is God’s final word in the church service and is a proclamation of his preserving care, gracious favour, loving attention, and peace for his people. The blessing is based on reconciliation, fulfilled in Christ, and reminds believers that they may go home as people blessed by God. The author explains that this blessing is connected to a life of faith, obedience, and loyalty to the Lord, and that it is not fulfilled automatically.

The preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God, and through the weak voice of man we hear the voice of God himself. The authority of preaching comes from the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit opens the heart so that people hear and receive that Word. Preaching is the ministry of reconciliation, where Christ and the gospel of atonement must resound rather than the preacher’s own ideas and opinions. The preacher and the hearer meet in the preaching through the Holy Spirit, who brings sinners to the grace of Christ and renews their lives.

The article teaches that a respectful burial places the Word of God at the centre, because the minister’s calling is to bring the gospel of sin and grace, comfort, faith, and repentance to the living. Although something personal may be said about the deceased when it reflects the power of God’s Word in that person’s life, the funeral should not become a Christian memorial service in which the deceased takes the central place.

The article reflects on the sensitive subject of the burial of a child who died before or at birth and encourages careful reflection by the church council, the minister, and the congregation before such a situation arises. It emphasizes that much depends on the wishes of the parents, the process of grief, and whether the child had already gained a place in the congregation, while showing respect for life, compassion for the family, and the need for wise pastoral leadership.

Ascension Day must be celebrated because the ascension of Jesus Christ is a central part of God’s plan of salvation and a necessary fulfillment of Scripture. Jesus ascended to heaven to rule over all things, pour out the Holy Spirit, continue his work through the gospel, and prepare for the renewal of all things when he returns in glory.

The article explains that God continues to speak through the preaching of his Word in the power of the Holy Spirit, so that hearers receive it as the word of God and faith comes from hearing the message. It calls both preachers and hearers to repentance, reverent listening, and prayer, so that the living Christ may continue to make himself known through the preaching of the gospel.

The article teaches that marriage, motherhood, and the mother’s womb belong together according to God’s design, and that reproduction should remain within the monogamous marriage relationship. Although medical technology makes artificial fertilization and surrogate motherhood possible, not everything that is technically possible is ethically permitted, because the mother’s womb is not a neutral instrument to serve another person.

Luther’s reformational turning point developed through a long process of studying the Psalms, preaching the Word, and reflecting on God’s righteousness, until he understood that sinners are justified by faith through God’s grace in Christ alone. His lectures and sermons showed that Christ is the centre of Scripture, the incarnate Word, and the only source of righteousness, forgiveness, and new life.

The article explains that the new covenant is the covenant renewal accomplished through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ, in which God writes his law on human hearts, forgives sins, and restores his relationship with his people through the Holy Spirit. It shows that the outpouring of the Spirit is the beating heart of the new covenant, enabling both Jews and Gentiles to become God’s people, live by the Spirit, and share together in the worldwide community of faith.

The article teaches that Christians must never take revenge themselves, because vengeance belongs to the Lord, who has promised to repay with perfect justice according to his enduring Word. It explains that believers should follow the example of Christ by leaving room for God’s wrath, showing love to their enemies, praying for justice, and trusting the civil authorities as God’s servants to punish wrongdoing.

Does Matthew 27:25 point ahead to the sufferings of the Jews throughout the many periods of history? This article provides several arguments that this text cannot be used this way.

 This article considers three threats to liturgical awareness among Reformed people: habituation that comes with weekly repeated forms and patterns; the civilizing of the liturgy whereby it is adapted to our lifestyle, and world conformity.

The article presents six models of interpretation that explain how people have understood the violent texts of the Old Testament, but argues that these approaches do not fully resolve the problem because the Bible continues to speak about violence in both the Old and New Testament. It explains that the Old Testament also contains a strong anti-violence message by unmasking violence as sin, limiting violence, discouraging violence, criticizing violence, and pointing beyond violence.

The article explains that the weekly reading of the law is a matter of principle because the law of God is a covenant law, a rule of life, and an instruction that teaches believers to walk in thankfulness before God. It also shows that the law helps believers to know their sin, delight in the fellowship with God, understand his will, and remain a witness to society.

The article explains that Scripture teaches the reality of spiritual warfare and the activity of evil spirits, but also emphasizes the complete victory of Jesus Christ over Satan through his death and resurrection. It argues that believers should trust in Christ, resist the evil one, reject the idea of a generational curse, and find hope in God’s mercy, because the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin and sets sinners free as the children of God.

The article explains that the pastor is a servant of God's Word whose preaching, teaching, and pastoral work serve the alignment of God's Word with the faith of the hearer, while equipping the congregation and the office-bearers for the work of mutual pastorate.

The article explains that effective policy demands insight into the nature of problems, the complexity of decision-making, and the functioning of the congregation, while recognising that policy preparation, implementation, and evaluation require careful leadership and organisation. It argues that good policy requires time for consultation, implementation, equipping the congregation, and continued effect, because decisions without attention to follow-up often produce little lasting result.

The article explains that the Reformation rejected the Roman idea of repeating Christ’s sacrifice in the liturgy, but retained the biblical sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, prayer, confession, and Christian offerings as the priesthood of all believers. It argues that the confession of guilt and the collection of money are meaningful liturgical acts that express heartfelt sorrow for sin, gratitude to God, and loving care for the poor and the ministry of the church.

The article explains that the preaching of God’s Word comes to one covenant congregation, yet the congregation contains people with different spiritual maturity, faith, struggles, and needs, so the preaching should include clear and applicable instruction for every hearer. It shows from Scripture and the Reformed confessions that office-bearers must distinguish between different hearers by warning unbelievers, encouraging believers, and providing pastoral preaching that leads every member to examine their life before God.

The article argues that the relationship between church and state should be understood as a distinction of callings and responsibilities rather than a strict separation, because both serve God in different ways and derive their authority from him. It explains that the church has the calling to pray for the government, equip believers for their social responsibility, and address the government when it renounces its high calling, while always speaking as a church.

The article explains that a good church order is not a contradiction to the church, but serves the proclamation of the gospel by helping the church fulfill its calling under the reign of Christ. It shows that church law is rooted in God’s justice, seeks reconciliation and peace, and provides a framework for worship, discipline, mission, and faithful service according to God’s Word.

Jesus Christ is the unique Mediator who gives the people back to God and gives God back to the people. He completely satisfies God’s justice and gives us what is lacking in us, so that through him we can approach God. We must accept and embrace our Mediator, pray for all people, and follow him in everything.

The article teaches that Elijah’s prayer on Mount Carmel is simple, pleading, and dependent, because he looks to the living God rather than to outward appearances or human effort. It encourages believers to pray with simple faith, plead on the basis of God’s covenant faithfulness and glory, and declare complete dependence on the Lord while waiting for his mercy.

The article explains that Scripture is the source and canon for Christian actions, but it must be used in more than one way. The author describes Scripture as a guide that gives clear commandments, a watchman that warns against evil, a compass that gives direction in new situations, and a source of examples that teaches believers to imitate Christ and his followers. He argues that Scripture should always be read in a Christ-centered and redemptive-historical way rather than by applying Bible texts in a direct or atomistic manner.

The article explains that true surrender means leaving all our cares and worries at the feet of God and entrusting everything to his Fatherly care and plan. Prayerful surrender is a miracle of grace and a gift from above, because God reopens the communication with us through his Word and Spirit and teaches us to pray. Believers may appeal to God’s promises with shameless persistence, confess their need, and expect everything from the Lord while conforming to his fatherly will.

The article explains that in the Bible a name reveals the essence of a person or thing, and to give a name is to have dominion and responsibility under God. God reveals his holy name as I AM WHO I AM, and in Jesus Christ the I AM becomes flesh and blood to lead his people on the way to the land of promise and the kingdom of God. By faith believers receive a new name, belong to Christ, and know him personally as the Good Shepherd who gives them life.

The article argues that the Bible should be read as one book with an inner cohesion, one Author, and one purpose, rather than as a collection of separate religious writings. It explains that the canon was not created by later church councils but was recognized because of the obvious value and unity of the Scriptures. The unity of the Bible is rooted in God as the Author, and all the Scriptures bear witness to Christ and are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

The article explains that the celebration of the Lord’s Supper for seniors with dementia is a delicate subject that requires love, respect, compassion, prayer for wisdom, and careful consideration of each individual situation. It emphasizes that there should be no single rule, that participation in the congregation should be preferred where possible, and that office-bearers should consider both the person’s understanding and ability to participate, while respecting the sacred character of the sacrament.