This article offers an exposition of Mark 10:32-34.

This is an exposition of Mark 10:17-31.

This article is an exposition of Mark 10:13-16.

This article is an exposition of Mark 10:1-12.

This article is an exposition of Mark 9:33-50.

This article is an exposition of Mark 6:30-44.

This article is an exposition of Mark 3:13-19.

This article is an exposition of Mark 3:7-12.

This article is an exposition of Mark 3:1-6.

This article considers how feelings can become such an important characteristic of faith and piety. The author goes on to explain, however, that one’s faith cannot be measured by how he is feeling. Faith has to rest on the revealed will of God.

This article looks at Pietism and piety, and considers examples from history, such as the Donatists, Labadists, and Mystics.

What is true piety all about? This article considers what it means to have a personal relationship with God through Christ. It shows from history how rationalism has impacted how the Scriptures and God are viewed. It ends with an emphasis on faith and trust in God.

In recent years we have been receiving statistics with alarming figures about the number of people leaving the church. The large church communities in the Netherlands experience a shocking decrease in membership. It is becoming ever clearer how rapidly the secularization proceeds. The development affects also the smaller, orthodox churches, although the figures are here not quite as bad. Against this background the disturbing question arises: Is there any certainty that we will remain faithful?

This article explores the gifts of the Spirit as well as the fruit of the Spirit. The gifts, or charismata, are given to the body of Christ, as discussed in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12-1 Corinthians 14. The fruit, mentioned in Galatians 5:22, are one, and unite the divided life, with a view to the fruit entering the glory of God.

This article considers the charge that the Reformed doctrine of the free grace of God invites people to live in a drowsy/buoyant/lacklustre way. It shows that this charge has come from revival movements in history. It then discusses the difference between these movements (and their proponents) and those who hold to the principle that the church ought to be continually reforming. It explains three differences between the revival movements and the established churches, and shows how the former does not lead to a real reformation of the church.

This article considers an aspect of the sermon preparation process: namely, meditation. This is the reflection on the text with a view to the needs of the congregation on the minister’s mind and heart. The article discusses the need for meditation to be combined with prayer. Meditation is a critical point in preparing a sermon, so the minister needs to devote the time to it.

This article explores how the preacher ought to go about his sermon preparation. It stresses that he must ensure that he is a spiritual being, and that he gives himself to prayer, sustained meditation on Scripture, and pastoral care, for such will the Lord use to yield a rich harvest in the hearers.

This article considers how ministers choose sermon texts for preaching. It highlights the Roman Catholic practice of the pericope system and its development in history. It then discusses the principle behind the typical Reformed approach of the free choice of a text, and the limits that have often been applied to this in order to prevent one-sidedness in the choice of texts: catechism preaching, the ecclesiastical calendar, and the use of sermon series.

This article explains the meaning of dogma and its significance for the congregation. Dogma, the study of God’s truth, is intended to produce songs of praise from God’s people.

Ordained office-bearers make a promise of confidentiality. What does this mean? This article explains the background and biblical basis of this promise.

The resurrection of Jesus is of greater significance than we often imagine. This article looks at the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection in relation to creation. It argues that Jesus’ resurrection points to a certain hope of the new heaven and earth, which is brought by the power of the Spirit for the glory of the Father.

The death of Jesus is of greater significance than we often imagine. This article looks at the signs surrounding Jesus' death, as recorded in Matthew 27:51ff. — the signs of the torn curtain, the earthquake, the open tombs, and the confession of the centurion — and how they relate to creation.

Jesus’ suffering has an impact on the mourning of creation. This article is based on Romans 8 and argues that just as Adam’s sin affected creation, Jesus’ suffering brings reconciliation and renewal. This article shows how the curse has been dealt with.