When the gospel is faithfully proclaimed and hearts are converted, the work of Christian Study Library explains that planting a church means more than building a new congregation — it means establishing a new community of believers united under the Word, baptism, and the sacraments, where the gospel is preached, heard, and lived out. It’s a God-ordained means for fulfilling the mission of the church, reaching new people and new places with the good news.

Being patient means trusting God’s timing and relying on the Holy Spirit so we endure hardships, delays, or trials without giving in to anger or despair. True biblical patience is not passive waiting, but steadfast endurance — persevering under burdens and maintaining faith amid adversity until God’s promises come to fruition.

Election is a treasure. Your invite to the wedding feast is jewelry you may wear so that you can say to others: Come, join us for the wedding feast!

This article deals with families which have problems, caused within the family. Social factors, influencing the family, are excluded here.

Romans 14:20 says "Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God". This article delves into aspects of differences of opinion on the Christian lifestyle within the church.

Christ teaches us in the Lord’s prayer to pray every day: Forgive us our debts. We seem to need that every day: daily forgiveness. How is it with our justification? Is it something that happens on a daily basis?

No one of us would be here as minister with his own prayer life, without the prayers of other people. They have prayed to the Lord of the harvest and he has sent us as labourers in the harvest. This work must continue. They once asked Spurgeon, who has regularly preached to thousands of people, why his preaching was so fruitful. His answer was very simple: “My people pray for me”. This article dives deeper into the prayer life of a minister.

Galatians 5:22-25 says that someone who lives by the Spirit will show the fruit of the Spirit, one of which is self-control.

This article gives some more insight about the covenant with God.

True self-examination can lead to a break-through. When you truly discover Jesus in your life and everything that he does, then you know yourself to be accepted, whatever else can still be criticized of you.

Will there later be a difference in judgment? All unbelievers will not be judged the same, but what about the believers…?

Euthanasia is in the news again. And the opinions seem to be shifting somewhat. Is it allowed, or is it not permissible? It seems to become more difficult to choose between yea or nay.

Eating and Drinking Judgment on Yourself - That's a scary question. People have stayed at home because of this, they did not dare to partake of the Lord’s Supper. This article explains what's involved.

Isaiah passes on a call; in the wilderness prepare a way for the LORD. The New Testament connects this call with the appearance of John the Baptist. By his preaching in the wilderness John prepares the way for Jesus Christ.

During the preaching at Easter time we listen to the words about the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, it is beneficial to find out how we speak about death, and our dying, in the preaching.

In the entirety of Scripture, it is quite normal that also others beside God’s own people gain access to the salvation of God. It is also abundantly clear that this does not mean anywhere that concessions are to be made in the message that is to be proclaimed.

Paul writes in Philippians 1:21-24 about his desire to be with Christ, but leaves it up to God to determine for how long that will be.

Not every believer stands equally firm in their faith. In difficult times, you could think or say things about God that are false; this is a form of denying God. Will our Lord also deny us, saying: "I have never known you"?

Is the deliverance which God gives us primarily forgiveness of sins? This article delves deeper into the meaning of deliverance.

What is the function of the watchman in the church? This article looks at the function of safeguarding the church.

The Lord Jesus has taught us that we must pray “in his name”. This gives power to the prayer; we may call upon his strength in our weakness, and we may know that the heavenly Father uses his power when he listens to our prayers. That gives us a lot of peace…

It is clear that individualism is not a new problem when we struggle with the question how the communion of saints can be better experienced among the members of the congregation. In most of the letters in the New Testament it appears that in that time already quite a few admonitions were needed.

Looking back on the church year, I see many good things, by God’s grace and Spirit. I also see a hardening of positions, and the enlargement of differences. I see people who retreat from the things they do not like. And sometimes it is also so frustratingly easy to see how members of the congregation can retreat from things! They devote themselves to the congregation, yes, but with a return-ticket in their pocket. This article contrasts this with Our Saviour.

We live in a situation where everything is being discussed and being moved (changed). That leads to many effects; on the one hand it results in openness and space, on the other hand we see concern appears and alienation occurs. But no one can turn it around. There is criticism of just about all aspects of church life; what gave a hold in the past appears to be able to be done quite differently today. And so on. Do we give up hope because of all this?

The first thing an addict does is to carefully hide his addiction. Out of shame, certainly when he is a Christian. Because he knows that it is so completely against what he professes to believe. And because in his own eyes he is a total failure. He makes a complete mess of things; how can he show himself like that?

The Word is a seed. And the field is the world (Matt. 13:38). Sowing is not an intra-church activity, and it is not good if it becomes that. Thorns and thistles also grow where others cannot listen to the Word because we speak our secret language, only to be understood by the initiates.

The words of Psalm 127 bring peace. Peace to organize the first and foremost thing in your life: that you come and remain in touch with God. That your life opens up to above. Let God’s love be your secret. For what can you lose when God is on your side? You know the answer, thanks to the grace and Spirit of Jesus Christ. When he occupies the centre of your life, then you will see it, then you will truly live differently. This article explores some of God's blessings

This article is about gambling, empty promises and desires, and the trustworthy promises of God.

What does it mean to walk by the Spirit? What if you believe but you do not feel changed by the Spirit?

This article on Mark 4:26-29 tells us about the manner of Christ’s working, and about the continuation of the kingdom of God.

For us to understand grace, we need to understand the reality of the judgment. The trumpets of the end time are already sounding.

This article studies the circumcision in the Old Testament, the circumcision of Jesus, and what it means for the New Testament believer.

This article discusses what it means that God has washed and sanctified and justified us in Jesus Christ.

What are your roots absorbing? With what does God want to fill us up? He wants to fill us up with whom Jesus is for you. His love for you, his joy in you, his peace for you, his patience with you.

This article is about following Jesus Christ.

God’s focal point is not only the return of Jesus Christ. It is especially a person: Jesus Christ. See the perspective of your life in him.

Should we talk about faith or Jesus Christ? This article looks at the place and importance of faith.

Are we eagerly expecting the return of Jesus Christ? How does this change our lives today?

This article looks at the ways in which Satan attacks the children of God, and the weapons we have to battle against him.

Do you love the church? Why should we love the church of Christ? This article shows that it has everything to do with our love for Christ.

What is Christian freedom? People love to use Christian freedom in defense of their actions, but what does freedom in Christ mean?

This article is about sexual purity in dating, and how to view sin in your relationship.

God’s love existed before our faith. He loved us dearly before we believed. Therefore, it is impossible to opine that he only loves those who believe.

How do you grow in love for your enemy?

Who saves you from your misery—you or God? If it is God, then begin with God, his Word, and his work.

This article compares a church funeral with a non-church funeral.

There is much to say about being born again. Or are those questions which arise quickly? And then especially this question: “Am I born again now?” Time and again there appears to be much difference of insight about this matter.

How can the deacons encourage mercy and service in the church and the world? This article discusses the importance of home visits by deacons.

What do the elders and consistory do when a church member is not willing to receive home visits or pastoral care? This article studies the reasons for this situation, and what the elders and consistory can do about it.

The office of the office-bearer is holy. This article discusses the qualifications needed for the office.

What is the function of work in the life of a Christian? Is our identity determined by work, or also by rest?

What are important aspects to keep in mind during the elders’ pastoral visit to the church members? In discussing these things, the author also points out the goal of the home visit.

How deep does sin go? This article looks at the place that God should have in our lives. It also studies the relation between law and gospel, and Jesus Christ and the law.

Are wizards and witchcraft innocent entertainment? This article discusses the reality of dark powers and the work of Satan.

Is it significant if you view yourself as a member of the church? This article looks at what it means to be a member of Christ for our fellowship as church.

This article studies the causes of illness in the Old Testament and the New Testament, and then discusses the place of Satan and evil spirits in illness.

How should Christians treat their animals? This article discusses God’s care for animals as well as the care that a Christian should have for domestic and other animals. The author focuses on Proverbs 12:10 but also refers to the broader teaching of Scripture on this subject.

Do fathers have time for their children? This article looks at a father’s first responsibility. It also discusses the importance of fathers in parenting.

This article looks at the danger of following our own hearts and seeing this as the leading of God. It is important that we have training in the understanding of the guidance God gives.

This article explains from the Psalms and the life of Joseph that sometimes God’s children can struggle with the providence of God. It underlines that in every way we are dependent upon the leading of God and are to surrender ourselves to him in faith.

How does God lead our lives? This article raises the question in several different ways whether God really has his hand in all things. It wrestles through whether God leads through very difficult circumstances.

This article explores biblical examples where God’s providence and leading are evident in the lives of his children.

God calls office-bearers through the church. This article explains that office-bearers are a gift to the church. Their calling comes with responsibility. They are called to lead the church through God’s Word, and the church has the obligation to submit to their authority.

This article considers the matter of forgiveness, namely, both the need to ask for it from God and the neighbour, and the willingness to forgive the neighbour.

This article considers the matter of being assured of God’s forgiveness. It urges faith in the promises of God, and thereafter experiencing the joy of forgiveness.

This article, through the lens of Psalm 27:3, encourages prayerful perseverance by faith through the sorrows and griefs of this life.

This article discusses the problem of loneliness in the church. It shows how the Scriptures, particularly the Gospel of John, advocate for living in community. It also reflects on how the lifting of loneliness always goes together with the removal of guilt from the past.