Psalm 32 celebrates the joy of justification. It does so by considering the various aspects of sin and the corresponding aspects of forgiveness. In this concise survey, Dick explores these and the practical advice the Psalmist gives for keeping short accounts with God and enjoying fellowship with him.

In this overview of Philippians, Dick narrows the scope of his study to one central theme. From the beginning it is clear that there is division between the believers at Philippi. Why? As so often, it arises from false expectations concerning the nature of real Christian ministry and experience.

One commentary asserts that life is not as simple as Psalm 1 states. Dick begs to differ. Much depends on how the word variously translated as 'happy' or 'blessed' is interpreted and what the psalmist means by 'prospers'. The psalm as a whole interprets itself vividly as it contrasts two ways to live.

The exquisite prose of this famous chapter can easily blind the reader to the bluntness of its message. Dick shows that it needs to be understood in the context of Chapters 12 and 14. In that context, Chapter 13 is a strong rebuke to the Corinthians concerning their use of spiritual gifts.

Jude begins and ends with a message of great assurance: God is able to keep his people in the faith once delivered to the saints. But the passage is replete with warnings and exhortations. How, then, is this apparent tension resolved, not just theologically, but also practically?

The Parable of the Prodigal Son raises an important question: did the elder brother end up joining the celebration in response to his father's apologia for it? Here, Dick argues that we need the whole of Luke 15 if we are to get the 'big punch' of this much-loved parable.

John 3:16 is said to be the most famous verse in the Christian Bible. But, Dick argues, we need the whole of Chapter 3 to understand it properly. We need to view it not only within the context of the new birth, but also with regard to the overarching transition from the old Israel to the new.

The knowledge of God requires both divine sovereignty and human response, and both are combined in these sublime words of Jesus. But who are the 'wise and learned' from whom such knowledge is hidden? And what does it mean to be the 'little children' to whom it is disclosed?

In this mini-series of four reflections, Dick explores the letter to the church in Laodicea recorded in Revelation 3:14–22. What has gone wrong in Laodicea? Why is the church there so repugnant to the risen Christ? What hope is there? And what lessons does the letter have for the church today?