The misery of oppression makes life unbearable, if it is considered only under the sun- on that frame of reference, contentment, companionship, and openness to correction are important palliatives.

In Lord's Day 42, the Heidelberg Catechism expounds the Eighth Commandment- -Thou shalt not steal.- The division of its questions emphasizes that there is a positive and a negative element in each commandment, while the opening of answer 110 shows that the civil law is not the baseline for Christian behavior.

The Lord Jesus pointed disciples blinded by competitive pride to a child as an example of his union to and mediation for those who have no worldly significance.

In pressing the origin of murder in envy and the desire of revenge, the Catechism prevents us from pretending that we are innocent of breaking the Sixth Commandment

Human observation shows that perfection is not to be found under the sun, and must therefore be sought elsewhere.

The Thessalonians already encouraged one another in many ways, and Paul urges them to continue to do so with reference to the sorrow of death and in light of the return of Christ.

The Heidelberg Catechism explains that the 5th Commandment extends beyond parents to all who bear delegated authority from God- but precisely because their authority is from God, it has limits.

Each Lord's Day gives the opportunity to anticipate the eternal rest we have been promised.

Time and all the variety it contains cannot be understood from within- we need the transcendent standpoint of eternity, which only God can give.

We may with proper grounds swear an oath in God's name- God himself has done so, in order to give his people strong assurance.