From Study Bible Magazine March 2021
1. What is your role with "Study Bible"?
The Study Bible has been a blessing in my life. It motivates me to open up the Bible in such a way that only increases my adventure with God. It is from that rich blessing that I gladly work as editor and writer on this beautiful giant project.
2. What encourages you most to examine the Bible?
Those in love long to know the other person better. Since the age of seventeen, I have enjoyed getting to know God's heart better. That this often turns out to be so different from what we think, is reflected in researching the Bible. Right now, I am intensely working on Deuteronomy. That is not exactly known as a beloved book. I would rather skip it than go through it with my heart. Yet I've been working on the latter for several weeks and discovering the gold mines of this book of the Bible. What wonderful splendor - and I keep thinking it's a terribly boring book. That kind of experience spurs me to explore strange-looking books of the Bible.
3. If you could speak to one Biblical character, who would you choose? Why?
Jesus of course, because almost every day I look forward to seeing Him ''face-to-face' to be allowed to speak.
4. What is your motivation for working at "Study Bible"?
The blessing I already mentioned in the first question. I do not want to keep it to myself, but gladly desire to pass on this infatuation to others. As a kind of life-giving "virus...
5. What do you do besides your work for "Study Bible"?
Besides my work for Study Bible, I enjoy the beautiful outings and conversations with my lovely wife and two top sons Adriel and Ilja. Playing games, watching movies and competing in games together are an immediate part of that. The free time that remains daily I serve the congregations in Flanders with sermons and studies, coach and meet with various young people and church workers, entertain myself with some teaching at high schools, colleges and the university, and occasionally write an article or book.
6. What touches you most when you think about the kingdom of God?
The King of that kingdom. The kingdom then becomes like a mirror in which you recognize the face of the King. That kingdom is so different from our kingdoms on earth where power struggles are often the center. As I write this, I am reminded of the kingdoms of Games of Thrones, who want to free each other and ultimately know the same power struggle. Only those who have death in that series of Games of Thrones overcome, realize what the true and best kingdom for this earth can be.
7. What discovery did you make that changed your view of something?
My faith in Jesus caused me to have a better view of reality.
8. In what do you see God's Spirit at work most in your environment in recent months?
Especially in the small loving gestures of both believing and unbelieving people who care about each other, come to each other's aid and show elements that remind me of the fruit and gifts of the Spirit.
From: Study Bible Magazine March 2021
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You might also like to know a little more about the other staff and editors at the BoE. Each month we will introduce one of them to you. Last time:
- Jan Kranendonk – Financial manager
- Gijs van den Brink – Editor-in-chief and writer
- Hermien Henning – Content import employee
- Marijke Diepeveen – Administration & support at the BoE
- Mart-Jan Paul – Editor-in-Chief
- Marianne Marchal- Administrative assistant/support workerr
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