Foundations: Meditations & Study on Genesis 1-3

Coming in August 2026, just in time for fall Bible studies! Special pre-order price now available. In Foundations, Pastor Peter Holtvlüwer offers 22 meditations on the critical opening three chapters of the Bible, including a careful explanation and application of each passage in these foundational chapters of Scripture. Each chapter includes suggestions for further Bible reading, and study questions for discussion. Many every-day subjects are dealt with like creation versus evolution, male and female, human sexuality, marriage and the roles of husband and wife, raising children, the purpose of our jobs, the day of rest, communing with God in his covenant, how we rebelled against God and how God responded, and much more. In each meditation the author works to show us what God is doing and how he leads us to the only Savior, Jesus Christ.  In Genesis 1–3 God reveals truths about himself, ourselves, and the world in which we live, all of which lay the foundation for understanding his kingdom and our place in it. It’s not too much to say that if we get these chapters wrong, we get the Bible wrong. On the other hand, to understand them well is to have a firm footing from which to understand all of Scripture. From the author: This book is meant for flexible use in a variety of circumstances. Individuals can profit from a solo pondering of the referenced Scripture along with a given meditation. Anyone young adult and up should find this book easy to understand and, I trust, beneficial for their faith. The profit only increases when these things are discussed with other believers and so the “Further Reflection” questions make the book suitable for couples, small groups, or Bible study gatherings of any size. If everyone takes time ahead of the meeting to pray, read, and study as suggested above, then (under God’s blessing, to be sure) the meetings themselves can be times of lively, informative, and upbuilding discussion.  Foundations is designed for Christians seeking to deepen their faith, and also for those just getting to know Jesus Christ who are hungry to grow in understanding. If you are new to the Christian faith, I would encourage you to undertake this study in the company of a wise Christian friend. There is much in Genesis that runs counter to both our natural thinking and the ideas of our Western culture, and a good friend will help you navigate such challenges in order to understand them in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  About the author: A husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, pastor, and writer, Rev. Peter Holtvlüwer also serves as a full-time minister of the Word in a Bible-believing, confessionally Reformed congregation in Canada. He is committed to the infallible Word of God and upholds in every respect the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dort as accurate, faithful summaries of Scripture. He has been an ordained pastor since 1999 and is currently serving his fourth congregation. Peter is married to Erica and together they have been blessed with six children and a growing number of grandchildren. Endorsements “The book of Genesis is the bedrock of the rest of the Bible. In this book, the Lord has revealed to us who he is, who we are, and where we come from. Here, we find a tapestry of several doctrines that weave through the rest of the Bible, such as creation, providence, divine power, the covenant of works, the origin of mankind, and the meaning of life. And in the midst of our cultural confusion and perversion about the dignity and purpose of mankind (especially in the area of gender), we discover here a divinely-inspired account of the origin of the three creation ordinances—marriage, work, and Sabbath. Above all, Pastor Holtvlüwer displays Christ to us as the second Adam and the perfect image of the Father who restores at Calvary what we lost in Eden. Enjoy this book—it is ideal for personal devotions, Bible study, and small group discussions.”  —Dr. Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Seminary, and a pastor of Heritage Reformed Congregation (Grand Rapids) “The opening chapters of Genesis are sweeping and theologically rich, a formative section of Scripture whose contents profoundly affect the rest of the Bible. While these chapters shape our theology and edify our Christian walk, debates over their details can tempt readers to approach them primarily as an arena of controversy, thereby neglecting their rich application to our lives. In these meditations, Peter Holtvlüwer has kept the goal of the Christian life squarely in view, unpacking the text with clarity and cogency, yet always with an eye to equipping the saints to glorify God, show love for one another, and rest in the comfort of belonging to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” —Dr. R. Andrew Compton, Professor of Old Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary  “There are no words so foundational, not only to the Bible, but to all of life than those found in Genesis 1-3. The themes visited there set the trajectory for life that continue to this day. Holtvlüwer introduces readers to these themes in a beneficial way, being careful to deliver faithful exposition of the ancient text together with practical helps for every day. The questions at the end of each chapter are compelling and thought-provoking.” —Dr. Tim Witmer, Emeritus Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary (PA), Author of The Shepherd Leader   “The opening chapters of the book of Genesis are critically important for knowing God’s answers to the many questions confronting Christians, such as issues of human identity and morality. Rev. Peter Holtvlüwer’s insightful meditations on this part of Scripture are a gem and will be very edifying for a wide audience. In an engaging and practical way, Holtvlüwer drills down into the text to retrieve the rich instruction and guidance that God’s Word provides for today. Throughout, he also highlights the gospel found in this part of Scripture. It is most gratifying to have available this reliable and stimulating guide when there is so much confusion and false teaching on the first foundational chapters of Scripture. These meditations can serve very well for personal and group Bible study. The questions after each meditation encourage further reflection and study. One need not agree with every detail to be greatly enriched and encouraged in the faith with this trustworthy guide. May this excellent publication be a blessing for many!” —Dr. Cornelis Van Dam, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary and author of In the Beginning: Listening to Genesis 1 and 2 Reformed Fellowship is the U. S. distributor of this work. Please contact us at office@reformedfellowship.net for wholesale orders. Canadian and International buyers may contact the publisher at https://peterholtvluwer.com/books/.