Forest Hill PCA Devotionals

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 18, Question #49 | The Benefits of Christ's Ascension Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church as we wrap up "Ascension Week"! In today’s devotional (Question 49 of the Heidelberg Catechism), we explore the profound gospel comfort found in Christ's ascension into heaven. Discover the three amazing benefits of Jesus ascending on high: having...

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel as we read through the powerful truths of Romans 6 (ESV). If we are saved by grace, does that mean we can keep on sinning? By no means! Today’s devotional dives into what it means to be united with Christ through baptism, set free from the bondage of sin, and made slaves to righteousness. Discover why living for God isn't about earning salvation, but joyfully livin...

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for an "Ascension Week" devotion on the Heidelberg Catechism. This session focuses on Question 48, exploring the profound mystery and comfort of Christ's two distinct but united natures: true God and true man.

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel for a study of Romans, chapter 5. In this devotional, we transition from the theme of justification into sanctification, exploring how faith in Christ brings us peace with God and an unshakable hope for His glory. Discover how Christ's one act of perfect righteousness brings an overflow of grace that conquers sin and anchors our progress in the Christian life.

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel for Week 17 of our Heidelberg Catechism devotionals. Today, we explore Question 47, examining the Ascension of Christ, His dual nature as true man and true God, and the comforting promise that He is always with us through the Holy Spirit.

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for a brief devotional exploring Question 46 of the Heidelberg Catechism: Christ's ascension into heaven. Discover the historical reality of Jesus' ascension, how His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God benefits believers today, and the glorious promise of His future return.

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for a devotional exposition of Romans chapter 4. In this episode of "Exploring Romans," we look at the examples of Abraham and David to discover the beautiful truth of justification by faith alone. Discover why our salvation rests not in our own works or obedience to the law, but solely on the finished work, perfect righte...

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for a brief devotional on Question 45 of the Heidelberg Catechism. In this episode, we explore the exaltation of Christ and uncover the three profound, life-changing benefits His resurrection brings to believers today.

In this study of Romans chapter 3, we examine the Apostle Paul’s argument regarding humanity's spiritual condition and the necessity of the gospel. The passage clearly outlines that all people—both Jews and Gentiles—are under sin and that no human being can be justified by the works of the law. Key topics covered: The Purpose of the Law: How the law brings the knowledge of sin and holds the wo...

Finding Comfort in the Cross | Heidelberg Catechism #44 Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel as we explore Question 44 of the Heidelberg Catechism: Why is there added, "he descended into hell"? In this devotional, we unpack this controversial line from the Apostles' Creed to understand how Christ's unspeakable anguish on the cross fully satisfied God's wrath, forever delivering belie...

Title: Christ's Death Benefits Us Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel Series: Heidelberg Catechism Devos Date: April 16, 2026 What benefits do believers receive from Christ's death in this life? Heidelberg Catechism Question #43

Who is truly justified before God? In Romans 2, the Apostle Paul issues a challenging reality check to the self-righteous and religious. While it’s easy to stand on the sidelines and point out the obvious sins of the world, Paul reminds us that passing judgment on others while secretly practicing the same things leaves us utterly without excuse.

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for a devotional on Heidelberg Catechism Question 42. Discover why, although Christ died for our sins, believers still experience physical death—not as a punishment, but as an entrance into eternal life. This session includes scriptural reflections from John, Philippians, and 1 Thessalonians, followed by a musical performance of &quot...

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church in this deep dive into Romans Chapter 1. In this episode of the Exploring Romans series, we examine Paul’s majestic introduction to the Gospel—the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Pastor Jason provides a chapter-by-chapter exposition, walking through: The Identity of Jesus: Fully man and fully God. The Obedience o...

In this 15th week of the Heidelberg Catechism devotionals, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church explores Question 41: "Why was he buried?" Through an examination of Luke 23, 1 Corinthians 15, Isaiah 53, and Acts 13, Pastor Van Bemmel explains how Jesus' burial in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and served as definitive proof of H...

Why was Christ’s death the only way to satisfy divine justice? Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Question 40 of the Heidelberg Catechism, reflecting on the necessity of Jesus’ sacrifice and his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

This devotional, led by Pastor Jason Van Bemmel, concludes the book of Acts. It follows Paul from the miracle-filled island of Malta to his final destination in Rome, where he spends two years under house arrest boldly proclaiming the Gospel.

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel as he explores Question 39 of the Heidelberg Catechism, reflecting on the profound meaning of Christ's crucifixion and the curse he bore for our salvation.

Michael Talerico, former pastoral intern at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, leads a devotional on Acts 27, emphasizing the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty even in the midst of life's "chaos" and harrowing trials.

In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Heidelberg Catechism Question 38, discussing why Jesus suffered under the earthly judge Pontius Pilate. He explains the concept of penal substitutionary atonement using passages from Luke, 2 Corinthians, and Galatians, showing how Christ was condemned in our place to free us from God's severe judgment.

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for a special Good Friday (2026) devotional on Question 37 of the Heidelberg Catechism. In this episode, we deeply meditate on the suffering of Jesus Christ. Through an exploration of the Apostles' Creed, Isaiah 53, and Hebrews 5, we look at how Christ willingly bore the wrath of God to redeem humanity, granting us grace, righteou...

Paul stands before Herod Agrippa, giving us a Master Class in Gospel witness and apologetics.

Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Question 36 of the Heidelberg Catechism, focusing on the profound benefits of Christ's holy conception and birth. He explains how Jesus, as both fully God and fully man, uniquely qualifies as our mediator to bridge the gap created by sin. Through exploring rich scriptures like 1 Timothy 2:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8, Hebrews 9, and 1 Peter 1, this teaching...

Join Pastor Intern Michael Taliercio for a devotional study of Acts 25. Explore how God’s sovereignty and wisdom protect Paul through the legal systems of the time, ensuring the Gospel continues its journey toward Rome.

Context: The devotional focuses on Question 35 of the Heidelberg Catechism, exploring the Apostles' Creed article that states Jesus was "conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary." The Incarnation: The core teaching emphasizes that Jesus is the eternal Son of God who maintained His divine nature while taking on a true human nature, including flesh and blood, from the Virg...