Forest Hill PCA Devotionals

In this devotional on Acts 21, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Paul’s determined journey to Jerusalem despite repeated prophetic warnings of his impending arrest.

In this Week 11 devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel examines Question 29 of the Heidelberg Catechism: "Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, Savior?" By exploring the Hebrew name Yeshua and key passages in Matthew 1, Hebrews 7, Isaiah 43, and Acts 4, the lesson demonstrates that Jesus is our only salvation from sin and must be true God, as only the Lord is Savior. The session conc...

This devotional explores Heidelberg Catechism Question 28, focusing on the practical benefits of trusting in God’s providence. Highlights: Practical Benefits: Understanding providence allows believers to be patient during adversity and thankful during times of prosperity. Future Confidence: It fosters a firm heart and confidence that nothing in creation can separate a believer from God’s love. Scr...

Journey through Acts - Finish the Course: Lessons from Paul’s Farewell in Acts 20 Join Pastoral Intern Michael Taliercio from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for a walk through Acts 20. This devotional explores the multi-ethnic nature of the early church, the miraculous raising of Eutychus, and Paul’s unwavering commitment to finishing his ministry despite facing certain suffering. Reflect on the...

In this episode of the Heidelberg Catechism devotions, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores the profound comfort found in Question 27: "What do you understand by the providence of God?" Highlights: The Meaning of Providence: Rather than an abstract concept, providence is God's active "provision"—His almighty power that upholds and governs every creature. Beyond "Luck"...

In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Acts 19 , focusing on Paul’s influential ministry in Ephesus . The chapter highlights the transition from the baptism of John to the power of the Holy Spirit , Paul’s two-year teaching tenure in the Hall of Tyrannus , and the dramatic spiritual shift that led to the burning of magic books worth millions. The session concludes by discussing the i...

This devotional features Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church as he explores Question 26 of the Heidelberg Catechism. He breaks down the profound theological implications of confessing God as the "Father Almighty" and "Creator," emphasizing God’s roles as Sustainer, Provider, and personal Father through Jesus Christ.

In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemel delves into the profound mystery of the Trinity through the lens of the Heidelberg Catechism (Questions 24–25). By exploring key scriptural passages from Genesis to Revelation, he explains how God is uniquely one, yet reveals himself as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From the plurality in the name Elohim to the baptism of Jesus and...

The Corinthian Mission: Paul establishes a major church in Corinth (c. AD 49–51), marking his first extended stay of 18 months in one location. Ministry Shift: Assisted by Silas, Timothy, and financial gifts from the Philippians, Paul transitions from tentmaking to full-time preaching. Key Partnerships: The chapter highlights the vital roles of Priscilla and Aquila in supporting Paul and later men...

In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemel explores Questions 23 and 24 of the Heidelberg Catechism, focusing on the content of Christian faith through the Apostles' Creed. He explains how the Creed is organized into three distinct yet interconnected parts: God the Father and creation, God the Son and redemption, and God the Holy Spirit and sanctification. By examining the active role of the T...

This devotional, led by Michael Taliercio, a pastoral intern at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, explores Acts Chapter 17 . It details the travels of Paul and Silas through Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, highlighting the diverse ways people responded to the gospel message.

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel as he explores Questions 23 and 24 of the Heidelberg Catechism, focusing on the Apostles' Creed. This devotional explains why the creed is a vital, biblical summary of the Christian faith that provides comfort and fosters unity among believers. Pastor Van Bemmel highlights how the creed’s focus on the humiliation and exaltation of Jesus Christ reflects the core mes...

In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel discusses what a Christian must believe in order to have true faith. He explains that the "articles of our catholic and undoubted Christian faith" refer to the Apostles' Creed, which serves as a universal summary of the gospel. The lesson highlights that while various denominations exist, true faith is unified by these core tenets concernin...

In this episode of the Journey Through Acts devotional series, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel broadcasts from Tiberias, Israel, to explore Acts chapter 16. The study focuses on the establishment of the church in Philippi, highlighting the diverse group of people God brings together—including Lydia, a slave girl, and a Philippian jailer. The message emphasizes the power of the Gospel to transcend social b...

In this 8th week of devotions, Pastor Jason Van Bemelen explores Heidelberg Catechism Question 21: "What is True Faith?" Moving from the reality of our guilt to the beauty of God’s grace, Pastor Jason defines true faith as both a sure knowledge of God's Word and a firm confidence that Christ’s merits are applied personally to the believer. Through the lenses of John 17, Hebrews 11, a...

Acts 15: Faith Alone and Godly Conflict Explore the pivotal Jerusalem Council, where the early church officially affirmed that salvation is by grace through faith, not by keeping the law. We also see how God used a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas to multiply missionary efforts, proving that His sovereign plan works even through human conflict.

Title: Only Those Who Believe | Heidelberg Catechism #20 In today’s devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Heidelberg Catechism Question 20: Are all people saved through Christ in the same way they perished through Adam? Through the lens of the New Testament—specifically the Gospel of John—we look at the necessity of "true faith." Just as a rescuer can only save those who trust the...

In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Question 19 of the Heidelberg Catechism, tracing the "good news" of Jesus Christ from its first revelation in Paradise to its final fulfillment. Discover how the entire span of Scripture—from the patriarchs and prophets to the ancient ceremonies of the law—testifies to our need for a divine Mediator. #HeidelbergCatechism #Gospel #Bible...

Journey through Acts | Acts 14: Miracles, Persecution, and Persistence This study follows Paul and Barnabas through the challenges and triumphs of the first missionary journey recorded in the New Testament. In Acts 14, a dramatic sequence of events unfolds in Lystra—beginning with the miraculous healing of a man crippled from birth, leading to the apostles being mistaken for Greek gods, and culmin...

The Only Solution: Jesus Our Mediator In this seventh week of the Heidelberg Catechism study, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel reaches the core of the gospel in Question 18. After establishing our need for a mediator who is both fully God and a righteous man, the Catechism finally reveals the answer: Jesus Christ. Key Takeaways: The Identity of the Mediator: Up to this point, the Catechism has focused on t...

Acts 13: The Mission BeginsIn this study of Acts 13 with Michael Taliercio, we witness a major turning point in the early church as the Holy Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul for their first missionary journey. Key Highlights:Power & Name Change: Paul confronts the magician Elymas in Cyprus, witnessing the conversion of Proconsul Sergius Paulus. Michael shares Augustine’s insight on why Saul...

Summary: The Necessity of a God-Man MediatorIn this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Question 17 of the Heidelberg Catechism, focusing on why our mediator must be true God. Building on the previous lessons that established the need for a mediator who is a true and righteous man, this session highlights the divine power required for our salvation. Key Takeaways:The Dual Nature of Christ...

Why the Mediator Must Be Human Why was the incarnation necessary? Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Heidelberg Catechism Question 16 , explaining why our Savior had to be a true and righteous man to satisfy divine justice. Key Points: Justice Requires Humanity: The same human nature that sinned must pay for sin. Sinless Perfection: A sinner cannot pay for others; only a perfectly righteous man can...

Title: Who Can Stand in God's Way? Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel Series: Journey through Acts Date: February 10, 2026 Bible: Acts 11 Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel in day 472 of a journey through God's Word as he explores Acts chapter 11. This chapter highlights a pivotal moment in the early church where God reveals that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background. Key Highlights...

As we pivot from the reality of our guilt toward the hope of the gospel, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Question 15 of the Heidelberg Catechism. Learn why our deliverer must be both a true, righteous man to represent us and true God to sustain the weight of divine justice.