Title: Three Things to Know
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Heidelberg Catechism Devos
Date: January 12, 2026
Bible: Ephesians 2:1-10
Three Things We Must Know: Finding Gospel Comfort
In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Question #2 of the Heidelberg Catechism, which outlines the three essential things a believer must know to live and die in the joy of "gospel comfort". Using the framework of Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude, Pastor Jason explains how this 500-year-old document remains a timeless guide for the Christian life.
The Three Pillars of Gospel Joy: According to the Catechism, to truly experience the joy of belonging to Christ, we must understand:
Guilt: The depth of our own sin and misery.
Grace: How we are delivered from that sin and misery through Jesus Christ.
Gratitude: How we are called to live a life of thankfulness to God for such a great deliverance.
Scriptural Foundation
Pastor Jason highlights how this "Guilt-Grace-Gratitude" movement is the core pattern of the Gospel found throughout Scripture:
The Book of Romans: Paul follows this exact progression, moving from the guilt of all humanity (Romans 1–3) to the free gift of justification by grace (Romans 3–11), and finally to the call for a life of grateful sacrifice (Romans 12–16).
Ephesians 2:1–10: This passage vividly contrasts being "dead in trespasses" (Guilt) with being "made alive together with Christ" (Grace) so that we may walk in the "good works" God prepared for us (Gratitude).
The devotional concludes with a reminder that we are not saved by our good works, but for good works, motivated by a heart of deep gratitude for God's mercy.
#HeidelbergCatechism #GospelComfort #GuiltGraceGratitude #ChristianDevotional #BibleStudy #ReformedTheology #AmazingGrace #ForestHillPresbyterian
Title: Protected & Made Willing
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Heidelberg Catechism Devos
Date: January 9, 2026
Bible: Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:12-13
Our 3rd devotional in the Heidelberg Catechism covers the second half of the first question -
Q: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong body and soul,
both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood,
and has set me free from all the power of the devil.
He also preserves me in such a way that
without the will of my heavenly Father
not a hair can fall from my head;
indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.
Therefore, by His Holy Spirit,
He also assures me of eternal life
and makes me heartily willing and ready
from now on to live for Him.
Title: Spirit-Empowered Proclamation
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Journey through Acts
Date: January 1, 2026
Bible: Acts 2
In this devotional teaching on Acts 2, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel leads us through one of the most pivotal moments in Church history — the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. We see how Jesus’ promise of the Spirit is fulfilled as believers are baptized in the Spirit, empowered to speak boldly, and equipped for mission.
As Peter preaches, the good news of Jesus Christ is proclaimed with clarity and power, calling hearers to repentance, faith, and baptism — and about three thousand souls were added to the early Church that day. This teaching invites us to reflect on the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the Church today.
#Acts2 #Pentecost #HolySpirit #BibleDevotional #ForestHillPCA #ChurchHistory #NewTestamentTeaching #ChristianFaith #PeterPreaches #SpiritEmpowered #ChurchMission
Title: Forgiven and Freed
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Heidelberg Catechism Devos
Date: January 3, 2026
Our second devotional in the Heidelberg Catechism, covering the second part of Question #1 -
Q: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong body and soul,
both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood,
and has set me free from all the power of the devil.
He also preserves me in such a way that
without the will of my heavenly Father
not a hair can fall from my head;
indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.
Therefore, by His Holy Spirit,
He also assures me of eternal life
and makes me heartily willing and ready
from now on to live for Him.
Title: Jesus Continues to Work
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Journey through Acts
Date: January 1, 2026
Bible: Acts 1
In this devotional teaching on Acts 1, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel walks us through the closing moments of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church’s mission. We explore the authority of the risen Christ, His ascension into heaven, and the promise of the Holy Spirit, who empowers the disciples to bear witness “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Through this passage, we are reminded that the early church did not launch its mission by human ingenuity but by faithful waiting, prayer, and confident dependence on the Spirit of God.
Join us as we reflect on what it means to walk with Jesus, to wait on the promise of the Spirit, and to join the mission of God with courage and hope.
foresthillpca.org
#Acts1 #HolySpirit #JesusAscension #GreatCommission #ChristianDevotional #ForestHillPCA #BibleTeaching #NewTestament #ChurchMission #FaithAndHope #PastorJasonVanBemmel
Title: Our Only Eternal Comfort
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Heidelberg Catechism Devos
Date: January 5, 2026
Bible: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 14:7-9
Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism and the opening of the First Question:
Q: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong body and soul,
both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood,
and has set me free from all the power of the devil.
He also preserves me in such a way that
without the will of my heavenly Father
not a hair can fall from my head;
indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.
Therefore, by His Holy Spirit,
He also assures me of eternal life
and makes me heartily willing and ready
from now on to live for Him.
Title: Joy to the World!
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 24, 2025
Bible: Psalm 98
Summary: Joy to the World (Advent Devo #18)
In this final advent devotional for 2025, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church examines the "accidental Christmas classic," "Joy to the World".
Taking its inspiration from Psalm 98, this session explores how Isaac Watts’ 1719 poem was originally intended as a New Testament reflection on the Psalms rather than a Christmas carol. The devotional highlights how the song bridges the "first coming" of Jesus as our Savior with the joyful anticipation of His "second coming" as King.
Key highlights include:
The Name of Jesus: A look at how Psalm 98 repeatedly references "salvation," which in Hebrew (Yeshua) is the very name of Jesus.
Creation's Response: An exploration of why the "sea roars" and the "hills sing for joy"—nature itself rejoices in the rescue mission of God.
The Accidental Classic: The history of how Watts' poetry was adapted and set to music over a century after its publication to become a worldwide holiday staple.
The Gospel in the Psalms: Understanding Jesus as the "righteousness of God revealed" and the fulfillment of every covenant promise.
Join us for this final study as we remember the first coming of Christ and pray with joy, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus".
#Advent2025 #JoyToTheWorld #Psalm98 #BibleStudy #ForestHillPres #IsaacWatts #ChristmasEve #ChristianHymns
Title: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 22, 2025
Bible: Colossians 1:15-20
Summary: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Advent Devo #17)
In this penultimate advent devotional for 2025, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church explores the deep theological roots of the classic carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
Drawing from Colossians 1:15–20, the session breaks down the dual nature of Christ—His cosmic divinity as the Creator and sustainer of the universe, and His humble incarnation as the Savior who reconciles humanity to God through the cross.
Key highlights include:
• A History of the Hymn: Learn how Charles Wesley’s 1739 poem, originally titled "Hark! How All the Welkin Rings," was refined by George Whitefield and eventually paired with Felix Mendelssohn’s upbeat melody in 1840 to become the masterpiece we sing today.
• Theology in Song: A verse-by-verse look at how the lyrics proclaim Jesus as the "incarnate Deity," the "Sun of Righteousness," and the "Prince of Peace" who brings second birth to all.
• Biblical Foundation: An exploration of Christ’s preeminence as the "image of the invisible God" and the "firstborn from the dead."
Join us for this insightful study as we celebrate the "newborn King" who lays His glory by to bring light and life to the world.
#advent2025 #ChristmasTheology #HarkTheHeraldAngelsSing #BibleStudy #ForestHillPres #AdventDevotional #CharlesWesley #ChristianHymns
Title: We Three Kings
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 22, 2025
Bible: Matthew 2:1-12
Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for Week 4, Day 1 of our Scripture and Carols Advent series. Today, we dive into the history and theology of the iconic American carol, "We Three Kings."
Explore the journey of the wise men as recorded in Matthew 2, and discover the deep symbolic meaning behind their three famous gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We also take a look at the fascinating life of the carol’s author, John Henry Hopkins Jr., and how he crafted this song specifically for a family Christmas pageant.
In this video:
Scripture Deep Dive: A reflection on Matthew 2:1–12 and the significance of the first recorded act of worship toward Jesus.
The Meaning of the Gifts: Why each gift was a prophecy of Christ's identity as King, God, and Sacrifice.
Historical Context: How an American music instructor created one of the world's most enduring carols in 1857.
Devotional Message: An invitation to worship the King who "ceases never" to reign.
"Glorious now behold Him arise: King and God and sacrifice!"
Hashtags
#Advent2025 #WeThreeKings #ChristmasCarols #BibleStudy #Epiphany #WiseMen #ChristianHistory #ForestHillPresbyterian
Title: Go, Tell It on The Mountain!
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 18, 2025
Bible: Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 28:18-20
Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for Week 3, Day 4 of our Scripture and Carols Advent series. In this session, we explore the powerful history and biblical roots of the traditional 19th-century African American spiritual, "Go Tell It on the Mountain".
Discover how this stirring call to evangelism connects the prophetic words of Isaiah to the humble shepherds in the Judean hills and, ultimately, to our own Great Commission. We also share the inspiring story of John Wesley Work Jr., the scholar who dedicated his life to preserving these vital oral traditions for future generations.
In this video:
Scripture Deep Dive: Reflections on Isaiah 52:7, Luke 2:20, and Matthew 28:18-20.
Historical Context: The origins of the carol and its publication by the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
Devotional Message: An encouragement to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ this Christmas season.
Prayer & Song: A time for guided reflection and worship.
"Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere!"
#Advent2025 #ChristmasCarols #GoTellItOnTheMountain #BibleStudy #ChristianHistory #Evangelism #ForestHillPresbyterian
Title: The First Noel
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 17, 2025
Bible: Luke 2:8-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Advent Devo #13: The Scandalous Truth Behind "The First Noel"
Why did pagan astrologers travel 1,000 miles to worship Jesus while the religious experts refused to walk five miles? In today’s Advent devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel uncovers the deep history and conviction behind the folk carol "The First Noel."
In this video, we explore:
The Meaning of Noel: What the word actually means (birth announcement) and the song's origins in the Cornwall region of England.
The Magi vs. The Priests: A look at Matthew 2 and the stark contrast between the worshipful Wise Men and the apathetic religious leaders who knew the Bible but missed the Savior.
The Daniel Connection: How the prophet Daniel likely prepared the way for the Magi centuries in advance.
Scripture References:
Matthew 2:1-12
Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel Church: Forest Hill Presbyterian Church
#Advent #TheFirstNoel #ChristmasCarols #WiseMen #ChristianHistory
Title: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 16, 2025
Bible: Luke 2:8-20; Galatians 4:4-7
Advent Devo #12: The Hidden Meaning of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"
Have you been singing this Christmas carol wrong all these years? In today’s Advent devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel dives into the rich history and theology of one of the oldest English folk carols, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen."
In this video, we explore:
The Comma Matters: Why the title isn't addressing "merry gentlemen," but is actually a prayer that God would "keep you merry" (meaning strong and joyful).
Folk Origins: How this song emerged in the 15th century as a way for common people to share the Gospel in the streets, long before it was written down or brought into the church.
Theology of Joy: Looking at Galatians 4 to understand how the "tidings of comfort and joy" are rooted in our adoption as sons and heirs, freeing us from the slavery of the law.
Scripture References:
Luke 2:10-11
Galatians 4:4-7
Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel Church: Forest Hill Presbyterian Church
#Advent #ChristmasCarols #GodRestYeMerryGentlemen #ChristianHistory #Devotional
Title: Angels We Have Heard on High
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 15, 2025
Bible: Luke 2:8-15
Welcome to Week 3 of our Advent Devotionals on Scripture and Carols! Today, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church shifts our focus to the joyful announcement of Jesus' birth with the classic carol, "Angels We Have Heard on High".
In this devotional, we look beyond the "tinsel halos" of children's nativity plays to rediscover the true, terrifying glory of the heavenly host that appeared to the shepherds. We also explore the fascinating history of this carol, which originated as an 18th-century French folk song, Les Anges dans nos campagnes.
In this video, we cover:
Scripture: A reading of Luke 2:8–15 and the angels' message of good news.
Fear vs. Joy: Why the shepherds were filled with "great fear" and how the angel addressed it.
Lost in Translation: The theological difference between "good will to men" and the more accurate "peace among those with whom He is pleased".
The Conqueror: How the original French lyrics dramatically describe Jesus as a "Conqueror" and "Liberator" rather than just a baby in a manger.
The Chorus: The meaning of the Latin refrain, Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Join us as we prepare our hearts to sing "Glory to God in the Highest" and trust in the Savior who came to conquer sin and death.
This devotional focuses on the 15th-century German carol, "Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming," highlighting its roots in Old Testament messianic prophecy.
Key Points of the Teaching:
The Prophetic Core (Isaiah 11:1): The hymn is a poetic expression of Isaiah's prophecy that a "shoot from the stump of Jesse" would emerge. Jesse's "stump" symbolizes the royal line of David, which had been seemingly cut down, while the "Rose" represents Jesus, who miraculously springs forth as the promised Messiah.
The Lineage (Jesse's Lineage): The carol affirms Christ's human connection to the royal house of David, while also acknowledging that as the Son of God, he is older than Jesse and the root of the lineage.
The Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14): The second stanza is based on Isaiah's prophecy of the virgin birth of Immanuel ("God with us"), linking the event directly to Mary's experience (the Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55).
The Incarnation's Impact: The final verse summarizes Christ's nature as "True man, yet very God." His coming (the blooming of the Rose) dispels the "gloom with glorious splendor," saving us from sin and death, and acting as our High Priest who "lightens every load."
Title: In the Bleak Midwinter
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 11, 2025
Bible: Matthew 2:11; Micah 6:8
The devotional analyzes "In the Bleak Midwinter" (1872 poem set to music in 1906) by Christina Rossetti, praising it as a profound expression of Christ's humility and the mystery of the Incarnation.
The teaching focused on three main Scriptural and theological connections:
Humility and Righteousness (Micah 6:8): Jesus' birth in a lowly condition (manger, poor parents) is the ultimate demonstration of God walking "humbly." By leaving heaven to come to earth, Christ began his mission to perfectly embody justice and kindness, ultimately earning the righteousness required of us.
God's Immensity and Condescension (1 Kings 8:27): The line "Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain" is a direct reference to Solomon's prayer, acknowledging God's infinite nature. The astonishing truth of the Incarnation is that this immense, uncontainable God chose to humble himself and take on a true human nature as a tiny, vulnerable baby.
The Gift of the Heart (Matthew 2:11): While the Wise Men offered physical treasures (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), the poem concludes by asking what we can give. The final line, "Yet what I can I give him: Give my heart," emphasizes that the most valuable gift Christ desires from us is our total devotion and affection.
Title: What Child is This?
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 10, 2025
Bible: Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:11
Summary: What Child is This?
Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel, Forest Hill Presbyterian Church Series: Advent Devotional – Scripture and Carols
This devotional explores the theological depth and history behind the Christmas carol "What Child is This?"
Scriptural Foundation:
Isaiah 9:6: Identifies the child as both human ("child is born") and divine ("son is given"). The titles "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," and "Prince of Peace" describe His character and role as the fulfillment of the promise to David.
Luke 2:11: The carol's chorus reflects the angel's message to the shepherds, proclaiming Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord.
John 1: Highlights Jesus' divine nature as the eternal Word made flesh.
History of the Carol:
The Lyrics: Written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix, a marine insurance manager, during a period of severe illness and spiritual awakening. The text comes from his poem "The Manger Throne".
The Music: The lyrics were paired with the 16th-century English folk tune "Greensleeves." Although originally a secular love song with sometimes immoral associations, the haunting melody had been associated with Christmas for centuries prior to Dix's poem.
Lyrical Message: The carol invites believers to recognize the humble infant as "Christ the King." It contrasts His "mean estate" in the manger with His future sacrifice (nails and spear) and calls for worship from all people—peasant and king alike—to "enthrone Him" in their hearts.
Title: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 9, 2025
Bible: Habakkuk 2:20; Zechariah 2:13
Our 7th Advent devotional is focused on the call to reverent worship in "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence."
Summary
In this devotional, Jason Van Bemmel explores the ancient hymn Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, noting its potential rivalry with Of the Father’s Love Begotten as the oldest Christian hymn still in use. Originating from the Liturgy of St. James—which dates back to the 4th or 5th century and is still used by Syriac and Indian Orthodox churches—the text began as a Eucharistic prayer intended to inspire awe during the Lord's Supper.
The devotional highlights the hymn's scriptural roots in Habakkuk 2:20 and Zechariah 2:13, which call for silence before God's holy presence. This silence represents humility, reverence, and the fear of the Lord, mirroring the posture of angels who cover their faces before God. The lyrics, translated from Greek by Gerard Moultrie in 1864 and later set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams in the early 1900s, emphasize the Incarnation and the spiritual feeding of believers through Christ's body and blood.
Title: I Heard the Bells
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 4, 2025
Bible: Psalm 29:10-11; John 14:27
In 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote one of the most moving poems about faith in God persevering and triumphing over evil in the world.
This is our 5th devotional in our Advent series on Scripture and Carols.
Title: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 3, 2025
Bible: Micah 5:2-5
Pastor Jason presents our fourth Advent devotional, covering "O Little Town of Bethlehem."
Advent is a season of yearning for Christ's second coming while simultaneously looking back at His first. Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem Ephrathah. Though the town was too little to be counted among the significant clans of Judah, it was the city of King David and the promised source of a Ruler whose origins are from ancient days. This Ruler stands and shepherds His flock in the strength of the Lord, serving as their ultimate peace.
This truth is reflected in the carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem," written by Phillips Brooks, a Philadelphia pastor, following the American Civil War. Inspired by a Christmas Eve visit to the Holy Land in 1865, Brooks wrote of the "everlasting light" shining in the dark streets while mortals slept. The carol teaches that the "wondrous gift" is given silently; just as He came quietly to Bethlehem, Christ enters into "meek souls" who receive Him still. Ultimately, the message is a prayer for Emmanuel to descend, cast out sin, and be spiritually born in our hearts today.
Summary: Let the Redeemed Give Thanks (Psalm 107)Theme: Reflecting on God's Hesed (steadfast, redeeming love) through four pictures of salvation.The Thread of Hesed: The teaching identifies the Hebrew word Hesed (steadfast love) as the central theme, describing it as God's loyal, covenant love toward His people.Four Pictures of Redemption: The pastor breaks the Psalm down into four metaphors describing life without God and the rescue He provides:Desert Wanderers: Represents the soul starving in a world that cannot satisfy. God leads believers out of the wasteland to a "city to dwell in" (the Church/New Jerusalem).Prisoners in Darkness: Represents those bound by the chains of sin and rebellion. When they cry out, God bursts their bonds apart.The Foolish/Afflicted: Represents the insanity of sin, where people loathe the "food" of God's Word. God saves them by sending forth His Word to heal them.Storm-Tossed Ships: Represents the unstable pursuit of earthly wealth and ambition (the stock market rising and falling). God calms the storm and brings them to a haven of peace.Conclusion: The teaching urges the "redeemed of the Lord to say so," reminding believers that real security is found only in God, not in worldly success.