Forest Hill PCA Devotionals

Is it enough to refrain from hatred, envy, and all other related sins against others? No! We are called to love our neighbors and even our enemies.

Join Pastor Jason as we unpack Heidelberg Catechism #107

How Can We Have Confidence in Our Salvation? | Hebrews 10:15-22

Not all confidence is created equal. False confidence is brash and boastful; true confidence is secure and peaceful — like a daughter jumping off the couch into her father's arms, knowing he will catch her. How can we know the confidence we have before God is true and not false? Hebrews 10 gives us a sure sign: when God saves us, the Holy Spirit writes His laws on our hearts and minds, so that we are deeply grieved over our sin and truly desire righteousness. Yet our confidence is grounded not in our own sincerity, but in Jesus alone. Since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, through the new and living way He opened for us, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, we can draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith — washed clean, truly redeemed, deeply loved, and warmly welcomed.

Hebrews, Day 34 — a devotional study through the book of Hebrews with Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church.

God forbids much more than just killing others in the Sixth Commandment. At the root of murder, we'll find hatred, envy, and other related sins. God condemns them all and calls His children to forsake all of them.

Join Pastor Jason for an exploration of Heidelberg Catechism #106

What Does It Mean to Be Sanctified? — Hebrews 10:1–14

"Sanctified" is a word Christians use all the time — but what does it actually mean? In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel shows from Hebrews 10 that the Bible speaks of sanctification in two tenses: we have been sanctified once for all through the offering of Christ's body, and we are being sanctified day by day — already perfected in God's sight, and growing into what Christ has secured for us. Good news and real hope for your worst days.

From the Hebrews devotional series (Day 33), Forest Hill Presbyterian Church (PCA).

What does the Sixth Commandment require? What's the full application of "You shall not murder"? Join us for an exploration of Heidelberg Catechism #105.

Title: Honor and Obedience

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Heidelberg Catechism Devos

Date: November 6, 2026

Bible: Exodus 20:12

This sermon explores the Fifth Commandment through the lens of the Heidelberg Catechism, emphasizing the Christian duty to show honor, love, and faithfulness to parents and governing authorities. It addresses modern cultural resistance to authority by affirming that all leaders are instituted by God, even when they are imperfect or flawed. The teaching distinguishes between obedience and honor, noting that while adult children may no longer need to obey their parents, they must still honor them and listen to their wisdom. The sermon extends this principle to civil government, citing Romans and 1 Peter to argue that submission is required for the Lord's sake, with the sole exception being when authorities command sin. Ultimately, the message calls for patience with the weaknesses of those in power, recognizing that God governs through their hands for His glory and the good of His people.

What are the two certainties every human being must face? Let's explore Hebrews 9:27-28 for the answer.

Title: Remember the Sabbath

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Heidelberg Catechism Devos

Date: November 4, 2026

Bible: Exodus 20:8-11

This devotional explores the theological and practical implications of the Fourth Commandment through the lens of the Heidelberg Catechism, emphasizing that the Sabbath is a gift for gratitude rather than a burden for earning righteousness. The central message urges believers to prioritize the Lord's Day as the anchor of the week, gathering diligently to hear God's Word, participate in the sacraments, and engage in corporate prayer and fellowship.

By citing passages from Deuteronomy, Acts, Colossians, Hebrews, and Romans, the sermon highlights how corporate worship fosters faith, instructs children, and strengthens the community against neglect. The tone is pastoral and instructional, encouraging listeners to view Sunday not as the end of the weekend but as the beginning of a week devoted to God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life of rest from evil works and active participation in the church's life to begin the eternal Sabbath in the present.

What about swearing oaths by other things, created things? Can we do that? Let's explore Heidelberg Catechism #102 together.

When are oaths necessary and honoring to God? How can we avoid unnecessary oaths that take God's name in vain while still using oaths properly? Heidelberg Catechism #101 gives good guidance.