Forest Hill PCA Devotionals

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel for Day 522 of "Walking with Jesus through the Word" as we dig into Acts 23. In this daily devotional, we explore Paul's chaotic trial before the Sanhedrin, a deadly conspiracy by forty men to end his life, and his dramatic nighttime Roman escort to Governor Felix in Caesarea—marking the beginning of his long imprisonment.

Originally recorded as part of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church's three-year Bible study (2022-2024). To find out more, visit foresthillpca.org.

Heidelberg Catechism #32: Your Identity in Christ

What does it actually mean to carry the name "Christian"? In this devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel dives into Question 32 of the Heidelberg Catechism to explore the profound identity and calling of every believer.

Key Takeaways:

United by Faith: Being a Christian means you are a member of Christ by faith and a partaker of His Holy Spirit anointing.

The Threefold Office: Discover how you share in Christ’s roles:

Prophet: Empowered to confess His name and speak His truth.

Priest: Called to present your life as a living sacrifice of thankfulness.

King: Equipped to fight a spiritual battle against sin and the devil, with the promise of reigning eternally with Christ.

Scriptural Foundation: This teaching draws from 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 12:1, and 1 John 2:27 to ground your identity in God's Word.

Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores Heidelberg Catechism Question 31, explaining the title "Christ" and its meaning as "Anointed". This devotion details Jesus’ three essential roles as our Prophet, Priest, and King, demonstrating how He is our all-sufficient Savior.

This 17-minute devotional, led by Pastoral Intern Michael Taliercio of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, explores Acts chapter 22. The episode covers Paul’s defense before a hostile Jerusalem crowd, his conversion testimony, and a reflection on God’s grace and sovereignty in using even our backgrounds for His purposes.

In this 11th week of devotions, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel discusses Question 30 of the Heidelberg Catechism. He explores why salvation cannot be found in anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ, drawing on scriptures from 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians, and Romans to demonstrate that Jesus is our complete righteousness. The devotion concludes with a musical performance of "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus".

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 concludes with a prayer and a performance of the hymn "Hallelujah! What a Savior."

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.

Scriptural Foundation: The lesson draws on passages from Philippians, Job, 1 Thessalonians, and Romans to illustrate how God works all things for the good of His children.

Worship: The session concludes with the hymn "The Solid Rock," reinforcing the theme of Christ as a secure foundation.

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 power of the resurrection and what it means to faithfully submit to the "whole counsel of God" in our lives today.

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" or "Chance": Pastor Jason emphasizes that nothing in a believer's life happens by accident. Whether it is "leaf and blade" or "health and sickness," all things come from God's fatherly hand.

Scriptural Foundation: The devotion draws from Acts 14 and 17, Matthew 10, and Philippians 2 to show God's care for all humanity and even the smallest sparrows.

The Practical "So What?": Because we are under God's care, we are free to live with thankfulness and contentment, choosing to judge our circumstances by God’s unchanging character rather than judging God by our circumstances.

"Everything comes to us not by chance, but by His fatherly hand." — Pastor Jason Van Bemmel