Forest Hill PCA Devotionals

Baptism is a divine sacrament instituted by Christ as a visible sign and seal of the gospel, pointing believers to the one sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as the sole basis of salvation. It signifies and seals the cleansing of the soul from sin through the blood of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit, not through the water itself, which is merely a symbol of spiritual purification. Pastor Jason emphasizes that baptism does not confer salvation or regeneration by virtue of the rite alone, but rather testifies to the reality of forgiveness and renewal that come by grace through faith in Christ’s atoning death. Drawing from Scripture, including passages from Acts, 1 John, and Titus, it affirms that the Holy Spirit applies Christ’s blood to believers, regenerating them not by human works but according to God’s mercy. Ultimately, baptism is a powerful reminder of the believer’s union with Christ and the ongoing work of the Spirit in sanctifying and renewing the soul.

Title: How Many Sacraments?

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Heidelberg Catechism Devos

Date: June 9, 2026

68. Q. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant?

A. Two: holy baptism and the holy supper.

In today's devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores 1 Corinthians chapter 2. The city of Corinth was sophisticated, highly educated, and proud. Yet, when the Apostle Paul arrived, he didn't try to impress them with eloquent philosophy or classical rhetoric. Instead, he resolved to preach nothing but "Jesus Christ and Him crucified". Why? Because the cross—though it seems like foolishness to the world—is the ultimate power and hidden wisdom of God for salvation. Join us as we discuss why the natural mind cannot grasp the gospel without the Holy Spirit , and how believers are given the very "mind of Christ."

Title: Sacraments Point Us to Christ

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Heidelberg Catechism Devos

Date: June 10, 2026

67. Q. Are both the Word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?

A. Yes, indeed.

The Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel

and assures us by the sacraments

that our entire salvation

rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us

on the cross.

Welcome back to Walking with Jesus Through the Word! Today, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church kicks off our study of 1 Corinthians with a deep dive into chapter 1.

In this devotional, we explore three key truths from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth:

We Are Saints United in Christ: True holiness means being set apart in Christ, which unites believers across all earthly and denominational lines.

Baptism is Not the Gospel: While baptism is a beautiful sign and seal of God's grace, it is not what saves us—salvation comes by God's grace through faith in Christ alone.

God Chooses the Weak: The world prizes wealth, power, and celebrity, but God delights in choosing the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the strong. True wisdom and redemption are found only in Jesus.

Join us as we learn to boast only in the Lord!

#1Corinthians #DailyDevotional #BibleStudy #ReformedTheology #ChristianUnity #ForestHillPCA

What are Sacraments?

Pastor Jason leads us on a devotional study of Heidelberg Catechism Question #66 on the Sacraments. Learn how Baptism and the Lord's Supper picture and promise the grace of the Gospel.

Welcome to our Heidelberg Catechism devotionals! In this episode, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church wraps up Week 22 by exploring Question #65.

If we are made right before God by faith alone, where does that saving faith actually come from? Pastor Jason unpacks how God doesn't just demand faith, but actively provides it.

In this episode, we cover:

The Source of Faith: How the Holy Spirit actively works faith into our hearts.

The Word and the Spirit: Why faith isn't generated by our own willpower, but is birthed through the preaching of the Gospel (Romans 10:17).

The Power of the Sacraments: How Baptism and the Lord's Supper serve as visible, tangible confirmations to strengthen the faith God has given us.

A Covenant Confirmation: Looking at how signs like circumcision and the Lord's Supper act as a seal of the righteousness we have by faith.

To learn more about our church, visit: foresthillpca.org

Welcome to the final episode of Exploring Romans! In this concluding devotional (Day 177), Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church walks us through Romans Chapter 16.In this episode, we cover:The Saints of Rome: Paul's extensive greetings highlight the many dedicated individuals who worked hard to support his ministry. This demonstrates that the vital work of the church relies on every member contributing.Women in the Early Church: Pastor Jason emphasizes the prominent service of women in the early church, such as Phoebe, Prisca, Mary, and Junia. He addresses the specific translation regarding Junia, clarifying that she was well-known to the apostles, rather than being a female apostle herself. He also cautions against forcing egalitarian theology into the text.Warnings Against Division: The episode explores Paul's strong warning against egotistical people who use smooth talk and flattery to create obstacles and divisions. These individuals serve their own appetites instead of serving Christ.The Final Doxology: The letter concludes with a powerful benediction praising the eternal God who strengthens believers through the gospel of Jesus Christ.These devotionals were originally presented as part of "Walking with Jesus through the Bible," a three-year journey through the whole Word of God (2022–2024).🌐 Learn more about our church: ForestHillPCA.org✉️ Questions or feedback? Email Pastor Jason at: [email protected]

In this Heidelberg Catechism Devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church explores Question #64.

If salvation is completely by grace, doesn't that make people careless and wicked? Pastor Jason answers this age-old question by delving into the nature of true, living faith. He unpacks why true faith cannot be dead and must produce the fruit of thankfulness, and why it is so much more than mere knowledge or agreement—it's active trust in Jesus Christ.

In this episode, we cover:

The transition from Grace to Gratitude in the Heidelberg Catechism

The true nature of saving faith: Knowledge, Assent, and Trust

The contrast between a "diseased tree" and a "healthy tree" in the life of a believer

To learn more about our church, visit: foresthillpca.org

Welcome to Exploring Romans! In this episode, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church walks us through the powerful message of Romans Chapter 15.

In this study, we cover:

Supporting the Weak: The biblical mandate for "strong" believers to bear with the weak, contrasting modern culture's heavy focus on "self-care" with the Christian call to selflessly build others up.

Church Unity: How Christ's sacrifice fulfilled God's promises to the Jewish patriarchs while simultaneously bringing hope to the Gentiles, uniting them into one unified body.

Missions and Mercy: A look at the Apostle Paul's foundational ministry from Jerusalem to Illyricum, his future ambitions to preach in Spain, and his immediate mission to deliver financial aid to struggling saints in Jerusalem.

This devotional was originally recorded as part of Forest Hill's three-year journey through the Word of God, "Walking with Jesus through the Bible" (2022–2024).

🌐 Learn more about our church:

✉️ Questions or feedback? Email Pastor Jason at: [email protected]