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!"

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#Advent2025 #WeThreeKings #ChristmasCarols #BibleStudy #Epiphany #WiseMen #ChristianHistory #ForestHillPresbyterian

Title: O Holy Night

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 19, 2025

Bible: Luke 4:18-19; Romans 8:20-21

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for Week 3, Day 5 of our Scripture and Carols Advent series. In this final session of the week, we explore the deep theological themes and powerful history behind the beloved French carol, "O Holy Night".

Discover how this "song of deliverance" connects to Christ’s mission to set the captives free, a message that resonated so deeply it became an anthem for the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. We also highlight the carol's unique place in history as the first song ever broadcast over the radio.

In this video:

Scripture Deep Dive: Reflections on Luke 4:18-19 and Romans 8:20-21 regarding the freedom found in Christ.

Historical Context: The origins of the French poem Minuit, Chrétiens and its translation into the English hymn we love today.

Devotional Message: An encouragement to praise the "King of kings" who understands our weaknesses and breaks every chain.

Prayer & Song: A time for worship and guided reflection on the "night divine".

"Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!"

#Advent2025 #OHolyNight #ChristmasCarols #BibleStudy #ChristianHistory #GospelFreedom

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.