Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

Walking in the Gospels - Week 19, Day 3 What Does Our Boasting Reveal About Us? Mark 14:26-52 & Psalm 94 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 19, Day 2 What Should Our Attitude Toward Money Be? Mark 14:1-25 & Psalm 93 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 19, Day 1 How Can We Know His Return is Near without Knowing the Day or Hour? Mark 13:14-37 & Psalm 92 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 18, Day 5 How Can We Be Ready for Persecution? Mark 13:1-13 & Psalm 91 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 18, Day 4 How Can Reading the Bible Shape Our Worldview? Mark 12:28-44 & Psalm 90 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 18, Day 3 Why is Flattery So Dangerous and How Can We Avoid Its Trap? Mark 12:1-27 & Psalm 89 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 18, Day 2 How Does the House of Prayer Become a Den of Robbers? Mark 11:15-33 & Psalm 88 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 18, Day 1 What is the Importance of the Triumphal Entry? Mark 11:1-14 & Psalm 87 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

The End? – Sermon on Isaiah 65:17–25 & 66:15–24 Theme: God promises to undo the curse of sin and fully restore His creation through judgment and re-creation. The story ends not in despair or destruction but in the eternal joy of the new heavens and new earth for those redeemed by Christ. Key Verse Isaiah 65:17 – "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind." Outline I. The Restoration of All Things (Isaiah 65:17–25) God promises a new heavens and new earth marked by joy, justice, and peace. No more early death, injustice, futility, or violence. God's people will enjoy the fruit of their labor and dwell securely. II. God's Final Judgment (Isaiah 66:15–17) The Lord will come in fire and fury to judge the rebellious. Judgment is just, targeting sin that has corrupted His world. None can escape His gaze or judgment. III. The Glory of God Declared to the Nations (Isaiah 66:18–21) God will gather the nations to see His glory. Fulfilled in Pentecost and the global mission of the church. Gentiles are included—even as priests and Levites. IV. The Eternal Divide (Isaiah 66:22–24) The new creation will endure before God, and all flesh shall worship Him. But those who reject God will face eternal separation and judgment. Gospel Connection: Jesus Christ bore the judgment our sin deserves so that we could be part of the new creation. In Him, God is gathering a global people to dwell in eternal joy. Pentecost marked the beginning of this ingathering. Jesus is both Judge and Redeemer—those in Him find life; those who reject Him face wrath. Application • Long for the new creation and live in hope. • Examine your

Walking in the Gospels - Week 17, Day 3 How Serious is Sin? Mark 9:30-50 & Psalm 84 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 17, Day 2 What Does It Mean to Pray 'Help My Unbelief'? Mark 9:2-29 & Psalm 83 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 17, Day 4 What Did Jesus Think About Children? Mark 10:1-21 & Psalm 85 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 17, Day 5 What Makes for Great Leadership in God's Kingdom? Mark 10:22-52 & Psalm 86 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Theme True worship is not about flattery, formality, or external show, but about humble hearts that tremble at God's Word. God will vindicate His true people and fulfill His promises in them. Key Verse Isaiah 66:2b – 'But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.' Outline I. God Cannot Be Flattered by Buildings (vv. 1–2) • God's throne is heaven; His footstool is the earth. • He seeks not great structures, but hearts that fear His Word. II. God Cannot Be Deceived by Hypocrites (vv. 3–6) • Empty sacrifices offend God. • He sees through fake worship and will judge pretenders. • But He will comfort the humble who are cast out for His sake. III. God Will Not Be Frustrated in His Purposes (vv. 7–9) • God brings new life and a new people through miraculous means. • Echoes of the church's birth at Pentecost. IV. God Will Fulfill His Promises to His People (vv. 10–14) • Joy, peace, and comfort will be poured out on God's true people. • He will nurture, heal, and rejoice over His children. Gospel Connection Jesus Christ is the One through whom God fulfills all His purposes. He is the true Temple, and those who come to Him in humility and faith are God's true people. Pentecost was the sign of God's faithfulness to birth a people by His Spirit. Application • Worship God with sincerity, not show. • Be among those who tremble at His Word. • Do not fear rejection for Christ's sake—He will vindicate His people. • Trust that God will fulfill His promises through Christ alone.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 16, Day 5 Why Are We So Slow to Listen and Learn? Mark 8:1-21 & Psalm 81 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 16, Day 4 How Does Jesus Treat the Outsider and the Hopeless? Mark 7:24-37 & Psalm 80 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 17, Week 1 Why Must We Take Up a Cross? Mark 8:22 - 9:1 & Psalm 82 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 16, Day 3 How Does Human Tradition Undermine God's Word? Mark 7:1-21 & Psalm 79 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 16, Day 1 What Kind of King is Jesus? Mark 6:1-29 & Psalm 77 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 16, Day 1 What Kind of King is Jesus? Mark 6:1-29 & Psalm 77 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

• Unanswered Prayer: Sometimes we pray very hard but don't get the answer we wanted. This happened to the prophet Isaiah when he prayed for his people. God's answer in Isaiah 65 was different from what Isaiah expected. • God Calls Others and Judges Israel: God's immediate answer involved being found by people who didn't look for Him (the Gentiles) and judging His own people, Israel, who were rebellious and disobeyed Him. Israel provoked God with their worship of idols, sinful practices, and even claiming they were "too holy". • God Saves a Remnant: Despite the judgment, God promised not to destroy everyone, but to save a small, faithful group of His people. The Apostle Paul points to this idea of a "remnant chosen by grace" in Romans. • A Time of Justice: God promises that eventually, His followers will be blessed (eating, drinking, rejoicing), while those who reject Him will suffer (hunger, thirst, shame). This isn't always clear in the world now, but it will happen. • The Ultimate Answer: A New Creation: The final and greatest answer to prayer for God's people is when God creates a completely new heavens and a new earth. • Life in the New World: The Bible, especially the New Testament (2 Peter 3, Revelation 21), describes this new creation. In this new world, the old troubles, sadness, crying, pain, and death will be gone forever. Isaiah used picture language the people understood to describe this ideal future. • Living with Hope: When our prayers aren't answered the way we want, remember that God has a bigger plan. He is always gracious. The hope for all of us is the coming new world where everything broken in this one will be made right. We should live for this future

Walking in the Gospels - Week 15, Day 5 Where is God in This Horror Show? Mark 5:21-43 & Psalm 76 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org Teaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 15, Day 3What Makes Us Afraid?Mark 4:21-41 & Psalm 74Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 15, Day 4How Should We Respond to the Work of Jesus?Mark 5:1-20 & Psalm 75Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 15, Day 2What Does Salvation Look Like?Mark 4:1-20 & Psalm 73Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 15, Day 1How Does the World Attack Jesus?Mark 3:21-34 & Psalm 72Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Isaiah 63:15-64:12: A Passionate, Personal Plea from Isaiah"Pleading for the Father's Mercy," sermon by Pastor Jason Van BemmelIntro: How do you ask when you're really in need?I. Look Down from Heaven and SeeII. O Lord, Why?III. Rend the Heavens and Come Down a. Make Your Name Known b. We Sinned – Shall We Be Saved?IV. O LORD, You Are Our Father

Walking in the Gospels - Week 14, Day 4How Does Jesus Transform Religion?Mark 2:18-28 & Psalm 70Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 14, Day 5How Does God's Kingdom Conflict with the Kingdoms of the World?Mark 3:1-21 & Psalm 71Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 14, Day 2How Did Jesus Demonstrate His Authority?Mark 1:21-45 & Psalm 68Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 14, Day 1What is a Gospel?Mark 1:1-20 & Psalm 67Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 14, Day 3What is our Greatest Need?Mark 2:1-17 & Psalm 69Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

"Day of Vengeance and Mercy" - sermon on Isaiah 63:1-14 by Pastor Jason Van BemmelIntro: Why We Want Only the Nice Parts of GodI. The Coming Day of Vengeance & Redemption, vv. 1-6II. The LORD's Mercy & His People's Rebellion, vv. 7-10III. The LORD Who Leads and Provides, vv. 11-14Conclusion – Loving God - Justice & Love: Wrath & Deliverance

Walking in the Gospels - Week 13, Day 4When is Joy Mixed with Fear?Matthew 28:1-10 & Psalm 65Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 13, Day 5Did the Disciples Steal the Body?Matthew 28:11-20 & Psalm 66Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 13, Day 2What if You Had to Carry Jesus' Cross?Matthew 27:24-46 & Psalm 63Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 13, Day 3Why Did Jesus Cry Out "My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"Matthew 27:47-66 & Psalm 64Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 13, Day 1Can We Repent Whenever We Want?Matthew 27:1-23 & Psalm 62Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Glorious Salvation - Living in Response to What God Has DeclaredA Sermon on Isaiah 62 by Pastor Jason Van BemmelIntro: Do we realize who we really are?I. The Lord's New Name for His Glorious People, 1-5II. The Lord's Call to Persistent Prayer, 6-9III. The Lord's Promises & Preparation for Them, 10-12Application: Prayer, Praise, Preparation, and Proclamation to the Nations. Are we doing these things?

Walking in the Gospels - Week 12, Day 5Why Did Jesus Have to Suffer Betrayal, Rejection, and Humiliation?Matthew 26:47-75 & Psalm 61Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 12, Day 3Can We Trust Jesus When Things Look Bad?Matthew 26:1-25 & Psalm 59Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 12, Day 2What Will Jesus Say to You on Judgment Day?Matthew 25:31-46 & Psalm 58Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qxPraying Psalm 58: https://prayallthepsalms.blogspot.com/p/gospel-psalm-58-praying-for-truth-in.html

Walking in the Gospels - Week 12, Day 4Why Did Jesus Have to Die?Matthew 26:26-46 & Psalm 60Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 12, Day 1What Are You Doing with What God Gave You?Matthew 25:1-30 & Psalm 57Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

This Changes Everything: Jesus' Resurrection & CommissionSermon on Matthew 28from Pastor Jason Van BemmelResurrection Day 2025Introduction: This Changes EverythingI. The Resurrectiona. Most Important Event in Human Historyb. A Message of Hope from the Angelsc. Joyful Obedience from the WomenII. The Commissiona. All Authorityb. All Nationsc. All That Jesus CommandsIII. The Oppositiona. Power by Corruptionb. Denial by LiesWhere Do You Stand?

Walking in the Gospels - Week 11, Day 5How Can We Prepare for Jesus' Coming?Matthew 24:29-51 & Psalm 56Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 11, Day 4Is Jesus Really Coming Again?Matthew 24:3-28 & Psalm 55Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 11, Day 3What is God's Plan for the Jewish People?Matthew 23:37-24:2 & Psalm 54Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

Walking in the Gospels - Week 11, Day 2What is a Hypocrite?Matthew 23:1-26 & Psalm 53Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx

This Palm Sunday sermon based on Matthew 21:1-22, titled "Hosanna, the Temple & the Fig Tree", begins by highlighting Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the promised King, fulfilling prophecies from Zechariah 9:9 and Psalm 118:25-26. However, the sermon emphasizes that the crowds held misplaced expectations, desiring a political and military deliverer rather than the spiritual salvation Jesus offered.The narrative then shifts to Jesus' cleansing of the temple, an act exposing its spiritual corruption where the focus had shifted from a "house of prayer" (Isaiah 56:7) to a "den of robbers". This commercialization in the outer courts hindered the Gentiles from worshiping. The subsequent cursing of the fig tree serves as a visual lesson, symbolizing the temple's outward vibrancy ("lots of leaf") but inner spiritual barrenness ("no fruit").Despite the widespread misunderstanding, the sermon points to the simple faith of the blind, the lame, and the children in the temple who welcomed and praised Jesus. Their readiness contrasted sharply with the religious leaders' indignation, rooted in their fear of losing their "place and our nation".The message underscores that true readiness for the King involves genuine faith and worship "in spirit and in truth", as Jesus told the Samaritan woman. It challenges listeners to examine their own hearts, asking if they are like the impressive but fruitless temple or if they approach Jesus with the humble faith of those who recognized their need. The sermon concludes by affirming that Jesus seeks our hearts and faith, not outward displays or earthly achievements, and calls for worship in spirit and truth.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 10, Day 5Are You Wearing the Right Clothes?Matthew 22:1-22 & Psalm 51Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.orgForest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.orgTeaching on all Psalms - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzHvgv0sYVDm4dJxoX6IpCuLlsgksxUg&si=3_k0WfrC8SI450qx