Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

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

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

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!" Hashtags #Advent2025 #WeThreeKings #ChristmasCarols #BibleStudy #Epiphany #WiseMen #ChristianHistory #ForestHillPresbyterian

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

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

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

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

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.

Sermon on Hebrews 2:1-9, preached from home on a snow day.

This devotional focuses on the 15th-century German carol, "Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming," highlighting its roots in Old Testament messianic prophecy. Key Points of the Teaching: The Prophetic Core (Isaiah 11:1): The hymn is a poetic expression of Isaiah's prophecy that a "shoot from the stump of Jesse" would emerge. Jesse's "stump" symbolizes the royal line of David, which had been seemingly cut down, while the "Rose" represents Jesus, who miraculously springs forth as the promised Messiah. The Lineage (Jesse's Lineage): The carol affirms Christ's human connection to the royal house of David, while also acknowledging that as the Son of God, he is older than Jesse and the root of the lineage. The Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14): The second stanza is based on Isaiah's prophecy of the virgin birth of Immanuel ("God with us"), linking the event directly to Mary's experience (the Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55). The Incarnation's Impact: The final verse summarizes Christ's nature as "True man, yet very God." His coming (the blooming of the Rose) dispels the "gloom with glorious splendor," saving us from sin and death, and acting as our High Priest who "lightens every load."

The devotional analyzes "In the Bleak Midwinter" (1872 poem set to music in 1906) by Christina Rossetti, praising it as a profound expression of Christ's humility and the mystery of the Incarnation. The teaching focused on three main Scriptural and theological connections: Humility and Righteousness (Micah 6:8): Jesus' birth in a lowly condition (manger, poor parents) is the ultimate demonstration of God walking "humbly." By leaving heaven to come to earth, Christ began his mission to perfectly embody justice and kindness, ultimately earning the righteousness required of us. God's Immensity and Condescension (1 Kings 8:27): The line "Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain" is a direct reference to Solomon's prayer, acknowledging God's infinite nature. The astonishing truth of the Incarnation is that this immense, uncontainable God chose to humble himself and take on a true human nature as a tiny, vulnerable baby. The Gift of the Heart (Matthew 2:11): While the Wise Men offered physical treasures (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), the poem concludes by asking what we can give. The final line, "Yet what I can I give him: Give my heart," emphasizes that the most valuable gift Christ desires from us is our total devotion and affection.

Summary: What Child is This? Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel, Forest Hill Presbyterian Church Series: Advent Devotional – Scripture and Carols This devotional explores the theological depth and history behind the Christmas carol "What Child is This?" Scriptural Foundation: Isaiah 9:6: Identifies the child as both human ("child is born") and divine ("son is given"). The titles "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," and "Prince of Peace" describe His character and role as the fulfillment of the promise to David. Luke 2:11: The carol's chorus reflects the angel's message to the shepherds, proclaiming Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord. John 1: Highlights Jesus' divine nature as the eternal Word made flesh. History of the Carol: The Lyrics: Written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix, a marine insurance manager, during a period of severe illness and spiritual awakening. The text comes from his poem "The Manger Throne". The Music: The lyrics were paired with the 16th-century English folk tune "Greensleeves." Although originally a secular love song with sometimes immoral associations, the haunting melody had been associated with Christmas for centuries prior to Dix's poem. Lyrical Message: The carol invites believers to recognize the humble infant as "Christ the King." It contrasts His "mean estate" in the manger with His future sacrifice (nails and spear) and calls for worship from all people—peasant and king alike—to "enthrone Him" in their hearts.

Our 7th Advent devotional is focused on the call to reverent worship in "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence." Summary In this devotional, Jason Van Bemmel explores the ancient hymn Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, noting its potential rivalry with Of the Father's Love Begotten as the oldest Christian hymn still in use. Originating from the Liturgy of St. James—which dates back to the 4th or 5th century and is still used by Syriac and Indian Orthodox churches—the text began as a Eucharistic prayer intended to inspire awe during the Lord's Supper. The devotional highlights the hymn's scriptural roots in Habakkuk 2:20 and Zechariah 2:13, which call for silence before God's holy presence. This silence represents humility, reverence, and the fear of the Lord, mirroring the posture of angels who cover their faces before God. The lyrics, translated from Greek by Gerard Moultrie in 1864 and later set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams in the early 1900s, emphasize the Incarnation and the spiritual feeding of believers through Christ's body and blood.

Hebrews 1 teaches that Jesus is infinitely superior to angels. Angels are created servants, described as "winds" and "flames of fire," whose purpose is to worship God and minister to those inheriting salvation. They are powerful messengers, but they are never to be worshipped. Conversely, Jesus is the "begotten" Son, distinct from creation. He is fully God—the eternal Creator who laid the earth's foundations—and the ruling King whose throne is forever. While angels merely announce good news, Jesus accomplished salvation by earning perfect righteousness and conquering death. Therefore, believers must direct all worship to Jesus alone, acknowledging Him as the only necessary Mediator and sufficient Savior.

Welcome to the second week of Advent devotionals for 2025! Today, we're looking at "Of the Father's Love Begotten," the oldest Christmas carol still sung by the church, dating back to around 410.

In 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote one of the most moving poems about faith in God persevering and triumphing over evil in the world. This is our 5th devotional in our Advent series on Scripture and Carols.

Pastor Jason presents our fourth Advent devotional, covering "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Advent is a season of yearning for Christ's second coming while simultaneously looking back at His first. Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem Ephrathah. Though the town was too little to be counted among the significant clans of Judah, it was the city of King David and the promised source of a Ruler whose origins are from ancient days. This Ruler stands and shepherds His flock in the strength of the Lord, serving as their ultimate peace. This truth is reflected in the carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem," written by Phillips Brooks, a Philadelphia pastor, following the American Civil War. Inspired by a Christmas Eve visit to the Holy Land in 1865, Brooks wrote of the "everlasting light" shining in the dark streets while mortals slept. The carol teaches that the "wondrous gift" is given silently; just as He came quietly to Bethlehem, Christ enters into "meek souls" who receive Him still. Ultimately, the message is a prayer for Emmanuel to descend, cast out sin, and be spiritually born in our hearts today.

Our second Advent devotional focuses on "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," written by Charles Wesley in 1744.

Day #1 of our Advent Devotionals for 2025 - "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

Summary: Let the Redeemed Give Thanks (Psalm 107) Theme: Reflecting on God's Hesed (steadfast, redeeming love) through four pictures of salvation. The Thread of Hesed: The teaching identifies the Hebrew word Hesed (steadfast love) as the central theme, describing it as God's loyal, covenant love toward His people. Four Pictures of Redemption: The pastor breaks the Psalm down into four metaphors describing life without God and the rescue He provides: Desert Wanderers: Represents the soul starving in a world that cannot satisfy. God leads believers out of the wasteland to a "city to dwell in" (the Church/New Jerusalem). Prisoners in Darkness: Represents those bound by the chains of sin and rebellion. When they cry out, God bursts their bonds apart. The Foolish/Afflicted: Represents the insanity of sin, where people loathe the "food" of God's Word. God saves them by sending forth His Word to heal them. Storm-Tossed Ships: Represents the unstable pursuit of earthly wealth and ambition (the stock market rising and falling). God calms the storm and brings them to a haven of peace. Conclusion: The teaching urges the "redeemed of the Lord to say so," reminding believers that real security is found only in God, not in worldly success.

Summary: Worship with Thanksgiving (Psalm 95) Theme: The call to corporate worship and the danger of a hardened heart. A Call to "Joyful Noise": The teaching begins by encouraging believers to sing with exuberance, noting that even those not gifted in singing should offer a "joyful noise" from a heart filled with gratitude. Reasons to Worship: Pastor Van Bemmel highlights two specific reasons the Psalm gives for praising God: He is the King of Creation: He holds the depths of the earth and the heights of the mountains (like the Himalayas) in His hands. He is Our God: We are the sheep of His hand. This identity as His people supersedes political or national identities. Gathered Worship: The repeated phrase "Let us" emphasizes that Christianity is not just about private devotion but requires gathering corporately to hear God speak. A Sober Warning: The teaching concludes with a warning not to "harden your hearts." The pastor notes that the two generations who saw the most miracles (the Exodus generation and the generation of Jesus) largely lacked faith, proving that miracles do not guarantee soft hearts—only trust in God does.

This devotional focuses on Psalm 111 as a call to wholehearted praise and thanksgiving to God. The teaching highlights two primary reasons for this praise: God's Works and Character: God is praised for the greatness of His creation and history (His splendor and majesty) and for His goodness (being gracious and merciful). He is celebrated for His reliable provision of daily needs and for being trustworthy in keeping His precepts and covenant. Redemption and Wisdom: The ultimate reason for praise is the redemption He has sent, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, making all of God's promises "yes and amen." The devotional concludes that the proper response to this reality is living in the "fear of the Lord," which is presented as the "beginning of wisdom." The entire Psalm's structure, which is revealed to be an acrostic poem in Hebrew, emphasizes the complete and deliberate nature of this thankful praise.

Psalm 100 is a stirring call to Thanksgiving and Praise! 1. The Universal and Joyful Call to Worship The psalm begins with a universal call to "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth." This is not just for one nation, but for everyone. We are to "Serve the Lord with gladness" and "Come into his presence with singing." The service and worship we offer should be characterized by joy and cheerfulness, not a begrudging sense of duty. 2. The Reasons We Worship God The teaching outlines three powerful reasons for this worship, all based on knowing that "the Lord, He is God": By Nature: We worship Him simply because He is God (Yahweh). By Creation: "It is He who made us and we are His." He is our maker and sustainer. By Redemption: "We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." He has made us His own by calling us to Himself. 3. The Central Role of Thanksgiving We are commanded to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise." Thanksgiving is crucial because it gives us the right perspective: It Humbles Us: It reminds us that we have nothing in and of ourselves; every gift, every breath, and every achievement comes from God. It Encourages Us: It assures us that we have all these things because God loves us as His dearly loved people. 4. The Unfailing Goodness of God The ultimate foundation for all this worship is the truth stated in the final verse: "For the Lord is good. His steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." The sermon emphasizes that God is good in an undiminished, unfailing way, and His steadfast love (Chesed—covenant faithfulness and loyal love) and faithfulness are constant.

The sermon focuses on the five eternal benefits that flow directly from being justified by faith (Romans 5:1). It highlights that Christian peace and hope are not feelings we find within ourselves, but objective realities received from God. 1. Peace with God: This is an established, objective peace (not a feeling) because Christ's finished work removed God's judgment. 2. Access to Standing in Grace: Because we have peace, we gain ongoing access to God's rich, undeserved favor, invited to approach Him confidently (the "throne of grace"). 3. The Joy of the Hope of Glory: Our hope is a confident expectation that God will complete the good work He started in us and raise us up in glory. 4. Enduring Joy in Suffering: Since God is sovereign, suffering becomes purposeful. It initiates a growth sequence: Suffering $rightarrow$ Endurance $rightarrow$ Character $rightarrow$ Hope. 5. The Love of God Poured Out: Our hope is a steadfast anchor fixed in Jesus in heaven. The anchor line in our hearts is secured by God's love, which is poured out by the Holy Spirit living within us, strengthening our assurance. In conclusion, true peace, reliable hope, and purpose in suffering are only found by trusting and growing in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 92 is a joyful psalm of praise meant for Sabbath worship. It opens with the declaration that "it is good to give thanks to the Lord," reminding God's people that gathered worship helps reset their hearts, lift their eyes from discouragement, and renew their joy in God's steadfast love and faithfulness. The psalm celebrates God's great works—His deep wisdom in salvation history, His mighty acts from Genesis onward, and His sovereign judgment over the wicked. Though evildoers may flourish for a time, they are like grass that quickly withers, while the Lord reigns exalted forever. The psalm also contrasts the fate of the wicked with the flourishing of the righteous. Because of God's blessing and the victory of His anointed King, the righteous "flourish like the palm tree," planted in God's presence, fruitful even in old age, "full of sap and green," continuing to declare that "the Lord is upright… my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." The devotional concludes by encouraging believers to gather for worship, give thanks daily, rejoice in the victory of Christ the King, and continue declaring God's praises throughout their lives.

Psalm 9 teaches an unexpected kind of thanksgiving—giving thanks not only for what God has done, but also for His future justice. David resolves to praise God because the Lord is the righteous Judge who defends the oppressed, defeats their enemies, and never forgets His people. Even in hardship, believers can give thanks with confidence, looking back to the cross, trusting God's care in the present, and rejoicing that Christ will return to judge the nations and make all things right.

Psalm 7 teaches "unexpected thanksgiving" in the midst of injustice. David is falsely accused but turns to God as the righteous Judge rather than defending himself. Though the world is full of wickedness, God's perfect justice will prevail, and this truth leads David—and us—to give thanks. Our ultimate confidence is in Christ, the truly innocent sufferer and our righteousness, who assures us that God will make all things right.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 41, Day 2 Do You Wish You Knew More About Jesus? John 21:20-25 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 41, Day 1 Does God Reign Over Our Sin? John 21:15-19 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Sermon on Romans 4:13-25, preached by Pastor Jason Van Bemmel on November 16, 2025 - A. God's Promises Are Received by Faith, Not Earned by Law • Abraham did not work for God's promises; he believed them. • "For the law brings wrath"—law-keeping can never secure the inheritance. • Faith rests entirely on grace, which makes the promise certain for all who believe. B. God's Promises Are for All Who Share Abraham's Faith • Scripture interprets Scripture: The New Testament reveals the scope of Abraham's promise. • In Christ, believers from all nations are Abraham's true offspring. • God's promise extends beyond Canaan to the whole world (cf. Rom. 4:13; Matt. 5:5). C. True Faith Looks to God's Power, Not Our Circumstances • Abraham believed "in hope against hope," fully convinced of God's ability. • Faith is not blind optimism; it is confidence in God's power over natural impossibilities. • Faith perseveres through weakness, doubts, and delays. D. All God's Promises Are Fulfilled in Jesus • Jesus was "delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." • The cross secures God's love; the resurrection secures our righteousness. • We believe in the God "who gives life to the dead"—the God of Easter power.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 40, Day 5 Why Did the Disciples Go Fishing? John 21:1-14 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 40, Day 4 What is the Value of John's Gospel? John 20:24-31 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 40, Day 3 When and How Did the Disciples Receive the Holy Spirit? John 20:19-23 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 40, Day 2 What Makes Mary Magdalene's Testimony of the Resurrection so Remarkable? John 20:11-18 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 40, Day 1 What's the Difference Between Seeing and Seeing? John 20:1-10 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Main Theme: We are justified by faith alone, not by works, so all human boasting is excluded, and all glory belongs to God. 1. Justification and Boasting: Paul teaches that salvation by faith leaves no room for boasting. Human pride seeks self-worth in achievement, but true righteousness is a gift from God. Boasting shifts focus from God's grace to human effort, leading to insecurity. Anchoring our confidence in Christ's righteousness, not our own, brings true stability and peace. 2. Justification and Abraham: Paul proves justification by faith is not new—it's how God has always saved His people. Abraham was declared righteous by believing God's promise before he was circumcised (Genesis 15). David likewise celebrated forgiveness apart from works (Psalm 32). These examples show salvation has never come through ritual or moral performance but through trusting God's promise. Circumcision—and by extension baptism—is an outward sign of an inward reality: faith produced by the Holy Spirit. What matters is not the sign but the transformed heart. 3. Justification and the Law: Faith in Christ does not abolish the Law but fulfills it. The Law was never a means of earning righteousness; it exposes sin and points to Christ, who perfectly satisfies it. Thus, justification by faith upholds the Law's true purpose. 4. Justification and the Gentiles- God is not the God of Jews only but of all nations. He justifies both Jew and Gentile the same way—by faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is universal in scope but exclusive in means: through faith in the one true Savior. Conclusion: Justification by faith alone silences human pride and magnifies divine grace.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 39, Day 4 Why Did the Sign on the Cross Say "King of the Jews"? John 19:17-27 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 39, Day 5 Why Did Jesus Say "It is Finished"? John 19:28-42 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 39, Day 3 Where Did Pilate Get His Authority? John 19:1-16 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 39, Day 1 Why Do Wicked People Work in the Dark? John 18:19-26 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 39, Day 2 Why Did Jesus Say His Kingdom Is Not of This World? John 18:28--40 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

The sermon asserts that since "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", human attempts at self-justification are futile. The solution—introduced by the hinge phrase "But now"—is justification (being declared righteous). This justification is received as a gift by grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus. Christ secured this redemption by being put forward as a propitiation by His blood. Propitiation is the sacrifice that satisfies divine wrath and justice. This allows God to be simultaneously just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus. Compressed Outline I. The Universal Problem (The Need for Salvation) • All people have sinned and fallen short, making self-justification impossible. • The Law and the Prophets testify to the righteousness God requires, but they cannot grant it; they only lead us to Christ. II. The Divine Solution (Justification) • The righteousness of God is manifested apart from the law, through faith in Jesus Christ. • We are justified (made righteous) as a gift by grace through redemption. III. The Price Paid (Propitiation and Expiation) • Redemption is the price Christ paid to set us free from condemnation. • Christ's sacrifice serves as propitiation, satisfying God's just wrath. • It also achieves expiation, cleansing us from sin, shame, and guilt. • The cross solves God's conflict—how to forgive sin while refusing to clear the guilty (Exodus 34:7). IV. Application (How to Live) Believers must respond by living by faith, living as free and forgiven people, living as thankful people, living as obedient people, and living as Gospel ambassadors.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 38, Day 5 How Does God Use Evil for Good? John 18:12-18 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 38, Day 4 Why Did Peter Swing His Sword? John 18:1-11 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 38, Day 2 Did Jesus Promise Us Trouble? John 16:25-33 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 38, Day 3 How Does Jesus Pray for Us? John 17 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 38, Day 1 When Will Our Sorrow Turn to Joy? John 16:16-24 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

"Nothing to Say" - Romans 2:17 – 3:20 Theme: Every mouth stopped — the universal guilt of humanity before the righteousness of God. Paul brings to a climax his long argument (Romans 1:18 – 3:20) showing that no one can stand righteous before God on their own merits. When the final verdict of divine justice is announced, "every mouth will be stopped, and the whole world held accountable to God."

Walking in the Gospels - Week 37, Day 3 How Do We Abide in Jesus? John 15:1-17 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 37, Day 4 Why Does the World Hate and Persecute Christians? John 15:18-16:4 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 37, Day 5 Why is it Better That Jesus Went Away? John 16:5-15 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org