Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

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

Walking in the Gospels - Week 37, Day 2 Who is the Holy Spirit and What Does He Do? John 14:15-31 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 37, Day 1 Do You Know the Way to God's House & How to Live There Forever? John 14:1-14 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Pastor Jason's sermon on Romans 2:1-16, "Everyone without Excuse" - Judgment Day will be final, impartial, universal, and inescapable for everyone not trusting in Jesus.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 36, Day 4 How Will People Know We're Followers of Jesus? John 13:21-35 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 36, Day 3 Why Did Jesus Wash the Disciples' Feet? John 13:1-21 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 36, Day 5 Why Do We Contradict the Lord? John 13:36-38 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 36, Day 2 Did Jesus Come to Judge? John 12:44-50 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Pastor Jason's sermon on Romans 1:18-32, "Trading Truth for a Lie," preached on October 12, 2025 - I. The Problem: The Wrath of God II. The Cause: Suppressing the Truth, Embracing Lies III. The Consequences: Being Given Over to Immorality & Corruption It's Easy for Religious People to See This . . .

Walking in the Gospels - Week 36, Day 1 Why Could They Not Believe? John 12:27-43 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 35, Day 5 Was the Triumphal Entry a Failure? John 12:12-26 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 35, Day 2 Do We Believe in the Power of the Voice of Jesus? John 11:28-44 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 35, Day 3 Why Plot to Kill a Man Who Can Raise the Dead? John 11:45-57 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 35, Day 4 How Have You Responded to the Work of Jesus? John 12:1-11 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Pastor Jason Van Bemmel's sermon focuses on Romans 1:16-17, presenting it as the thesis statement of Romans and the core of Paul's gospel. Paul begins by asserting he is not ashamed of the gospel, a necessity because the message of Christ crucified brought cultural shame to both Jews and Gentiles. The gospel is the power of God for salvation because all people need saving from the wrath of God revealed against unrighteousness. Since God demands perfection (Matthew 5:48), which humans cannot attain, the gospel reveals the righteousness of God. This righteousness is revealed "from faith for faith," which means it stems from God's faithfulness in keeping His promises and is received by our faith. Salvation is a gift received by trusting in Jesus, who serves as a propitiation (sacrifice satisfying God's wrath). Ultimately, being unashamed requires letting go of self-righteousness and relying solely on Christ.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 35, Day 1 Why Did Jesus Wait? John 11:1-27 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 34, Day 5 Where Do We Find Our Security? John 10:22-42 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 34, Day 4 How Is Jesus the Door and the Good Shepherd? John 10:1-21 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 34, Day 3 How Can We Be Faithful Witnesses? John 9 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 34, Day 2 How Does The Truth Set Us Free? John 8:31-59 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 34, Day 1 What Did Jesus Mean by Dying in Your Sins? John 8:1-30 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Sermon on Romans 1:8-17, preached on September 28, 2025 by Pastor Jason Van Bemmel. The sermon outlines how the Gospel guides life's priorities, starting with the chief end of man: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The outline covers three main points seen in Paul's life: I. Paul's Passion: The Gospel & the People of God. Paul's passion is for God's glory revealed in the Gospel and the eternal good of His people. He serves God with his spirit and thanks God for the Roman Christians' widely proclaimed faith. II. Paul's Purpose: The Advance of the Kingdom. Paul seeks to strengthen the existing church by preaching the Gospel (which believers never outgrow their need for) and advance the Gospel into new, unreached areas (his ambition was to go to Spain). III. Dependence on God's Providence. Paul submitted his desire to visit Rome to God's will. He was often prevented from coming, but this hard providence served a greater purpose, ensuring he wrote important letters and eventually arrived (even in chains), benefiting the church greatly. The conclusion is to passionately pursue faithful Gospel service, trusting God's guidance.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 33, Day 5 How Do Rivers of Living Water Flow out of the Hearts of Believers? John 7:32-52 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org This devotional explores the promise of "rivers of living water" flowing from believers' hearts, connecting Jesus' words in John 7 to his earlier conversation with the woman at the well and ultimately identifying the Holy Spirit as the source of this transformative flow. It emphasizes that the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, received through faith in Jesus, empowers believers with God's blessings—forgiveness, knowledge, and the fruit of the Spirit—enabling them to become a source of refreshment, blessing, and truth to those around them. The message underscores the importance of maintaining a close connection with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship to experience and share this life-giving flow.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 33, Day 4 Why Didn't Jesus' Brothers Believe in Him? John 7:1-31 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org This devotional explores the surprising lack of belief among Jesus's brothers during his earthly ministry, questioning why these men, who grew up in the same household and likely suspected a scandal surrounding his birth, initially doubted his identity and mission. It highlights the brothers' later conversion to committed discipleship, attributing it to the transformative experience of witnessing Jesus's bodily resurrection, a pivotal event that shifted their perspective and ultimately led them to become influential leaders within the early church, demonstrating the resurrection's power to overcome skepticism and inspire faith.

Walking in the Gospels - Week 33, Day 3 What Did Jesus Mean by Eating His Flesh and Drinking His Blood? John 6:22-59 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 33, Day 2 Why Did Jesus Refuse to be Made King? John 6:1-21 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 33, Day 1 What Witnesses Did Jesus Cite to Support His Claims? John 5:30-47 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 32, Day 4 What Did Jesus Say and Teach About Seeing and Believing? John 4:46-54 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 32, Day 3 How Can We Really Love Like Jesus? John 4:1-45 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org

Walking in the Gospels - Week 32, Day 5 What Will Happen at the Resurrection? John 5:1-29 Pastor Jason Van Bemmel - pastor@foresthillpca.org Forest Hill Presbyterian Church - www.foresthillpca.org