Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

What about those who are not grateful to God and who do not repent of their sins? What about those who bear no good fruit? Let's explore Heidelberg Catechism #87 together.

Why would God bind Himself with an oath? Let's explore Hebrews 6:13-17 together.

If we're saved by grace through no merit of our own, why should we obey God and do good works? Join Pastor Jason as we explore the answer to that question in Heidelberg Catechism #86.

This sermon examines the apostle Paul's warning in Romans 16 to guard against false teachers who cause division and create obstacles to the faith. It distinguishes between sound doctrine and three categories of error: legalism, which adds human requirements to God's law; licentiousness, which disregards moral boundaries; and doctrinal error, often rooted in secret knowledge or Gnosticism. The message emphasizes the necessity of discernment, urging believers to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves while avoiding those who serve their own appetites rather than Christ. The sermon concludes with the assurance that the God of peace will crush Satan under the feet of believers, grounding this victory in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, which fulfills the Old Testament promises of blessing and steadfast love.

How is church discipline one of the keys of the kingdom? What's its purpose?

This devotional explores the transition from warning to comfort in Hebrews 6, focusing on how believers can find assurance of their salvation. The central message identifies three key indicators of genuine faith: spiritual fruitfulness, love for fellow saints, and perseverance in zeal. These signs demonstrate the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and distinguish living faith from mere profession. The tone is pastoral and reassuring, emphasizing that growth involves struggle and repentance rather than perfection. Ultimately, the passage encourages believers to rest in the certainty that salvation is secure for those who exhibit these marks of life.

How does Gospel preaching serve to open and/or close the kingdom of heaven?

This devotional explores Question 83 of the Heidelberg Catechism, identifying the preaching of the gospel and church discipline as the two keys that open and close the kingdom of heaven. The sermon explains that while the gospel invites all to believe, true faith is evidenced by a desire to amend one's life and obey Christ, as supported by passages in John and 1 Corinthians. It highlights the necessity of church discipline to exclude unrepentant sinners, not as an end in itself, but as a warning that aims to lead them back to repentance. The tone is instructional and sobering, emphasizing the seriousness of the church's duty to maintain purity while extending grace to those who return to the Father.

This devotional addresses the theological question of whether a believer can lose their salvation by examining Hebrews 6:1-8. It distinguishes between true saving faith, which creates an unbreakable union with Christ, and mere profession of faith, which can be lost. Using the analogy of a wedding band versus a body part, the message clarifies that while genuine believers are secure in God's covenant, those who only outwardly participate in church life without true trust in Jesus are at risk of falling away. The passage serves not to terrify the faithful but to urge all Christians to soberly examine their hearts and ensure their faith is substantive rather than superficial.

This sermon examines the final chapter of Romans, highlighting how the church functions through the faithful, often unnoticed service of ordinary believers rather than solely through prominent leaders. The message identifies five key areas of commendable service: logistical support and financial patronage, sacrifice and suffering for the gospel, exhaustive hard work, hospitality and hosting, and the promotion of unity across cultural and social barriers. By analyzing figures like Phoebe, Prisca, and Aquila, the text argues that the public ministry of apostles is dependent on the private, diligent labor of laypeople. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, challenging the congregation to recognize the value of their daily contributions and to actively fight against worldly divisions that fragment the body of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a church culture that values and commends these ordinary acts of love as essential to Jesus' promise to build His church.

This devotional examines Heidelberg Catechism Question 82 regarding the exclusion of unrepentant individuals from the Lord's Supper. The text emphasizes that admitting those who openly reject God's discipline profanes the covenant and invites divine wrath upon the congregation. By citing passages such as 1 Corinthians and Matthew 18, the sermon outlines the biblical mandate for church discipline to protect the integrity of the faith community. However, the primary objective of this exclusion is not condemnation but the restoration of the sinner through repentance and reconciliation. Ultimately, the practice serves as a means of grace aimed at bringing wayward believers back to a right relationship with Christ.

This devotional explores the concept of spiritual maturity by contrasting infantile reliance on basic truths with the capacity for discernment found in solid food. It argues that true growth is not merely an accumulation of doctrinal knowledge but the practical application of biblical principles through constant practice. The preacher emphasizes that God desires hearts conformed to Christ's image rather than heads filled with contradictory facts. Spiritual maturity is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love for God and neighbor, which flows from a life of obedience. Ultimately, believers are assured that God's grace actively works to persevere in their growth until they reach final salvation.

This devotional explores the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on who is eligible to partake in the Lord's Supper, emphasizing that only those with a repentant and contrite heart may approach the table. The message contrasts self-righteousness with genuine humility, citing Scripture to illustrate that God justifies sinners who acknowledge their need for mercy rather than relying on their own merit. It highlights the theological foundation of forgiveness, noting that because Christ's sacrifice was once for all, God is faithful and just to cleanse believers who confess their sins. The sermon warns against unworthy participation, urging listeners to examine themselves and hunger for the righteousness of Christ alone. Ultimately, it calls the audience to embrace the comfort of complete forgiveness through faith in Jesus' finished work.

How could Jesus be made perfect? Hebrews 5:7-10 explained and applied.

Heidelberg Catechism Question #80 and the once for all sacrifice of Jesus to forgive all our sins.

The sermon examines the Apostle Paul's priorities in Romans 15 to define the central mission of the church. It identifies gospel proclamation, church planting, mercy ministry, and mutual fellowship as the core activities that should drive Christian life. The preacher argues against superficial applications of faith by emphasizing that believers must be rooted in the gospel for their own sanctification. Paul's example demonstrates a priestly service aimed at glorifying God through both spiritual instruction and material aid to the poor. The message concludes by calling the congregation to active prayer and financial partnership to advance this global mission.

The sermon explores the role of Jesus as the Great High Priest who sympathizes with human weaknesses while remaining sinless. It emphasizes that believers must recognize their deep need for divine assistance rather than relying on self-sufficiency. By acknowledging this vulnerability, individuals are encouraged to confidently approach the throne of grace for mercy and help. The message urges a continuous posture of humility and dependence on Christ in all daily circumstances. Ultimately, true faith involves drawing near to Jesus whenever temptation or weakness arises.

This devotional explores the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on the Lord's Supper, clarifying that believers partake in Christ's body and blood spiritually rather than physically. It emphasizes that true faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, unites the believer with Christ, making his sacrifice personally effective for salvation. The sermon uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate that just as vows require consummation, knowledge of Christ requires a vital, spiritual union through faith. This participation provides assurance that Christ's righteousness is imputed to the believer, contrasting this truth with mere intellectual assent or physical ritualism. Ultimately, the sacrament serves as a tangible pledge of the invisible reality of salvation and eternal life found only in Christ.

This devotional clarifies the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on the Lord's Supper, specifically addressing whether the bread and wine physically transform into Christ's body and blood. The speaker argues against transubstantiation and mere memorialism, proposing instead a sacramental union where believers participate in the spiritual reality of Christ through faith. By examining passages such as 1 Corinthians 10 and the institution narratives, the text establishes that the elements remain materially unchanged while serving as effective signs and seals of grace. The central message emphasizes that the true benefit of the sacrament is received spiritually by faith, not through physical consumption. This understanding deepens the worshiper's appreciation for the gospel comfort found in communion.

This devotional explores how the Word of God enables believers to persevere in faith by acting as a living and active force that penetrates the human heart. It contrasts the Bible with mere informational media, emphasizing its unique ability to expose sin and discern the intentions of the soul through the Holy Spirit. The preacher illustrates this penetrating work using medical metaphors, describing how divine truth convicts and cuts away spiritual disease to bring about sanctification. Despite the discomfort of conviction, this process serves as evidence of God's love and confirms one's identity as a child of God. Ultimately, the Word both judges and heals, guiding believers toward eternal rest in God's presence.

This devotional explores the theological significance of the Lord's Supper as a means of grace where believers spiritually feed on Christ through faith rather than physical consumption. Drawing from the Heidelberg Catechism and passages in 1 Corinthians and John 6, it clarifies that while the sacrament is not essential for salvation, it serves as a vital sign and seal of the believer's union with Jesus. The preacher emphasizes that partaking in the Eucharist is an act of thanksgiving and participation in Christ's body and blood, reinforcing the promise of eternal life. Using the analogy of a wedding ring, the text illustrates how outward symbols confirm inward spiritual realities without constituting the relationship itself. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to embrace the Lord's Supper with joy and faith as a reminder of their belonging to Christ.

The sermon explores the dual nature of God as both promise-keeping and merciful, using Romans 15 to demonstrate how Christ fulfills Old Testament prophecies for both Jews and Gentiles. It contrasts the emptiness of worldly substitutes for meaning with the abundant hope, joy, and peace found only in trusting God's unchanging character. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus serves as the ultimate confirmation of God's faithfulness and the source of true satisfaction for the human soul. Believers are encouraged to place their full expectation on God rather than creating idols out of temporary blessings or circumstances. This trust allows Christians to glorify God regardless of their external situation, relying on His steadfast love and integrity.

This devotional explores the concept of "striving to enter God's rest" based on Hebrews 4:1-11. Pastor Jason highlights that while Christians are called to enter this rest, it is possible to "try too hard" in the wrong way, much like a golfer or baseball player whose excessive, misplaced effort leads to failure. The video presents the following key themes and points: The Example of the Exodus Generation: The speaker uses the Exodus generation as a primary warning. Despite witnessing God's powerful deliverance and miracles, they failed to enter God's rest because they did not believe the gospel they heard. Their failure was rooted in a lack of faith, not in a lack of miracles. The Nature of True Rest: True rest is achieved when individuals believe in the promises of God and accept that the work of salvation is already finished by Jesus Christ. To "rest" means to stop trying to earn salvation through one's own works. How to "Strive": The call to "strive to enter" is not a call to work for salvation. Instead, it is a call to: 1. Place faith alone in Christ alone. 2. Embrace and believe what God has accomplished. 3. Obey God out of love and gratitude for the salvation He has already provided, rather than as a means to earn it. The speaker concludes that any attempt to earn rest through good works is an abandonment of faith and a rejection of the gospel.

This devotional explores the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on the Lord's Supper, clarifying that partaking in the sacrament requires a believing heart rather than mere ritual observance. It distinguishes between baptism as an initiating covenant sign and communion as a nourishing act dependent on active faith. The preacher explains that eating Christ's body signifies accepting His sacrifice through trust and being spiritually united to Him via the Holy Spirit. By examining passages from John 6, Romans 8, and Ephesians 4, the message emphasizes that true faith involves a deep, transformative union with Christ and the church. Ultimately, the Lord's Supper serves as a means of grace where the Spirit applies the benefits of redemption to believers.

This devotional explores the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on the Lord's Supper as a tangible sign and seal of Christ's sacrifice. Pastor Jason explains how the physical elements of bread and wine serve as visible promises that nourish the believer's soul with Christ's body and blood. By referencing the Synoptic Gospels and Pauline epistles, the text highlights the command to partake in remembrance and participation. The message emphasizes that this communal act strengthens believers for eternal life through faith. Ultimately, God invites us to rest in the assurance of grace found in Christ alone, received by faith through this ordained sacrament.

The sermon explores the human struggle to find true rest amidst a culture of constant striving for validation and achievement. It contrasts this futile effort with the biblical invitation to enter God's rest through persevering faith in Jesus Christ alone. Drawing from Hebrews 3, the message warns against hardening one's heart through unbelief, mirroring the rebellion of Israel in the wilderness. The central theme emphasizes that genuine peace and identity are found exclusively in God, not in earthly accomplishments or pleasures. Ultimately, the text encourages believers to hold firm to their confidence in Christ until the end.

The sermon examines 1 John 3 to distinguish true faith from mere profession by highlighting two essential tests: correct doctrine and practical love. It contrasts the hatred of Cain with the sacrificial love of Christ, arguing that genuine justification by faith alone inevitably produces sanctification evidenced by loving the church. The preacher warns against the errors of legalism and antinomianism, asserting that true believers are marked by a desire to obey God and serve their neighbors in deed and truth. This active love serves as the primary evidence that one has passed from death into life and possesses saving faith. Ultimately, the message calls listeners to rest in Christ's righteousness while actively pursuing holiness and unity within the body of believers.

The sermon explores the theological concept of adoption into God's family, distinguishing it from justification while emphasizing that both are acts of grace. It argues that believers can objectively know they are children of God through two primary evidences: a consistent practice of righteousness and a hopeful anticipation of Christ's return. The preacher clarifies that this does not imply sinless perfection but rather a transformed nature that hates sin and strives for holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit. By contrasting true faith with emotionalism or legalism, the message asserts that genuine salvation results in behavioral change and love for others. Ultimately, the hope of future glorification serves as a powerful motivation for present moral purity and endurance in the Christian life.

The sermon examines 1 John 2:12-14 to establish three pillars of assurance for believers: forgiveness of sins, knowledge of the eternal Father, and victory over the evil one. It contrasts true Christian doctrine with heretical views that prioritize emotional experience over biblical truth and moral accountability. The preacher emphasizes the gravity of original sin and the necessity of relying solely on Christ's atoning work for salvation rather than human merit. Additionally, the text highlights the ongoing spiritual battle against the world, flesh, and devil, urging believers to persist in holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the message encourages Christians to maintain confidence in their genuine faith by recognizing their forgiven status, their relationship with God, and their progressive sanctification.

The sermon contrasts authentic Christian faith with Gnostic errors by emphasizing that God is light and in Him there is no darkness. It argues that true fellowship with God and other believers requires walking in the light through honest confession of sin rather than claiming sinlessness or relying on mere emotional experiences. The preacher explains that while Christians struggle with ongoing sin, they are cleansed by Christ's blood and called to a life of humility and obedience. This walk in the light fosters genuine community and reflects the objective truth of the Gospel over subjective feelings. Ultimately, believers are urged to hate sin, confess their faults, and live in the reality of God's cleansing grace.

This sermon explores the nine attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5, emphasizing that these qualities are divinely produced gifts for all believers rather than natural character traits. The preacher contrasts the works of the flesh with the spiritual fruit, urging listeners to identify and root out opposing vices such as bitterness, impatience, and hypocrisy while cultivating virtues like love, joy, peace, and self-control. Using personal anecdotes and biblical examples from Job, David, and Barnabas, the message illustrates how these fruits manifest in daily life and relationships. The tone is pastoral and instructional, encouraging self-examination and reliance on the Holy Spirit to develop a genuine, consistent Christian character. Ultimately, the sermon calls for prayerful dependence on God to grow these specific graces within the heart of every believer.

This sermon explores the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, drawing primarily from Romans 8:1-11. The central message emphasizes that those who are in Christ Jesus experience no condemnation because the Spirit of life sets them free from the law of sin and death. Key theological themes include walking according to the Spirit rather than the flesh, cultivating a mindset focused on spiritual realities, and receiving the assurance of salvation through the Spirit's indwelling presence. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, aiming to comfort believers with the certainty of their standing in Christ while inviting non-believers to trust in Jesus for forgiveness and new life. Ultimately, the passage highlights that the Holy Spirit actively applies Christ's finished work to believers, providing power for holy living and eternal security.

The sermon explores the doctrine of biblical inspiration, asserting that all Scripture is God-breathed and therefore inerrant and perfect. By examining 2 Timothy 3 and 2 Peter 1, the text emphasizes that the Holy Spirit carried along human writers, preserving their unique styles and backgrounds while ensuring the final text was exactly what God intended. The preacher illustrates this divine oversight through examples of Moses, David, Isaiah, Luke, John, and Paul, demonstrating how diverse authors produced a unified, authoritative Word. The message challenges listeners to pay close attention to Scripture rather than ignoring difficult passages or relying on human interpretation. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that the Bible is profitable for teaching and equipping believers for every good work.

The sermon explores the Christian hope of heaven and resurrection, using the recent passing of a believer as a pastoral example of victory over death. It emphasizes that heaven is not merely a consolation prize but the ultimate reality of enjoying God's presence in perfect holiness and glory. The message contrasts the temporary beauty of earth with the eternal splendor of the new creation, grounded in the historical resurrection of Jesus Christ. It clarifies that entry into this blessed state requires faith in Jesus alone, as He conquered sin and death through His sacrifice. The preacher urges listeners to trust in Christ for salvation, assuring them that believers are currently with Him and will eventually share in His resurrected life.

This devotional warns against spiritual presumption by examining the Israelites' failure in the wilderness despite receiving divine provisions. It emphasizes that outward sacraments do not guarantee inward grace, urging believers to flee temptation rather than negotiate with it. The text highlights the unity of God's people across covenants and clarifies that while all things may be lawful, not all are beneficial or edifying. Believers are instructed to prioritize the spiritual welfare of their neighbors over personal liberty to avoid causing others to stumble. Ultimately, every action must be directed toward the glory of God and the salvation of others.

Today, we tackle 1 Corinthians 7, a chapter packed with practical, often thorny, wisdom regarding marriage, singleness, and human freedom. In this episode, we explore: • The Corinthian Context: Why Paul's practical advice must be read with an understanding of Corinth's extreme sexual immorality (including temple prostitution) and the looming threat of intense Christian persecution. • No Compromise: How Christians must balance practical wisdom in a hostile culture without ever editing or compromising God's clear, lifelong standards for marriage and sexuality. • Contentment in Your Calling: Paul's advice on navigating singleness, marriage to an unbelieving spouse, and why serving the Lord with undivided devotion is a beautiful calling. • A Biblical View on Freedom: A powerful look at verses 20-23, proving that the Bible is not "pro-slavery" and that the image of God is fundamentally incompatible with the enslavement of men. Thank you for joining us! For a deeper dive into this chapter, check out Pastor Jason's full sermon series on 1 Corinthians available on this channel and SermonAudio. Have a blessed day in the Lord!

This sermon examines the final chapter of 1 Corinthians to reveal the Apostle Paul's priorities through his commitment to financial accountability, strategic ministry planning, and pastoral care. The preacher highlights how the early church gathered on the first day of the week for worship and offering, emphasizing transparency and integrity in handling resources for those in need. Attention is drawn to Paul's spiritual warfare against adversaries and his deep affection for fellow workers like Timothy and Apollos, challenging modern misconceptions of masculinity by defining strength through love and faithfulness. The message concludes with an exhortation to submit to church leaders, greet one another in holiness, and anchor all actions in the grace of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to align their time and resources with the glory of God and the flourishing of His people.

The sermon exhorts believers to welcome one another despite differing opinions on non-essential matters, such as dietary practices or political views. Drawing from Romans 14 and 15, it argues that the kingdom of God is defined by righteousness, peace, and joy rather than external regulations. The central message emphasizes that mutual acceptance reflects the gospel, as Christ welcomed sinners while they were still enemies. Believers are called to set aside personal rights and judgments to maintain unity and glorify God together. This harmonious community serves as a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of grace.

If water baptism doesn't itself wash away sin, why does the Bible use the kind of language it sometimes does about baptism? Pastor Jason explains in this devotional from Heidelberg Catechism Question #73. www.foresthillpca.org

Glorifying God in Our Bodies & Rejecting Worldliness 1 Corinthians 6 In this bold and penetrating devotional on 1 Corinthians 6, we confront the ways Christians are often tempted to compromise with a litigious and sexually immoral culture. In this episode, we explore: - Lawsuits Among Believers: Why taking a fellow Christian to court before an unbelieving judge is a failure, and how it reveals a deeper issue of accepting worldly standards. - The Kingdom of God: A hard look at the lifestyles and sins that the world shrugs off, but God declares incompatible with His kingdom. - A New Identity in Christ: Why Christians should never find their identity in their past sins or ongoing temptations, but instead rest in being washed, sanctified, and justified. - Your Body is a Temple: Understanding the profound reality that our bodies are members of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit, demanding that we flee sexual immorality and glorify God in everything we do.

Purity in the Church & The Danger of Compromise 1 Corinthians 5 In today's devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores the challenging but necessary instructions given in 1 Corinthians 5. When the Corinthian church began boasting about their tolerance of gross sexual immorality, the Apostle Paul delivered a strong message about church discipline and the danger of compromising with worldly influence. In this episode, we cover: Church Discipline: Why the church must not tolerate or celebrate unrepentant sin, and how excommunication is ultimately aimed at the restoration of the individual. The Danger of Leaven: How tolerating just a little bit of immorality acts like leaven, spreading negative influence and cheap grace throughout the entire congregation. Christ Our Passover Lamb: A look at how Jesus fulfilled the Passover, calling believers to live spiritually as "unleavened bread" in sincerity and truth. Judging Inside vs. Outside: Understanding our call to be salt and light in the world without completely isolating ourselves, while maintaining strict boundaries against scandalous sin within the church family. Thank you for watching! www.foresthillpca.org

Should we baptize infants? Why? Pastor Jason addresses this question using Heidelberg Catechism Question #74.

What's the difference between a Gospel sacrament and an idolatrous sacramentalism? It's found in today's vital question, Heidelberg Catechism #72. Q. Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins? A. No, only the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.

Sermon: When Christians Disagree Text: Romans 14:1-12 Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel In this sermon on Romans 14:1-12, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel explores how believers should navigate secondary disagreements and matters of conscience. Opening with a fascinating historical anecdote about a dispute between famous 19th-century preachers Charles Spurgeon and Dr. George F. Pentecost, the message demonstrates how Christians can hold very different personal convictions while maintaining true friendship and ministry partnership. Short Summary Outline: Introduction: The Reality of Disagreement • Dr. George F. Pentecost publicly shared that he gave up smoking cigars, viewing it as a "little sin". • Charles Spurgeon, a cigar smoker, responded that without a clear biblical command, he could enjoy a cigar to the glory of God. I. Welcome One Another Without Contempt • In the Roman church, returning Jewish believers (the "weak in faith") and Gentile Christians clashed over Old Testament dietary laws and holy days. • Paul commands believers to welcome one another without quarreling over non-biblical opinions, because God has already welcomed them both. II. Remember Who is Actually in Charge • We must not judge the conscience-bound choices of other believers because Jesus is their Master. • This call for positive tolerance applies only to extra-biblical convictions, not obvious sins like sexual immorality, greed, or laziness. III. Prepare for Your Own Judgment • Judging others leads to the false measurement of comparing our holiness to theirs. • Believers will face a "stewardship judgment" regarding their time and opportunities, but they face zero condemnation because Jesus

Pastor Jason's Devotional on Heidelberg Catechism #71

In this devotional on 1 Corinthians 4, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel addresses the danger of adopting a worldly worldview within the church. The core issue for the Corinthian church was that they evaluated people and ministries based on how culturally impressive they were. Key takeaways from the text include: Confronting Worldly Pride: The gospel does not conform to the value systems of the surrounding culture. Instead, it directly confronts human pride, arrogance, and the worldly cravings defined as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The Contrast of Christ and Pilate: Believers are called to imitate the humble and meek nature of Jesus Christ rather than worldly models of power. During His trial, Jesus appeared helpless and beaten, while Pontius Pilate held all the power of Rome. Yet, it was Pilate who was truly helpless to accomplish his goals, whereas Jesus successfully went to the cross. The "Already, but Not Yet" Kingdom: The Corinthians were guilty of an "over-realized eschatology," meaning they tried to pull the glory of the future kingdom into the present age. While believers will eventually inherit the new heavens and earth and be perfected in glory, that consummation has not yet arrived. In the present life, Christians are called to endure suffering, labor, and live by faith and hope rather than expecting immediate eternal treasures. Misjudging Faithful Ministry: Because they desired worldly glory now, the Corinthians risked misjudging faithful, ordinary Bible teachers. Pastors who preach about suffering and taking up the cross can appear unimpressive to a culture seeking secret insights and immediate power. The Path of the Cross: