Where Does Faith Come From? - Heidelberg Catechism #65

Where Does Faith Come From? - Heidelberg Catechism #65

Welcome to our Heidelberg Catechism devotionals! In this episode, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church wraps up Week 22 by exploring Question #65. If we are made right before God by faith alone, where does that saving faith actually come from? Pastor Jason unpacks how God doesn't just demand faith, but actively provides it. In this episode, we cover: The Source of Faith: How the Holy Spirit actively works faith into our hearts. The Word and the Spirit: Why faith isn't generated by our own willpower, but is birthed through the preaching of the Gospel (Romans 10:17). The Power of the Sacraments: How Baptism and the Lord's Supper serve as visible, tangible confirmations to strengthen the faith God has given us. A Covenant Confirmation: Looking at how signs like circumcision and the Lord's Supper act as a seal of the righteousness we have by faith. To learn more about our church, visit: foresthillpca.org

Exploring Romans - Romans 16 - The Saints of Rome, Warnings, and Doxology

Welcome to the final episode of Exploring Romans! In this concluding devotional (Day 177), Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church walks us through Romans Chapter 16.In this episode, we cover:The Saints of Rome: Paul's extensive greetings highlight the many dedicated individuals who worked hard to support his ministry. This demonstrates that the vital work of the church relies on every member contributing.Women in the Early Church: Pastor Jason emphasizes the prominent service of women in the early church, such as Phoebe, Prisca, Mary, and Junia. He addresses the specific translation regarding Junia, clarifying that she was well-known to the apostles, rather than being a female apostle herself. He also cautions against forcing egalitarian theology into the text.Warnings Against Division: The episode explores Paul's strong warning against egotistical people who use smooth talk and flattery to create obstacles and divisions. These individuals serve their own appetites instead of serving Christ.The Final Doxology: The letter concludes with a powerful benediction praising the eternal God who strengthens believers through the gospel of Jesus Christ.These devotionals were originally presented as part of "Walking with Jesus through the Bible," a three-year journey through the whole Word of God (2022–2024).🌐 Learn more about our church: ForestHillPCA.org✉️ Questions or feedback? Email Pastor Jason at: Pastor@ForestHillPCA.org

Works of Gratitude: Heidelberg #64

In this Heidelberg Catechism Devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church explores Question #64. If salvation is completely by grace, doesn't that make people careless and wicked? Pastor Jason answers this age-old question by delving into the nature of true, living faith. He unpacks why true faith cannot be dead and must produce the fruit of thankfulness, and why it is so much more than mere knowledge or agreement—it's active trust in Jesus Christ. In this episode, we cover: The transition from Grace to Gratitude in the Heidelberg Catechism The true nature of saving faith: Knowledge, Assent, and Trust The contrast between a "diseased tree" and a "healthy tree" in the life of a believer To learn more about our church, visit: foresthillpca.org

Mercy & Missions - Romans 15

Welcome to Exploring Romans! In this episode, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church walks us through the powerful message of Romans Chapter 15. In this study, we cover: Supporting the Weak: The biblical mandate for "strong" believers to bear with the weak, contrasting modern culture's heavy focus on "self-care" with the Christian call to selflessly build others up. Church Unity: How Christ's sacrifice fulfilled God's promises to the Jewish patriarchs while simultaneously bringing hope to the Gentiles, uniting them into one unified body. Missions and Mercy: A look at the Apostle Paul's foundational ministry from Jerusalem to Illyricum, his future ambitions to preach in Spain, and his immediate mission to deliver financial aid to struggling saints in Jerusalem. This devotional was originally recorded as part of Forest Hill's three-year journey through the Word of God, "Walking with Jesus through the Bible" (2022–2024). 🌐 Learn more about our church: ✉️ Questions or feedback? Email Pastor Jason at: Pastor@ForestHillPCA.org

Our Good Works Are Not Enough - Heidelberg Catechism #62-63

Grace to Gratitude: Why Our Good Works Aren't Enough | Heidelberg Catechism Week 22, Day 1, Questions 62-63 Welcome to Week 22 of the Heidelberg Catechism Devotionals with Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church. This week, we pivot from the topic of God's grace to our response of gratitude, specifically exploring Questions 62 and 63. Join us as we explore why our good works—even our best efforts—cannot serve as our righteousness before God. We will dive into Scripture (including Galatians, James, Isaiah, and Luke) to understand why salvation is through faith alone and how any reward for our works is simply a gift of God's amazing grace.