Truth Over Traditions

Sarah and Lot’s wife were related and lived in the same geographic region, yet their lifestyles were worlds apart. Pastor Hollandsworth contrasts their life choices, demonstrating the glorious result of reward for embracing God’s promises vs. the devastating consequence of disinheritance for worldliness.

Jesus admonishes disciples not to worry, for worry is unbelief and never changes anything. Pastor Hollandsworth gives a biblical definition of worry, describes its negative physical effects on the body, and explains the importance of seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness as the biblical alternative. 

No one can serve two masters. Jesus wants our undivided loyalty. Pastor Hollandsworth equates laying up heavenly treasures with earning age-lasting rewards, the means by which we glorify Jesus, making Him our number one priority in life.

What is your motivation for doing good deeds? Is it to be recognized by others? If so, then you have already received your reward. Pastor Hollandsworth reveals what Jesus said about doing things privately, so that you can be rewarded by Him publicly, in the age to come.  

When teaching His disciples, Jesus emphasized the importance of internally obeying the spirit of the law rather than merely externally obeying the letter of the law. Pastor Hollandsworth explains the six examples given by Jesus of the righteousness that is necessary for inheriting the kingdom of the heavens. 

Skeptics in both Christ’s day and in the present day deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pastor Hollandsworth gives a biblical defense of the resurrection and shares why it is so critical to the Christian life. 

Jesus uttered seven profound statements on the cross during His crucifixion. Pastor Hollandsworth explains each statement, making application to the Christian life. He describes the thief’s request to be remembered in Paradise as a matter of kingdom inheritance, not salvation in the initial sense of regeneration.  

Many claim that Jesus spoke more about Hell than Heaven. Is that correct? Pastor Hollandsworth examines the two Greek words typically translated Hell in English Bible versions: Hades and Gehenna, explaining the correct meanings of those words. He also discusses why Jesus encouraged “radical amputation” in Matt. 5:21-30.

Jesus said that to enter the kingdom one must have righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. Pastor Hollandsworth defines what it means to enter the kingdom, what characterizes the righteousness of the Pharisees, what is greater than pharisaical righteousness, and how we can fulfill the righteous of the law.

Jesus said that believers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Pastor Hollandsworth explains the meaning of those metaphors and describes what happens when believers become “unsalty” and hide their light.

Is the Sermon on the Mount evangelistic, or related to matters of sanctification? Is it applicable to church-age believers, or was it merely for the first century Jews? Pastor Hollandsworth discusses the errors of interpretation in this great teaching of Jesus and explains the purpose of the Sermon. He also describes the Beatitudes and the promises of reward.

Jesus called out to Simon and Andrew, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Our Lord continues to call believers to discipleship today. Pastor Hollandsworth points out why the first step in following Jesus requires the same attitude expressed by Peter: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

Christ’s healing ministry – including exorcisms – not only confirmed His authority as the Son of God, but also pointed to the Messianic kingdom. Pastor Hollandsworth shows the connection between miracles and the kingdom, defines the “gospel of the kingdom,” and explains the origin of demons.

In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the Isaiah scroll, applying the text to Himself, by concluding with the statement, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Pastor Hollandsworth discusses the glorious nature of Christ’s ministry, as described in Luke 4:18-19, and explains why the people marveled at Him in the synagogue, yet moments later were eager to throw him off the rocky cliff at the edge of town.

Why did Paul choose to let go of his freedom in Christ and live like the Jews when with Jews, like the Gentiles when with Gentiles, and like the weak when with weaker brethren? Pastor Hollandsworth shows that Paul was motivated by “winning” other believers so that they could become partakers together with him in inheritance. To that end, Paul recognizes the need for all believers to run the race of the Christian life with diligence in order to be rewarded and not disqualified. 

The nobleman’s son will surely die unless Jesus goes to heal him. But Jesus refuses to go, rebuking the man (and all Israel) for requiring signs before they will believe. Jesus causes a quandary of faith by assuring the man his son has been healed. Will he accept this by faith? Pastor Hollandsworth explains why God often allows quandaries of faith in our lives, and he points out why Jesus heals this boy “after two days … on the third day.”

Jesus continues His conversation with the woman at the well, focusing on the new mode of worship. Pastor Hollandsworth explores the meaning of worshipping in spirit and in truth, and he also explains the sowing and reaping principle Christ shares with the disciples.

Jesus travels to culturally-forbidden Samaria to meet a woman at a well and offer her “a fountain of water, springing up to everlasting life.” Pastor Hollandsworth focuses on the continuing aspect of eternal life in the text, explaining what that means for modern-day believers. 

Why are the genealogies of Jesus Christ in Matthew and Luke so different? For instance, why does Matthew mention four women, all of whom had besmirched reputations? Pastor Hollandsworth unravels the anomalies in Matthew’s genealogy of Christ and revels in the glorious mysteries God has hidden in these otherwise nondescript texts.

Those who reject the virgin birth as fable essentially reject the entire Bible, for numerous other doctrines are based upon it. Pastor Hollandsworth proclaims the truth of the virgin birth from the Scriptures and shares why it shapes the entirety of history for those who believe it.

The Christian world celebrates the birth of Jesus on December 25, but is that when He was really born? Pastor Hollandsworth examines the annunciations in Luke 1 and discovers several clues given in the Scriptures as to the timing of Christ’s birth.   

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. Pastor Hollandsworth gives the historical context for this OT prophecy, demonstrates how Jesus fulfills it in the NT, and makes application to believers in the present age.

As baptisms of Christ’s followers began to outpace those of John the Baptist, the religious leaders attempted to make John’s disciples envious. But John was overjoyed with Christ’s success and delighted in being a “friend of the groom.” Pastor Hollandsworth explains what this means and examines five humble statements made by John that should be the conviction of all believers. 

Christ’s admonition to Nicodemus in John 3 – “You must be born again” – is traditionally assumed to be a salvation text. But was Jesus telling this ruler of Israel how to be regenerated or how to prepare for kingdom inheritance? Pastor Hollandsworth defines the terms “born again” and “eternal life” and describes what Nicodemus would have been thinking as a first century Israelite.

Watching Jesus cast the money changers out of the temple must have been an astonishing sight, and it surely infuriated the religious leaders. Pastor Hollandsworth explains why Jesus takes this bold action immediately following His miracle of turning water to wine, describes the right response to anger, and makes application to disciples in the twenty-first century.

Why would Jesus turn water to wine, and what kind of wine did He make? Besides affirming His deity, what message did this unusual phenomenon send to Israel? Pastor Hollandsworth elaborates on the deeper meaning of this sign miracle with respect to Israel’s future restoration and kingdom inheritance, making connections to Noah, Melchizedek, the OT prophets, and the Last Supper.

John the Baptist directed his disciples to become followers of Jesus, thereby bringing John’s ministry to a close. Pastor Hollandsworth discusses the priority of discipleship in the Great Commission and also explains why Jesus promised Nathanael kingdom inheritance.

John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Pastor Hollandsworth details what the Jews of Jesus’ day were thinking when they heard this metaphor, and he explains why John is the quintessential example of confessing Christ and how we can learn from His humble testimony.

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. What was the purpose of this? Pastor Hollandsworth shares six truths demonstrated by Christ’s temptation, explains the nature of each temptation, and emphasizes the believer’s escape from temptation by following Christ’s example.

Why did Jesus submit to John’s baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, seeing that Jesus was the Son of God and never sinned? Pastor Hollandsworth gives two answers to this question, which have application to the Christian life, and he also explains the three aspects of Holy Spirit power in our lives. 

John the Baptist introduced the ministry of Jesus with a call for the nation to repent. Most evangelicals assume this is one of the requirements for salvation. However, Pastor Hollandsworth demonstrates clearly from the text that repentance is NOT a requirement for salvation, for John was preaching to believers, not unbelievers. 

In this final message in the Hebrews Series, Pastor Hollandsworth shares seven more behaviors from the text that God expects of His children who are living well-pleasing to Him. Topics include: living by grace, not legalism; bearing the reproach of Christ; seeking the heavenly Jerusalem; and what it means to submit to spiritual leaders. 

In the final chapter of Hebrews, the writer gives a list of behaviors that God expects of His children who are living well-pleasing to Him. Pastor Hollandsworth focuses on six of the behaviors in this first of two messages, and he also reviews the five warnings to believers found in the book of Hebrews. 

Will you be included in the Church of the Firstborn in the heavenlies in the Millennium? Inclusion is not guaranteed for all children of God, but only granted to those believers whom Jesus rewards for living “good and faithful.” Pastor Hollandsworth describes the qualifications for inheriting a place in this glorious assembly in New Jerusalem. 

God’s chastening is not mere punishment, but the entire process of child-rearing. Pastor Hollandsworth points out that God does not chasten all of His children, but only who cooperate with Him in the sanctification process. His purpose is to bring us to maturity by applying customized trials and sufferings, so we can become “sons to glory” in the coming kingdom. 

The Christian life is like a race – a long, grueling marathon. God wants us to lay aside the weights and sins that trip us up or cause us to stumble. We are to run the race with endurance, looking to Jesus. Pastor Hollandsworth discusses the things that cause defeat and the way to find ultimate victory. 

The Old Testament heroes of faith endured all sorts of persecution in order to “obtain a better resurrection.” Pastor Hollandsworth explains the meaning of this and makes spiritual applications to church age believers, emphasizing the importance of living by faith and sharing in the sufferings of Christ, which results in reward and inheritance. 

God “let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.” Nothing he said was trite or trivial. His words were weighty and impactful. Pastor Hollandsworth shares eight things Samuel said that have direct application to the Christian life, and he emphasizes the importance of believers having faith-filled speech. 

King David was a man after God’s heart, who fulfilled all His will. He is in the faith hall of fame because he obeyed God, by faith. Pastor Hollandsworth focuses on one key aspect of David’s life—how he pleased the Lord by responding in faith to others. Numerous applications are made to the Christian life. 

Gideon was a humble man who did not view himself as a fighter. Nevertheless, he believed God and was enabled to win a miraculous victory over the enemy with only 300 soldiers. Pastor Hollandsworth emphasizes the growth of Gideon’s faith that led to obedience and great courage from the Lord to do His will. “Little is much when God is in it” is the theme of this message. 

God gave Joshua unconventional battle plans for conquering Jericho, but he obeyed, by faith, and won the victory! Rahab hid the spies by faith, fully believing Jehovah to be the God of gods. In the end, she was rewarded with a glorious place in the lineage of Messiah. Using these OT illustrations, Pastor Hollandsworth outlines how NT believers can become victorious over Satanic strongholds. 

Being raised in Egypt in the house of Pharaoh, Moses had everything the world could offer. Yet he rejected it all to identify with Jehovah and His people. Pastor Hollandsworth points out the obvious applications to NT Christians. We must make deliberate decisions to separate from the world and live by faith! 

On his deathbed, Jacob bestowed the firstborn blessing upon Joseph by adopting Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons. Also, both Jacob and Joseph made their ancestors promise to relocate their bones to the Promised Land. Pastor Hollandsworth focuses on the faith of these two dying men, who looked to the future and embraced the promises of God. They are examples to Christians today. 

How could God say that Isaac blessed both Jacob and Esau by faith if Isaac was deceived? Pastor Hollandsworth delves into this fascinating text, demonstrating that Isaac awakened to his error and blessed both sons according to God’s will. Esau is a type of national Israel and those church-age believers who throw their inheritance to the wind. God warns His children not to follow the path of Esau.

As the FAITH of Abraham continued to grow, to the point that he could trust God for a son through Sarah in his old age, the patriarch began to HOPE for a city with foundations, the millennial city of reward, New Jerusalem. Ultimately, Abraham demonstrated LOVE by sacrificing Isaac, believing God would raise him. Pastor Hollandsworth emphasizes the importance of believers growing in faith and hope and love in order to qualify for millennial inheritance.  

Abraham’s pilgrimage of faith was a “bumpy ride” during his early years. He left a life of idolatry and living in Ur, only to become detoured in Haran for many years, a culture very similar to Ur. Pastor Hollandsworth describes how this patriarch, over time, learned to obey the Lord and separate from the world, sojourning as a pilgrim in Canaan land. Christians can learn much from Abraham’s life. 

God places great value on faith, desiring that people in every age trust Him and live uprightly. Pastor Hollandsworth looks at the faith of three antediluvian men – Abel, Enoch, and Noah – also pointing out how they serve as types of events in the future.

The just shall live by faith. Pastor Hollandsworth clarifies from Heb. 11, that this quote from the Old Testament is not a soteriological (salvation) statement, as Reformation theology claims. Rather, it is a matter of sanctification, which Hebrews refers to as the “saving of the soul.” Those who live righteously, by faith, will be rewarded by God, like those named in the great faith chapter. 

The book of Hebrews warns that believers who have been “illuminated,” yet continue in willful, defiant sinning, can reach the point where there is no more sacrifice for their sins. Pastor Hollandsworth demonstrates that this does not result in loss of salvation, but rather punishment and loss of Reward at the Bema. 

The widow of Zarephath was unique in her idolatrous Phoenician culture, in that she responded to God and His prophet in complete faith. Pastor Hollandsworth points out that she is an example of how we should reject wicked culture, trust in the Lord amidst crises, and give generously, even when resources are limited.