Truth Over Traditions

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 roc...

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 o...

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 th...

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.