Truth Over Traditions

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.

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.

The writer to the Hebrews now shifts gears and begins to focus on practical application of the truths shared in earlier chapters. He reviews the blessings we have in Christ and what we should do with them. Pastor Hollandsworth draws attention to the faith-hope-love triplet in the text which should characterize Christian living, emphasizing the importance of provoking to love and good works.

Jesus left a will, sealed with His blood, known as the New Testament. It names two categories of heirs. First, are the redeemed, children of God who will be resurrected to live in His coming Messianic kingdom. Second, are those He deems worthy of additional firstborn inheritance. The will is presently in probate, which will conclude with distributions at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Most agree that Psalm 22 is a prophecy of Christ’s crucifixion, but what are the “strong bulls of Bashan” that surrounded Christ, “like a raging and roaring lion”? Pastor Hollandsworth exposes the supernatural aspect of these bulls, emphasizing Messiah’s victory over Satan through the resurrection, thus enabling believers to experience victory in the Christian life. 

The disciples of Jesus were initially clueless about Christ’s impending death. They expected Messiah to rule as King, not die. Pastor Hollandsworth describes how Jesus teaches His disciples about His coming death, with a view to their own need to die to self (take up their crosses) as His disciples. This truth applies to all believers throughout the church age and has serious ramifications for the future. 

The Old Testament tabernacle and later the temple, was a magnificent place of worship, full of symbolism that pointed to Christ. However, it was merely a shadow, representing the true and better tabernacle in heaven, which is New Jerusalem. Pastor Hollandsworth shows how believers can qualify to dwell there in the next age, which is the point of Christ's instruction in John 14:1-6. 

Although the New Covenant is for Israel and has not yet been launched, believers in Christ are already beneficiaries of New Covenant promises. Pastor Hollandsworth discusses Israel’s prophetic timeline – the 70 “weeks” of Dan. 9 – and the timing of the coming New Covenant, also emphasizing that it is so much better than the Old.