Truth Over Traditions

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.

Jesus is “able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him.” Pastor Hollandsworth explains that, in the context of Hebrews, this “salvation” is not referring to initial salvation by believing Jesus for eternal life. Rather, it is ongoing salvation of the soul unto reward for those believers who draw close to God in fellowship through Jesus Christ. 

This message is for mature audiences only. That is, the subject of Melchizedek will not be grasped by those who are spiritually immature, according to the writer of Hebrews. Pastor Hollandsworth reveals this Bible character’s identity and purpose, including his ministry to Abraham, making applications to the Christian life and the doctrine of kingdom inheritance.

After warning Christians not to apostatize in the previous text, the writer encourages the believers with four positive admonitions. Pastor Hollandsworth defines hope, explains how it is connected with inheritance in Hebrews, and why it should drive our everyday living.

Those who are on the pathway of soul-salvation (sanctification) in anticipation of the Judgment Seat are spiritually mature. But the evil one targets them for apostasy. Pastor Hollandsworth investigates the third warning in Hebrews, warning believers to beware of falling back into spiritual immaturity and losing their inheritance in the kingdom.

When Christians are too lazy to learn God’s Word and grow deeper spiritually, they become spiritual babies, satisfied with milk rather than meat. Pastor Hollandsworth talks about the vital importance of learning about kingdom inheritance, so we can be prepared to give a good account to Jesus at the Judgment Seat.

Jesus presently serves as High Priest in Heaven after the order of Aaron, but in the future, when He returns the second time, He will function as High Priest-King on Earth after the order of Melchizedek. Pastor Hollandsworth uses Old Testament types to demonstrate the difference between these two orders and how each role impacts us. 

God commands His children to come boldly to His throne where they can obtain mercy and grace. We approach Him through our High Priest, Jesus Christ, who is seated at the right hand of the Father. Pastor Hollandsworth describes how New Testament era believers can fulfill their calling as holy priests by finding cleansing and enablement from their High Priest in the heavens.

God can divide soul and spirit and even joints and marrow. What purpose does this serve? Pastor Hollandsworth explains this Judgment Seat text and God’s purpose for dividing.

Hebrews warns believers not to follow the same example of unbelief and disobedience as Israel. Instead, they should obey and enter God’s rest. Yet the passage says we should "be diligent (labor)” to enter that rest. Pastor Hollandsworth explains this paradox and encourages believers to yoke up with Christ, whose burden is light. In Him they will find rest for the soul that leads to millennial rest.

OT Israel was a redeemed nation that chose not to believe God and enter the promised land. The writer to the Hebrews uses this OT type to warn NT believers not to apostatize. Pastor Hollandsworth talks about the dreadful prospect of becoming an “unbelieving believer” and thereby disinherited at the Judgment Seat. Instead, we must become partakers of Christ through perseverance.

Who were the magi? Why were Herod and the Judeans terrified of their arrival? What drove them to travel an incredibly long distance to worship the Christ-child? Pastor Hollandsworth tells the fascinating magi backstory, sharing the historical account of God’s preservation of the ten tribes of Israel and the formation of the Parthian empire.

The angel announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds and gave them a sign where they could find the newborn Messiah. Why was such an important announcement given to the shepherds? Pastor Hollandsworth gives the critical backstory to the shepherds from the Old Testament, bringing greater meaning to the account in Luke 2.

Handel’s Messiah is a beautiful oratorio about the birth, life, and death of Christ, based entirely on Scripture, that is often performed during the Christmas season. Pastor Hollandsworth reviews the first eighteen movements, with a view to helping listeners understand this musical masterpiece more fully and thereby glory in the birth of Christ.

Many Christians have no interest in Christ’s coming kingdom. They rarely think or talk about it, for it is not their focus, and they certainly are not preparing to give an account to Jesus for their life. Pastor Hollandsworth explains that only those believers who hold onto a confident expectation of reward, living accordingly, will be rewarded by Jesus and included in His “house.”

One day Jesus will ascend to the throne as King over Earth. Just as the first Adam needed a bride and completer for ruling, so the second Adam is seeking a bride -- otherwise known as the sons to glory -- to complete Himself. They are the mature, firstborn inheritors, who will be glorified to reign with Jesus as co-regents. Only those believers who are enduring suffering in a spirit of Christlikeness will be chosen.

The first of five warnings is given, urging believers not to neglect “so great a salvation,” lest they experience negative reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Pastor Hollandsworth distinguishes between past, present, and future salvation, and emphasizes the critical importance of preparing for the “great salvation” yet to come.