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.

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.

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!”

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 does Jesus travel to culturally-forbidden Samaria to meet a woman at a well? Why does He offer her “a fountain of water, springing up to everlasting life,” and what does that mean? What do the disciples learn from the encounter? Pastor Hollandsworth answers these questions, discloses the new revelation that Jesus shares with the woman, and clarifies the meaning of worshiping God in spirit and truth. 

As baptisms of Christ’s followers began to outpace those of John the Baptist, the religious leaders attempted to drive a wedge between the cousins by making 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 John means and examines five humble statements made by John that should be the conviction of all believers. 

“You must be born again.” Christ’s admonition to Nicodemus in John 3 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 pointed others to the Lamb of God, claiming that He would take away the sin (singular) of the world. Pastor Hollandsworth describes the important distinction between sin (singular) and sins (plural). He also explains why Jesus told Nathanael that he would see the angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man and how that relates to millennial 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 why it posed a problem in their psyche. He also explains why John is the quintessential example of what it means to confess 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 conveyed 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 forgiveness of sins, seeing that He never sinned? Pastor Hollandsworth answers this challenging question, explains why the Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism, and defines the three levels of Holy Spirit power.

John the Baptist preached a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Pastor Hollandsworth dissects this message and explains why it is not to be equated with the gospel of grace by faith alone for salvation (i.e., regeneration). He also explains the terms “kingdom of heaven” and the “baptism in fire” (which is not hell) that will befall those who reject this message.