Truth Over Traditions

While dining at a feast with tax collectors and sinners, who were repenting in Israel, Jesus blasts the Pharisees for their pride, legalism, and unwillingness to repent. He announces that He did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Pastor Hollandsworth makes application to twenty-first century believers and churches. 

Are we to inspect the “fruit” of professing believers to determine if they are truly saved? Pastor Hollandsworth discusses this frequently misunderstood concept, reveals the identity of wolves in sheep’s clothing, and describes who will hear the awful verdict, “Depart from Me!”

Does the narrow way lead to Heaven and the broad way lead to Hell? Most seem to think so. Pastor Hollandsworth shows that this cannot be, given the context of the Sermon on the Mount. Rather, this is a sanctification text that poses a challenge for believers. 

Few believers live by the Golden Rule, yet it is one of the qualifications for kingdom inheritance. Pastor Hollandsworth gives the meaning of the rule and four ways we can keep it. 

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.