Truth Over Traditions

Pharaoh, who hardened his heart toward God and Israel, was a vessel of wrath prepared for destruction (ruin). In contrast, Moses and Israel were vessels of mercy. But now the tables are turned. Pastor Hollandsworth talks about how Israel is presently a vessel of wrath prepared for destruction, due to her unbelief, as God is showing mercy to the Gentiles, who were “prepared beforehand for glory.” However, national Israel will one day repent and will be appointed to rule over the nations. These truths should prompt us to confess Christ.

What sets Israel apart from other nations? Who are Israelites? How did God call Israel? What is Israel’s calling? What keeps Israel from fulfilling its calling? Pastor Hollandsworth answers each of these questions from the text and makes application to the Christian life.

Martin Luther was heavily antisemitic, and his beliefs about Israel led to replacement theology. In contrast, Paul wishes himself to be accursed so that Israel will be saved and fulfill the prophecies. What is this “salvation,” and what does it mean to be “accursed?” Pastor Hollandsworth answers these questions, demonstrating that Israel’s salvation is critical to the salvation of all humanity.

On the day of His resurrection, Jesus anonymously joins two travelers on the road to Emmaus, who are bemoaning the death of the man they assumed was going to be their Messiah. Jesus corrects their thinking, showing that Messiah must first suffer before being glorified as king, then He reveals Himself, and they rejoice that He is risen. Pastor Hollandsworth points out that believers must also suffer for Jesus if they expect to co-rule with Him.

The crowds cheered Jesus on Palm Sunday as Messiah as He entered Jerusalem, shouting out, “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Yet only days later the Jewish leadership chanted, “Crucify Him!” Pastor Hollandsworth focuses on the four stages of Christ’s suffering: 1) Scourging, 2) Mocking, 3) Via Dolorosa, and 4) Actual Crucifixion. A highly appropriate message to hear on Good Friday.

This text is undoubtedly the pinnacle of the book of Romans, in which Paul describes how to have victory over sinning – by walking in the Spirit rather than in the flesh. Pastor Hollandsworth emphasizes these marvelous truths and warns of the alternative prospect of Christians living in carnality and spiritual deadness – and how to avoid it!

All creation awaits the revealing of God's glorified sons. Who are these sons? Why are they glorified? What is their purpose? Pastor Hollandsworth delves into this oft-misunderstood passage, explaining that biblical adoption is not automatic at the point of salvation, but conditional at the Judgment Seat for those believers who live according to the Spirit and suffer with Jesus.

A new age is coming! Satan and his echelon will be deposed, and God's three firstborn sons will ascend to the throne in their stead. Pastor Hollandsworth identifies the firstborn sons, explores the birthing metaphor Paul uses to describe their ascension to power, and describes the glories of the new age.

The end of Rom. 8 is often understood as unconditional promises for believers, following a description of “the process of salvation” in vs. 29-30, from God’s perspective. However, Pastor Hollandsworth points out that vs. 29-30 are a description of sanctification unto reward from God’s perspective. Thus, the promises in the broader text are conditional promises, for those who are on the pathway of becoming firstborn sons to glory.

After 22 years of broadcasting sermons on SermonAudio.com, Pastor Hollandsworth’s account was abruptly terminated, because they objected to his views on salvation. Hear their reasons, as Pastor Hollandsworth shares how the sermons will be hosted going forward. Also, in this brief episode, he laments over the question, “Why do Christians ‘cancel’ other Christians?”

Repentance is not required for salvation (regeneration). Why, then, does God command all men everywhere to repent? Whose names will be found in the Book of Life? Pastor Hollandsworth describes what happens at the Great White Throne Judgment for those who believe God and live righteously but do not believe on Jesus for eternal life by faith alone.

What is the lake of fire, and why is it described as burning with fire and brimstone? Is it literal or metaphorical? Pastor Hollandsworth attempts to answer these questions through the lens of an Old Testament type.

Why is the rich man rich? Why is the poor man poor? When taken literally, the story of the rich man and Lazarus does not sufficiently answer why the two men are sent to Heaven and Hell. Nothing is said about their behavior or relationship with God. Pastor Hollandsworth applies a parabolic meaning to the story and explains Christ’s use of symbolism in rebuking the Pharisees.

Most evangelical Christians believe the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 is an actual, historical account, illustrating what happens after death – some go to Heaven and others go to Hell. Pastor Hollandsworth demonstrates from the context that the story is actually a parable, designed to warn the Pharisees that their greedy, covetous lifestyle will result in disinheritance from the kingdom.

Do believers go to Heaven and unbelievers go to Hell when they die, or do all remain “asleep” until the future resurrection and judgment? Pastor Hollandsworth searches the Scriptures to see if the Intermediate State position, held by most Christians, is biblical.

The English word “Hell” should never have been used in English translations of the New Testament, because it conveys the wrong meaning of the Greek words Hades and Gehenna, which should have been transliterated. Pastor Hollandsworth gives the correct meaning of these words and shows what a profound difference it makes in the study of Scripture.

The Bible words “eternal,” “everlasting,” and “forever” are mistranslations of the Greek adjective “aionios,” which actually means “age-lasting” or “for the age.” Pastor Hollandsworth explains how this error crept into English Bible translations and explores the ramifications with respect to Heaven and Hell.

Universal Reconciliation is the third rail that electrifies the doctrine of salvation. Pastor Hollandsworth presents twenty Scripture verses in support of this view and emphasizes that the will of God to save all men will indeed be fulfilled by the end of the ages.

From the foundation of the world, God planned to reconcile all to Himself through Jesus Christ over the course of several ages, including at least two that are yet future. Pastor Hollandsworth challenges believers to understand God’s plan and actively participate in it, while recognizing there is still hope for the multitudes who will not be saved before Christ returns.

The apostle Paul said three things abide: Faith, Hope, and Love. Pastor Hollandsworth shares his personal testimony of being led from Faith-Living and Holiness, to Hope-Living and Kingdom Preparedness, and finally Love-Living and Universal Reconciliation. This episode is the segue to several future episodes focusing on the salvation of all mankind.