Truth Over Traditions

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.

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 did Paul choose to let go of his freedom in Christ and live like the Jews when with Jews, like the Gentiles when with Gentiles, and like the weak when with weaker brethren? Pastor Hollandsworth shows that Paul was motivated by “winning” other believers so that they could become partakers together with him in inheritance. To that end, Paul recognizes the need for all believers to run the race of the Christian life with diligence in order to be rewarded and not disqualified.

The nobleman’s son will surely die unless Jesus goes to heal him. But Jesus refuses to go, rebuking the man (and all Israel) for requiring signs before they will believe. Jesus causes a quandary of faith by assuring the man his son has been healed. Will he accept this by faith? Pastor Hollandsworth explains why God often allows quandaries of faith in our lives, and he points out why Jesus heals this boy “after two days … on the third day.”

Jesus continues His conversation with the woman at the well, focusing on the new mode of worship. Pastor Hollandsworth explores the meaning of worshipping in spirit and in truth, and he also explains the sowing and reaping principle Christ shares with the disciples.

Jesus travels to culturally-forbidden Samaria to meet a woman at a well and offer her “a fountain of water, springing up to everlasting life.” Pastor Hollandsworth focuses on the continuing aspect of eternal life in the text, explaining what that means for modern-day believers.

Why are the genealogies of Jesus Christ in Matthew and Luke so different? For instance, why does Matthew mention four women, all of whom had besmirched reputations? Pastor Hollandsworth unravels the anomalies in Matthew’s genealogy of Christ and revels in the glorious mysteries God has hidden in these otherwise nondescript texts.

Those who reject the virgin birth as fable essentially reject the entire Bible, for numerous other doctrines are based upon it. Pastor Hollandsworth proclaims the truth of the virgin birth from the Scriptures and shares why it shapes the entirety of history for those who believe it.

The Christian world celebrates the birth of Jesus on December 25, but is that when He was really born? Pastor Hollandsworth examines the annunciations in Luke 1 and discovers several clues given in the Scriptures as to the timing of Christ’s birth.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. Pastor Hollandsworth gives the historical context for this OT prophecy, demonstrates how Jesus fulfills it in the NT, and makes application to believers in the present age.

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