Month: April 2024
061: Vessels of Mercy Prepared for Glory (Romans Series #22: Rom. 9:14-33)
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.
060: God’s Calling of Israel (Romans Series #21: Rom. 9:4-13)
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.
059: Yearning for Israel’s Salvation (Romans Series #20: Rom. 9:1-3)
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.
058: Suffering Precedes Glory
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.