Israel
095: Don’t Apostatize! (Hebrews Series #06: Heb. 3:7-19)
OT Israel was a redeemed nation that chose not to believe God and enter the promised land. The writer to the Hebrews uses this OT type to warn NT believers not to apostatize. Pastor Hollandsworth talks about the dreadful prospect of becoming an “unbelieving believer” and thereby disinherited at the Judgment Seat. Instead, we must become partakers of Christ through perseverance.
094: The Magi Backstory (Christmas Message)
Who were the magi? Why were Herod and the Judeans terrified of their arrival? What drove them to travel an incredibly long distance to worship the Christ-child? Pastor Hollandsworth tells the fascinating magi backstory, sharing the historical account of God’s preservation of the ten tribes of Israel and the formation of the Parthian empire.
065: All Israel Will Be Saved and So Will All Mankind (Romans Series #25: Rom. 11:16-36)
To illustrate that Israel’s “time-out” is merely temporary, not permanent, Paul uses the metaphor of wild olive branches (believing Gentiles) being grafted into a cultivated olive tree (Israel), whose branches have been broken off due to disobedience (in rejecting Messiah and His offer of kingdom inheritance). But Israel will repent and be re-grafted back into her national tree. Pastor Hollandsworth points out that “all Israel will be saved,” leading to all mankind being saved, for God’s objective is to commit all mankind to disobedience so He might have mercy on all.
064: Israel’s 2,000-Year Time-Out (Romans Series #24: Rom. 11:1-15)
Because Israel rejected Christ’s offer of kingdom inheritance and put Messiah to death, the nation has been set aside for a period of 2,000 years. In the present age the Holy Spirit is saving Gentiles and calling out sons to glory – faithful saints who will be chosen to rule with Christ in His Messianic kingdom. Pastor Hollandsworth emphasizes how Israel’s failure means “riches for the Gentiles” and “the reconciling of the world,” but her restoration will signal “life from the dead” for the entire world. These are glorious truths!
063: Women Who Changed a Nation (Mother’s Day: Exod. 1-2)
Pharaoh decreed that all the Hebrew baby boys be killed. But three women defied the king’s orders and saved baby Moses. Their heroism changed a nation, for Moses was raised and educated in Pharaoh’s household, equipped to later lead the Israelite nation out of bondage. Pastor Hollandsworth praises the courageous efforts of these women and makes application to believers today.