Gentiles
071: Glorifying God With One Mind and Voice (Romans Series #31: Rom. 15)
When Jewish and Gentile believers accept each other in Christ, they glorify the Lord in this present age, which is a beautiful picture of the unity of Jews and Gentiles under the Messianic reign of Jesus in the next age, when all will glorify the Lord. Pastor Hollandsworth makes application to twenty-first century believers and churches and revels in this glorious theme.
070: Every Knee Shall Bow (Romans Series #30: Rom. 14)
The Jewish believers in the church at Rome were finding it difficult to let go of their Jewish identifiers – dietary restrictions and observance of sabbaths and feast days. Paul refers to them as “weaker” brethren. The Gentile believers, on the other hand, were not bound in this manner, but were free in Christ, so Paul refers to them as “stronger” brethren. Pastor Hollandsworth explains that they were to accommodate one another, in light of the coming Judgment Seat and the ultimate salvation of all mankind.
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!
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.