Advertise on podcast: Draw Me Close: Podcast - A Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, with Pastor Bob Lawrenz

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Colossians 3:16⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings. This week's Bobservations' Column is written in correlation with 1 Peter 1:1-25. Enduring biblical hope is not wishful thinking or a feeling of uncertainty, but a "confident expectation" and "firm assurance" rooted in the unshakeable character and promises of God. First Peter 1:1–25 is an opening letter by the Apostle Peter to persecuted Christians across Asia Minor, encouraging them to find enduring hope, holiness, and joy through their new identity in Jesus Christ

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  This week, we are taking a detour away from the book of Acts and into 1 Peter 1:1-25. 1 Peter chapter 1 is an encouraging letter written by the Apostle Peter to Christians scattered across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) who were facing intense hostility, and persecution, and encouraged them to find enduring hope, holiness, and joy through their new identity in Jesus Christ. Our hope is in the everlasting God.  Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Colossians 3:16⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings. This week's Bobservations' Column is written in correlation with Obadiah 1. Obadiah—the shortest book in the Old Testament at just 21 verses—illustrates how God's love for His people and His strict justice against evil operates together.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  This week, we are taking a detour away from the book of Acts and into Obadiah. Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is only 21 verses long. Obadiah is a prophet of God who uses this opportunity to condemn Edom for sins against both God and Israel. The Edomites are descendants of Esau and the Israelites are descendants of his twin brother, Jacob. A quarrel between the brothers has affected their descendants for over 1,000 years. Obadiah’s message is final and it is sure: the kingdom of Edom will be destroyed completely. Edom has been arrogant, gloating over Israel’s misfortunes, and when enemy armies attack Israel and the Israelites ask for help, the Edomites refuse and choose to fight against Israel, not for them. These sins of pride can be overlooked no longer. The book ends with the promise of the fulfillment and deliverance of Zion in the Last Days when the land will be restored to God’s people as He rules over them. Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  This week, Acts 11:19-12:25 covers a pivotal turning point in the New Testament: the rapid expansion of the gospel to the Gentile world, the rise of a major new Christian center in Antioch, a severe wave of political persecution in Jerusalem, and the miraculous deliverance of the Apostle Peter. Persecution, prison, and political opposition cannot stop the Gospel. It thrived in Antioch despite adversity, and it outlasted Herod's wrath. Circumstances cannot thwart God’s ultimate plans for your life or His Kingdom. Remember that! Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  This week, Acts 11:1-18 details a watershed moment in early church history where Peter finds himself defending his ministry to the Gentiles before his accusers, Jewish believers in Jerusalem, who do not yet understand God's greater plan of salvation reaching the Gentile nations. Peter’s vision (chapter 10) and subsequent encounter with Cornelius shattered the Jewish notion of exclusivity. God revealed to Peter that His redemptive plan included Jews and Gentiles (cf. John 10:16). Peter’s declaration that “God is no respecter of persons” affirms that the gospel of Jesus Christ is available to all, irrespective of nationality or social status.Peter is giving a detailed chronology of events.  Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Colossians 3:16⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings. To hear the full message just click on the following link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Book of Acts - playlist by Whitestone Christian Fellowship | Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This week's Bobservations' Column is written in correlation Acts chapter 11:19-30. The church at Antioch of Syria plays a crucial role in the book of Acts. Here believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). With its mixture of Jews and Gentiles, the church at Antioch became fertile ground for the growth and spread of Christianity and a model congregation in the early days of the new Christian church.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Colossians 3:16⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings. To hear the full message just click on the following link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Book of Acts - playlist by Whitestone Christian Fellowship | Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This week's Bobservations' Column is written in correlation Acts chapter 11:1-18 details a watershed moment in early church history where Peter defends his ministry to the Gentiles before the critical Jewish-Christian leadership in Jerusalem. It tells the story of the Apostle Peter defending his decision to preach to, baptize, and share a meal with Cornelius (a Gentile) and his household (chapter 10). Jewish believers in Jerusalem criticized Peter not just for speaking to non-Jews, but for breaking traditional kosher and purity laws by entering a Gentile home and eating with themPeter calmly retold the story of his rooftop vision from Acts 10, where God declared that no person or food is "common or unclean". He explained that while he was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles in the exact same way it did on the Jewish believers at Pentecost.Peter asked a defining rhetorical question: "If God gave them the same gift he gave us..., who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?" The critics stopped objecting, praised God, and recognized a massive paradigm shift: "So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life, through faith in Jesus Christ.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  This week, in Acts 10:34-48, The statement “God is no respecter of persons” means that God does not show favoritism or partiality. In other words, the free offer of the gospel is available to all—Jew and Gentile alike (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:24).In the Old Testament, God established a covenant relationship with Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6). This led many Jews to believe that Gentiles were “unclean” and beyond the reach of God’s saving grace.Peter’s vision and subsequent encounter with Cornelius shattered the Jewish notion of exclusivity. God revealed to Peter that His redemptive plan included Jews and Gentiles (cf. John 10:16). Peter’s declaration that “God is no respecter of persons” affirms that the gospel of Jesus Christ is available to all, irrespective of nationality or social status. This profound truth breaks down national barriers and unites people from diverse backgrounds (see Ephesians 2:11–22). Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Colossians 3:16⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings. To hear the full message just click on the following link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Book of Acts - playlist by Whitestone Christian Fellowship | Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This week's Bobservations' Column is written in correlation Acts chapter 10:34-48. Acts 10:34-48 documents the first formal entry of Gentiles into the Christian Church. It represents a radical theological shift, breaking down the ancient religious barrier between Jews and non-Jews.Peter's preaching shifts from a Jewish audience in Jerusalem to a Gentile household on the coast of Israel, showing that the resurrection message is for everyone.This was a radical turning point in God’s economy of salvation. For almost 2,000 years since Abraham, salvation had been from the Jews (John 4:22) and through the Jews. A Gentile had to become a Jewish proselyte in order to know and worship God in the way that God ordained. God had promised Abraham that through his descendants, all the nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). But up till now, the blessing of salvation was pretty much bottled up with the Jews. But now a radical shift takes place. The door of salvation swings wide open to the Gentiles, and it does not require them first to become Jews. It surprised Peter’s Jewish traveling companions (Acts 10:45), and although Peter had come to understand it intellectually (Acts 10:34), it probably startled him, too.Peter acknowledges the unusual circumstances that led him to Cornelius’s home (Acts 10:28–29). Although it was unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile, God showed Peter that he should not despise or reject anyone (verses 28–29). In response, Cornelius recounts the vision that he received from an angel of the Lord (verse 30–32). He then expresses a desire to hear what Peter had to share with him and his household (verse 33). It is at this point that Peter declares, “I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (verse 34, KJV). The statement “God is no respecter of persons” means that God does not show favoritism or partiality. In other words, the free offer of the gospel is available to all—Jew and Gentile alike (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:24).

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  This week, in Acts 10:1-33, God is preparing Peter's heart to minister to the Gentiles.In considering the story of Cornelius in the Bible, it is important to note that being religious is not enough to save a person. Cornelius was as devout as they come, and he worshiped the one true God. Yet he still needed to hear the gospel and respond to it positively. That’s why God sent Peter, so that Cornelius could hear of the death and resurrection of Christ, which Peter clearly preached (Acts 10:39–40, 43). It was only after Cornelius, and his household received the message about Jesus that they received the Holy Spirit and were born again.Jesus paid the price for all sin, making salvation available to the whole world (1 John 2:2). Jesus Christ is God Himself (John 1:1). Jesus died on the cross as the payment for all our sins, and He rose from death in resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Jesus said He was the Good Shepherd, and He predicted that His flock would be greatly expanded: “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:16).It took a while for the early church to recognize that salvation was available to the Gentiles. The Jewish Christians who fled the persecution in Jerusalem went into the Gentile regions of Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, but they were “spreading the word only among Jews” (Acts 11:19). Peter was hesitant to bring the gospel to a Gentile household, but God made it plain that Cornelius was also one of His elect (Acts 10). Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  This week, in Acts 9:26-43, tells the dramatic story of Saul of Tarsus transforming from a violent enemy of Jesus into a bold follower and preacher of the Christian faith. Saul once the biggest enemy of the church, devoting his life to destroying it, is now a believer. And rather than using all his energy to destroying the church, he's putting all his energy into spreading the Gospel. This was not going to be easy for him. His power, his reputation and respect he resceived from religious leaders ... all gone. His former friends would reject him. Saul is trying his best to fit in with fellow believers, but the church, well, they just didn't trust him. While Saul is under deep suspicion, Barnabus intervenes. He advocates for him before the apostles, testifying to Saul’s authentic vision of Jesus and his subsequent bold preaching in Damascus. Finding out that the religious leaders are now plotting to murder him, the brethren take Saul to Caesarea where he boards a ship back to his hometown of Tarsus. What a turn of events. We’re all going to face moments when we need to believe God knows what He’s doing—even when we don’t. Just like Saul, we have been called out of this world and redirected to greater things. To proclaim the hope of Christ to a world that desperately needs hope. You’ve been chosen to bring peace to a world that doesn’t have peace. You’ve been forgiven so you can offer that forgiveness to others. Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Colossians 3:16⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings. To hear the full message just click on the following link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Book of Acts - playlist by Whitestone Christian Fellowship | Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ This week's Bobservations' Column is written in correlation Acts chapter 10:1-33. It took a while for the early church to recognize that salvation was available to the Gentiles. The Jewish Christians who fled the persecution in Jerusalem went into the Gentile regions of Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, but they were “spreading the word only among Jews” (Acts 11:19). Peter was hesitant to bring the gospel to a Gentile household, but God made it plain that Cornelius was also one of the elect (Acts 10).

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Colossians 3:16⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings. To hear the full message just click on the following link: ⁠⁠⁠The Book of Acts - playlist by Whitestone Christian Fellowship | Spotify⁠⁠⁠ This week's Bobservations' Column is written in correlation Acts chapter 9:26-43. The conversion of Saul—who later became the Apostle Paul—was a dramatic New Testament event on the road to Damascus where a vision of Jesus transformed him from a fierce persecutor of Christians into a leading follower of Jesus. Trouble arises when Saul tries to join in with fellow believers. They know who he is, and what he has don't to Christians. They have doubts about his conversion and fear it is a deception. When there is real change, there is fruit, and everyone at this point is looking to see if Saul's conversion is real.

DRAW ME CLOSE is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz. We pray that the audio bible teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk. It is our desire that you draw ever so close to our Savior, our Redeemer and Lord.  This week, in Acts 9:1-25, tells the dramatic story of Saul of Tarsus transforming from a violent enemy of Jesus into a bold follower and preacher of the Christian faith. We see our first glimpse of Saul in Scripture as he stands and watches the men of Jerusalem hurl huge stones at Stephen that broke his bones, bloodied his body, and eventually took his life. We read in Acts 8:1 that “Saul approved of his execution.” But perhaps that is an understatement. Evidently, it whetted Saul’s appetite for more. We read that “Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). The conversion of Saul—who later became the Apostle Paul—was a dramatic New Testament event on the road to Damascus where a vision of Jesus transformed him from a fierce persecutor of Christians into a leading follower of Jesus. We will see that by the end of the chapter; Saul has gone from hunter to hunted, but that's next week. Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.