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

Secular history describes the events in The Book of Esther during the reign of Ahasuerus. So, we must remember that Ahasuerus is simply a title meaning “King.” History accredits the Biblical history to Xerxes the first, King of Persia, son of Artaxerxes, in timing and in order of occurrence.For those that doubt scripture’s historical truth. . .

This morning we enter into chapter five, the three days of fasting are over. It is the third day, the fast is over, and Queen Esther bravely approaches King Ahasuerus unsummoned to stop Haman's plot.  She is welcomed by the king, finds favor with him and receives his promise to fulfill her request. She hosts two banquets for the King and Haman to delay her reveal. A furious Haman, annoyed by Mordecai, builds 50-cubit gallows to hang him, unaware of his impending downfall.

“Ahasuerus held out his golden sceptre…"  It was the law in ancient Persia, that no one could approach the King without being invited to do so, not even his queen! But Queen Esther dutifully humbled herself, and waited for the King to notice her, and acknowledge her. After all, her husband had unwittingly joined in Haman’s plan to kill all the Jews in His kingdom. . .

This week, in chapter 3, we are introduced to the nasty villain, Haman. Haman was a proud and ambitious man who demanded that everyone bow down to him as a sign of respect. Those refusing, well, we will see just how far this hateful man is willing to go to punish the offender. When Mordecai refuses to bow, citing his identity as a Jew, this triggers Haman's fury, exposing his true nature and his pure hatred of an entire race.

Among the most ancient of lands, the Land of Elam takes us back to the days following the Flood of Noah. Genesis 10 lists the name Elam as a son of Shem, and a grandson of Noah. Elam’s descendants inhabited that land after the flood, beginning about 2,000 BC (Genesis 10: 21,22). That’s 19 generations before even Abraham came from that same bloodline of Shem. . .

Esther Chapter 4 is a sad chapter. We are about to see that the Jewish people, Mordecai, and Esther experience crippling fear. The villain of this story - Haman - has figured out a way to pass a law requiring that the entirety of the Jewish people in all of the 127 provinces of Persia be murdered on a certain day. This caused confusion throughout the city of Susa, which was the capital city at the time of Esther, and most likely the rest of the empire. Meanwhile, we see that key people in the palace are sitting down for a drink - and I think this is the author’s way of saying that the king, Haman, and the rest of those in the royal palace were out of touch with what was going on. They gave little thought to the well-being of their people.

Proverbs 26:27 says, “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” This quote seems like an appropriate passage in the aftermath of the Resurrection story. It applies to Adolph Hitler’s 3rd Reich, as well as today’s look at Haman the Agagite. It applies to what has happened in Gaza, and in Iran currently: in Lebanon in the near future, and anywhere else that holds a cultural hatred towards God’s people. Certain people in Minneapolis, Minnesota may accel for a time, but they too shall be trapped in their own plans. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should parish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Jesus’ death and resurrection is the single most important event in the history of our faith. Without it, we would have no hope. When Jesus rose from the dead, He conquered death forever and completed God’s plan for restoring us to a right relationship with the Father. Praise God! As we look at Christ’s followers, we see two main responses to Christ’s work on the cross and His resurrection: worship and sharing the Good News.

As we begin chapter 2 of Esther, we are introduced to the one whom the book obtains its title from, Esther. She arises from humble surroundings, a young Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, to be the new Queen of Persia after she gains the favor of King Ahasuerus and his eunuchs. Following Mordecai's advice, she conceals her Jewish heritage. Additionally, Mordecai uncovers a plot to assassinate the king, which is recorded in the royal chronicles. . .

On the third day after His death on the cross, some of Jesus’ female followers reached the tomb, only to find it empty. Sadness hit Mary Magdelene in particular, and she asked the Gardener where Jesus’ body had been taken. She had already spoken to two men inside the tomb, and they just said, “He is not here.”

We meet Esther in chapter 2, verse 9 as a maiden. In the Hebrew, the word is “na’ara” which is a young woman of marrying age, but the word is also used to describe a girl from toddler to adolescent age. So as customary in the middle east, her description fits a young girl up to her adolescent years, and who is eligible for marriage. She would be as the Virgin Mary, perhaps 11 or 12 years old.In chapter 2, we read of beautifying ointments and salves to protect her young skin, and her purification. She lived with other young women, preparing for their presentation before the King.At the removal of Vashti as Queen . . .

The Book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish girl who becomes Queen of Persia and risks her life to save her people from a genocide plot. Esther and her cousin Mordecai outwit the villainous Haman, turning his plan to destroy the Jews into his own downfall, establishing the festival of Purim, and highlighting God's providence and sovereignty.In Esther, all of God's unconditional covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 17:1-8) and to David (2 Samuel 7:8-16) were jeopardized. However, God's love for Israel is nowhere more apparent than in this dramatic rescue of His people from pending elimination. "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:4In Chapter 1, the Book of Esther opens by introducing the reader to King Ahasuerus of Persia and his queen, Vashti. Ahasuerus threw a 6-month celebration in Persia to celebrate the greatness of his kingdom. Towards the end of the feast, the king ordered Vashti to present herself before his friends so they could admire her beauty. Vashti refused! Ahasuerus was so angry that he stripped her of her royal title and banished her from his presence forever. This sets up the storyline of the book, and in Esther 2, we’ll see the King searching for a new queen.

Last week’s look at Ancient Eelam was due to current events in Iran, which used to be called Persia. But the Persian Empire didn't begin until around 550 BC. The oldest culture we know of in Iran was the Eelamites. They flourished from around 6000 years ago; as old as the world's oldest known civilizations in nearby Sumer (or Sumeria) in southern Iraq today. The main cities of Eelam were Anshan in the southwest Zagros mountains, and Susa (Shush) on the plain of what was koo-zuh-STAN, Susiana or Ilam. . .

This week we are continuing our 2026 Prophecy Update from Jeremiah 49:34-39 - looking once again at the prophecies concerning Elam, or modern-day Iran. Biblical prophecies concerning Iran (Biblical Persia/Elam) often focus on its role in end-times conflicts, particularly in Ezekiel 38-39 as part of a coalition that seeks to destroy the Jews and Israel. As we look at Jeremiah 49:34-39, Jeremiah prophesies that God pledges to break Elam's bow - her principal military strength and will destroy her leadership. The people will be scattered into all nations, a judgment which can be seen as potentially aligned with current geopolitical events.Unlike other oracle judgments, this passage emphasizes God setting His own throne in Elam, showing total sovereignty. However, it concludes with a promise: "In the latter days I will bring again the captivity of Elam".As these events unfold, we are called to watch and to pray, just as Jesus instructed His followers (Matthew 26:41; Luke 21:36).  Until the trumpet sounds, keep looking up!

This week we are continuing our 2026 Prophecy Update in Genesis 6:5-15 and 7:1-12. "As in the days of Noah" is a biblical phrase from Matthew 24:37-39 and Luke 17:26-27, where Jesus compares the time before his return to the pre-flood era. It describes a society marked by extreme corruption, violence, and utter disregard for God, with people living in normalcy—eating, drinking, and marrying—unaware of impending judgment.Jesus used this comparison to warn that his second coming will be sudden and unexpected, catching a worldly, distracted society off guard. The parallel suggests a future, rapid judgment, similar to the suddenness of the flood, emphasizing the need for spiritual readiness.Noah's Ark is frequently interpreted as a "type" or shadow of the Rapture, symbolizing believers' protection from divine judgment while the world faces destruction. Parallels drawn from Matthew 24 suggest that, like Noah's sudden removal into safety, the Rapture will occur unexpectedly, leaving the wicked behind.

We are people of habits, and we do not like changes, or upheavals in our lives. We like to have “all our ducks up in a rowe” way in advance. We write dates and times on our calendars to minimize surprises, and to not be late for appointments. It puts us on a schedule that simply makes it easier to get through each day, week, and month. We like seeing what is in store for us. . .

Continuing on in our Prophecy Update series, Zechariah 9:8–10:4 prophesies God’s protection of Jerusalem amidst regional judgment, culminating in the arrival of a humble, just Messianic King who brings global peace (9:9, 10). While Zechariah 9:9 belongs to the first coming of Jesus, Zechariah 9:10 is associated with the second coming of Jesus, when He comes in power and glory to reign over this earth for 1,000 years.

In 2 Peter 3:3-4, we read of scoffers that mock the Lord’s promise to come again after His ascension to Heaven. They shall appear in the last days, full of themselves and their wisdom. “Where is the promise of His coming?”The scoffers grew impatient, noting that everything continues as in the days of their forefathers, and as it has been since the days of Creation.Since the Apostles heard of the second coming of Christ, 

This week we are continuing a Prophecy Update as we finish Zechariah chapter 8 and begin chapter 9.  The view that the Jewish people are a curse on the world will be completely changed into being the blessing they were always meant to be.The Lord has given us a sneak preview of things to come.  Our future hope. Israel's salvation. The promises of God will be fulfilled. Instead of mourning there will be celebration.  Israel will be the beacon of truth and righteousness to the nations during the millennial kingdom, and her enemies will be no more. God is not on a couch; he's on a throne. He is not idle; he is active. He is not indifferent; he cares. Where, at times, it may seem like there are no repercussions for sin, today's passage reminds us that God sees all things and will deal justly with sin. . .Credits:Draw Me CloseArtist - Sam LevineComposer/Lyricist - Kelly CarpenterUniversal Music Group - ℗ 2009 Spring Hill Music Group

Jesus said in the New Testament, Mark 2:27 (Exodus 23:12 & Deuteronomy 5:14) that the sabbath was created for man, not man for the sabbath. In Exodus 31:16, God directed the Jews to keep the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. God taught His children through His own example, 6 days to work, then one day of rest, just as He did during the days of creation. . .

This week, we are meeting on Sunday, February 22nd, the birthday of George Washington, called “Father-of-Our-Country.” He was our first President, but he did not bring about our birth alone. It is an honorary title only, because there were many that went before him to begin the fight for freedom. He was not even present in Philadelphia when the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. He was instead leading the Continental Army in New York, as they prepared to do battle with British forces. But on July 9th of that year, he assembled the Army together to read the Declaration of Independence to them, as it had been signed.It is a reminder that . . .

This week we are continuing a Prophecy Update as we take a look at Zechariah chapter 8. The view that the Jewish people are a curse on the world will be completely changed into being the blessing they were always meant to be.

The media has changed since the World Wars of the 20th Century. Once they used to show us films of human atrocities to say, “never again.” The media now shows us what they want us to see, an agenda noting their favorites, and denigrating whom they view as their enemy. They do not want us to see atrocities again. It’s the NEWS that they’d like to see occur, and it is bent around a few wealthy minds that pay them well, and who share the agenda of their own Uber-Wealthy Master(s) that hide in supposed anonymity. . .

Ezekiel 39:14-29 describes the aftermath of a massive, failed invasion of Israel in the "latter days". The passage focuses on the cleansing of the land, the disposal of the invaders' bodies, and the subsequent spiritual restoration of Israel, marking a, defining moment where God manifests His glory and holiness to all nations.

Ezekiel 39’s first half of the chapter left us a with clear understanding of the strong devastation coming as God’s Judgment falls upon the armies of Gog and her allies as they invade the Holy Land. These armies, mentioned in the previous chapter, represent much of the political power in a Christ-rejecting world. The whole world will feel the impact, but geographically, the battle takes place in tiny Israel. . .

At the start of this new year, Pastor Bob is taking us through the scriptures revealing Biblical Prophecy regarding current and future events in the world, and the role of Israel in the last days. This week we are beginning chapter 39 of Ezekiel's prophecy.  Join us as Pastor Bob  breaks down Ezekiel's prophecy regarding the war of Gog and Magog. Ezekiel 39:1-13 is a prophecy of a future, large-scale invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations (led by "Gog" from "Magog," often identified as modern Russia and its allies, including Iran and Turkey), which will be supernaturally defeated by God. This event, distinct from the final battle of Armageddon, serves to bring Israel to a full knowledge of God and demonstrate His sovereignty to all nations.

The 3rd week of our Prophecy Update Series opens with Ezekiel 39. It opens with an almost identical verse as the previous chapter. The only difference is that in Chapter 38, it is Jehovah directing the Son of Man (Christ) what to speak to Gog, and Magog, that nation north of the Caucasus Mountains between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.In Ezekiel 39:1, it is the Son of Man speaking those words, “I am against thee…” just as the Father had said. . .

Join us for this Bible Prophecy Update as we continue in Ezekiel 38.  Pastor Bob  breaks down Ezekiel's prophecy regarding the war of Gog and Magog. Last week we looked at prophetic rebirth of Israel as a nation, Jews coming to faith in Jesus the Messiah, and growing antisemitism around the world, who the players are in the coming invasion of Israel, and the reason for it.    This week we will be looking at God's response. Ezekiel 38:17-23 describes God's dramatic judgment against Gog and his vast invading army, revealing His power to the nations; God calls a sword against Gog, causing his forces to turn on each other, while a massive earthquake shakes the land, affecting sea, air, and earth, and mountains fall as pestilence, blood, hailstones, fire, and brimstone rain down, culminating in the world recognizing Yahweh as the sovereign Lord.

Now that we have undertaken a Prophecy Update Series, things are heating up around the world. Venezuela, Switzerland, and Iran are in the news this week. Scour the news sites to stay abreast of current events, and more so, current events that will impact our faith and understanding of Bible Prophesy. Our faith might be challenged at times. . .

At the start of this new year, Pastor Bob will take us through the scriptures revealing Biblical Prophecy regarding current and future events in the world, and the role of Israel in the last days. Join us for this Bible Prophecy Update and study in Ezekiel 38.  Pastor Bob will break down Ezekiel's prophecy regarding the war of Gog and Magog, the prophetic rebirth of Israel, Jews coming to faith in Jesus the Messiah, and growing antisemitism around the world.How should believers view current world events?  Always, through the lens of Scripture.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Many are wondering what lays ahead for us in the year ahead, and the future, in general. Matthew 24 and Luke 21 speak of the end times and describes the social, political, climatic, and even financial troubles that will plague all the Earth at that time. Matthew also says this: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet” (Matthew chapter 24, verse 6). . .

This morning, we are continuing on in Luke chapter 2, the message of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Luke 2, the primary hearers of God's message are the shepherds, who receive angelic news of Jesus' birth and then share it, causing others (Mary, Joseph, and the general populace) to marvel. . .

Mid-week after Christmas, today’s passage focuses on a few of those that have heard the voice of God, and other “Announcers,” like Gabriel, an Angel whose ear was held by Almighty God. We know about God directing him to Daniel in Babylon. Gabriel carried messages of the highest importance. . .

The most widely shared commemoration across the world, involving more people and more nations than any other holiday celebration is Christmas. It transcends national history, and it goes everywhere where Christianity has ever been. Though it is the most widely celebrated around the world, in many ways it is the least understood. All the holidays and all the celebrations and all the commemorations of people and events across the globe take note of human events, human beings. Christmas commemorates a divine person and a divine event. . .

Like the Prophets of old, God uses individuals for His specific purposes. The Apostle Peter was no different. He was like the unofficial head of the Apostles, probably based on his age. (See John 20: 3, 4, "Another younger Apostle out-ran Peter on Resurrection Sunday, as they ran to the empty tomb.") Both were filled with the Spirit, both wrote short Epistles, but Peter wrote this about Scripture in 2 Peter 1:21: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

As our study in Hebrews concludes in chapter 13:15-25, the author summarizes the Christian life as one of sacrificial praise, continuous obedience and submission to Christ and His leaders, and living with an eternal perspective, always looking toward the "city to come" rather than earthly comforts, concluding with a powerful prayer for God's people to be equipped for His will and a final blessing. Believers offer "sacrifices of praise" (lips confessing God's name) and do good works (like helping the needy) as true worship, while following their spiritual leaders who watch over their souls. The passage emphasizes leaving the "city gate" (symbolizing worldly comfort/Judaism) to follow Christ's reproach and encourages prayer, unity, and joyful perseverance until Christ returns.

The final chapter of the book of Hebrews is a powerful call to live out Christian faith practically focusing on living a life of brotherly love, hospitality, sexual morality, and contentment. It urges believers to remember prisoners, and respect their spiritual leaders. The writer makes a strong point about the constancy of the gospel. Jesus Christ does not change, and neither does the truth. Christians, therefore, ought to be careful not to follow novel, strange, or changing doctrines. . .

Hebrews 12:15-29 is a powerful warning to Christians to persevere in faith and holiness, avoid backsliding into sin, and appreciate the superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old covenant given at Mount Sinai. It contrasts the fearful experience of the Law with the confident access to God offered through Jesus. . .

The final portion of The Epistle to the Hebrews is upon us. And it’s a fitting time of the year, as Christmas is just a week and a half away. “The sacrifice of praise” begins this passage, and we are encouraged to communicate to others the reason for our joy in Christ. That’s evangelization, pointing others to Christ for all the wonderful gifts He has given us. . .

As we open the 13th Chapter of Hebrews, we are closing out this wonderful Epistle. It is filled with good things for us to keep in mind daily. The writer opens up with, “Let brotherly love continue.” That command is the second half of The Great Commandment. That’s not a coincidence. It is one of the hardest things to do, especially given Jesus’ description of brothers, and of neighbors. A neighbor might live next door, or be someone in a store check-out line. And a brother may well be a Christian stranger, or a family member. Nonetheless, let brotherly love continue. . .

The Jews were called a stiff-necked people in several places in the Old Testament. They often acted arrogantly, believing that their logic was like God's. But that's a presumptuous conclusion. To think that we mortals can match God with motives, means, and planning seems outrageous to us these days. And Isaiah 55:7-11 confirms that God thinks so too! His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways. . .

We are beginning chapter 12 this week.  The writer is now transitioning as he begins to conclude with a powerful exhortation for believers to persevere in their faith journey, drawing inspiration from the witnesses of the past, shedding hindrances, running with endurance, and fixing their eyes on Jesus.He further explains that God's discipline is a loving act of a father, not punishment, and warns against falling short of his grace by citing Esau as a negative example, urging believers to live in peace and holiness and to support one another in the community of faith.This passage encapsulates the essence of the Christian life as a race that requires steadfast commitment, discipline, and unwavering trust in God’s providence and promises. Believers equip themselves to navigate the challenges of life with faith and endurance by internalizing these timeless truths, keeping their eyes fixed on the author and perfecter of their faith, Jesus Christ

To the Hebrews that the writer addresses in this Epistle, Chapter 11 serves as a reminder of their history, and to God’s faithfulness to them, through each individual listed in the text. And today in Chapter 12, those Heroes of Faith have become a great cloud of witnesses. Each of the names listed in the last chapter are familiar to every Jew, their stories fill the Old Testament, indeed their stories are the Old Testament: the battles, the successes, the failures, the victories and the defeats. And still, God has exhibited a faithful, gentle leading to the Promised Land that they inhabit today. . .

What is faith? No better answer is given in perhaps all the Bible than in the great eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews. Here a tapestry is unfolded, depicting great examples of faith from the record of Old Testament heroes.In this chapter there are numerous biblical figures who demonstrated great faith. These "heroes" are highlighted for their unwavering faith in God and their obedience, even in the face of immense challenges, suffering, and persecution. The passage uses their stories to encourage readers to also trust God and endure through their own trialsFaith is the key virtue by which God has made His kingdom great. Hebrews 11 is often called the "Hall of Heroes." But the true hero of this chapter is God who gives faith to His own, by which the smallest of men and women have done great things in His strength.

This morning, we will begin our exposition of Hebrews, chapter 11. It is one of those most loved portions of Scripture. It has various names. The most famous of them are, “The Faith Chapter" and “The Hall of Faith.” It is an entire chapter of the Bible devoted to the topic of faith. Faith is mentioned 26 times in chapter 11. It will be the recurring theme in this chapter again and again and again and again.In many ways, Hebrews 11 is a treatise upon faith. But more than merely defining what faith is and talking about the characteristics of faith from an abstract perspective, primarily, this chapter is going to show us what faith looks like. The writer highlights for us the faith of a dozen individuals, whose lives are recorded for us in the Old Testament. He puts them on display and shows how through their faith they received the approval of God.

The writer continues in his journey through the heroes of faith: Moses and Joshua, and then continues but in reverse chronological order. Through faith they subdued kingdoms, endured hardships and persecutions of many kinds: from mockery to death, and received the promises made to their fathers.Their combined experiences show us the way to receiving the same promises of salvation, deliverance, and eternal life.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is casually known as the Faith Chapter of the Bible. Our faith is in God, not man; our faith is in His promises, not mankind’s. It has a scriptural premise, found in Psalm 118: 8 & 9. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” 

Hebrews 9 is deeply connected to Jesus Christ as it emphasizes His role as the High Priest of the New Covenant. Jesus’ sacrifice is presented as superior to the repeated sacrifices of the old covenant. His blood cleanses the conscience and secures eternal redemption, contrasting sharply with the temporary and external cleansing provided by the blood of animals. Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice and His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary underscore His unique and ultimate role in God’s redemptive plan.

Hebrews 7 portrays Jesus as "Our Great High Priest" in the order of Melchizedek, a superior and eternal priest who offers a perfect and once-for-all sacrifice of himself, rather than the Levitical priests under the Law of Moses.

As we finish the rest of Hebrews chapter 10, let's focus our attention upon the perfect, finished, completed, sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Indeed, that's the main point of our text: the single, sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The one offering of Jesus was sufficient. There is no need for any other. Because, we have been sanctified through this offering (verse 10). Because, we have been perfected through this offering (verse 14). Because, we have forgiveness through this offering (verse 18). Through Jesus's blood and his role as our high priest, believers now have direct, confident access to God's presence, something previously restricted to the high priest.This chapter will stir your heart, because they have shown how complete the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is. We don't need to look to anything else! We don't need to do anything more! This is the gospel! It's been done in Jesus. We have been sanctified, perfected, and forgiven in Jesus, once for all!