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 3:16⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 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 | Spotify⁠This week's Bobservations' Column is written in correlation to Acts chapt 8. There are many elements of God’s providence and intervention in the story of the Ethiopian eunuch. The account reveals the importance of these three things: the Word of God, the Holy Spirit’s leading, and a human evangelist. In order for a person to accept the truth, he must first hear the truth preached (Romans 10:14). It is God’s desire that the truth be preached everywhere (Acts 1:8). The Spirit of the Lord had been preparing the eunuch’s heart to receive the gospel. As the eunuch read Isaiah, he began to ask questions, and at just the right moment the Lord brought Philip across his path. The field was “ripe for harvest” (John 4:35), and Philip was God’s laborer in the field. This was no coincidence. It was God’s plan from the very beginning, and Philip was obedient to that plan.

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. Last week we learned how Stephen was tragically killed for his faith in Jesus Christ; his life was cut short and his promising ministry abruptly ended. Not only that, but his death triggered a massive persecution against the whole church.Our study is in Acts 8:1-24. Stephen’s death actually ended up triggering much more than just a wider spread persecution. It ended up triggering the church’s first great missionary outreach. Up until now, the church was growing, but it had been centered in Jerusalem. Jesus had told His disciples to, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." And again, in Acts 1:8, Jesus had said, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jerusalem was just the starting point, and now we are seeing His disciples being faithful to take the gospel further.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. In today's study, Acts 7:42-60, we find Stephen, concluding his defense before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high council). What began as a historical recital of Israel’s history turns into a sharp indictment of the council's ongoing rebellion against God. His speech incites a violent reaction, resulting in Stephen becoming the first Christian martyr.Luke notes that the witnesses who began stoning Stephen laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul (7:58). He adds that “Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death” (8:1). As a result, that very day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem.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 3:16⁠⁠⁠⁠The 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 | SpotifyThis week, the early Church faces a pivotal turning point where intense persecution triggers the geographical expansion of the Gospel. Following the martyrdom of Stephen, a great persecution scatters believers from Jerusalem throughout Judea and Samaria. What began as a tragedy becomes the catalyst for fulfilling Jesus’s command in Acts 1:8 to take the Gospel "to the ends of the earth."

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. In today's study, Acts 7:23-42, Stephen recounts the history of Moses and the Israelites in his speech to the Sanhedrin, highlighting how the nation repeatedly rejected God’s chosen deliverers and turned to idolatry, ultimately culminating in their rejection of Jesus.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 3:16⁠⁠⁠The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings.This week, Stephen concludes his defense before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high council). Steven enters into a dialog with at least one of the Priests (verse 44). The influence of the Sadducees upon the Jews becomes clear. . .

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. In today's study, Acts 7:1–22, Luke records Stephen’s long defense before the Jewish Sanhedrin. Stephen’s sermon points us to the sovereign, abundant grace of God toward rebellious sinners, but also to the danger of hardening our hearts against God’s grace.Stephen’s message focuses on three issues: (1) the patriarchal period (7:2-16); (2) Moses and the law (7:17-43); and, (3) the tabernacle and temple (7:44-50). The conclusion (7:51-53) is a scathing denunciation of the Sanhedrin, who were following in the rebellious pattern of their forefathers.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 3:16⁠⁠The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings.This week, Stephen’s soliloquy before the Priests and the Temple Council continues as he reminds them of their own Jewish history. They have idealized Moses and the Law, respecting Moses-the-Law-Giver perhaps as much as they respected Jehovah God! They saw the Jewish suffering through their own human eyes, not understanding what the Prophets have said. 

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. In this week's study, Acts chapter 6 illustrates the continuation of Jesus’ ministry through His followers, particularly in how they address the church's needs, face opposition, and stand firm in their faith. Stephen’s ministry, mirroring that of Jesus, includes performing wonders and miracles, facing false accusations, and demonstrating a calm and divine presence amidst persecution.Acts chapter 6 is historically and theologically significant because it establishes structural church leadership and marks the transition from local ministry to global persecution. The chapter details how the early church navigated cultural conflict by delegating authority, leading directly to the rise of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.Acts 6:5 introduces a faithful man of God named Stephen: “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.”

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 3:16⁠The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings.This week, Stephen is being interrogated by the High Priest in today’s passage. The High Priest doubts what Stephen had said. Chapter 7 opens with the Priest’s words, “Are these things so?” It is somewhat typical. Often a high authority speaks an order, but does not want to know how his underlings will accomplish that order. Not wanting to know the details give the authority plausible deniability, to the distasteful details of how his order was carried out. . .

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. In today's study, Acts 5:18-42, Peter and the disciples were arrested for presenting the message of the risen Christ and brought before the religious rulers in Jerusalem. Rather than allowing themselves to be shaped by the mood of the mob, the disciples declared their intention to continue preaching Christ. When the disciples chose to obey God rather than the godless religious leaders, they raised a standard of conviction that rose above the opinions of the rulers of this world. The trials we face may test our commitment. But we will find opportunities to exalt the King if we trust Him for the strength to go beyond the words of the crowd-pleasers and do right as He defines it in His Word.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 3:16The Bobservations' Column is written each week by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, and correlates to our weekly Sunday Morning teachings.Gamaliel’s words in Acts Chapter 5, had a real impact upon the prevailing members of the Sanhedrin. As part of that group, Gamaliel, being a Pharisee, provided an alternative point of view, and a warning. But even with the warning, the Sadducees did not like the idea of control slipping away from them. They ordered that the Apostles be beaten. . .

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. In today's study, Acts 5:1–18 details the severe judgment of Ananias and Sapphira for hypocrisy. This chapter highlights the importance of sincerity, obedience, and truthfulness and reverence in the life of believers. It reminds believers that God sees the heart, honors faithfulness, and continues to work powerfully through His people.Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.

Long ago, I heard an analogy of God’s role in our lives. Coming from a career in the Fire Service, it became immediately clear. I was told to consider a Fireman’s Parade on the 4th of July. (I had participated in dozens!) People line the parade route...

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. In today's study, Peter and John are arrested after healing a lame man and preaching Jesus' resurrection in the temple.Brought before the Sanhedrin, Peter boldly declared salvation is exclusively in Jesus. Unable to deny the miracle, the council threatened the apostles and commanded them to stop preaching. The apostles refused, choosing rather to obey God, than man.Special thanks to Emmanuel Garilus for permission to use his instrumental track, the beautiful rendition of Draw Me Nearer.

In Acts 2:44 and 4:32, we read that the members of the Church had adopted a communal style of living, allowing anyone to use anything owned by anyone. Personal possessions were a thing of the past, and all things were held in common, for the good of the Church.Today we see one of the pitfalls . . .

The Book of Acts establishes the "true church" as a living, Spirit-empowered community rather than an institution. Acts 2:42-47 outlines four core essentials: apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These pillars foster rapid growth, radical generosity, and an active, outward-facing witness.Devotion to the Apostles' Teaching - The early church was steadfast in learning. Because there was no New Testament canon at the time, they devoted themselves to the teachings and doctrines delivered by Jesus' apostles. This means true believers prioritize the faithful exposition of Scripture and guard the truth of the Gospel.Deep Koinonia (Fellowship) - In the Book of Acts, fellowship went far beyond just socializing; it meant active participation in a common life and mission. The believers were unified, and they practiced radical generosity by sharing resources and selling possessions to ensure no one in the community was in need.The Breaking of Bread - This practice included gathering together, and both sharing communal meals ("glad and sincere hearts") and observing the Lord's Supper to remember Christ's sacrifice. It signifies unity, hospitality, and a continual focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus.Devotion to Prayer - Prayer permeates the entire Book of Acts. The church was born during a prayer meeting at Pentecost, and they continually sought God for boldness, direction, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the face of persecution.

Last week we read of the healing of a man born lame. That teaching led us to the questioners of that miracle, and Peter’s second sermon to the people who were still there from Pentecost. Peter reproved the Sadducees for their unbelief, in spite of all that the Prophets had spoken. . .

Acts 2:22-41 captures Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost. In the beginning of the chapter, he refutes claims that the disciples are drunk by explaining they are experiencing the prophecy of Joel. He is calling for complete attention so that the reason for quoting Joel can be properly explained. He testifies about Jesus’ life, crucifixion, and resurrection, to show proof and to demonstrate God's validation of Jesus as Messiah the Messiah.Peter continues to confront the "men of Israel" and his indictment against them regarding the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus. All are guilty. However, there was an eternal purpose of God that set the boundaries for what would occur because God had ordained it to be so.Backing up his claims with the Old Testament, Peter quotes King David (from Psalm 16) to argue that God would not let His "Holy One see decay". Peter clarifies that David died and was buried, so the prophecy must point to the resurrection of the Christ. He concludes that God has made Jesus both "Lord and Messiah".Cut to the heart by Peter's words, the listeners ask how they should respond. Peter instructs them to repent of their sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, promising they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The passage concludes by noting that about 3,000 people accepted his message and were baptized that very day.

At the end of the last week’s teaching, we read in Acts 2:41, that 3,000 individuals were added to this fledgling First Christian Church of Jerusalem. This week we witness what can only be described as a foundation for a Christian cliché. We have all heard it at some point: “Walking into a Church, does not make you a Christian.”Just as the Holy Spirit manifested Himself . . .

Forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus left His disciples with a mission and a promise. For ten more days after Jesus ascended to heaven, the believers prayed together and prepared. Then came the Jewish feast day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is poured out as promised and Scripture tells us that they (believers) were all filled with the Holy Spirit. With the sound of a rushing mighty wind, and with tongues of fire appearing above their heads, those filled with the Holy Spirit begin to speak in other tongues (1-4). Devout Jews visiting from other countries are attracted and amazed as they hear wonderful works of God proclaimed in their own languages (5-13).Peter realizes that the promise of Acts 1:8 is being fulfilled. Standing with the rest of the apostles, Peter seizes the opportunity to begin fulfilling his mission. He explains that what has happened is a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (JAlloel 2:28-32), who foretold that God would pour out His Spirit in the last days (14-21).All Rights Reserved by Whitestone Christian Fellowship.Attribution: Special thanks to Emmanuel Garius and his superior instrumental recording of Draw Me Nearer. Music used by permission by the artist and publisher.

Peter’s initial words in today’s passage, “Ye men of Israel…” seem to indicate that he is addressing the Leaders of the Jews which took part in the plot to get Jesus out of the way, regardless of where they had come. Leaders from all of Jewry would have made sure they arrived early to Passover at Jerusalem . . .

Last Sunday, we began our new study in the Book of Acts. To re-cap, in Acts 1:1-15, Luke chronicles Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples, His bodily ascension into heaven, and the followers' return to Jerusalem. Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit and outlines their mission to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, before returning to an upper room to pray. We finished up chapter 1, beginning at verse 15. Here we see Peter addressing the betrayal of Jesus. He stands before the gathered community, believers, numbering about 120 people—and brings up the fate of Judas Iscariot. He explains that Judas's betrayal and subsequent death were the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.Peter notes that a replacement must be chosen to complete the original group of the twelve apostles. The candidate must have been a constant companion of the group from the time of John’s baptism through the day of Jesus’ ascension. The assembly puts forward two men who fit the description: Joseph (called Barsabbas, also known as Justus) and Matthias.Rather than voting, the disciples pray to God, acknowledging His knowledge of all human hearts, and ask Him to reveal which of the two men He has chosen. They then cast lots, and the lot falls to Matthias, who is officially added to the eleven apostles.

As we read the first several verses, we should be amazed at the numbers of people, and the diverse nations that are represented by those present at this first Pentecost after the Resurrection of Jesus. The Apostles had yet to go out on a single evangelistic journey, yet so many were here. . .

Having met Theoplilus twice now (in Luke 1 and Acts 1), Luke continues the storyline of the work of Jesus Christ, now continued by His Apostles, after His Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.It is Peter who stands up before the disciples to remind them of the fulfilled prophecy . . .

Today's study in Acts 1:1-15, covers the final instructions of the resurrected Jesus, His ascension into heaven, and the early church's preparations in Jerusalem. It transitions from Jesus's earthly ministry to the global mission of His followers, who gather in prayer and replace Judas Iscariot as they wait for the Holy Spirit. 

Luke has given us back ground for why and to whom he is writing, not only in his Gospel account, but again in the Book of Acts of the Apostles. He writes his Gospel as a letter to his friend named Theophilus. In the Greek, the name means “lover of God.” The introduction to Theophilus in Luke’s Gospel is noteworthy: “Most excellent Theophilus,” (Luke 1:3) It tells us that Theophilus is a man of high ranking of some kind. . .

Our last study together unfolded the mighty victory that came to the king of Persia when Mordecai, now installed as Prime Minister of the kingdom, accomplished the deliverance of the Jews and thus saved the kingdom from destruction. But the last section of the book serves a very important purpose. It is designed to teach us the need to remember, to be thankful and to celebrate the God who saves!

The events in the Book of Esther cover about twelve years of the history of Persia. Esther’s husband King Xerxes was the son of Darius the Great, ruler of Babylon. Xerxes reign over Persia was only about 20 years, October 486 – August 465 BC, according to . . .

In this week's study, Esther 9 details the vindication and triumph of the Jewish people. On the 13th of Adar, the Jews successfully defended themselves across the empire, killing 75,000 of their enemies (but taking no plunder). In the capital of Susa, they eliminated 500 attackers, including Haman’s ten sons, who were later hung. At Esther’s request, the Jews in Susa were granted an additional day of fighting, resulting in 300 more deaths. The chapter concludes by instituting Purim, an annual two-day festival of feasting, gladness, and gift-giving, established by Mordecai to commemorate their deliverance from destruction.

Esther 8 is a pivotal chapter of divine reversal, where the king promotes Mordecai, replaces Haman's genocidal decree with a new law empowering the Jews to defend themselves, and brings widespread celebration, honor, and light to God's people.

Adar 13, the Jewish date stands out among the Jews yet today as the day appointed by Haman’s edict in Persia, that every Jew in the Persian Empire was to be attacked and killed: men, women, and children. From a modern viewpoint, this is a racial cleansing, the genocide of a whole race of people, about 500 years before Christ. The edict was . . .

Haman was hanged because of his plot to destroy God’s people in the 127 Provinces of the Persian Empire. After the Babylonian Captivity, the Jews knew that there was nothing left of their homeland, Jerusalem, nor the Temple there, for the Babylonians had destroyed them, and taken the Jews into captivity. Seventy years later . .

At the second banquet of Esther, the queen finally makes her request to the king – to save herself and her people from death. She also reveals Haman as the enemy and Haman is hanged on the gallows that he had made for Mordecai.The tension has been building over the last few chapters. When Esther first appears before the king unbidden, he asks her what she desires and promises to grant her request, even up to half of his kingdom (5:3). He says the same thing at her first banquet (5:6). Now, at the second banquet, he asks for her request for the third time (7:2) and Esther finally complies. Having hidden her identity as a Jew, in obedience to Mordecai’s instruction (2:10), Esther now reveals both her own identity and that of her adversary: “A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!” (7:6).

Today, we shall read of Haman’s demise. Descended from Agag, King of the Amalekites, we also learn more about the hatred harbored against the Jews by the race of Amalekites. We first read of Amalek in Genesis 36:16. He is a grandson of Esau, in the bloodline of Isaac. This was that Esau of twins Jacob and Esau, of which Jacob “stole” the blessing of the first-born from his brother Esau. You will remember that Esau came back empty from hunting, and “sold” his birthright to Jacob for a bowel of “pottage,” essentially, bean soup!Haman’s Agagite heritage takes us back to . . .

In a book full of reversals, chapter 6 is the pivotal point at which the fortunes of the Jews (in the person of Mordecai) take a sudden turn for the better, while the enemy of the Jews (in the person of Haman) begin to fall. The end of the previous chapter sees Haman in a cheerful mood, seemingly honored by the king and queen, and building a set of gallows to hang Mordecai. By the end of this chapter, Haman is humiliated and escorted away to Esther’s second banquet, a dead man walking.

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!