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

The scribe of Hebrews takes a break in Chapter 8, reiterating and summarizing what the Holy Spirit has told him thus far. Not only do we read a summary, but we also get to see what and why the Lord had planned things out the way He did. This is a keen look at the workings of the mind of God! Following Him is often a challenge to someone not used to His ways. Expect to be surprised . . .

Our study takes us to Hebrews 7 this week and teaches that Jesus, a priest in the order of the mysterious King Melchizedek, has a superior, powerful and perfect eternal priesthood that surpasses the temporary, imperfect Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament. In the Bible, the Melchizedek priesthood is an office that only applied to Christ. Melchizedek is introduced in Genesis 14:18 and is desc...

As the scribe of Hebrews continues, we are reminded that his identity does not have to be assigned to any Epistle. 2 Timothy 3: 16 tells us that  "all scripture is given by inspiration of God."  2 Peter 1: 20 says,  “Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”   The inspired word of God is identified clearly as the source of these verses. We take it somewhat for granted,...

The problem in this chapter is the desire of converted Jews to go back to the  rites  of the Old Testament. They put undue emphasis on type rather than antitype; they wanted to abandon the reality for the type. They needed to differentiate between the substance and the shadow. The readers had to grasp the difference between the temporary economy of Judaism and the permanence of Christianity. The t...

The High Priest Melchizedek is back in the text this week, giving us a fuller view of not only him, but of the reasons why a new High Priest was necessarily needed! It was King David who wrote of a new High Priest coming in the future in Psalm 110. It speaks of harsh judgment to those who do not heed His admonishments and His simplified Commandments and Law of that coming high priest, who we worsh...

Our study is in Hebrews 5 this week.  In this chapter, we learn more about Jesus' divine yet relatable High Priesthood. The chapter is a call to reflection upon Christ's unique role, His sacrifice, and His eternal priesthood.

The writer of Hebrews continues to upbraid the Hebrew believers. But are they not believers? In the last chapter, he scolded them for not being ready to teach others. Instead, they just sat around teachers and soaked up whatever words were spoken. It seemed to him that God’s Word (even in the Old Testament) had not taken root in their souls and hearts. . .

Hebrews 4  is a powerful chapter that delves into the concept of rest and its significance in the life of a believer. It’s a reminder that God has prepared a place of rest for His people, and it’s our responsibility to strive to enter that rest.

Coming into this world was just the first thing Jesus was called to do as the Word became flesh, prophesied of in Isaiah 7:14. Placing Himself below the angels, Jesus had been raised under the authority of His own creation, descendants of Adam and Eve. But all the things He endured pertained to God, and how He was to bless the world with sacrifices and gifts that He might pass down to His creation...

As we continue in our study of the book of Hebrews, today we are in chapter 3.  This chapter is a theologically rich passage that addresses several key themes essential for understanding the message of the Epistle to the Hebrews. The superiority of Christ over Moses, the importance of faithfulness, the peril of unbelief, the promise of God's rest, and the role of Christ as the faithful high pr...

Most everyone that has been a Christian for a while, identifies Hebrews 11 as the chapter on Faith. But that chapter is the culmination of what these previous chapters have been alluding to. In chapter 2, it was mentioned that we should not let the Gift of Faith slip. That gift was received by us, but came from Him! Neglecting it would be a crime. Denying it would be a rejection of our Benefactor...

This week's teaching from Hebrews chapter 2 emphasizes the need to pay careful attention to the teachings of Jesus to avoid drifting away from faith, highlighting the severe consequences of neglecting the great salvation He brought. It contrasts the Old Testament law, communicated by angels, with the superior message of Jesus, the Son of God. The chapter explains that Jesus became human, suffe...

The scribe to the Hebrews addresses his fellow Jews as he opens this third chapter, and to us who have been adopted into their inheritance: “…Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle, and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” These words reinforce the idea that in heaven there is neither Jew, nor Gentile, bond nor free in His Kingdom, for we are all one in Chr...

Hebrews 1  is an awe-inspiring reminder of the supremacy of Jesus Christ as God's Son. It underscores the uncontestable superiority of Jesus, not just over earthly creations, but celestial beings like angels as well. The chapter prompts us to reflect on the grandeur of Jesus' role, His divine nature, and His eternal rule. We are reminded to trust His authority, as He is the ultimate revela...

From Hebrews chapter 2, today's title, "How Shall We Escape?" is an odd question, until we read the rest of what is being asked. The entire question is this:  "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great (a) salvation?"  It's rhetorical, because the answer is obvious. The angels were aware of it, though it did not apply to them. The Prophets spoke of it. Jesus taught ab...

We are in Galatians chapter 6 and finishing up this wonderful book. The focus of the chapter is on practical Christian living. Paul encourages believers to bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. We are called to support and uplift our brothers and sisters in their times of need, showing compassion and mercy just as Christ has shown us. As we do good to all people, especially...

Sixty-six Books; Forty different scribes; one Author: this is what our Bible is, a collection of Books attributed to different writers, but authored by a single entity. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that " all scripture is given by the inspiration of God"  to these 40 writers. Literally, it is God-breathed unto them. . .

Since Satan's fall (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 2:11-18), Satan is actively battling with the angelic host, and with believers (Daniel 10:12-13; 1 Peter 5:8).  Believers must be Aware and Alert to all of his schemes, giving him no opportunity to weaken our faith and testimony to the world (Ephesians 4:27).  We are to resist him (James 4:7). The future battle finds Michael and the angels waging war wi...

Paul reaches the climax of this epistle, stating what can properly be called the theme of his letter:  "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."  He follows with dire warnings about the consequences of seeking to be circumcised and justified by the Law. He then reminds them that the hope of righteousness...

Today we will be finishing up the rest of chapter 14, verses 7-20 in the book of Revelation. John’s attention now points to three angels who deliver urgent messages from the Lord.  The three angels deliver messages of warning and prophecy, predicting God's impending judgment on sin and evil. There is a specific warning to those who take the mark of the beast described in chapter 13. They are n...

Word tenses and definitions in the Bible are interesting to study, even as languages “evolve” in the process of time. The meanings become apparent even from passages written long ago. In spite of language differences, faithful translators have brought us God’s Word in its most accurate form, without taking us to the original tongues. Today’s title given to this message points to this despite langu...

As we finish up  Galatians 4  this week, Paul continues to emphasize that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not adherence to the law. Because of the false teaching the Galatians had been listening to, they had begun to see Paul and the gospel he preached as untrustworthy. Paul exposes the motive of false teachers, and that is that they only want to glorify themselves. As exasperated as Paul...

In the last several years, we have watched the movement to defund the Police. Bail reform laws have followed. Our inner Cities are now the strongholds of violence and death, and those that oppress others who simply want to live in peace. The Apostle Paul has been teaching the churches about a balance between . .

In Galatians 4, Paul begins by highlighting the transition from slavery to sonship that comes through faith in Christ. He reminds the Galatians that they are no longer slaves but heirs of God's promises. This shift in identity is crucial for believers to grasp, as it shapes how they live out their faith. By emphasizing their new status as sons and daughters of God, Paul encourages them to embr...

The traditional understanding of the location of Mt. Sinai has for the most part been one of several locations on the Sinai Peninsula. None of them are positively identified as Mount Sinai by evidence. Archaeologists have searched and searched without finding evidence of the location until they dug into God’s Word and found what we will read today. . .