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.