Whitestone Christian Fellowship

06/19/2026

Good afternoon, everyone.

I hope you were spared the damage caused by yesterday's winds! There were downed trees, smashed houses, closed highways, power outages . . . a mess. We can be thankful for God's hand of protection on all of us!

Last Sunday we began a "NEW" study in the Book of Acts. This is going to be a great study, so please consider joining us on Sunday mornings for our 10 am service. If you live far away, or abroad, we record and upload our weekly audio messages and make them available on our website.

Both Pastor Bob's weekly Bobservations' Column, and our Sunday morning bible study, along with a variety of other resources can be accessed by clicking on the link below.

Now, if you have been sitting at home, ignoring the fellowship of the saints, let me take this moment to encourage you to get out of your comfort zone, and become an active member of the body of Christ where shared faith and spiritual growth will support you in your walk of faith. Church fellowship protects you from isolation, provides structural accountability and allows each of us to utilize our unique skills and gifts as we serve one another in the church, in outreach ministries, and volunteer efforts. None of us are called to be a spectator in God's kingdom, but an active participant. He has a purpose and a plan for each of us.

Sunday Morning Message:
Luke 24:49-53 & Acts 1:1-15 - "Theophilus"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

We are beginning a new bible study in the book of Acts. The Book of Acts (or The Acts of the Apostles) is the fifth book of the New Testament and serves as the bridge between the Gospels and the letters of the apostles. It recounts the founding of the Christian Church, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

While traditionally titled the "Acts of the Apostles," the narrative is actually about the ongoing work of Jesus through the Holy Spirit and his followers. The book shows how ordinary believers, empowered by the Spirit, took their message to the world.

Bobservations' Column Titled - "Theophilus" Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz Luke has given us background for why and to whom he is writing,...

06/12/2026

Good afternoon!

Last Sunday, we concluded our study in the book of Esther. We hope that you enjoyed it and were blessed by the teaching, but also, we pray that the Holy Spirit illuminated the Word of God to you. Esther was not only an exciting story, but is a masterclass of divine providence, and extraordinary faith.

This coming Sunday we begin our new study from the Book of Acts. We pray that you will join us, at 10:00 AM Sunday mornings for worship, fellowship and the teaching of God's Word.

Sunday Morning Message:
Esther 9:20 - 10:3 - "Epilogue to Esther"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In history, there are moments when the divine seems absent, yet His presence is profoundly felt. The book of Esther in the Old Testament stands as a testament to this truth – a narrative where God's name is never mentioned, yet His sovereignty shines through every twist and turn. . .

Bobservations' Column Titled - "Epilogue to Esther" Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz The events in the Book of Esther cover about twelve yea...

06/06/2026

Good afternoon!

After some technical difficulties, we are back up and running.

Please consider joining us Sunday at 10 A.M. as we conclude our study in the book of Esther.

Where are we? Esther 8 concluded with the official reversal of Haman’s decree. Since Persian laws could not be revoked, King Xerxes authorized Esther and Mordecai to issue a new decree. This granted the Jewish people the right to assemble, defend their lives, and destroy any adversaries. The chapter ends with Mordecai promoted to high royal authority and the Jewish communities celebrating with great joy and feasting.

Last 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.

This message along with our weekly Bobservations Column are available on our website. To access, please click on the link below.

Sunday Morning Message:
Esther 9:1-19 - "The Foiled Edict"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Talk about Biblical Irony. The Bible is replete with ironies. Just as we saw earlier where Haman was hung on the very gallows that he had constructed for Mordecai, today's study in chapter 9 of the book of Esther is another irony, in that the enemies of the Jews who sought the Jews annihilation were themselves set up to be annihilated. . .

Bobservations' Column Titled - "The Foiled Edict" Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz Adar 13, the Jewish date stands out among the Jews yet tod...

05/30/2026

Good afternoon!

Please join us as we continue our study in the book of Esther. Each week the Bobservations' Column along with Sunday's Message are recorded and uploaded to our website for our online listening audience. To access please click on the link below:

In our previous study, Esther chapter 7 saw the events drawing to a dramatic conclusion. The unmasking of Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people and the ultimate reversal of his wicked intentions is finally revealed to the king. Cornered by Queen Esther's plea and the king's subsequent fury, Haman is executed on the very 75-foot gallows he had built for Mordecai, delivering immediate poetic justice.

In this week's study, Esther 8 details the dramatic reversal of fortunes for the Jewish people. After Haman’s ex*****on, King Xerxes grants Haman's estate to Queen Esther, who appoints Mordecai to manage it. Because Persian law forbids revoking royal decrees, Esther and Mordecai issue a new edict allowing the Jews to arm and defend themselves.

Sunday Morning Message:
Esther 8:1-17 - "In the King's Name"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Any time we read a story, we are often able to see the trajectory of where the story is heading before arriving at any final resolution.

We still do not have final resolution at the conclusion of Esther 8. Because even though Haman is dead, there is still an edict in play that would allow for the extermination of the Jews, and something must be done to counteract it. And it is here that we have the real culmination of the reversal of events in Esther’s story. . .

Bobservations' Column Titled - "In the King's Name" Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz Haman was hanged because of his plot to destroy God’s pe...

05/23/2026

another recipe...

05/21/2026

Good afternoon!!

Join us as we continue our study in the book of Esther. The weekly Bobservations' Column along with the audio messages are all available on our website. To access just click on the link below.

Esther’s story is much like the story of Joseph in Genesis 41. Both stories involve foreign monarchs who control the destiny of the Jews. Both accounts show the heroism of Israelite individuals who provide the means for the salvation of their people and nation. The hand of God is evident, in that what appears to be a bad situation is indeed very much under the control of the Almighty God, who ultimately has the good of the people at heart. At the center of this story is the ongoing division between the Jews and the Amalekites, which was recorded to have begun in the Book of Exodus. Haman’s goal is the final effort recorded in the Old Testament period of the complete eradication of the Jews. His plans eventually end up with his own demise, and the elevation of his enemy Mordecai to his own position, as well as the salvation of the Jews.

Sunday Morning Message:
Esther 7:1-10 - "Haman's Fall"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

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).

Bobservations' Column Titled - "Haman's Fall" Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz Today, we shall read of Haman’s demise. Descended from Agag, Ki...

05/15/2026

Good afternoon, saints!

If you haven't been following along in this study from the book of Esther, you still can. All of the teachings are uploaded and available to you on our website, along with the weekly Bobservations' Column. They are free to you, to help you understand the Word of God, and to nurture and help you grow in your knowledge of Jesus.

The audio messages are also available on Apple, Spotify, Anchor, iHeart, Amazon, Castbox, Mixcloud & Pocketcasts. We pray that the teachings will bless and encourage you in your Christian walk.

We saw in the last study that everything is reaching an exciting climax and before the day is out, someone will be a goner. Haman hates Mordecai and wants him swinging on the gallows he has just had constructed for that purpose. So, he plans to get up early in the morning and go to the king to suggest that very idea. What happens next?

Sunday Morning Message:
Esther 6:1-14 - "Esther, The Queen Mother"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Sleepless nights... we all hate them. Chapter Six begins with a pivotal turning point, where the king, unable to sleep, consumed with Esther's petition. It is the only thing in the narrative that is recorded which could bring him to this state. It shows that he really is concerned about what she desires to reveal. The fact that she was willing to risk her life in coming to him unannounced demonstrated that it was a matter of the highest urgency and importance. It is this which caused his sleep to fly away. There are nights when we can’t sleep, and then there are nights when sleep flies away from us. The mind races, and the thoughts which consume the minutes away then lead to hours of turning. The chances of the mind slowing down are zero, and so there is nothing to do but either have the mind race while lying there, or find something to do to whittle away the remaining hour. . .

Bobservations' Column Titled - "Esther, The Queen Mother" Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz Secular history describes the events in The Book...

05/08/2026

Good afternoon!

We pray you will join us as we continue our study in the book of Esther. The Book of Esther is a captivating, dramatic, and pivotal story of courage, Providence, and ironic reversals set within the Persian Empire. It highlights a courageous Jewish orphan who becomes queen and risks everything to save her people, showcasing themes of faith and duty.

Let us remember that the story of Esther, though being dramatic, ironic, hidden with secrets, and delightful in its climax, is only a picture and part of what God is doing for the world in Christ Jesus. He is the center and focal point of all that we must focus on, or the story has no true final purpose and meaning. And the same is true with our lives. We need Christ. We all need Christ. In the end, it is all about Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sunday Morning Message
Esther 5:1-14 - "The Golden Sceptre"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In chapter four we learned of the reaction of Mordecai and the Jews upon hearing the new edict issued from the king for the annihilation of the all the Jews in the Media-Persian empire. Mordecai instructed Esther to go before the king and plead for her people. Since she had not been summoned by the king, going into his presence unannounced was taking her life in her own hands. If he held out his scepter to her, she would live and have her audience with the king, but if he did not hold out his scepter, she would be executed.

Bobservations' Column Titled - "The Golden Sceptre" Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz “Ahasuerus held out his golden sceptre…" It was the law...

05/02/2026

Good afternoon, Saints.

Join us as we continue our study in the book of Esther. The story of Esther is an account of faith, selfless courage and of good triumphing over evil, but above all it is a demonstration of God’s guiding hand of providence. It tells of Esther’s brave action that prevented the murder of all the Jews in the huge Persian Empire. This deliverance of the Jews is the basis for the feast of Purim, which Jews celebrate every year to this day.

The following is last Sunday's message. To read the weekly Bobservations' Column, or listen to the message, just click on the link below.

Sunday Morning Message:
Esther 3:1-15 - "The Agagite's Plot"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In the last study we were introduced to a rather lovely character by the name of Esther. Under the direction of her guardian, Mordecai, she arose from obscurity to become queen in the Medo-Persian Empire. God's providence. After a yearlong preparation period Esther was chosen by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) to become his queen, and a great feast was proclaimed throughout the empire. Esther was happy, the king was happy and everything was going swimmingly.

Throughout this whole book we shall see that King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) makes very poor decisions. Choosing Haman, the Agagite, to be the highest in command in the king's court, is a glaring example of this.

Attention: The order of Esther Chapter's 3 and 4 have been mistakenly reversed. Posted below is Chapter 3, as Chapter 4 was taught last Su...