Best Draw Me Close WhitestoneCF Podcasts (2025)

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Bobservations' Column - "A Great Cloud" 3:08

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6d ago3:08

3:08

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, thei…

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Hebrews 11:27-40 - "Heroes of Faith" 50:26

7d ago50:26

50:26

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 thei…

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Hebrews 11:1-25 - "The Substance of Our Hope" 50:15

9d ago50:15

50:15

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 recurrin…

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Bobservations Column: "Heroes of Faith" 3:13

14d ago3:13

3:13

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 receivi…

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Bobservations Column: "The Substance of Hope" 3:18

20d ago3:18

3:18

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.”…

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Hebrews 9:15-28 (Part 2) - "A Better Sacrifice" 47:44

21d ago47:44

47:44

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 bloo…

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Hebrews 7:13-28 (Part 2) - "Faithful High Priest" 46:50

21d ago46:50

46:50

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.

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Hebrews 10:18-39 (Part 2) - "Cut Off No More" 49:10

21d ago49:10

49:10

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 th…

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Hebrews 10:1-20 - "By One Offering" 39:35

21d ago39:35

39:35

The Levitical system was not designed by God to remove or forgive sins. It was preparatory for the coming of the Messiah. It was meant to show us our sinfulness, and that to be right with God, faith was necessary and a substitute sacrifice was the required payment for our sin. Jesus came as that substitute and performed the final sacrifice, the one…

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Bobservations Column: "Cut Off No More" 3:21

27d ago3:21

3:21

In Hebrews 10: 20, Jesus entered into the veil of the Holiest by a new and living way! He became the living veil across the Holy of Holies. In the Old Testament, the veil blocked the way for all but the High Priests, and at the Crucifixion, it was torn specifically from top to bottom. (Not bottom to top, but from the top to the bottom (See Matthew …

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Bobservations Column - "By One Offering" 3:05

1M ago3:05

3:05

In Hebrews 10, it is clearly affirmed that animal sacrifices were insufficient for clearing our guilt for sin. In the early verses of Genesis 3, the first couple was lured into sinning against God, first Eve, and then Adam. At verse 21, an animal sacrifice was made, and God made them coats of skins to cover their nakedness. They had been other-orie…

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Hebrews 9:1-15 - "No More Shadows" 46:55

1M ago46:55

46:55

Hebrews 9:1-15 contrasts the limitations of the earthly Tabernacle and the old covenant with the superior work of Christ. It describes the Old Covenant's regulations as an imperfect system with animal sacrifices that could not perfect the worshippers' consciences. In contrast, Christ, as the high priest of the new covenant, entered a greater, heave…

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Bobservations' Column - "A Better Sacrifice" 2:55

1M ago2:55

2:55

As God made man in His own image, Satan’s plan is to make man as rebellious against God as he himself was, and is to this day. Satan’s first victims were Adam and his wife Eve. Judgment befell them and they were cast out of God’s beautiful garden. Genesis 5:1-5 follows with an explanation of how sin was passed down to Adam’s third son, Seth. And as…

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Hebrews 8:1-13 - "A Better Covenant" 56:30

1M ago56:30

56:30

Hebrews 8 transitions from Christ's superior priesthood (Chapter 7) to His superior ministry within a superior covenant. It functions as the central hinge of the book's argument, establishing the theological basis for why the New Covenant in Christ's blood renders the Old Covenant system obsolete. The author uses a lengthy quote from Jeremiah 31 as…

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Bobservations' Column - "No More Shadows" 3:01

2M ago3:01

3:01

Picking up at the last verse of 8, “…the old is ready to vanish away,” chapter 9 begins with a reality check. It is a most remarkable verse, and the Holy Spirit is directing His remarks to the Jews, specifically those who had become believers, but also to every Jew who reads this Epistle. It is a reminder of what still lingers today . . .…

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Bobservations Column: "A Better Covenant" 2:52

2M ago2:52

2:52

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…

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Hebrews 7:1-13 - "High Priest Forever" 40:53

2M ago40:53

40:53

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. Melc…

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Bobservations' Column: "Faithful High Priest" 2:18

2M ago2:18

2:18

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 verse…

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Hebrews 6:1-20 - "The Witness" 53:39

2M ago53:39

53:39

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 J…

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Bobservations' Column - "High Priest Forever" 2:52

2M ago2:52

2:52

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 Commandment…

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Hebrews 5:1-14 - "Our Great High Priest" 52:42

3M ago52:42

52:42

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.

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Bobservations Column: "The Witness" 2:53

3M ago2:53

2:53

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 hea…

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Hebrews 4:1-16 - "Enter Into His Rest" 48:41

3M ago48:41

48:41

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.

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Bobservations' Column - "Our Great High Priest" 2:45

3M ago2:45

2:45

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…

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Hebrews 3:1-19 - "The True Builder" 48:35

3M ago48:35

48:35

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, a…

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Bobservations Column - "Enter Into His Rest" 3:08

3M ago3:08

3:08

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. …

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Hebrews 2:1-18 - "How Shall We Escape" 48:57

3M ago48:57

48:57

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 c…

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Bobservations' Column: "The True Builder" 2:38

3M ago2:38

2:38

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 …

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Hebrews 1:1-18 - "Sit At My Right Hand" 49:58

3M ago49:58

49:58

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 Hi…

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Bobservations Column - "How Shall We Escape" 3:02

3M ago3:02

3:02

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…

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Galatians 6:1-18 - "Well Doing" 51:53

4M ago51:53

51:53

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 sho…

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Bobservations Column: "Sit At My Right Hand" 3:29

4M ago3:29

3:29

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. . .…

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Revelation 12:10-17 - "The Devil Cast Down" - Part 2 56:26

4M ago56:26

56:26

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 b…

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Galatians 5:1-26 - "A Little Leaven" 58:00

4M ago58:00

58:00

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 remind…

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Revelation 14:7-20 - "Safe From The Sickle" Part 2 58:00

4M ago58:00

58:00

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 …

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Bobservations' Column - "Well Done" 3:01

4M ago3:01

3:01

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 …

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Galatians 4:15-31 - "Jabal-al-Lawz" 46:05

4M ago46:05

46:05

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 wa…

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Bobservations' Column - "A Little Leaven" 2:57

4M ago2:57

2:57

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 . .…

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Galatians 4:1-15 - "Train Up A Child" 46:09

4M ago46:09

46:09

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 …

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Bobservations' Column - "Jabal - al - Lawz" 3:01

4M ago3:01

3:01

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.…

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Bobservations Column - "Train Up A Child" 2:48

5M ago2:48

2:48

We have witnessed in the media a wonderful example of what it means to train up children. From the days of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, there are lessons to learn from then Prince Charles and Princess Diana, to now just King Charles as he raised up Prince William, and Prince Harry. The training and grooming took to Prince William, and was rejected by…

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Galatians 3:13-29 - "Legal Troubles" 47:01

5M ago47:01

47:01

As we continue our study in Galatians chapter 3, Paul continues to explain to the Galatians, that Christ redeemed believers from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for them, and that those who have faith in Christ are heirs of the promise made to Abraham. The law, introduced later, didn't invalidate the promise but rather served as a temporar…

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Bobservations Column - "Legal Troubles" 3:01

5M ago3:01

3:01

Inherent within The Law is a problem that is nearly insurmountable. While it adds some substance to the Jewish faith, it also obliterates “faith!” The Abrahamic Covenant is integral with the Jewish faith. It is impossible to separate the two, but not because the Law has added anything to God’s promises within the covenant. . .…

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Galatians 3:1-12 - "Faith and Works" - Part 2 50:00

5M ago50:00

50:00

With a defense of his apostleship behind him, Paul spends the next two chapters defending the gospel he received by revelation. It is a gospel which proclaims justification by faith in Christ, not by keeping the works of the Law.

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Bobservations Column - "Faith and Works" - Part 2 3:04

5M ago3:04

3:04

In last week’s teaching, The Apostle Paul exposed the hypocrisy of the Apostle Peter when Judaisers from Jerusalem came to Anteeok, dispatched from the Apostle James. The cultural morals held by the Jews at that time were to not eat or share a meal with non-Jews. But Peter, as well as Barnabas, Paul’s companion in ministry, both fell away from the …

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Galatins 2:4-21 - Faith and Works" 1:00:02

5M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

This week, we are finishing up in Galatians Chapter 2, beginning with verse 14. We will explore Paul’s powerful message about the true gospel of grace. In Antioch, a significant event unfolded involving Apostle Paul and Peter, recorded in Galatians 2. Paul confronted Peter for his inconsistent behavior regarding Gentile Christians. Peter initially …

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Bobservations Column - "Works vs. Faith" 3:14

5M ago3:14

3:14

In the Seven Letters to the Churches which were in Asia, recorded in Revelation 2 and 3, we read that each church had unique problems that warranted correction. But one thing becomes clear in every church, that is, that loving faith through grace leads us to correct doctrine. . .

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Galatians 2:1-14 - "Faith Without the Law" 55:13

5M ago55:13

55:13

Galatians 2:1-13 is describing Paul's second visit to Jerusalem after his conversion. The purpose of this visit is to meet with the leaders of the church to ensure to those questioning his ministry, that the gospel he preached to the Gentiles aligned with the same gospel the apostles preached in Jerusalem. Paul addresses his concerns about the incl…

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Bobservations Column: "Faith Without the Law" 3:20

6M ago3:20

3:20

Paul’s controversy with the Judaisers continues into Chapter 2 with decisions that must be made regarding the election of the Gentiles. Many years pass before the debate comes to a head for resolution. We read today of the First Council of Jerusalem, 46 AD. The heads of Christ’s Church in Jerusalem recall how Jesus taught from the Law, and so thoug…

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Galatians 1:11-24 - "Change Has Come!" 42:53

6M ago42:53

42:53

In the second half of chapter one, Paul is defending both the gospel he preaches as well as the authority by which he preaches. He reminds the churches in Galatia of who he was before Christ and how he was saved. When God revealed himself to Paul and commissioned him to proclaim the gospel among the Gentiles, that’s exactly what Paul did. Without c…