Thanks so much Steve, I appreciate your warm welcome here on this wonderful TNP ministry forum!
Brief timeline background & updates:
1. In December 1999, I found and purchased a copy of "Revelation: Four Views: A Parallel Commentary" at the Calvary Chapel Murrieta book store. Of all things, it was recommended by the book store manager (also an assistant pastor) as a great book to learn about Revelation, the end times and what the different views are.
2. By end of February 2000, finished studying the book, carefully reading every word! Loved the book and starting learning towards a "Partial Preterist" understanding, though I didn't know the technical label for this at the time. I simply agreed with much of the Preterist view, along with some healthy "scoops" of the the Figurative/Spiritual view, which seemed very edifying to me in ways I haven't heard or been taught before.
3. In March of 2000 I also read "More Than Conquerors" by William Hendriksen. This book gave me further insight into the various "view" possibilities which I understood even better (later) after starting to hear some of Steve Gregg's lectures on the eschatology topics.
4. Within the next 2 years I had connected with Steve Gregg via the GCS in Mcminnville, Oregon, or wherever it was at the time. I ordered a number of lectures which where all still on cassette tapes in those days, like: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Johh, What Are We To Make Of Israel?, and When Shall These Things Be?, etc. Most came packed along with the study notes, probably just like you would get in the Great Commission Bible study courses.
5. Shortely after, around 2003 or 2004, I started listening to the Narrow Path radio broadcasts (over the internet) and made my first call to the program.
6. Over the next several years I continued to listen to the program (online) and make the occassional call (with my questions) and to learn more about upcoming TNP events including any opportunities for house assembly meetings or small group fellowships.
7. Around 2007 / 2008 my wife and I went to our first "TNP" bible study meeting which was held at the Cooper's home in Lake Forest, Orange County, California. Wow, what a great time of introductions, fellowship, worship, prayer, Q&A's and the potluck meal. We kept going as much as possible and sometimes had the opportunity to bring some like-minded friends along!
8. By 2011 Steve had already met Dayna, and they were meeting in Temecula, which is only about 20 minutes south of our home in Lake Elsinore, so now we were closer than ever within reach of TNP fellowship opportunities. We met a number of times at Dayna's home (before they married) and at the old elementary (historical) school house in Temecula, and continued to bring new friends that we felt would appreciate Steve & Dayna's ministry.
9. About 2 years ago, in November 2011, I was diagnosed with throat cancer, and am still surviving after deciding to follow a "naturopathic" approach to overcoming (or living with) this kind of condition. Even with the best of conventional medical care (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, etc.), most cancer throat patients can die within 1 - 2 years after treatments, so the fact that I'm still alive after 2+ years without any conventional care, is quit a praise report in itself! What I'm doing is basically a whole plant-based foods diet (no meat or dairy) and getting plenty of rest! Otherwise, NO medications, NO drugs, NO surgery, NO radiation, NO chemo and NOT even any special vitamins or supplements, just simple, wholesome natural food and some veggie juicing. Oh yeah, and lots of prayer and help from my wife, family and supportive friends. Our Lord is so faithful!
10. Now Lorie and I are just pressing on to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14
That's my update in a "nutshell".
Michael
