Alan

Nice photo with some good equipment. The Lord gave you some wisdom in the midst of a disaster. I am sure that your efforts, hard work, and diligence, are not only a blessing to you but to many others.

I would like to add to this study on the local church a quote by Brother David Cloud. Brother Cloud stated, “The Lord's apostles planted autonomous congregations and they did not build denominational structures yoking the congregations together. The New Testament gives detailed instructions for the government and discipline of the assembly, but there are no instructions for the establishment of intra- or extra-church institutions. Denominational structures are man-made entities that have no biblical authority.”1 As we have found out, repeatedly, in this study on the local church, all of the New Testament churches were local assemblies and autonomous. The Lord Jesus, nor the apostles, created any hierarchical authority over any church. Therefore, denominations are man-made organizations. 1 Cloud, David, Way of Life Literature, Article, “Why I am Not Southern Baptist,” February 11, 2009, (Way of Life Literature: Port Huron, MI)

The Local Church I Timothy 3:15, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” The “house of God” that Paul is referring to the local assembly of the believers. The Apostle Paul is admonishing Timothy to behave himself in the local assembly of believers; the church. The local church was an assembly in an area of a community. It was the visible assembly of the saints in the New Testament. The church may be in a house, a rented building, or a building that was bought for the purpose of the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1 and 2 Timothy Paul the Apostle give Timothy, and every saint in the New Testament, instructions “how” to behave himself in the local assembly of believers in the church. This behavior includes the following two offices in the local church: 1. The qualifications of the pastor, or bishop, in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and called an elder in 1 Timothy 5:17. These qualifications are for the pastor of the local church. 2. The qualifications of the deacon and his wife, 1 Timothy 3:8-13. These qualifications are for the deacon(s) of the local church. The local churches were Independent in Authority and Fellowship Colossians 4:15 and 16, “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.” Nymphas had a church in his house. This assembly was local in scope, visible, and limited in authority, There was another church, or another visible assembly of believers, in Laodicea. Paul admonished the two assemblies to share in the reading of the Epistle of Colossians. There were no "bishops," or denominational headquarters, over the two assemblies. Denominations & the so-called “Universal” Church There are no denominations in the New Testament. All of the denominations, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, etc… have a starting point in history, a leader, and a religious hierarchy that is unknown in the New Testament scriptures. There is no “universal church” in the New Testament. There is a “General Assembly,” in heaven of all the saints, “But ye come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.” Hebrews 12:22 and 23 All of the assemblies mentioned in the New Testament are visible, local and independent. The Apostle Paul gave detailed instructions for the qualifications of the pastor and the deacon as the visible head of the local church.

Genesis 39:21-23, “But the LORD was with Joseph.” Genesis 39:21-23, “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.” Throughout the hardships and sufferings in the life of Joseph, the LORD was with Joseph. Psalm 105:16-19, “Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread. He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” Because of the evil of the 11 brothers, Joseph was made a slave. Because of the evil of one evil woman, Joseph was put in prison. While in prison, among other hardships and sufferings, the Egyptians put fetters of iron and hurt Joseph's feet. God allowed evil people to cause Joseph to be put in prison to test Joseph. God is preparing Joseph to rule the land of Egypt. In order for God to use Joseph for His glory, God is going to test him in the prison. Psalm 105:19, “Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” God tests those people whom He wants to use with hardships and sufferings. Joseph, like Christ, loved God, and God is using hardship and suffering to prepare Joseph as the ruler of Egypt and for the physical salvation of Jacob and his family. Genesis 45:4-6, “And Joseph said unto his brethren, come near to me,I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry, with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a prosperity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” Furthermore, God, through the salvation of Jacob and his sons, will use Joseph to provide the protection for the lineage of the Saviour of the world, the Lord Jesus. Romans 9:4 & 5, “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.” God tested the Lord Jesus with hardships and sufferings for the salvation of the soul and for the eventual salvation, both physical and spiritual, of the sons of Israel. Hebrews 5:8 & 9, “Though he were a Son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” And, Romans 11:26 & 27, “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” In His timing, God will turn away the ungodliness, and unbelief, of the sons of Jacob. Verse 21 Let us consider three things. 1. “But the LORD was with Joseph” God was with Joseph. Joseph had a close relationship with God. Joseph did not allow the conspiracy of his brothers, the lies of Potiphar's wife, destroy the relationship he had with God. Joseph believed that God would fulfill the two dreams that God gave him. 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” While in prison Joseph had comfort in his relationship with God. 2. “... and shewed him mercy..” In the Old Testament, and in the New Testament, God is merciful. If a person has a humble heart, repents of his sins, and has faith and trusts in the mercy of God, than God will shew him mercy. 2 Samuel 22:26 & 27, “With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright. With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the forward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.”A proud person will not find the mercy of God. If a person wants God to show him mercy than he needs to be merciful. From Genesis to Revelation we see that God is merciful to the humble person. 1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Psalm 33:18, “Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy.” 3. “… and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” God caused the the keeper of the prison to find favor in Joseph. God can cause the people of this world to help the person who trusts in God. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” God is now going to promote Joseph. Eventually, Joseph will become, in modern terminology, the vice-president of Egypt. First, Joseph became a slave, and then a prisoner in a jail, in order for God to prepare him to rule over the country of Egypt and save Jacob and his brethren. Before God can use us in a high position He wants us to see if He can use us in a low position. God found out that Joseph really loved Him, really trusted in Him, and God found out that Joseph was faithful in the small things of daily living. The Lord Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10 Because in the time of his testing Joseph was faithful, God will promote him to be the second ruler in Egypt. Verse 22 & 23 The Lord made everything that Joseph did to prosper God blessed the efforts of Joseph. Joseph trusted God, had faith, and was a man of integrity and high character. So, God prospered his work. Joseph was a very faithful and trustworthy person and is a good example of the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, Joseph is a good example for the Christian. 3 John 2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest proper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. As Joseph loved God, and God worked all things out for his good, so should we love God and watch Him work out all things for our good. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Pastor Markle, I appreciate your series of lessons on eternal security and refuting those who teach otherwise. Your thoughts on Samson are correct. Those who use King Saul as an example of a believer who loses their salvation almost to a man (or woman), will not even mention Samson as one of the great men of faith included in Hebrews11. Thank you. Your inclusion, and teaching on the character of God, and His eternal faithfulness, as revealed in 2 Timothy 2:13, and other passages, is appreciated. The Apostle Paul clearly stated, "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." 2 Timothy 2:13 I would like to add a personal note to this series of lessons on eternal security. When this study has reached an conclusion, or an impasse, if you would consider arranging your lessons, in the order of your choosing, and either uploading a pdf file with these lessons, or write a booklet, I believe the Lord could use them to a fuller extent. May the Lord bless you, your ministry, and your family for your faithful adherence to the scriptures. Alan

Dave, Great photos! Keep them coming. Also, I noticed that thus far Rebecca did not push the "like" on the photo with the young lady roo and her Joey. So, I asked Rebecca why as it is a great photo. She said that she was waiting. So, I said, "Are you waiting for the Joey to come out?" Hahaha!!! Alan

Jeremiah 23:5-8, “The Magnitude of the Gathering of the Jews” Jeremiah 23:5-8, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous BRANCH, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, the LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the land of north country, and from all the countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.” Verse 5 “… a righteous Branch and a King ...” “… a righteous branch ...” I had previously commented on the Lord Jesus being the BRANCH in my Lesson # 11, “The BRANCH.” Also, in Lesson # 11, I quoted Jeremiah 23:5-8, and Lesson # 12, Zechariah 8:20-23, as a reference in connection with the Lord Jesus being the BRANCH. In my previous lessons we clearly saw that the Lord Jesus Christ is the 'righteous Branch' and the 'King that shall reign. Now, Jeremiah makes it crystal clear that the 'reign' of the Lord Jesus as King will occur on the earth. The teaching by the Seventh Day Adventist that the reign of Christ in the Millennium is in heaven is a complete falsehood. Verse 6-8 The extent of the gathering of the Israel will exceed the magnitude of the exodus of the nation of Israel out of Egypt. I had previously discussed the borders of the nation of Israel during the Millennial reign of Christ in lesson # 8, Ezekiel 47:13-23, “The Borders of the Kingdom” and “The Borders of the Kingdom,” and in lesson # 2, “The Return of Israel to the Promised Land.” In this lesson I will dwell on the aspects of the physical land of Israel on other passages of scripture not mentioned in Lesson # 2, 8, 11 or 12. The Land of Israel “… and from all the countries whither I had driven them ...” Since 70 A. D., God using the nations of the world, has driven the Jews from the land of Israel. The events of Revelation chapter 6 to chapter 19, the “Tribulation Period,” among other reasons, is comparable to the judgment of Egypt on a world-wide scale. As the Lord judged Egypt in order to bring the nation of Israel out of Egypt, so will the Lord will Judge the entire world in order to bring the Jews out of the countries of the world that He has driven them to the land of Israel. From Revelation Chapter 6-19 is a steady stream of judgments, the wrath of God, poured out on the entire world for the deliberate disobedience of the commandments of God as revealed in Exodus, the rejection of the Lord Jesus by the vast majority of the earth, the worship of idolatry on a world-wide scale, and the work of God to return His people, the sons of Jacob back to the land of Israel. The salvation, both in the salvation of the soul, and the salvation of the physical sons of Jacob, on a world-wide scale, as prophesied by Jeremiah, will exceed the magnitude of the Exodus by Moses pale in comparison. The magnitude of the salvation of the Jewish race, both in the salvation of the souls, and the salvation of the Jewish race, will be remembered to the extent that the Exodus by the leadership of Moses will be small in comparison. “But, the LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the land of north country, and from all the countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.” Steven Anderson Pastor Steven Anderson has two audio sermons on Jeremiah Chapter 23. One is on YouTube and one is on the “SoundCloud” audio video website. The following audio transcription, written by Alan, is from the audio tape uploaded onto “SoundCloud.” Pastor Anderson does believe that the Lord Jesus is the King, the righteous Branch, reigning in a literal millennium, as spoken in Jeremiah 23:5 and Revelation 20:4-6. The following quote by Anderson is a direct reference to Jeremiah 23:6-8. In a direct reference to Independent Fundamental Baptist pastors, who believe that God will restore the nation of Israel, and a reference to the promises of God spoken by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 23:6-8, Anderson states, “Now they [ IFB pastors] will show you all kinds of Old Testament scriptures that have no relevance in the New Testament because of the fact that He had to make a new covenant because they [ a reference to the Jews ] continued not in the covenant. They [ the Jews ] don't get those promises, it was taken from them and given to the Gentiles. Ok. So they [ IFB pastors ] will only quote Old Testament stuff from Zechariah and from Jeremiah.” Anderson then states that the verses taken by “old school” IFB's from the Old Testament are, “taken out of context.”i The immediate context of Pastor Anderson in stating “stuff,” and “taken out of context,” is Jeremiah 23:6-8 Pastor Steven Anderson is incorrect on the following points: (1) The prophecy of Jeremiah 23:6-8 is relevant to the restoration of the nation of Israel. (2) The promise given to the nation of Israel in Jeremiah 23:6-8, and the other prophets, are still in effect and will be fulfilled. (3) Gentiles were given 'spiritual' promises and not 'physical land' promises. (4) The prophecies of Jeremiah 23:6-8 and Zechariah are not 'stuff.' (5) The prophecy of Jeremiah 23:6-8, and other prophecies, are not taken out of context. “Stuff” In the immediate context, Pastor Anderson clearly stated that the prophecies of Jeremiah 23:6-8 and Zechariah, when referring to the restoration of the nation of Israel, were Old Testament “stuff.” As one listens to the tone of Anderson's voice he is clearly denigrating the literal interpretation of Jeremiah 23: 6-8, the other Old Testament prophecies dealing with the future salvation of the nation of Israel in the usage of the word: “stuff.” Anderson has no reverence, respect, belief, and the acceptance of the written words of the prophets concerning the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. The American Heritage Language Dictionary lists the definition of “stuff,” when used as an informal, or slang, usage of the word as Anderson used it, as follows. “stuff (1)The material out of which something is made of or formed; substance. (2) Informal a. Worthless objects. (3) Slang. Foolish or empty words or ideas.”ii Pastor Anderson, by his mocking tone and usage of the word 'stuff' in his comments on Jeremiah 23:6-8 clearly indicated that he considers the prophecies of the restoration of the nation of Israel as 'foolish words or ideas.' The information that the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 23:6-8 gave are detailed in observation, persons, land locations, and changes in the population of the Jews around the world. It is clear that Jeremiah's prophecy in Jeremiah 23:6-8 is literal in interpretation. In absolutely no manner can this prophecy be construed as symbolic, allegorical, figurative, a metaphor, or given to the Gentiles. Furthermore, due to the detailed observable information given,the events of Jeremiah 23:6-8 has not occurred in the nation of Israel in previous times nor in modern times. Nor is there is anything symbolic, figurative, allegorical, spiritual, or anything pertaining to the Church Age in these verses. Therefore, due to the detailed, and observable facts, this prophecy of Jeremiah 23:5-8, is literal and still future and, according to the book of Revelation, can only be fulfilled as written in Revelation 20:4-6 i Anderson, Pastor Steven soundcloud.com/bible-preaching/2016-08-17p-jeremiah-23 Copied on November 24, 2018. ii “Stuff.” The American Heritage Language Dictionary, (New York, NY.: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). 2012.

Brethren, We are currently studying the prophecies of the Old Testament that give us detailed information concerning the 1000 Year Reign of Christ, the Millenium, as depicted in Revelation 20:4-7. All of your comments, thoughts, and questions are welcomed and appreciated. We will be studying 19 passages in the Old Testament that correlate with Revelation 20:4-7. These 19 passages (or lessons), are listed in my September 13, 2015 post in this thread. Each passage is considered one lesson for this study. God bless all of you. Alan September 7, 2016 update Salyan, Thank you for the break on the Revelation chapter 19-22 study. We do appreciate the break in order to relfect on all that was written. I am ready to continue the study. We can either continue on the last lesson, Revelation 22:16 & 17, or I can upload the next lesson, Revelation 22:18 and 19. I have no personal preferance. Thank you. Reagrds, Alan

Here is the photo of "Desolate" Mars by the NASA Mars lander, 'InSight' Photo Courtesy of NASA Alan

The Ordinances of Heaven Job 38:33, “Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? An ordinance is an established law or rule. Astronomer and mathematician, Johannes Kepler 1571-1630, verified that the sun and the planets are governed by scientific laws, or ordinances. Johannes Kepler was a devout Christian. Kepler believed that God created the universe as the Bible says He did. Psalm 119: 90 & 91, “Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.” All of the ordinances of the physical universe were established by God. The ordinances of heaven include: the revolution of the earth the planets, the solar system, the revolution of the galaxy, and gravity. These ordinances were not understood throughout the centuries until scientists verified the ordinances of the solar system. Johannes Kepler, and other scientists, has verified that the universe and all biological life is based on scientific fact. Evolution is based on randomness not verifiable scientific fact. Jeremiah 31: 35-37, “Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.” God established the ordinances of heaven, the physical universe, in Genesis chapter 1. These ordinances will continue until He creates the new heaven and the new earth: Isaiah 66: 22; 2 Peter 3:10-13 and Revelation 21:1

Brethren, I have maintained throughout this study that, "Good, honest, scientific, methods, and instruments, will always confirm the accuracy of the scriptures." Once again, NASA has confirmed the scientific accuracy of the scriptures. "And the earth was without form and void." Genesis 1:2a The only difference between Earth and the other bodies in the Solar System is that God created "life" on Earth after Genesis 1:2, that there was no life on the Earth until after Genesis 1:2. Therefore, the "Gap Theory" is not true and that once scientific instruments reach other planetary bodies they will discover them, "without form and void." In earlier lessons I went into detail concerning the meaning of "without form or void." NASA just sent back photos from their latest probe on Mars, "InSight," and it is as desolate as all of the other planetary bodies. In fact, some of the newspapers use the term "desolate" for their description of the landscape of Mars. Alan

Methinks Dave hit the nail on the head. Good eyesight.

Brethren, In a private e-mail, I received a request to consider doing some more lessons on prophecies of the Old Testament and Revelation 20:4-6, 'The Millennium.' I will be doing the next lesson on Jeremiah 23:5-8. It may take me some time though to go back through my previous lessons and double-check if I mentioned anything about Jeremiah 23:5-8. So, crack open the book of Jeremiah, oil the hinges to the pages, and let's see what kind of discussion we can have in Jeremiah 23:5-8 concerning the reign of the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS on the face of this war weary planet. Alan

Today, due to a long post, I had to post the study, "Revelation 20:4-6 The Literal Millennium & the Seventh Day Adventist Erroneous Beliefs," on the thread in three different instalments. On the second instalment, starting from Point 1-5: Points number 3 and 4 were uploaded three times (along with extra footnotes). I tried to edit the extra material out of the post , but I could not. If a moderator could delete the extra material I would appreciate and it would make the study more readable. As it reads now it is confusing. I thought maybe the problem was with the footnotes. If the problem is with the footnotes then delete them. Thanks!

I am going to consider this a problem with my computer. So, I am not worried about editing the lesson.

Jordan, Thank you bringing to out attention the pdf book by David Cloud, "What about Steven Anderson? I had previously read it and encourage others to read it also. Brethren, I have seen the video put out by Anderson on soul winning. In fact, in studying his doctrines, methods, lessons on Revelation, ad nauseam, in order to know what he believes and why, I am glad that he does not want to be affiliated with traditional IFB's . For those who have read my latest two lessons on the Revelation Chapter 19-22 Study, and my previous posts concerning Anderson, it is pretty well known I do not care for his doctrines nor attitude. Thoughts on Soul Winning and John Young's comments, I agree with what brother John Young stated. There are those brethren who are seriously interested in soul winning efforts, who are nominal saints, have listened to Anderson and are interested in winning souls. Also, they are not hard-core Andersonites but do serve humbly in church and are active in good, may I repeat, good, soul winning efforts. A Personal Experience While on a brief furlough in the States, March - August 2018, I was able to visit one church for a few days. This included going out on Saturday morning visitation, a Saturday fellowship in the afternoon, both Sunday services and fellowship on Sunday afternoon. During that time at that church I met two men who watched Anderson's videos. I noticed that both men appeared to love the Lord, soul winning efforts (good, solid, soul winning efforts), and loved the pastor (not considered a follower of Anderson), loved the church, and treated me and my wife as most IFB churches treat us. In other words, they loved missionaries and were actively involved in the work of the Lord at a good, solid, IFB church. During the Saturday morning visitation I visited, for over two hours, with one of the individuals. This individual loved the Lord, loved the salvation of souls, was courteous to those who wanted to listen and was courteous to those who were rude. While walking together he mentioned he watched some, not all, of Anderson's videos. Politely, I mentioned that I had seen his major videos, his video on soul winning, and that I did not agree with several of his key doctrines and methods. My partner understood my position and we politely talked about other things. During the whole time I felt that he was a saint who loved the Lord, was courteous, and not belligerent to anyone we met. While he talked with individuals who wanted to talk, he was definitely after a real conversion experience with the individual he was witnessing to and not just after a 'door way conversion.' That meeting was the last meeting on that short furlough. My wife and I left the church to return to Taiwan the following week. We left that church with new friends. I fully understand that my experience is not the experience that is portrayed in Anderson's videos nor with some of his disciples. God bless! Alan

One of the highlights of the year is a Thanksgiving day of fellowship and a Dinner with the other IFB missionaries on Taiwan. My wife and I will be traveling (by train the day before) to the Western side of Taiwan and having a day of fellowship, and Thanksgiving Dinner, with the other IFB missionaries on Taiwan. We will have a day of fellowship, spend the night in a hotel, and return to the Eastern side of Taiwan by train the next day.

Daniel, Thank you for bringing out Romans 5:20, "Moreover, the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." Romans 5:20 was a welcomed addition to this devotion on the kindness of God. Alan

“The Kindness of God” 2 Samuel 9:1-13 David & Mephibosheth The theme of this story is the kindness of God. In David’s life, we can see the kindness of God. Because David and God had an intimate relationship, David developed a kind heart. Background Before David became the King of Israel King Saul tried to kill David and prevent David from becoming King over Israel. King Saul was David’s enemy. For seven years, David fled from King Saul. Except during times of religious expediency, King Saul did not obey God. He rebelled against God, listened to the people, and had a stubborn heart. God rejected King Saul and anointed David to be king over Israel. 1 Samuel 15:10 & 11 and 23 says, “Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried all night.” and, Samuel told King Saul, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king." King Saul is like many people. Most people, yea, even a lot of religious people, reject the will of God because they are rebellion against the Bible, stubborn, and will only listen to the world. David, before he became King, had a close relationship with King Saul’s son, Jonathan. Jonathan was an individual who had a love for God, for the will of God, and for the man of God. Verse 1-3, “And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake? And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.” King David loved God and God gave David peace and love in his heart. King David did not have hate nor have bitterness in his heart towards the house of Saul. King David put into practice the love and kindness of God. “Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old.” Psalm 25:6 King David is a good example for us how we should love our enemies and exhibit the love and kindness of God. In this passage twice, King David said that he wanted to show the kindness of God towards the house of Saul. Jonathan was King Saul’s son and a friend of David. Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son and King Saul’s grandson. Mephibosheth was lame. He could not walk nor could he earn money. He was very poor. Mephibosheth was the grandson of Saul. Mephibosheth represents the Christian. Before we are saved, we are a child of the Devil and unworthy to enter into the presence of God and into heaven. And, only the love and mercy of God makes us worthy enough to enter heaven. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.) Ephesians 2:4 and 5 Love Produces Kindness Verse 5 & 6, “Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!” Please note that even though David was the King he sought Mephibosheth. King David is a type of God. God loves us and He is seeking us. 1 John 4:9 & 10 says, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” God loves us! The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 God is seeking the salvation of man in order for man to escape the torment of hell and enter the joy of heaven. Jesus loves us! Verse 7 & 8, “And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is they servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” The first words out of the mouth of King David was “Fear not.” King David relieved the heart of Mephibosheth. Is that not like the kindness of God? “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 Mephibosheth realized that he was not worthy to receive this honor and was humble. In this passage, Mephibosheth twice said that he is David’s servant and did not deserve his mercy. Before we are saved, we are unworthy to enter into the presence of the King of Heaven. We deserve to go to hell. Like Mephibosheth, we need to have a grateful heart to the king of heaven and be God’s servant and follow Jesus. Verse 13, “So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.” King David gave commandments that his servants were to provide the physical necessities for Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth could not take care of himself so David took care of his needs. The Lord Jesus is our king and one day we will sit at His table in heaven and eat. The Lord Jesus, as an added blessing to the salvation of our soul, will give us a new, glorified body, and will take care of the needs of our new body for eternity. Revelation 19:9, “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Conclusion The story of King David and Mephibosheth is a wonderful story of the loving kindness and mercy of God. It shows us how God gave David love for his enemies’ grandchild. It shows us the humility of Mephibosheth and love and kindness of God in a practical manner. It shows us how God will take care of our spiritual, physical, and eternal needs. Like King David, when we have a close relationship with God we can have the love and kindness of God in our hearts. God loves us! He is Merciful and Gracious! Before we loved God He loved us! Because God loves us He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, to die on the cross and become the propitiation for our sins. This story shows us how God is seeking man for the eternal salvation of our soul so we can escape the torment of hell and enter into the joy of heaven. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Due to our situation, we do not do much storage. But, keep us posted. I am not familiar with storage plans. What is a Kiiji food rotation storage plan?

The Hoopie Bird is an very unusual bird. It is not normally on the Eastern coast of Taiwan but is generally on the smaller islands off the west coast of Taiwan. We were able to see it twice. The Hoopie bird has a very distinctive crown and body coloring. Hoopie Bird

Wonderful news! Madison Baptist Church is a huge church to us also. It is also a friendly church with a pastor that loves the Lord, loves souls, and loves people. The folks at Madison also love the Lord and one another. P.S. Madison Baptist Church is a missionary loving church. Glad to hear that the church took on Neal & Kelsie as missionaries. Last week my wife and I was able to visit Keith and Janette Cullers in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. They are looking forward in having Neil & Kelsie return back to Taiwan as missionaries.