Dedications are in order

It is fitting and proper as the author of this web site, that I should dedicate its contents to a few of the outstanding men of grace and learning that have prepared me for the ministry. Each of them provided me with a degree of proficiency in an important area of theological training above and beyond the basic classroom experience. Any deficiency I may have in their field of expertise is, of course, my fault - for not metabolizing everything they had to offer! What I did learn from them, however, I pray the Lord will use in some degree to the benefit of His unseen, internet church.

When I first enrolled in a Bible college, Dr. Keith Lamb taught me the essentials of dispensational theology, typology and the doctrines of grace. I still have many of his lectures on cassette tape and listen to them once a year for good measure. Keith, it was a privilege having you as my professor for those first few years.

I read a pamphlet on the 5 points of Calvinism in 1981 and knew immediately that all 5 points were absolute truth. True Calvinist mentors in Austin were hard to find back then! Jackson Boyett taught me Reformed Theology both in the classroom and in his home. Jackson, thank you for your wonderful library, radio humor, and open-door policy.

Two pastors who influenced my thinking in those early days were Dr. Sid Buzzell and Ralph Braun. It was an honor having you both as pastors. Little did you know that I was attending both of your churches at the same time – learning eschatology from Sid and Greek from Ralph. (I don't recommend this dual-pastor practice to others)

My love for the original languages of Scripture was greatly influenced by Dr. Dennis Wretlind. I prayed for a Greek & Hebrew professor to be brought to my geographical location, and he was soon hired as an answer to that prayer. Dennis, thank you for reviewing my classroom exegesis and asking me, “Are you sure you want to go there?”

My favorite theological book (Reign of the Servant Kings) was written by Dr. Joseph Dillow, who visited my Greek, Hebrew and Hermeneutics classes. Jody, our after-class conversations were an inspiration. I still read your book once a year just to make sure the rewards which are accruing for the metachoi are foremost in mind.

My pastor in Phoenix for several years, John Miller, pounded the mechanics of the Christian way of life into me six days a week. Yes, our fellowship met for Bible study every evening except Saturday. It was the kindness of God to bring me to John’s church during a difficult time in my life.

I have obtained more training, in person and by tape ministry, from Robert B. Thieme, Jr. than all other pastors and teachers combined. I acknowledge my indebtedness to Bob for any progress I have made on the road to supergrace. Much of my exegetical, analytical thinking originates to a significant degree from the Colonel.

Providence has also given me three good friends whom I have ‘studied with’ and ‘learned from’ over the years:

Miles McKee keeps me focused on evangelism and the centrality of Christ and the cross.
Danny Williams keeps me focused on experiential sanctification and Berachah happenings.
Peter Osterhus keeps me on my toes, reviewing nearly everything on this site with his finely-tuned theological radar.

What a magnificent list of benefactors for one person to know!