Bob Higby. His writings and his friendship have been the greatest influence on my life that I have ever had. I will always be grateful to the Lord for putting him in my path. God used Bob mightily to teach me and make me who I am. This book would not be possible without his theological DNA. I named the system. He gave me the pieces.
Greg Winegar. My greatest friend. Greg found my website in 2005, became a member of the forum, and we have talked nearly every day since. He has encouraged me, challenged me, and given of himself in ways I could never repay. He designed the cover of this book, and when I asked if I could acknowledge him publicly, he said, “Sure, whatever you want to do.” That is who Greg is. Unselfish. Giving. Deserving of far more than I could ever give him in return.
Angie. My wife, my conscience, and my everything. She has always supported me. She has never fought me. She has kept me on the straight and narrow when I wanted to go off the rails. I love her more than my own life.
Cole. My son, to whom this book is dedicated. He has given me humility. He has challenged me in ways I did not know I could be challenged. He has taught me that grace is bigger than my tribe. He has taught me patience. He has taught me to be kind. When I look at him, I see me.
Eileen Beckett. A contributor to Pristine Grace and a dear friend who encouraged me for many years. She was the only female author on the website, and she will always be featured there, because she was graceful and kind and tender in ways that most people only talk about. There is a chapter in this book about tenderness. Eileen lived it. She passed away from cancer, and I miss her greatly. I will never forget her.
Nick Lovins. A dear friend who has encouraged me for many years. He has been a source of inspiration, and I love him.
Wayne and Carole Kraft. My parents. They have always supported me and gave me the basis for my theological framework from the time I was a child. My mother always encouraged me to read the Scriptures and to stand up and speak for what was right, even if nobody else was. She still encourages me now. She is someone I will always look up to. It is this early teaching that has enabled me to finally publish this book. My father has supported me in all of my endeavors. I love them dearly.
The facilitators of predestinarian.net. A team of people who helped keep the forum running for many years and helped keep me on the straight and narrow. Their contribution to the development of this theology cannot be measured.
The Pristine Grace community. For nearly three decades I have received thousands of messages from the saints scattered all over the world, and their words have been encouraging. This book is for them as much as it is for me.
Joyce Coleman. My mother-in-law. She was like a mother to me, and I loved her intensely. She helped teach me that faith is simple. I miss her, and I look forward to being reunited with her in the new reality.
And to Jim Byrd, Bill Parker, Frank Tate, Don Fortner, Henry Mahan, Charles Spurgeon, John Gill, J.C. Philpot, Scott O’Nanski, Brandon Tussey, Milton Almeida, Gabriel Gonzalez, Ray Johnson, Tammi and Chip Holbrook, Drew and Melinda Dietz, Jason Smith, Mike Dickmann, Rick Hein, and every person whose name should be here but isn’t - thank you.
Grace and Peace, Brandan
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Isaiah 53:10, Rom 8:28-30, Psalm 23, grace, love one another
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