Thrice Trumpeted Truths
Acknowledgments
"I dedicate this study to the memory of and recognition of many pastors, Bible teachers, authors, friends and peers—past and present, that have faithfully taught the Word throughout my life. And now, to each current student of the Bible, my prayer is that this study will spark greater interest as you identify and follow the truths in God’s Revelation."
When
researching, compiling and editing the book, Thrice Trumpeted Truths,
I determined to do this almost totally from the Scriptures themselves
rather than seeking assistance from scores of commentaries that
are available. I did consult both commentaries and individuals to verify
many of my findings and comments. However, most comments are based on
the reading of the Word, itself. It becomes its own commentary. (It must be noted that identification of a uniquely stated truth
was only possible by use of computer search capabilities. The task was not simply to find a triple but to be
certain that this same unique identification did not appear a fourth time. It was to be three and only three.)
Over the years, I have found that the more time I spend studying
various views and interpretations of the Scriptures – the less
focus I have on the text's actual intent.
It
must be acknowledged that no interpretation is mine alone.
Each of us is influenced by our parents, teachers, pastors, books, pamphlets,
life experiences, and hopefully, most of all by the Scriptures
themselves.
The
book omitted an acknowledgments page because of the publisher's page
constraints. So, allow me to list a few who have been very
influential in my life: my parents, Walter & Louise Holland (both were godly and biblically oriented);
in my 8th grade - Pastor Otto Schlegelmilch
who required memorization of more than 500 Bible verses; in high school - Mrs. Billheimer and others
who required whole passages for memorization, Rev. Paul Billheimer who taught me reliance on the Scriptures
for life's decisions; at Moody Bible Institute - Dr. Cultbertson, Mr. Broman, Dr. Voss and others.
Also, having great impact were my pastors: Steward Webber, Allan Redpath, A.W. Tozer, Frank Hooper,
Wm. Lincoln, and currently, Bob Loggans. Not to be omitted are scores of chapel speakers at
Great Commission High School, Moody Bible Institute, and Maranatha Baptist Bible College.
To mention authors would fill a page but due note must be taken of
a few who stand out: H.A. Ironside, Henry Morris, John Whitcomb, Frank Gabelein, Francis Schaeffer,
Rovi Zacharias, Werner Gitt and others.
Also significant were secular university professors (un-named) who made efforts
to convince me that their personal animosity and secularistic rejection of any kind of "god" was valid.
However, their rantings against any idea of a "scripture" or of a "revelation" or of "sin" evidenced no rational or empirical
validity. Requirements to read authors whose doctrines, although in novel form, did not add any credibility.
Each professor and/or author drove me to greater reliance on the authenticity and reliability of the 66 Books that completed
God's Revealed Word. (Jesus stated, "Thy Word is Truth.")
Individual acknowledgements for the book itself include the entire class
of about 30 senior saints whose input and comments throughout the six month study were of great value.
Also, the primary reader David White, M.Div., Ph.D. and others: Marshall Corrick, M.S.T., Ed.D.,
Claude Linder, Cal Robinson, Bill White, Bruce Etchison, M.S., Angela Morris, M.S., Sandy Lange,
Zachary Greco, Ray Blackman, Denise Graziano, Terry & Mary Schultz
and to my wife for her hours of proofreading with great patience and encouragement - Phyllis (Goin) Holland.
My prayer is that many will find a renewed eagerness
to study, meditate and follow the truths of God's Word.