This work is the fruit of God’s grace expressed to me in innumerable ways.
I am indebted to the wonderful team at Multnomah, to Eric for his invaluable wisdom and to Dave for his masterful skill as an editor and his gracious encouragement as a friend.
I am indebted to Sealy, whose trusted counsel and tireless service are a clear testimony of his love for Christ and the church.
I am indebted to church leaders around the world who have taught me—and shown me—the beauty of the body of Christ and the primacy of the local church. To Charles in East Asia, Chris in Southeast Asia, Ramesh in South Asia, Jeffries in Africa, Dominic in Latin America, and Mark in North America, I am deeply grateful for your leadership in the church and your influence in my life.
I am indebted to the elders, staff, and members of the Church at Brook Hills. Your patience with me is remarkable evidence of God’s mercy to me, and I am honored to be your pastor. I love you, church.
I am indebted to my family in ways that words could never express. Caleb and Joshua, thank you for loving your daddy the way you do. Heather, thank you for tenderly enduring all that is involved in having me as your husband—and you alone know all that entails! You are my beautiful bride and best friend, and this book is yet more evidence of your desire to give your life for the glory of Christ in all nations.
May God’s grace to me be to great effect for him (John 3:30).