Acknowledgments

I am surrounded by people who energize me because they share the vision to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ.

This third edition would not have been possible without the steady help and encouragement of my executive pastoral assistant, David Mathis.

Thank you, David, for keeping my feet to the fire and holding back the ever-pressing demands.

Thank you to Bethlehem Baptist Church, who, under the leadership of visionary, globally minded, God-centered elders, give me the freedom to write.

Thank you, Carol Steinbach, friend and fellow-fighter for joy, for making the book more accessible and useful with the text and person indexes.

Thank you, Noël and Talitha, who strengthen my hand for the Great Work, and accept my imperfect efforts to love you as husband and father.

Thank you most of all, dear Jesus, that you have buttressed the command, “Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you,” with the double promise, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” and, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18–20).