First of all I want to thank God for this great salvation He has graciously given us in Christ Jesus.  It is for the glory of God and the edification of the saints that I have written this book.

                         This book was born while sitting in the pew of the church and is dedicated to every person who ever heard a Pastor or Sunday School teacher use an unfamiliar theological word.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive theological dictionary.  Instead, it is a compilation of terms I have encountered in my study.  I welcome your comments, suggestions and additions to this work.

                         I wish to thank three  men whose teaching inspired me to write this book and whose influence on my life and the life of my family has been immeasurable.  They are faithful pastors, teachers, shepherds, beloved brethren in Christ...they are cherished friends.

                        To Ken Sarles, whose humble and diligent service to the Body of Christ is truly a gift from God.  It was the teaching of Ken that had the most profound impact on this book.  He continually challenges me to think about the deeper things of God.

                        To Jerry Singleton, a man who survived seven years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi, yet weeps with gratitude and thanks God for using that terrible ordeal to open his spiritual eyes and save him.

                        To Pastor Byron Yawn, a young man wise beyond his years.  It has been Byron's encouragement to me personally and his tireless dedication to the preaching and teaching of God’s word that has yielded much fruit.  I love him dearly and count him as one of my best friends.

                                                                                    For Cindy

confidant, best friend,

mother, Bible study partner,

love of my life,

my beloved wife