Three seemingly different Christians have something in common-the need to grow. They will develop at different speeds, and the result of their development will be different. But they all grow in the same direction-toward the example of Jesus Christ. This is a process that began at the point of their spiritual birth and will-or at least, should-continue to the day they pass from this life into the next. All parents want their children to grow, to achieve, and to become bigger and better in the tasks set before them. Our heavenly Father is no different with regard to His spiritual children. He has begotten us in Christ (1 John 5:1), and that is an excellent start. But His work in us is not complete when we submit to baptism in the name of Jesus; it has only begun. We must continue to work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). This book is intended to help the child of God do exactly that. We often think of coming to Christ as an exercise in self-denial-don't do this, don't do that, etc. And certainly that is a vital part of our walk with Christ. But the main reason we get rid of the worldliness in our heart is so there will be room in it for Jesus. And the more we rid ourselves of the impurities that would hinder our development, the more we will be in position for the gospel to do its work in us, to have its way with us.

This is the story of that Book. It is almost as fascinating as the story it contains. And if you have read the Bible, you know how amazingly high that hurdle is. Here we are just readers. And as readers, we are going to look first and foremost at what the Bible says about itself. Then we will mix in a sampling of perspectives from other sources to try to answer in our own minds exactly how God came to reveal Himself to us, what exactly is from Him and what is not, how valuable "what is not" is in our Bible study, and how we can set ourselves up for success as we try to use the Book to guide us toward the life God intends for us, both here and in eternity. But we are active readers. This class is designed for Bible students who are willing and eager to dig deep, to work hard, to determine how to maximize their efforts to understand the Bible and then to do so. We realize not every student will be able to answer every question from every lesson with absolute confidence. Do the best you can, and be content with that. But please, do your best. Do not be afraid of the extra effort. Do not be afraid to challenge your current mode of thinking. Reading this material will be much like reading the Bible-at least in this way, that you will reap what you sow, you will get out of it what you put into it. Read well.

"Word for Word" is a book about who we are-every one us. It's about our feelings-our ins and outs, our joys and sorrows, our times of weakness and failings. Hal takes us on visits to special places-like family fun, and bad drivers, and thoughts about how foolish we all are sometimes. He takes us down a melancholy street by suggesting some pensive moments-moments of love, heartache, and down right, belly-laughable humor-special feelings, all. Ultimately, every little snippet of information is intended for only one purpose: to take you to the Bible. Hal Hammons shows in every sketch an undying, indefatigable faith in God's message. While it's interesting the routes he takes, you have to read but a few pieces to see where he's going. He's headed all the while toward the Bible. And it's a nice ride. -Excerpted from Foreword