Many festschrifts are meant to simply highlight the academic accomplishments of the honored recipient and his or her students, but Dr. James A. Nestingen is much more than an academic. Jim's life and career have involved his calling into multiple vocations. He is a dedicated husband and father, acclaimed academic, beloved teacher, preacher of Christ Jesus, and distinguished author, as well as a friend and much-loved mentor to many of us. In some cases, he even serves as a surrogate father figure.

The goods being handed over are the Word of Christ Jesus which flows from the lips of one sinner to the ears of another and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, into the heart, thus turning our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. By handing over the goods himself, Jim has influenced many people from a variety of cultural, theological, synodical, and denominational backgrounds. Those who have contributed to this volume represent the diversity of opinions that characterizes Jim's openness, kindness, and willingness to stretch himself while stretching others.