References and Influences

This Statement of Faith has developed through decades of Bible study, teaching, sermons, conversations, personal discipleship, and interaction with Christian writings from different periods of Church history.

The Bible is the governing authority for these statements. The resources and influences listed here have helped shape my understanding, but none carries the authority of Scripture. Their inclusion does not mean that I agree with every conclusion they contain or that their authors would agree with every conclusion expressed here.

This is not an exhaustive bibliography. It identifies the resources and people that have had a significant or continuing influence on the development of these statements.

Scripture and Study Tools

The Bible

Scripture is the final authority by which every doctrinal conclusion must be tested. Historic teaching, theological systems, personal experience, and respected teachers may help us understand the Bible, but they must remain subject to God’s Word.

The Scripture references on this site are displayed through BibleGateway using the English Standard Version unless otherwise noted.

BibleGateway

BibleGateway provides the Scripture-linking tool used on this site. On supported devices, it allows readers to interact with a biblical reference and read the passage without leaving the page.

Over the years, I have also used many of the study and reference tools available through BibleGateway. These resources have assisted with comparing translations, examining passages in context, exploring related passages, and consulting biblical reference material.

Because those resources were used across many years and studies, I cannot always identify which particular tool contributed to an individual statement. They are therefore acknowledged collectively as part of the research process rather than cited as the direct source of every conclusion.

The MacArthur Study Bible

The notes and supporting material in The MacArthur Study Bible have served as an important resource for biblical interpretation, historical background, and comparison of doctrinal conclusions.

The Reformation Study Bible

The Reformation Study Bible, published by Ligonier Ministries, has provided valuable commentary informed by historic Reformation theology.

Major Theological Works

Wayne Grudem

Systematic Theology

Grudem’s work has provided a broad evangelical framework for examining major doctrines and locating relevant passages of Scripture.

Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

Reformed Systematic Theology

This series has been useful for examining doctrine from within the Reformed tradition and for considering the biblical, historical, and practical dimensions of theological questions.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism

The Westminster Shorter Catechism influenced the organization and preparation of the substantial revision I completed approximately twenty years after the original 1982 draft.

I value its careful summaries and its place in historic Christian teaching. However, it is used as a study aid and historical witness rather than as a final authority. Its conclusions, like all human theological formulations, must be examined in light of Scripture.

Pastoral and Personal Influences

Pastor Richard Bauer

Sermons by Pastor Richard Bauer contributed to my early theological formation. This influence developed across many sermons and over an extended period, so it is not possible to associate every idea with an individual message.

Tom Moore

Teaching and personal discipleship from Tom Moore significantly influenced how I understand, organize, and communicate biblical truth.

A teaching diagram from Tom also provided the starting concept for the sanctification diagram used on this site. The concept has been adapted and is used with permission.

Continuing Devotional Influences

Some writers have influenced this work through sustained theological study. Others have shaped my thinking through regular devotional reading.

C. S. Lewis

The writings of C. S. Lewis remain part of my regular reading. His discussions of faith, human nature, moral reasoning, suffering, and Christian life have encouraged continued reflection, even where I may not share every theological conclusion.

Charles H. Spurgeon

The sermons and devotional writings of Charles H. Spurgeon remain part of my regular reading. His emphasis on the Gospel, the sufficiency of Christ, dependence upon God, and the practical application of Scripture continues to be valuable.

The influence of Lewis and Spurgeon is broad and continuing rather than tied to particular sentences in this Statement of Faith.

A Note About Attribution

This page acknowledges significant sources and influences. It does not claim that every sentence or conclusion originated with a listed author or teacher.

Many of these convictions developed through decades of Scripture reading, study, teaching, sermons, conversations, and personal discipleship. In many cases, it is no longer possible to identify the first person or book through which I encountered a particular explanation.

Where a direct quotation, diagram, or distinctive idea is used, specific attribution is provided on the relevant page.

Everything written here remains subject to examination and correction by the Word of God.