Bible Influencers

I recently shared my top three photographic influences. And so, today, I'd like to share my top theological influences.

It can be especially dangerous nowadays with the technological advances we've made, to fall into bad teaching. There's a LOT of bad theology out there, and a lot of things that aren't all that helpful.

That said, there's also a wealth of good, quality, sound doctrinal teaching as well.

Couple caveats: first of all, we must always be careful to not elevate men (or women) too much. People are not like God, they change. Sin, changing beliefs, etc. can arise in the lives of even the best Biblical teachers. And so we must be careful not to lift them up too much.

Secondly, someone online is no match for your local qualified elders. The people on the other side of the screen or that wrote the letters in a book don't know you. They don't understand the context that is your life. Be a part of a good Bible teaching church and be under good Biblical elders.

And with that, here are my top theological influences in my own life!

1. Ray Comfort

Few evangelical 'giants' have influenced me quite like Ray Comfort. I was introduced to him by a friend a number of years ago. We were driving around and he decided to put in a CD he got from a large youth conference. On it was a sermon titled "Hell's Best Kept Secret". I was enthralled from the start.

It was very different from a lot of what I had been raised with regarding sharing the gospel. Yet, it made absolute Biblical sense. I had never thought of it that deeply before.

His looking at Jesus' example of using the law to bring about conviction of sin seemed like a simple yet effective way to share the gospel; understanding of course God's role in it all.

I also loved his humor and preaching style.

But after that I hadn't really heard much from him for a while. Until I came across his videos on Youtube. And so I've watched many of those, including his longer films, and would invite you to do the same.

2. Todd Friel

Where Ray Comfort introduced me to a more Biblical gospel presentation, Todd Friel helped introduce me to more Biblical teachers.

I remember the first time I saw him was actually in one of Ray Comforts movies. I found him to be on the more, I dunno, annoying side. Somewhat reminds me of Tom Bergeron from A.F.V.

So I really didn't pay the guy much mind.

But the same friend who introduced me to Ray Comfort, sent me a clip from Youtube of Todd sharing the gospel with two young men, and I saw past the goofy side to the caring side of the man.

You can tell his genuineness in evangelism, and it caused me to check out more of his work. Through Wretched Radio I was introduced to other sound teachers like R.C. Sproul, Voddie Baucham, Paul Washer, and more about John MacArthur (those last two especially were major candidates for this list).

So, it is a ministry I am very thankful for.

3. R.C. Sproul (Ligonier)

I'm including these two together as I can't say I've been affected by R.C. solely, but the work of Ligonier has been influential in my life.

I remember in 2019 going through a stretch of Pennsylvania and seeing Ligonier, PA. I thought to myself that it sounded familiar, perhaps from a video from Wretched Radio. Maybe it's something to do with that ministry? Sure enough, it was. As I believe that's where it all started.

What can I say about R.C.? While I don't agree with every stance he held, you can't argue with the body of work God accomplished through him.

by extension, Ligonier likewise has a huge collection of good resources to help in the Christian life, and they've helped me in mine.

And there you have it, my top three Biblical influences. But I hope it's understood that these are only a tiny fraction of those who have unknowingly or knowingly poured into my life. This list doesn't include the men and women I've known personally who have challenged me, guided me, prayed for me, and encouraged me through the years. As I said on the front end, internet preachers don't replace real life ones. So, I am thankful for them as well.

I hope you'll find this list helpful, and maybe it will help you to think on those who have influenced you as well