** Treasure Valley Fox - The Wicket Gate**
**“Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.”
** (1 Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV)
We can learn from many teachers, but no teacher is infallible. All teaching must be tested against the full counsel of Scripture, with Yeshua as the final authority and the Bull’s Eye of this library. Salvation is by grace through faith in Him alone.
Recommended Teachers (Generally Solid)
Alistair Begg – Truth For Life Clear, faithful, gospel-centered preaching with strong biblical exposition. Excellent for daily teaching and practical application. Minor differences on secondary issues. Strongly committed to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of Christ.
R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) – Ligonier Ministries One of the best modern teachers for systematic theology, God’s holiness, sovereignty, and justification by faith alone. Deeply Reformed perspective with a high view of Scripture. His teaching on the holiness of God and the doctrines of grace is especially valuable.
Greg Koukl – Stand to Reason Outstanding apologist. Clear, kind, and logical in defending the faith. Very helpful for engaging culture, skeptics, and difficult conversations. Emphasizes thinking carefully and speaking graciously while staying anchored in Scripture.
Lee Strobel Strong on the historical reliability of the Gospels, the resurrection, and evidence for Christianity. Excellent for seekers and those wanting intellectual reasons for faith. His investigative approach makes complex topics accessible.
Walter Martin (1928–1989) Classic biblical analysis of cults, including Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism. Still very useful for understanding false gospels and how they deviate from core Christian doctrine. Strong emphasis on Scripture as the final authority.
Michael Heiser (1963–2023) – Unseen Realm / Divine Council Theology Strengths: Excellent biblical scholarship on the spiritual realm, the divine council, Elohim, sons of God, and how the unseen world functions in Scripture. His work helps readers take the supernatural elements of the Bible seriously without sensationalism. Strongly points to Yeshua’s supremacy over all powers. Very helpful for understanding Old Testament background and spiritual warfare. Spirit Realm Terminology
Cautions: Some interpretations (especially around ancient Near Eastern context and certain passages) can feel speculative to more traditional readers. He was not strongly Reformed on secondary issues like eschatology.
Recommendation: Excellent resource for deepening understanding of the unseen realm and bridging conversations with those interested in spiritual realities (including LDS friends). Use alongside solid systematic theology. Always test against the full counsel of Scripture with Yeshua as the center.
Hebrew Language & Background (Use with Discernment)
C.J. Lovik – Rock Island Books Strengths: Excellent Hebrew word studies, visual charts, and a strong emphasis on Scripture pointing to Yeshua. Helpful for seeing biblical patterns and prophecy. Cautions: Heavy focus on specific end-times timelines and some speculative interpretations. Recommendation: Useful for Hebrew insights and visual aids when they clearly exalt Yeshua. Test all timelines and interpretations against Scripture.
Teachers to Approach with Greater Caution
Michael Rood – A Rood Awakening Passionate teaching on the Hebrew context of Scripture and the feasts. Challenges man-made traditions. Cautions: Strong Hebrew Roots emphasis that can add Old Covenant practices back onto the gospel. Some teachings are speculative and confrontational. Recommendation: Selective use for cultural and historical background only. Prioritize the finished work of Yeshua and New Testament freedom (Galatians, Colossians, Hebrews).
Lex Meyer – Unlearn the Lies Encourages deep Bible study and removing traditions. Offers helpful Hebrew name and cultural insights. Cautions: Operates within the Hebrew Roots movement and often encourages Torah observance (Sabbath, feasts, dietary laws) for believers. This can subtly shift focus from grace through faith alone. Recommendation: Use selectively for language and historical context. Test all teachings rigorously against the New Testament, especially Paul’s letters.
Guiding Principle
Yeshua alone is King, High Priest, and God — the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No teacher or movement replaces the authority of Scripture or the finished work of Christ. We can appreciate Hebrew language study and cultural background without returning to Old Covenant requirements or adding anything to the gospel.
Cross-References