I am a Christian songwriter/singer. I think the music basically boils down to two major themes. The first being the absolute necessity of being saved by grace through faith in what Jesus did on the Cross. You must be born again. The second major theme is to abide in Him and bear much fruit. This must be done strictly out of a deep gratitude for what He has done for us. We don't work to stay saved, but good works are the natural fruit of a true saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Musically, I would say Ray Boltz, Rich Mullins and Keith Green. As far as inspiration for writing the songs, I get most of it from daily Bible study. I also read a lot of sermons from some of the great preachers of the past. My favorite ones are G. Campbell Morgan, Charles Spurgeon, John Henry Jowett, George H. Morrison, Alexander Maclaren, John Bunyan, Oswald Chambers, J. C. Ryle, James S. Stewart, Joseph Parker, Watchman Nee, Martyn Lloyd-Jones and A. W. Tozer just to name a few. Of the preachers of our day, John MacArthur and K. P. Yohannan have by far had the greatest influence on helping me focus on the things that are truly important in our Lord's eyes. I try to walk with the wise and hopefully it shows in the songs.

I would highly recommend the preaching ministry of John MacArthur to you. You can find out more about "Grace To You" at www.gty.org.

I would also like to recommend 'Gospel For Asia' to you. It is a Native Missionary Organization headed up by K. P. Yohannan. I read the free book "Revolution In World Missions" available at www.gfa.org and it changed dramatically how I view American Christianity, and my view of our responsibilities for the blessings the Lord has poured out on us.

St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida

I'll leave you with these words from Paul in Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.