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I guess what I'm trying to say - and I hope my thoughts aren't misconstrued in this format - is that I want to learn about and understand orthodox, reformed doctrine. But, for me, that requires questions and answers that take me back to scripture in its entirety - not proof texts. Now, that would be a long and arduous proposition I realize, and certainly not easily done in the format of an internet forum. One main question I have, however, is that, should I join a reformed church, will I be continually caught up in examining someone else's faith rather than working out my own in fear and trembling? I hope my comments are not considered to be factious or of a challenging nature - I just truly want to understand.

Perhaps you might benefit from reading some Reformed Systematics then.
GH Kersten's Reformed Dogmatics is a good one.

One of the strengths of a systematic is to make one consistent in their beliefs across the board. It gives the whole counsel of God.

Tom