"I think the Bible clearly teaches that local congregations should be led by a plurality of elders. This is the consistent pattern of churches in the New Testament. For instance, Paul told Timothy to appoint them at the churches in every town (in Titus 1:5; cf. Acts...
Selling Short the Doctrine of Justification
"The doctrine of justification by faith--a biblical truth, and a blessed relief from sterile legalism and unavailing self-effort--has in our time fallen into evil company and been interpreted by many in such a manner as actually to bar men from the knowledge of God....
The Bible is Not an End in Itself
"The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of...
Theology with Legs
I've really enjoyed Phillip's walk through the pastoral epistles and especially the focus on what kind of community the Gospel calls us to be. I think I can speak for the other elders when I say that one element we would love to see flourishing more at Sylvania is...
Better, though Difficult, the Right Way to Go
"Better, though difficult, the right way to go, Than wrong, though easy, where the end is woe.” (The Pilgrim's Progress)
The Day Jesus Cursed The Fig Tree
“On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it,...
What's Next at Sylvania U?
The "Why Do We Recite the Apostles' Creed" course is up, running, and off to a strong start. You can still register for that course here. What is next at Sylvania U? It will take a little time, and it might be rolled out in phases, but the next big addition to...
Because He Is An Idiot…
"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Jesus (from Matthew 12:36-37) So, Who Is The Idiot? Actually,...
Re-evaluating Success and Failure
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going." Ecclesiastes 9:10 The Guilty Burden of the Success Syndrome Most people, but 21st century Americans in particular, are...
Coming Soon – Sylvania U Free Online Discipleship Courses
Free Online Discipleship Courses I will be test driving this with a few guinea pigs in the late summer. We hope to launch something in the Fall 2014 discipleship rotation. Check out the larger description on the website. Sylvania U
A Journey Through Israel: Day 5 – Holy of Holies
For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, not to appear in the presence of God for us; nor was it what He would offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood that...
Cultivating The Gospel Through Gardening
The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. Genesis 2:8 Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either...
Journey Through Israel: Day 4 – An Oasis
For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God...He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. (Psalm 18:31, 33) A Brief Sketch of the Day On day four our team climbed Mt. Masada. It is a place rich with historical significance,...
The Morning The Lights Went Out
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5) The Back Story for Those Not There On Sunday, April 6, at approximately 10:15 a.m., the power at Sylvania Church went out. So, about...
Journey Through Israel Day 3 – From a Living To A Dead Sea
And Jesus was going about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 A Day Filled With Water Day three of our Journey through...
Journey Through Israel – Sermon on the Mount – Day 2
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) The Basics...
Journey Through Israel: Mt. Carmel – Day 1
"It came about at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, 'Call out with a loud voice, for he is a god; either he is occupied or gone aside, or is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and needs to be awakened.' So they cried out with a loud voice and cut themselves...
My Journey Through Israel – A Retrospective
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Behold, your house is being left desolate! For I say to...