PVN Students

What are the Psalms really? Why are they important? How can we actually use them in our daily lives? Pastor Ryan kicks off our series by taking a deeper look into the prayer book (and hymn book!) of the Bible.

James ends his letter by talking about the importance of prayer. We have such an important gift that God has given us through prayer. It can help us in suffering and it can help us stay grounded in the good times. But the most important part of prayer is not the prayer itself, but the God to whom prayer points.

What do we do when suffering enters our lives? How can we possibly hope to endure? James shows us the way in God's Word.

Jesus is asked why his disciples do not Fast. He responds by telling two parables and calling himself The Bridegroom. What can we learn from this section of scripture? Plenty. But Pastor Ryan draws out 3 important truths.

James has some harsh words for the evil rich who are persecuting the church. God is furious. Yet in these harsh words the church can find comfort. God really does care about us, and he is angry when we are mistreated. This is the news we need to help us endure.

James is tackling the topic of Worldliness in the Church. How does the Church look too much like the World? James shows us two ways in this text: In how we speak to one another, and in how we plan our future. But what is the solution to these problems? James tells us that too.

We are so caught up in sinful jealousy of other people and other things. Thankfully, God is jealous too. He is jealous for us, and seeks our whole heart. His good jealousy overwhelms our sinful jealousy, and He changes us for the better. Will Ashworth explains the good news of a jealous and gracious God.

Wisdom is the difference between life and death. It is the difference between finding happiness, or always looking for it. How does someone become wise? James tells us.

The number 1 way that our faith shows itself is through our words. Words reveal what is happening in our heart. They are also extremely powerful and extremely important. James takes words seriously and explains to us why we should too.

In this section, James teaches us that faith and works are not two separate things. Our works are the end goal of our faith. Faith leads to works. Faith shows itself to be genuine through the works we do in our lives. Faith and works are not two separate things, in fact, when faith has reached its complete form, it shows itself in our works.