PVN College

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.

The Preacher has searched far and wide for pleasure. He has sought it through being care-free, through achievements, and through possessions. So after all of this, what has he actually gained? His answer is haunting, and is a warning for us when we think finding pleasure is the answer.

The Preacher sees that Wisdom cannot make him whole. Well if Wisdom doesn't work, then let's try pleasure instead. If living wisely doesn't work, why not just live for the moment? Qoheleth tells us why not...this also leaves us feeling empty.

The Preacher now tries Wisdom. Is Wisdom the key? With more Wisdom will we really find fulfillment? The Preacher gives us the answer we all need to hear.

Vanity not only affects Creation and human nature, it also affects human plans, human generations, and it can even affect our hope. How can we stay hopeful in such difficult times? By looking above the First Floor and by keeping our hope rooted in the "New" thing God is doing Under the Sun.

All is Vanity. Life Under the Sun can be so difficult, and the things in our lives can let us down. But is this the whole story? In this section, The Preacher walks us through a difficult life on earth, but in that difficulty, we already start to find the source of our hope.

Right out of the gate, The Preacher tells us life is Vanity. But what does the word Vanity mean? Is it all bad? Understanding these first two verses of Ecclesiastes will help us see this book (and ourselves) with greater clarity.

What are the themes of Ecclesiastes? Why is the book called Ecclesiastes? Who is the main character of this book? Ryan walks us through all these things as we begin our journey into this fascinating book!

Before we start our next books of the Bible, in a special night for PVN College, we hear from Pastor Ryan about how Jesus saved him and brought him to PVN.

In the final night of our Romans series, the apostle Paul shows us the wisdom of God, the plan of God, and the glory of God. May we all worship our Savior Jesus Christ, just as Jews and Gentiles have done throughout the ages...

Before Paul ends his letter, he has a warning: Beware of false teachers. What do these false teachers try to do? How can we be on the lookout? Paul answers these questions in the penultimate section of Romans.

Meet Paul's friends! This list of people in the early church is diverse and a helpful picture of what types of people put their trust in Christ 2,000 years ago. We can learn so much from them in our own day.

Paul finishes talking about his ministry goals by asking for prayer. Then he begins his Greeting section by asking everyone in Rome to welcome the Deacon Phoebe, who brings this letter with her.

It's the beginning of the end. Paul starts to close out the greatest letter ever written as he writes about his own ministry.

Pastor Ryan walks us through the opening verses of the greatest letter ever written. In these verses we not only learn more about Jesus Christ, but about ourselves as well.

Paul closes this section of his teaching by reminding his readers that Israel is now a group of Jews and Gentiles. They have gathered together now to worship one Shepherd as one flock, though they come from different folds. This is a very important doctrine that can bring great comfort to God's people as they seek to do the hard work of being together for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ...

Paul begins the closing arc of his great letter by reminding the strong in faith that they are meant to use their gift for the salvation and safety of others, not just themselves. Jesus is our perfect example in this, and our motivation for it.

Paul closes Romans chapter 14 by reminding the Church and reminding us that the strong in faith are not to push the weak, and the weak in faith are not to violate their conscience. Both will appear before God in the end.

What happens when the gentile Christians are not welcoming to their weaker Jewish brothers and sisters? What happens today when we try to push fellow Christians farther than they are preapred to go? Paul explains and warns the Church about this dangerous and potentially lethal mistake.

The Church is the New and restored Israel, full of both Jews and Gentiles. Since these two cultures are about to come together, they are going to need to make room for each other in love. They are going to need to be patient with the extra baggage that each culture brings to the table. Paul explains how they can not just tolerate each other, but welcome each other into Christ's Church.

Paul ends chapter 13 by reminding believers of the "Already But Not Yet." Christ has secured our salvation and we are redeemed, but we live in a world that is still suffering under nightfall. Time for Christians to wake up and share the light.

Paul now moves outward and widens his scope. Christians have learned how to interact with the empire. But how do they take God's Law and use it in society?

How does a Christian stay faithful to Christ in a difficult political world? How does the Church respond to political persecution or political crisis? Paul has important words for us on this ever-relevant topic.

Paul has shared with us how to stay healthy within the walls of the church, but what about when we interact with the world? How do we handle persecution? How do we love our enemy? Paul shows what it really looks like to be a part of a culture that truly can change the world....and did!

Paul knows that the most important part of the Church is not their gifting, but their genuine love for one another. This love is what will keep the new Church together. He now explains what that genuine love looks like.