Habakkuk 2:4 Habakkuk is considered a “minor” prophet in the Old Testament. He was a prophet who foretold the coming destruction of Judah. God would use another nation to punish Judah for their many sins. Babylon would destroy Judah and carry away the people of Judah to be slaves. Habakkuk was upset and almost charged God with the death and destruction to be inflicted on Judah because he could not fathom that God would do this. He was to learn that God is in control and that God alone decides punishment. What God sees from His throne as an insignificant speck, we see as a vast problem. What we think of as a long time is just a blink of God’s eye. God’s works are far beyond our understanding. Habakkuk penned that the “righteous will live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4). God revealed the calamity that would come to Judah and now Habakkuk had to practice his faith. Habakkuk learned that faith is the key to seeing God’s big picture. He also learned to have faith so that he could see things from God’s perspective. Habakkuk 2:4, • “Behold, as for the proud one, • His soul is not right within him: • But the righteous will live by his faith.” To this we say Amen!

In Genesis chapter 42 we read about Joseph’s brothers coming to Egypt to buy food for their families. The brothers who came did not recognize Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery many years ago, but he did recognize them. Lets’ review the highlights of the Joseph story: 1. He was the favorite of his father Jacob 2. His brothers hated Joseph because it was so obvious he was the favored one 3. Joseph told his brothers he dreamed they would bow before him. 4. Their hatred multiplied and they conspired to kill him. 5. Instead of murdering Joseph, they sold him into slavery. 6. While in Egypt as a slave, Joseph had many low points. 7. Ultimately, he became the number 2 leader in the Egyptian empire. 8. Great famine was in the land and Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy food 9. Unbeknownst to the brothers, Joseph is the one who holds their future. None of the brothers recognized him, but Joseph knew who they were. Joseph toyed with them, by holding one of the brothers in prison until the others returned with Joseph’s brother Benjamin. Additionally, he had their money put back in their sacks which terrified them when they returned home to Jacob. Plus, he required that they bring his other brother Benjamin, or he would not sell them food. It took time but it all fell into place. Ultimately Joseph revealed himself to his brothers and the healing began. This whole story is in Genesis 38-50 and shows the emotion and patience that Joseph took to pay back his brothers for selling him into slavery. Ultimately, he did forgive them, but it was a process. The old bromide to “forgive and forget” is often used but it isn’t so easy as we see in the story of Joseph. It took time. When your brother offends you, it may be easy to say I forgive you. But don’t walk away feeling guilty that you haven’t forgotten the offense. Forgiveness frees us from anger, bitterness and self-righteousness. We are human though but as Christ told Peter “I do not say to you, (forgive) up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Mt 18:22. Over time you will forget as old offenses fade. In the meantime, continue to pray for those who have offended you and for yourself that you will put the problem out of your mind forever. Do not depend on your own ability. Forgiveness is a process. Let us remember that but begin the process prayerfully and the peace of Christ will be with you! Hallelujah what a Savior!

For anyone who has a child, you know the watchful eye you keep over their lives. From early childhood to the point of legal maturity we frequently worry about their safety.  Abraham was known as a friend of God.  Abraham’s faith in God was verified by his obedience to God.  In Gensis 22 we find how Abraham was tested to the utmost when God told him to take his only begotten son to Mt. Moriah and sacrifice Issac him as a burnt offering.  We are not told the suffering that Abraham must have gone through.  We don’t know his thoughts and how he may have tried to figure out how to bargain with God that he, Abraham, would give his life in Issac’s stead.  We don’t hear about the pain and agony of his soul.  We can only see the obedience of Abraham as he carried the knife that would mean the death of Issac and prove his faith. We can rejoice that God intervened and Issac was saved from certain death.   Abraham displayed the ultimate in faith when he was prepared to do what God commanded.  Thousands of years later, God would demonstrate His love for us by allowing His only begotten son to die in our stead on the cross at Calvary. Thinking about faith in action we can give thanks to God that we have a man like Abraham as a guide when we consider our sacrifices to prove our faith.  We can  demonstrate our  faith when Christ says, “follow me?’

Reconnect with others and deepen your faith through PVN Groups, offering life-on-life discipleship via Sunday School, small groups, and D-Groups for all ages. SUNDAY SCHOOL. BIBLE STUDY. D-GROUPS. PVN GROUPS Life-on-life discipleship is part of our DNA at PVN. Relationships matter here, and in a world that is so hurried, busy, isolated, and disconnected, we want to help you reconnect to others and God. There are three awesome ways to do that at PVN! GROW TOGETHER During the spring, fall, and winter months, PVN offers small groups for men, women, and mixed groups that range from topical classes on issues that affect families to groups that focus on biblical study. These groups are offered on a rotational cycle on Wednesday and Sunday nights. These small groups meet either at the church or in homes. Each group is a place of Connection, Discipleship, and Care. Plug into a transformational group TODAY! BIBLE STUDY The Sunday School program at PVN is designed to equip children and adults with the knowledge of God's Word. It is the "backbone" of the church and serves as an opportunity for people to engage with others while also forming relationships with smaller groups of individuals and families. Meeting at 9:45 am on Sunday mornings, classes are designed around age, topical instruction, and biblical truth. There is a class available for all age ranges. Come join us to experience the Word of God in a setting that is familiar and nurturing! SUNDAY SCHOOL Our mission is the Great Commission that Jesus gives in Matthew 28:19-20. The goals of a D-Group are to reproduce and multiply. This means we EQUIP disciples who have a solid foundation on the Word and SEND them out to begin their own D-Group (MULTIPLY)! All of our D-Groups follow the same agenda each week to fellowship while studying through the Bible in a 9-month to One-year time frame. These groups are a great way to explore the Bible and grow relationships with believers! We LAUNCH D-Groups in January and August, so get ready to take this important next step in your faith! D-GROUPS Here’s a list of our current Bible Studies! SUNDAY: The Study of the End Times - Led by Charles Lively in E117 @ 6 PM Sojourn Ladies' Bible Study - Led by Dawn Boyd in the Choir Room @ 5:30pm - 10 Week Study MONDAY: 12 Daring Women of the Bible - Led by Diane Sarratt - Room E-107 @ 10:00am (Begins September 15th) Experiencing God - Led by Margaret Hansard - Choir Room @ 10:00am (Begins September 15th) WEDNESDAY: Table Talk - Led by Pastor Mac McCurry in CLB 210 Lessons from Ephesians - Led by Pastor Eric in CLB-202 Esther - Led by Teresa Pope in CLB-203 (ladies only - begins October 22nd) Foster Parenting Bible Study - Led by John & Hailey Fricks in CLB-212 Financial Peace University - Led by David Wright in E-117 ESL - CLB-204 (contact church office if interested) Life-on-life discipleship is part of our DNA at PVN. Relationships matter here, and in a world that is so hurried, busy, isolated, and disconnected, we want to help you reconnect to others and God. There are three awesome ways to do that at PVN! BIBLE STUDIES The F260 Reading Plan guides your D-Group through the 66 books of the Bible in one year, while still having the flexibility of reading 5 days per week. The plan has H.E.A.R. journaling exercises, to guide your group through Highlighting, Explaining, Applying, and Responding to passages, allowing for practical application throughout the year-long plan. We can’t wait to see what God will do in and through you! Contact staff if you want to plug into a D-Group! D-GROUPS KIDS: Study through the Gospel Project for Kids, which examines the grand narrative of Scripture and how it transforms lives. Kids are immersed in the gospel in each story and theological concept from Genesis to Revelation! Infant - in M 101 24 Months - 3 Years - Led by Renee Wallace, Tina Goss, & Sam Martin in M 102 Going through one bible story a month! 4 Years - Kindergarten - Led by Angie Brock & Debbie Hall in E 103 Going through the Gospel Project for Preschool Curriculum 1st - 2nd Grade - Led by Vickie Houston & Becky Bramlette in E 111 Going through the Gospel Project for Kids Curriculum 3rd - 4th Grade - Led by Tracie Hall & Lynn Shaw in E 107 Going through the AWANA's Brite Curriculum Preteen (5th - 6th Grade) - Led by John and Tanya Crowley & Bo and Christy Bradshaw in E 104 Going through an Apologetics Curriculum YOUTH: Study through the EXPLORE THE BIBLE - FOR STUDENTS Curriculum, which helps students put all 66 books of the Bible in its proper context and apply it to their lives. This study will help your student find objective truth in a culture hungry for truth! 7th - 8th Grade - Led by Shannon England and Brice Duke in Student Building 9th - 10th Grade - Led by Kendra & Chris Falcitelli in Student Building 11th - 12th Grade - Led by Frank Murphy in CLB 205 ADULTS: STAND ALONE CURRICULUM: College & Career (18-25) - Led by Ryan Matherly in CLB 209 Young Professionals (20s) - Led by Cameron Burgin & Scott Buetel in CLB 204 for 20s Apologetics (30s - 50s) - Led by Duke & Nora Hale in CLB 203 Adult Men (All Ages) - Led by Skip Matherly in CLB 207 Searchers (50+) - Led by Linda Jones in CLB 210 Sparrows (65+) - Led by Craig Stanley in CLB 202 EXPLORE THE BIBLE CURRICULUM: In Summary, this curriculum illuminates the historical, cultural, and biblical context of Scripture. Men and women will learn to understand and apply God’s Word. You’re welcome any time! Young Married (with No Kids to Elementary Age) - Led by Bob & Suzanne Agan in CLB 201 This class meets Sundays at 9:45 AM, AND Wednesdays at 6:15 PM ! Adult Women (20s - 30s) - Led by Nicci Ramirez in CLB 205 Young Married (with Middle to High School Kids) - Led by Hailey & Jacin Burns in CLB 206 Foundations (30s - 50s) - Led by Jeff Therber & Thomas Shipman in CLB 208 Empty Nesters (40s - 60s) - Led by Paul Turner in CLB 211 Grace (50+) - Led by Dianne Sarratt in CLB 212 Pairs and Spares (40s - 60s) - Led by Rex Campbell in E 117 Crusaders (60+) - Led by Bill & Anna Campbell in M 107 Faith (Women All Ages) - Led by Felicia Trawick & Gincy Hannah in E 116 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE: Discipleship is the lifestyle of walking with God. This study provides followers of Jesus with a pathway to walk on as they become more like Jesus and advance His Kingdom. Eagles (65+) - Led by Margaret Hansard & Ronnie Parker in M 106 Thankful (65+) - Led by Bill Houston in M 109 Joy (Women 65+) - Led by Mary Lee in M 108 Christian education is CRUCIAL towards living out what you believe. Sunday School is a perfect opportunity for that! Click on the link below and let us know you are coming! SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

We want to help guide you through whatever difficulties or change life brings. We want to help you find solid resources in our community, a trained volunteer to walk with you, or a faith-based counseling partner to help you move forward. We want to help guide you through whatever difficulties or change life brings. We want to help you find solid resources in our community, a trained volunteer to walk with you, or a faith-based counseling partner to help you move forward. ABOUT PVN CARES PVN partners with local counselors and community partners who are willing to support you and your needs. If you need help, or have further questions regarding pre-marriage counseling, please click the button below, and one of our pastoral staff will be in touch! SUPPORT FORM RESOURCES We have a heart to care for our local community. We desire to build bridges out of poverty, providing financial assistance when needed out of the generosity we have been given from a generous God. If you need help, contact the church to schedule an appointment for a benevolence meeting below! SUPPORT FORM BENEVOLENCE Everyone needs someone to pray for them. Let us know how we can join you in prayer and walk alongside you! Submit a prayer request below! SUPPORT FORM PRAYER

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