February 2022 PSBC Connections

GPS Children's Program

Beginning Tuesday, February 1st!

Children age 3 and up are invited to come to GPS each Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

PSBC will be hosting GPS (Gospel Project for Students) at the Ray Street Campus of  Reconcile Community Church. Through teaching, music, and games, the kids age 3 and up learn about the Gospel, God, the Bible, and about having good relationships with Jesus Christ and with others. We all need some direction in our lives today – especially our children.

New Location:

1 Ray Street

Ray Street Campus of Reconcile Community Church

Greenville SC, 29601

See Mark Foster for weekly updates or call the church office at 864-232-7312. Van rides to GPS are available by contacting Mark Foster in advance.

The Grace of God: His Word, Prayer, and Fellowship

By Scott Stephens

Scott Stephens is the counseling pastor at Pendleton Street Baptist Church’s West End Counseling Center, a board member of Redeemer Biblical Counseling Training Institute, and a PhD student in the Biblical Counseling Program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. To find out more about our counseling center (WECC), please call the church at 864-232-7312 or Click Here!

Scott & Loretta Stephens

The Grace of God: His Word, Prayer, and Fellowship

As followers of Christ, we want to glorify God, we want to be in “His will.” Yet, sometimes when we face circumstances which require hard choices, it can be difficult to know what actions we need to take. It’s important for us to remember that we have God-given resources that will help us when we are searching for guidance.

Those of us who proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior have comfort in knowing that everything we experience in life is used for developing us into people who act and respond as Jesus modeled (Romans 8:28-29). God provides us the ability to become more like Jesus through the grace He provides. God provides His grace to us even though we don’t deserve it. Three ways that God shows us His grace to us are through His Word, through prayer, and through fellowship with Him and other believers.

God’s Word

God’s Word is essential because it explains how we are to respond to the circumstances that we will face during our lifetime. In order to know God’s message, his direction and guidance for us, we must consistently be in His Word.

Philippians 4:6-7 is a verse that provides comfort and peace, explaining how God cares for us, and is sovereignly walking with us, during hard times and trials. It explains,  “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ.”

This verse guides us to trust in the Lord as we navigate through the obstacles of life. When the verse says “be anxious for nothing,” it’s telling us not to worry about anything, but to trust that our all-powerful God has the ability to help us in our time of need.

 

Prayer

“…but in everything by prayer and supplication” are words we need to pay particular attention to. Prayer is personal or corporate communication with God. God commands us to pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 explains, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Even when we don’t understand how God’s sovereignty and prayer work together, we should pray because God wants us to pray. Prayer should be so much a part of our lives that we are in an on-going conversation with God.

Jesus tells us that our attitude in prayer is to be like a child going to his father for help (Matt 6:9). As we read the Bible, we understand that God is a person. He is not an impersonal being. Prayer is imperative to having a personal relationship with Him. Through prayer we are able to talk with the Creator and Ruler of the universe about all that we are confronted with each day. We are able to talk with Him about the things that concern us, the things that we need His help with, the goodness that He shows us, and the appreciation we have for His promises and care . What an amazing gift He has provided for us!

Fellowship

Fellowship with God and with other believers is another way God shows His grace. As we obey God’s command to pray without ceasing, we not only pray that God’s will be done in our lives, but we should also pray for others. We are to pray for their protection, for their guidance, and that God will work mightily in their lives. To do this we must know God as He is revealed in Scripture. Additionally, we need to know people in our own church fellowship. It is important that we develop strong, meaningful relationships with others so that we know how to care for them, how to pray for them, and how to show them love.

Reading the Word of God, being consistent in prayer, and having fellowship with others are integral parts of a healthy Christian life, as well as a healthy church. If we truly want to glorify God in all that we think, say, and do, we will regularly communicate with Him in prayer, individually and as a church, expecting Him to communicate with us through His Word. God wants us to thank Him when things are going well, but we are also to come to Him when things are tough. He is ready to guide and direct, as well as comfort and ease our concerns when we seek Him.

Building Update: We’re underway!

The Building Permit is in hand and the Notice of Commencement has been filed. The builders are working on subcontracts and submittals with their trade partners now that we have an executed contract. We have applied for the Demo Permit. Asbestos abatement in the existing building will begin February 14, followed by the interior demo of the office building.

Temporary offices have been secured. Our offices during construction will be in the Oak Crest Campus of Reconcile Community Church, 1 Alabama Ave., Greenville, SC 29611.  We will be moving during the week of February 7, and the space provides for staff and counseling offices and a meeting room.

Connect to Serve

If you would like to serve as a greeter, on the set-up team, with our Children’s Ministry (Sunday mornings or the Children’s midweek GPS program), the new audio/video crew, or any other area of ministry within Pendleton Street Baptist Church, please contact the church office at 864-232-7312 or see one of our ministry leaders for more information.

Inclement Weather Policy

Services may be cancelled during inclement weather, particularly if winter conditions make the roads unsafe. Service and activity cancellations or delays will be recorded on the church answering system, the church website at www.psbcgreenville.org, our Facebook page, and on WYFF News. During the week, the church office will follow the Greenville County School System with regard to closings and delays.