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February 26, 2012
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Elder Dwight Marshall @ 6:30pm
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New Year's Eve Meeting Report (January 3, 2012)
Brethren,Every so often, the calendar seems to "fall just right." This past weekend was one of those times where we had the opportunity to ring out the old year in the same way that we rung in the new: worshipping in God's house. Cool Springs Primitive Baptist Church hosted her New Years Meeting with two services on New Years' Eve and two more services on New Years' Day. Our Lord's presence was manifestly and powerfully felt throughout the weekend, and for all the many rich blessings, we give Him the thanks and glory.The church was privileged to have Elder Ronnie Loudermilk from Gainesville, GA with us for most of the weekend to do the majority of the preaching. It was his first trip to Cool Springs, but by the end of the weekend, he felt like an "old friend" to the congregation. After this weekend, I have personally gained many things that I freely admit that I plan to "steal" from Brother Ronnie. Some of his expressions and anecdotes were original to me (though he claimed that many of them came from his father), and the one I plan to use the most is, "When you feel so good that you could swing over hell on a rotten grapevine singing 'Amazing Grace.'" An outline of the preaching services is below:Saturday Morning (December 31st):Elder Ronnie Loudermilk – Jeremiah 31:26. What are the five unchangeable things in the context that make for sweet sleep? When considering the eternal promises and blessings that God has declared, no matter what we face or what this year brings, we can not only get through it but have sweet sleep while in the midst of it.Saturday Night (December 31st):Elder Ronnie Loudermilk – Deuteronomy 11. What are the seven characteristics of the Promised Land? By comparing the land of Canaan to the Lord's church, we see that the pillar and ground of the truth is the best land and most spiritually nourishing place in all the world. Wherever we are this year, the church needs to be a big part of it and have a large place in it.Sunday Morning (January 1st):Elder Philip Conley (Pastor) – Luke 4 and the sovereignty of God in Christ's first sermon. When dealing with His universe, God interacts, charges, and blesses people and lands as He pleases not based on the pleasures of others. Whatever the year may bring, He is still in charge of His own universe and will do His own good pleasure, and man's wickedness will not prevent any of His promises from coming to pass.Sunday Night (January 1st):Elder Ronnie Loudermilk – Ruth 1:16-17. What is our devotion to God? Considering all that He has done for us, our devotion to Him should far surpass our devotion to anything else, and by extension, our devotion to His people should be done as if doing it to Him personally. Regardless of what happens this year, devotion to the Lord is never "out of style" for proper conduct by God's people.By the weekend's end, we were all charged up for the new year, and from what I have gathered from many, this past year was tough in a lot of different ways. If the year goes for us the saints at Cool Springs the way it began, it will be a wonderful year. By meeting's end, I think all of us were happy enough to swing over hell on a rotten grapevine singing "Amazing Grace." Regardless of what happened in 2011 or what will happen in 2012, may we thank God for His past mercies and blessings, thank Him and pray to Him for our present watchcare, and pray for His future providence always knowing that He has not nor will ever change in character or precept.If anyone would like to listen to the sermons from the weekend, they have been posted at our website at: http://coolspringspbc.org/In Hope,Bro Philip
The Ebenezer Fellowship Meeting Report (September 26, 2011)
Brethren,This past weekend (Septemeber 22-24) we were blessed to attend the 198th session of the Ebenezer Fellowship in middle Georgia. Pleasant Plains Church – pastored by Elder Garry Hall – hosted the meeting, and they chose to host the meeting in Cool Springs Church's facilities. If not mistaken, there were 9 states represented at our services during the weekend, and we truly thank the Lord that we had such an outpouring and manifestation of our friends and kindred in Christ that came to worship with us.Order of Preaching:Thursday Night
Friday Morning
- Elder Steve Woods (Ft Smith, AR) – Particular Redemption. Who are the called, and why it is so important that we understand that the called must be exactly those that Christ died for.
- Elder Danny Parker (Danville, VA) – Philippians 2:5-11. Who was Christ, what did He do, and how does that thinking translate into us having His mind?
Friday Afternoon
- Elder Tony Lester (Starkville, MS) – I Corinthians 2:2. When we know nothing save Jesus Christ and Him crucified, what exactly does that name and that work connotate in our minds?
- Elder Craig Lanier (Metter, GA) – Judges 6-9. The life of Gideon and his family, with the culmination being Jotham's parable of the trees and how that parable affects us and our families today.
Friday Night
- Elder Harold Hunt (Maryville, TN) – Luke 17:10 and unprofitable servants. What does grace and its knowledge do to our experiences?
- Elder Sam Bryant (Birmingham, AL) – Philippians 3:1-14. What is profitable and what is not, and why certain things are worth forgetting and others are worth holding on to.
(Congregational Singing on Friday night. The estimated congregation size was 250+ for that service.)Saturday Morning
- Elder Tracy Fredrickson (Stockton, CA) – God is able. Spoke about the ability of God to save from the fires of life (Daniel 3), fulfill and perform the promises made (Romans 4), and save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7).
- Elder David Montgomery (San Antonio, TX) – Psalm 139 and God's wonderful and amazing ways toward us. Spoke of the power and infinite ways of God toward us in our lives and into eternity.
- Elder Ronald Lawrence (Nashville, TN) – temptation of Christ in the wilderness with the wild beasts and angels. Spoke of God's power over natural creation in the beasts and even in angelic servants themselves.
The meeting was one that seemed to build and get better and better. By meetings' end, many tears of joy for the power of the meeting and sadness over its conclusion were shed. The fellowship between the brethren was particularly high. If not mistaken, other than the 8 Ebenezer Fellowship churches, over 15 different churches were represented throughout the weekend. Several commented that both the congregation size and manifestation of the Spirit seemed higher than in previous years.We thank the Lord for His mercy unto us, our brethren for coming to visit with us, and our home folks for being such willing hosts in their service and joy to the Lord. Already I have heard of those praying for the meeting next year, and do hope that those that have an interest in coming will make plans to come this direction. If not, I do hope that all have an interest in praying for this area. We feel strengthened in the bonds of love to serve Him a little more fervently than before and depend upon Him a little more faithfully than in the past. The sermons have all been posted to the Cool Springs website at: http://coolspringspbc.org/ for those that are interested in listening to the efforts of the meeting.In Hope,Bro Philip
Annual Meeting Report (August 9, 2011):
Brethren,The Cool Springs Primitive Baptist Church in Danville, GA was blessed to observe her annual meeting this past weekend. We had a delightful time in the Lord, and it seemed that His hand of mercy and providence rested upon us throughout. The only down moment of the weekend actually showed a great deal of His providential protection over us. The church invited Elders Mike Montgomery and Luke Addison to preach for us. Though Elder Addison was unable to be with us until Friday, Elder Montgomery was able to come Thursday. So, the Lord providentially worked that out. Even though both intended to stay through Sunday, Elder Montgomery received a phone call that a terrible tragedy had struck the family of one of the deacons of his home church. He then had to arrange to fly home early on Saturday, but the Lord still providentially watched over us so that we were not without visiting supply for our meeting.
The meeting began with a wonderful and Spirit-filled communion service on Wednesday night. It was truly a joy to once again witness the transformation that takes place in the faces of the members as they proceed through this most solemn of occasions. During the first portion of the service, there is a sense of seriousness (and even some sadness when considering His suffering). The faces of remembrance can sometimes have pain though still understanding the victory in that ultimate of all suffering and sacrifice. However, when the service moves to the second portion and they begin to wash each other's feet, the faces of pained seriousness give way to tears of happiness as they become "happy in the Lord." How fitting that the Lord would have us remember with gravity the service He rendered for us and follow it with cheerful gladness in loving one another for His sake.
The meeting then proceeded in the coming services with the preaching of our visiting ministers. The arrangements were as follows:
Thursday night:
Elder Mike Montgomery – "The 5 R's from I Thessalonians 4:13-18." He taught the remembrance, return, resurrection, rapture, and reunion of that blessed moment.Friday night:
Elder Mike Montgomery – "Godliness and Contentment from I Timothy 6:6." He taught what godliness and contentment really were and how they should be employed.Saturday morning:
Elder Luke Addison – "Blind Bartimaeus on the Jericho Road from Mark 10:46-52." He taught what it meant to be blind and "near" Christ rather than in the way with Him and healed.Saturday night:
Elder Luke Addison – "Solomon's bed and chariot from Song of Solomon 3:6-10." He taught about the might and glory of Christ's kingdom as illustrated by Solomon's kingdom.Sunday morning:
Elder Luke Addison – "Prayer from Romans 8:26." He taught about proper prayer, some of its characteristics, and how it translates to heaven.Sunday night:
Elder Philip Conley (pastor) – "Psalm 23." Tried to tie in some of the points and themes of our meeting for focus and reflection before going back out into the world.As the arrangements show, there was no one "theme" or overarching subject. However, the brethren's efforts did tie in together very well with a good treatment of our abilities, strengths, and desire to follow after Him measured against the holy backdrop of what He has done for us. As we previously mentioned, we were blessed with several indications of God's providential care over us, but one of the other remarkable points occurred on Sunday morning. It was one of those truly special "pulpit times." As Elder Addison began his opening remarks, he freely confessed that he had looked for a text and could not find one and further confessed to not feeling to have much of anything to bring. After much contemplation and prayerful meditation, he said he could only start with a thought and see if the Lord would bless. He then stated, "This may be the shortest Sunday morning sermon ever at an annual meeting!" About an hour later, he was still rolling with as much a head of steam from the Spirit as he had an hour before. He eventually had to quit as opposed to close since there was no closing the rich beauty that the Spirit had led all of us to and through.
One of the most refreshing things about meetings such as this is that the pastor gets to hear other brethren for a change. Rather than having to feed from my own preaching, I can sit there with my hatch open and feed alongside everyone else. Another rich blessing is that it affords the saints the opportunity to eat from the hands of a different chef. We all get our food from the same place, but the preparation methods are different from man to man leading to slightly different tastes and flavors in the efforts. That diversity of blessing from the bestowing of God's talents to several abilities helps the people of God not become "rutted." By the end of the weekend, it was truly sad to have to say goodbye, but it was a sweet refreshing that once again showed us that we are His, He cares for us, we can do better in serving Him, and we want to do better than we have before. We were blessed with good visitation from our sister churches, and we do hope and trust that they were likewise strengthened, encouraged, and edified according to our mutual love and fellowship in the kingdom.
If anyone desires to listen to the preaching efforts, they have been posted at our website: http://coolspringspbc.org/. Please join us in thanking and praising God for His rich countenance upon us in His service.
In Hope,
Bro Philip
Deacon Ordination Report (May 29, 2011):
Brethren,
This past Sunday night (May 29th), we at the Cool Springs Primitive Baptist Church of Danville, GA were blessed to enter into an ordination service. Brothers Tracy Bryant and Caleb Howell had previously been set aside by the church to be ordained to the office of deacon, and we were thankful to have so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ come and worship with us and participate in this service. We were also truly thankful to have 11 of our yokefellows in the ministry come and participate with us in the formation of a presbytery for the service.
After a song service and introductory prayer for the service by Elder Charles Garrett, the presbytery was organized and proceeded to go forth in the business of ordination as follows. Elder Philip Conley was elected as moderator of the presbytery, and Elder Frank King was elected as clerk. Elder Franklin Bryant was elected to question the church, and Elder Tommy Sarber was elected to question Brothers Tracy and Caleb. Elder Dan Bryant was elected to offer the ordination prayer, and Elders Garry Hall and Philip Conley were elected to preach the charge.
Brother Mark Moore served as the spokesman for the church. After delivering the subjects to the presbytery, Brother Mark answered Brother Franklin's questions on behalf of the church regarding the qualifications of the two men. Upon satisfactory answers to the questions, the two brethren were then examined by Brother Tommy as to their beliefs in the foundation tenets of the church of doctrine and practice. Upon satisfactory answers to the questions, the presbytery then gathered around Brothers Tracy and Caleb as Brother Dan offered a fervent and humble prayer, beseeching God's Divine watchcare over them during their service to the Lord's church. Brother Mark then delivered Sisters Elaine Bryant and Amanda Howell to be seated next to their husbands for the delivering of the charge. Brothers Garry and Philip exhorted the two men to remain steadfast, exercise wisdom, nurture boldness when needed, and exude charity in their dealings in the church, with both ministers using Stephen as a primary example.
The business of the ordination then being satisfactorily completed, the presbytery turned the two men back over to the church as duly ordained deacons and the right hand of fellowship was offered by all for the brethren and their wives. Services were concluded with Elder Rabon Lord offering a prayer of benediction and thanks. Many in attendance remarked about the wonderful spirit of the service, and a dear grandmother in Israel even declared, "He was here! Oh how sweet the feeling!" Even though Jesus' presence is enough to fill the house, our sister churches confirmed their love to us by their presence and wonderful fellowship. Some estimated the congregation size to be approximately 300.
Please rejoice with us that the glorious Lord has blessed us as a church body with men like Brothers Tracy and Caleb that have already shown themselves servants to the church. Pray for them that the Lord would bless them with many profitable and fruitful years of service in this office. In so doing, the Lord's people will be blessed by their efforts, as we have already been touched by their love, zeal, and devotion for the cause of Christ.
Ministers in attendance:
1. Elder Dan Bryant
2. Elder Franklin Bryant
3. Elder Garry Hall
4. Elder Frank King
5. Elder Charles Garrett
6. Elder Tommy Sarber
7. Elder Rabon Lord
8. Elder Wesley Watkins
9. Elder Spencer Fussell
10. Elder Craig Lanier
11. Elder Thad Lockwood
12. Elder Philip ConleyIn Hope,
Bro Philip
March Meeting Report (March 7, 2011):
Brethren,
In lieu of a "Morning Thoughts" today, please allow me some space of thanksgiving on the written page. My home church Cool Springs Primitive Baptist Church in Danville, GA enjoyed our annual March meeting this past weekend. We were blessed with good services, beginning on Friday night going all the way through Sunday night (5 services in all).
Elder James Isaacs from Magazine, AR was our invited minister, and he was truly sent our direction by God this weekend. While there is much that I could say personally about this man, how much he means to me, and the level of comfortable familiarity that we have with each other (sometimes to the point of playful insults…
), a far higher object and prize came brilliantly into view before our eyes in God's pavilions. Yes, the fellowship was heavenly and the experience refreshing, but the highest order of majesty was put on display in the efforts of worship. The meeting enjoyed what seemed to me two major themes and avenues of thought from Brother James' preaching. While firmly bolstering the position of free and amazing grace through the mercy of a loving God, he proceeded to show the path of well-trod, hallowed ground that our aim is to seek while we sojourn here below. To those that know Brother James and his preaching style, the enlightening – but oftentimes hilarious – illustrations of food, livestock, and personal family experiences were put to very good use in driving the points home in application. After the wonderful preaching efforts, we again had every reason for thanksgiving for God's saving grace, while seeing again with illumination the path of serving grace here in this world.
Even though every sermon was well blessed, the last one (Sunday night) stirred me perhaps more than the rest. Using "Love" as his subject (and beginning in I John 4), Brother James proceeded to draw the line showing the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Since God so loved us, so ought we to love one another. Simple point, yet not so simply applied so many times. Our hearts burned. Our faith muscles were exercised, and our souls reached out in yearning to that place we long to see: heaven – our home.
The meeting was quite well attended, and I was personally thankful to see so many of our sister churches visit with us and confirm their love to us by their presence. May we return the favour in kind by confirming our love to them in the days to come. On one more personal note, I was also thankful to see Brother James' visit and our meeting encourage so many in needed ways. One of the younger brothers in the church began for the first time to assist in song leading, and some weary hearts relayed their feelings that so many of the sermon points were "just for them." Brethren, we do wish all of our family and kindred in Christ could have been with us, but we do sincerely beg an interest in your prayers and bessech you also this day that you rejoice with us!
In Hope,
Bro Philip