Traditions and Customs of COBU that make void the word of God

“There are deeply ingrained ideas and feelings running wild in our fellowship, many of them directly or indirectly can be traced back to my error.”

(This was Stewart Traill’s admission on March 4th, 1989 see: Transcript of ‘Grace Meeting’) (Click here to read The Grace Meeting transcript).

"Mat 15:6 So, for the sake of your tradition, you have made void the word of God."

Many brothers and sisters who have left the Forever Family, that was later renamed: The Church of Bible Understanding (Cobu) are willing to admit that Stewart Traill's example is not good, yet these same brothers and sisters, who claim that they've "moved on from Cobu" still have a difficult time accepting any views or practices that are different than the ones that were learned from Stewart Traill in Cobu.

For example, the scripture counsels in James chapter 5 that if anyone is sick, let them receive prayer and the anointing with oil, yet because this was not something practiced in Stewart Traill's Cobu, many of those who have left Cobu and "moved on" have a difficult time accepting a concept that the scripture counsels should be done in faith.

One brother had multiple ailments that caused him to be unable to work, yet when it was suggested that he receive the anointing with oil and prayers lifted up for his many bodily ailments he confessed that "he didn't have the faith" to even try this.

A sister who confessed to being so oppressed that she had difficulty even getting out of bed or off the couch, when asked if she would like to receive the anointing with oil and have others pray for her, she also said that this wasn't something that she could do.

Some even have taken to not only frown on the idea of receiving the anointing with oil and prayer, but have been heard to mock those who do this, or joke to one another saying things like:
Sounds like Jim didn't get a bottle of olive oil running down his beard forcibly when Tod stopped by...(ha,ha,ha)

Some have even taken to accusing those who actually seek to follow the counsels given in the Bible or spoken prophetically as "creating a new cult!"

Sounds like a Cobu behavior to me: just one more accusation!

When the scripture counsels that our only obligation is: to BELIEVE!!

So, although there are some who've left Cobu, but still try to maintain the same "strictures" or "accepted doctrines" that were drilled into our minds when we were there, yet reject actual counsels advised by The Holy Bible.

And because there are many who have remained in Cobu and are still clinging to Stewart Traill's bootstraps, the "faithful" who continue being his personal slaves in the "name of serving the Lord God of Hosts."

It is because of these that on this page we examine some of the traditions, customs, and behaviors that were practiced, accepted, and touted by Stewart Traill and Cobu, that make void the Word of God, or contradict entirely the counsels written in the scriptures.

If you recognize, while reading some of the examples that we've been able to identify, that you adhere to counsels that contradict the scriptures, because like us, you had been led down a path of accepting false teachings and things that conflict with the actual counsels of The Holy Bible and you feel that you need to be freed from this grip or would like prayer or counsel about how you can receive a blessing ~ instead of the curses that oppressed us all while we were in Cobu and have been known to oppress the minds, hearts, and souls of some even though they've been out of Cobu for many years, please contact us and we would gladly seek God on your behalf or pray with you that you might be lifted up and comforted.

If while reading this page, you think of something you experienced, witnessed, or heard about, that was done or said or was practiced in Cobu, that contradicts a scripture, please jot it down and send it to our email address: info@freefromthegrip.com and we will gladly add it to this page. All contributions are greatly appreciated.

On this page the "traditions of Cobu and Stewart Traill" are in black and are numbered, any scripture references are in blue and the RSV (Revised Standard Version of the Bible) was used, added points, observations, or comments are written in brown.

Examining the traditions of COBU that make void the Word of God:

1. COBU not only frowned on dating, but had a tradition of forbidding marriage.

Pro 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.

(but not in COBU)

2. In COBU it was a tradition that if Stewart heard that a brother and sister were interested in starting a relationship, suddenly the sister would be relocated to another fellowship house, sometimes in another state or even sent to the orphanage in Haiti.

Lam 3:34-36 To crush under foot all the prisoners of the earth, to turn aside the right of a man in the presence of the Most High, to subvert a man in his cause, the Lord does not approve.

3. In COBU it was a tradition that Stewart Traill insisted that unless the brothers had “spare zeal” they shouldn’t attempt to have a relationship with a sister or consider marriage.

Php 4:13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

4. In COBU it was okay to be harsh, especially if one was pointing out something wrong in someone else.

Eph 4:29-32 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

5. It was a tradition in COBU that Stewart insisted that COBU was the only place anyone could be faithful.

Rom 10:10-13 For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved.
The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him.
For, "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved."

6. The tradition of COBU that Stewart Traill could reap the benefits of all the brothers and sisters labors.

7. In COBU it was a tradition for everyone to assume the worst in each other.

Rom 8:33-34 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies; who is to condemn?
Jn 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

8. In COBU brothers and sisters worked 24/7, while Stewart could fly off to the Bahamas, in the aircraft financed by the brothers and sisters.

Exo 1:11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens; and they built for Pharaoh store-cities, Pithom and Ra-amses.

9. It was a tradition that Stewart didn’t even know most of the brothers and sisters by name.

Joh 10:3 To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

10. If anyone made a true and negative observation about Stewart Traill, it was a tradition of COBU members to blindly defend Stewart Traill, and as a group accuse the speaker of "being weird."

Jas 2:1 My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

11. In COBU during meetings anytime someone had to leave to use the bathroom Stewart would make a fool of them or say something offensive like, “Are you too good to stay together with us?” ~ this tradition of Stewart Traill caused people to have bladder pain before they’d consider getting up to use the bathroom! Some sisters would purposefully sit near the bathroom so they could try to sneak out without having attention drawn to them when Stewarts back was turned, or even try to scoot out on their bottom, rather than receive the negative, and often hurtful comments. Definitely a tradition if this type of planning was necessary. On Cobu Stories one brother confessed to actually releaving himself where he was sitting, on the floor, during a considerably long-winded session; this was not only vile, but unclean, and abusive to hold the brothers and sisters hostage and to be openly oppressive towards those who simply had a need to releave themselves. Stewart Traill's Cobu was a cold and harsh place and the sick thing was that after creating such a vile environment against those who spent their strength for his benefit he had the audacity to say at The Grace Meeting, that "he was more of a victim than we were!" Absolutely unbelievable!

Eph 5:29-30 For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.

Mt 25:45 Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.'

12. It was a tradition of COBU to mock other Christians and to act as though we were better than other Christians.

Rom 12:3 For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him.

Rom 15:2 let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him.

13. It was a tradition of COBU that we all went out “witnessing” when our own house was in disorder.

Mat 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you traverse sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

1Co 15:15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God…

14. If anyone had a suggestion that Stewart disagreed with it was a tradition in COBU that beginning with Stewart and then everyone jumping on the bandwagon would pounce on that brother or sister and their suggestion with open insults.

Rom 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

15. It was a tradition in COBU that Stewart Traill’s way was the only way.

1Co 14:36 What! Did the word of God originate with you …

16. It was a tradition in COBU that Stewart Traill controlled all communication at meetings.

1Co 13:5 Love does not insist on its own way;

Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

17. It was a tradition in COBU that it was ok to be a bully.

Php 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.

18. It was a tradition in COBU for Stewart and others to mock brothers and sisters.

Psa 89:50,51 Remember, O Lord, how thy servant is scorned; how I bear in my bosom the insults of the peoples, with which thy enemies taunt, O LORD, with which they mock the footsteps of thy anointed.

19. It was a tradition in COBU for Stewart to make everyone feel uncomfortable.

3Jn 1:11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God.

20. It was a tradition in COBU for Stewart to mock brothers and sisters by saying things like, “You’re all into comfort” ~ it was said in a derogatory way to make us feel as though comfort was something no one should be into.

2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

21. It was a tradition in COBU for Stewart to tell those who were sharing a difficult experience that they needed help with “to quit wailing” a behavior that was also mimicked by others in the group.

Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you,

22. It was a tradition in COBU for Stewart to continually put down brothers and sisters in front of everyone else and for the others to agree with him openly.

Jas 3:8,9 …the tongue--a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God.

23. It was a tradition in COBU that if someone said something that is popular in Churches like: “Jesus loves you” that would be mocked in a funny voice: “Yew, Jesus loves you, isn’t that sweet” but it was obvious that speaking that way wasn’t acceptable.

Tit 3:2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men.

24. It was a tradition in COBU to call Church Christians: CC’s or Contentious Christians.

Rom 2:16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

25. It was a tradition in COBU to consider Church Christians: lukewarm, because they only sought Jesus once a week ~ this was another COBU assumption.

1Co 4:5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God.

26. It was a tradition of COBU to always be very serious.

Act 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

27. It was a tradition of COBU to on one hand always feel condemned and at the same time to think of ourselves as being better than others, especially the unsaved and Church Christians.

Mat 12:7 And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.

1Jn 3:3 And every one who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

28. It was a tradition in COBU for Stewart to belittle brethren and then turn around and say that we were “God’s Elect” or that we were his “Chosen”.

29. A tradition of COBU was that Stewart was constantly accusing brothers and sisters of unfaithfulness.

Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

30. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart could constantly project his views of God onto brothers and sisters, even when we didn’t have the feelings or thoughts that he suggested, for example, he was known to accuse us of "thinking of God with a stick in his hands" or he'd say that "we felt God was angry with us" although until he suggested it, it wasn’t even in our thoughts!

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

31. It was a tradition in COBU that Stewart would accuse everyone of “Going round and round” never getting anywhere ~ publicly, privately and brethren also repeated this to each other.

On one page I wrote of Stewart: "Maybe just leave him alone for awhile and when you come back he'll still be spinning around in circles, you don't have to be there for the ride to continue, it's like a merry-go-round, sometimes it's ok: to just jump off!

Col 1:10 to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

32. The tradition in COBU where some brothers and sisters were housed together in what was called "a trip apartment" ~ they weren't allowed to be with the general population because they were considered to be hopeless or perpetual sinners ~ this tradition in COBU perpetuated many things that are contrary to scripture, like: “once a sinner always a sinner”, or “that it’s impossible to be forgiven.”

Luk 6:22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man!
Isa 43:25 "I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.
Col 3:11 Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.
Col 3:12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience,
Col 3:13 forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Col 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

33. The tradition of COBU to discourage relationships between brothers and sisters was so strong that in was not unusual that some who entered the group in their teenage years might still be in the group in their 50’s and still not have had a relationship with someone else.

Deu 24:5 "When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, to be happy with his wife whom he has taken.

34. There was a tradition in COBU where there was no touching of any kind between brothers and sisters.

Joh 21:20 Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper …
Luk 7:37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,
Luk 7:38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
1Th 5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

35. There was a tradition in COBU where Stewart discouraged young mothers from nursing their infant babies because it prevented them from being available for fellowship obligations.

1Sa 1:20 and in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the LORD."
1Sa 1:22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the LORD, and abide there for ever."
1Sa 1:23 Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you, wait until you have weaned him; only, may the LORD establish his word." So the woman remained and nursed her son, until she weaned him.

36. There was a tradition in COBU where Stewart spoke unkindly to parents about their children ~ he told one brother that his toddler sons were “like little snakes”.

Eph 4:29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…

37. There was a tradition in COBU where Stewart spoke unkindly to parents about their parenting skills, even though he expected the parents to leave their children in the care of the sisters most of the time, work, witness and attend meetings.

Isa 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

38. There was a tradition in COBU where Stewart belittled parents, he was heard saying that if their child was not in COBU that they might be a ‘ward of the state’ because of their poor behavior.

Mat 25:40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'

39. It was a tradition of COBU for Stewart to say that if anyone left the group that they would end up in sin and backslidden.

Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Psa 139:10 even there thy hand shall lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Psa 139:11, 12 If I say, "Let only darkness cover me, and the light about me be night," even the darkness is not dark to thee, the night is bright as the day; for darkness is as light with thee.

40. It was a tradition of COBU to not have the hope of ever getting married.

Pro 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Gen 2:24 Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Gen 6:2 …the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair; and they took to wife such of them as they chose.

41. It was a tradition of COBU that most never had the experience of having children or being parents.

Pro 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Psa 127:3 Lo, sons are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Psa 127:4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth.
Psa 127:5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them!

42. It was a tradition of COBU that only those who were married before entering the church had the hope of having families of their own.

Job 5:25 You shall know also that your descendants shall be many, and your offspring as the grass of the earth.
Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

43. It was a tradition of COBU that even if you had a family you didn’t have the luxury of having family time or family vacations or family fun.

Col 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

44. It was a tradition of COBU that brothers and sisters were discouraged from visiting their fathers, mothers and the families they left behind when they entered the group.

Exo 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
Lev 19:3 Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.
Pro 23:22 Hearken to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Pro 20:20 If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

45. It was a tradition of COBU not to go to weddings and funerals of family members left behind when they entered the group.

Sol 3:11 Go forth, O daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon, with the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, on the day of the gladness of his heart.

Joh 2:1 On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there;
Joh 2:2 Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples.
Joh 2:3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine."
Joh 2:7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim.
Joh 2:8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast." So they took it.
Joh 2:9 When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom
Joh 2:10 and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now."
Joh 2:11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

(Preventing brethren from attending weddings that they might feel moved to want for themselves ~ another example of how COBU operates more from a place of fear than of faith ~ marriage in itself is an exercise of faith, as is having children and families ~ something COBU is known not to encourage ~ having some over the age of 50 who haven’t had a romantic relationship since before they came to COBU in their teens.)

46. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart Traill always had the younger, prettier sisters around him all the time, even though he was married.

Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

47. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart Traill didn’t even consider having unattractive sisters around him. One sister, who was a bit chubby, volunteered to do a project Stewart was overseeing and his response to her was, “Not you dummy.” as though she should have known better than to volunteer.

Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

48. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart Traill could take younger sisters with him into his dark room where he “developed film”.

Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Mat 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mat 5:28 But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Rom 2:22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?

49. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart Traill had his adolescent son, who took film developing in school, developing nude photo’s of his second wife.

Eph 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light.

50. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart Traill expected all the brothers and sisters who had jobs to contribute 90% of their paychecks and 100% of their income tax refunds to the general fund.

Luk 10:7 …for the laborer deserves his wages…

(except in COBU where Stewart enjoyed the benefits we earned)

51. It was a tradition of COBU for Stewart Traill to use church funds to finance his personal business, paying for travel and hotel expenses in trips to purchase camera’s for S&G Camera.

Act 20:33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.

52. It was a tradition of COBU for Stewart Traill to use sisters to work his personal businesses and not contribute any of the proceeds back to the fellowship fund.

Act 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

53. It was a tradition of COBU for Stewart Traill, when confronted by the church bookkeeper about why no funds were contributed by the sisters who worked for his business, he told the bookkeeper that those sisters were not a part of the fellowship and didn’t need to contribute.

Deu 16:19 You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality; and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.

54. It was a tradition of COBU for Stewart Traill to act as though he was above reproach.

Gal 6:3 For if any one thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

55. It was a tradition of COBU for Stewart Traill to live in luxury, an estate in Princeton previously owned by a governor with a pool is one example, or his compound in Florida now, while the brothers and sisters who supported him lived in near poverty and in run down housing in bad neighborhoods like the house on Woodruff Ave, Brooklyn.

Act 4:35 and laid it at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made to each as any had need.
Rom 2:21 you then who teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal?

56. It was a tradition of COBU that even when doing something enjoyable as a group, you couldn’t enjoy it ~ when a bunch of us went to hear “The Messiah” performed at Radio City Music Hall, an older sister made a derogatory comment that soured everyone’s feelings on entering the Hall.

1Th 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

57. It was a tradition of COBU that all the brothers and sisters were continually miserable.

1Th 5:16 Rejoice always!

58. It was a tradition of COBU that no one ever spoke ill of Stewart Traill.

Luk 6:26 "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

59. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart Traill and the brothers and sisters had “grandiose complex’s” in that we thought of ourselves as being better or more righteous than others.

Rom 12:3 For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him.

60. It was a tradition of COBU for brothers and sisters to trust in Stewart Traill’s empty philosophies rather than following what the scripture counseled.

Col 2:8 See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ.

61. It was a tradition of COBU for brothers and sisters to explain away problems rather than praying about problems that we faced.

Php 4:6, 7Have no anxiety 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 passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1Th 5:17 pray constantly

62. It was a tradition of COBU that no one even considered sharing things that troubled them, like having a bad day, because we didn’t want to be accused of “whining” or “wailing”.

2Co 3:6 …for the written code kills, but the Spirit gives life.

63. It was a tradition of COBU that even though there were many of us, it was not unusual to feel lonely or isolated because much of our person was kept to ourselves.

Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. Joh 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

64. It was a tradition of COBU that many of us lived in fear of Stewart Traill and each other.

1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love.

65. It was a tradition of COBU to be pigeon holed for example Stewart Traill would counsel one person, but later expect everyone else to accept the same counsel for themselves: “If one was said to ‘be lazy’ than all of us were lazy too.” Difficult to be lazy while everyone worked 24/7.

Mat 23:4 They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger.

66. It was a tradition of COBU to look at everything as being ‘black or white’, ‘good or bad’, there was never any middle ground or grey areas and most of the time it was black or negative.

1Co 6:12 "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.
1Co 10:23 "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.
1Co 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

67. It was a tradition of COBU to be very unsympathetic to each other.

1Jn 4:20 If any one says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.

68. It was a tradition of COBU to mock one another.

Psa 89:50 Remember, O Lord, how thy servant is scorned; how I bear in my bosom the insults of the peoples,
Psa 89:51 with which thy enemies taunt, O LORD, with which they mock the footsteps of thy anointed.
Isa 51:7 "Hearken to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of men, and be not dismayed at their revilings.

69. It was a tradition of COBU to not offer any type of verbal support to one another.

Jas 4:11 Do not speak evil against one another, brethren. He that speaks evil against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.
Jas 4:12 There is one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you that you judge your neighbor?

70. It was a tradition of COBU that when others were ganging up on someone to join those who were being hostile rather than offer any assistance to the person being ganged up on even if you wanted to or knew that you wouldn’t want to be in their place.

Act 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son.

71. It was a tradition of COBU to be offensive.

2Ti 2:23 Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
2Ti 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, an apt teacher, forbearing,

72. It was a tradition of COBU to be accusatory in nature, rather than up building.

Php 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel..

73. It was a tradition of COBU to be suspicious of others intentions: i.e.: ‘What are you up to?” was commonly questioned of each other.

Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice,
Eph 4:32 and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
2Co 1:13 For we write you nothing but what you can read and understand; I hope you will understand fully,
2Co 1:14 as you have understood in part, that you can be proud of us as we can be of you, on the day of the Lord Jesus.

74. It was a tradition of COBU to frown on any kind of encouragement and if someone did say something complementary it wouldn’t be surprising for someone to say, “Why are you patting him, or her, or me, on the back?” as if it were something unacceptable to do.

Php 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
Php 2:2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Php 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.
Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

75. It was a tradition of COBU to be discouraging.

Rom 15:5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
Rom 15:6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 15:7 Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

76. It was a tradition of COBU to accuse one another of insincerity, learned from Stewart.

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity.
Jas 3:18 And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

77. Another tradition of COBU was that Stewart Traill did not believe in accepting interest on money we held in bank accounts, even though it was acceptable income, our bookkeeper thought he was a financial idiot.

Luk 6:38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

78. It was a tradition of COBU that no one had a television, which isolated us from hearing any news going on in the World around us.

Pro 27:12 A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.

79. It was a tradition of COBU that we couldn’t visit any other churches and so we weren’t able to see the difference between our group and other groups that we slandered: COBU=contentious.

Mat 10:26 "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
Mat 10:27 What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops.
Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
1Co 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints…

80. It was a tradition of COBU for Stewart Traill in the early days to bring us to churches and debate with the minister during his sermon, which was mischief and offensive behavior.

Luk 10:5 Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!'

81. It was a tradition of COBU that forgiveness was not taught, practiced, extended or felt.

Isa 43:25 "I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

82. It was a tradition of COBU that you always felt you weren’t good enough.

Rom 14:22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God; happy is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves.

83. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart had sisters making hundreds of phone calls to find certain sized personal items like belts, suspenders, sneakers, etc. that he wanted for a certain cost, even though the numerous phone calls expended more money than the item discount.

Php 2:21 They all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Pro 28:24 He who robs his father or his mother and says, "That is no transgression," is the companion of a man who destroys.

84. It was a tradition in COBU that even though you worked 24/7 you had to put in a “Special Request” if you wanted the most basic need, like socks, panties, or shoes, when Stewart Traill was free to purchase airplanes without sensor, that needed expensive fuel and hanger storage fees.

Act 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common… Mat 25:36 I was naked and you clothed me…

85. It was a tradition of COBU to Lord over the unsaved that we knew Jesus and that they needed to get saved.

Gal 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another.
Gal 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another take heed that you are not consumed by one another.
Luk 18:10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
Luk 18:13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

86. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart Traill could use large sums of Church funds any way he wanted to, when no other member had that privilege.

Act 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common… Jas 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
Jas 3:14 But if you have … selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast and be false to the truth.
Jas 3:15 This wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.
Jas 3:16 For where … selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

87. It was a tradition of COBU that Stewart Traill made financial proclamations and would turn around and not follow through with what had originally been agreed on. One example, Stewart got the money manager to release funds to purchase a Turboprop plane with the stipulation that it be sold to bank the profit, yet after the purchase when the plane hadn’t been put up for sale the money manager questioned why, Stewart said he never intended to sell it! So the church not only lost the expected profit, but had to pay out more in hanger fees to store that plane!!

Luk 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.
Luk 16:11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?
Luk 16:12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?
Luk 16:13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

88. It was a tradition in COBU that sisters who lived with Stewart Traill considered themselves his half-wives, or sister-wives.

1Ti 3:12 Let deacons be the husband of one wife…

89. It was a tradition that Stewart Traill categorized everyone by color and had us actually sitting in colored boxes mapped out on the floor of a loft, at one point.

2Co 10:12 Not that we venture to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

90. It was a tradition of COBU to lean upon one another instead of upon the Lord God.

Joh 5:44 How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

91. It is a tradition in COBU for adult men and women to allow their teenaged daughters to spend unsupervised time with a man over 70 years old, whose integrity and intentions was questionable.

Deu 28:32 Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people, while your eyes look on and fail with longing for them all the day; and it shall not be in the power of your hand to prevent it.
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Mat 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Gen 31:50 If you ill-treat my daughters,… God is witness between you and me.

92. It is a tradition in COBU where teenaged young women want to spend unsupervised time with a man over 70 years old, whose integrity is questionable and intensions are suspect.

1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

93. It was a tradition of COBU that during a long period of time we “witnessed” the need to be “born again” and then Stewart taught that no one was “born again” and then that only he and Gayle were "saved!"

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

94. It was a tradition of COBU where brothers and sisters were expected to follow one another and not do anything as individuals. Once a brother was moved to make his own witnessing tracts, to witness to those leaving concerts and he was successful in bringing some to Jesus ~ yet instead of commending his ingenuity, Stewart criticized what he did. There is no faith where acting as an individual is condemned.

1Co 12:7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1Co 12:8 To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,
1Co 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
1Co 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
1Co 12:11 All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

95. It was a tradition in COBU where there was little concern for the welfare of brothers and sisters who were expending their strength for the fellowship. There are many examples: Stewart convinced someone to try to get silver from developing fixer and the brother got burned by the chemical and Stewart just said, “Be more careful”. A brother was sent to sell a camera late at night and was pulled over by the police for having outdated plates on a fellowship car he was driving, unaware. He wasn’t allowed to drive the vehicle, which had to be towed, before cell phones he was unable to reach out to someone else and missed the camera sale. He was stuck out on the highway most of the night, only to get back and was completely told off for not completing the camera deal, and no concern was extended for the horrible night he had. Stewart sold a building many were still living in and given only 2 weeks to find new lodgings. When brothers and sisters were sent out of the building, on the street with their belongings, they were told it was their own fault they were in this situation ~ even though everyone in the building contributed the funds that paid for it! There are many other examples of these types of horrors experienced by the brothers and sisters who fell victim to Stewart Traill's maniacal and unChristian ways.

Php 2:20 I have no one like him, who will be genuinely anxious for your welfare.
Php 2:21 They all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Mat 25:40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'

96. It was a tradition of Stewart Traill in Cobu to count himself better than everyone else.