Cozaddale Baptist Academy-The Lord has been Good

Soon at Cozaddale Baptist Temple all the children will be being dropped off in their new school clothes, wearing new shoes, with lots of paper, pens, and notebooks ready for another school year to begin.  Those students will find their seats, share stories from the summer, and begin another school year.  For four students, it will be there first year as they enter Kindergarten.  For three, it begins their senior year, which I hope is a fabulous year of good memories.

It doesn't seem possible that I graduated 22 years ago from high school.  I can't even believe I just typed that.  The Lord has sure been good to me and has taught me so much.  As I look forward to teaching again this year, I have been thinking about the history of our school.

This year the Cozaddale Baptist Academy will begin its 19th year.  I can't believe I just typed that as well.  It all began with a phone call in 1996.  I was in college at Fairhaven Baptist College and my dad called me.  He told me that he really felt of the Lord to start a Christian school at our church the following year.  He then told me that upon graduating college, he would like for me to come home and lead in establishing this ministry at Cozaddale Baptist Temple.

I was thrilled, then scared to death.  My senior year at college, one class I had to take was School Administration.  I never paid so much attention in any class like I did that one that year.  To graduate that class, we had to start a fictional school and organize everything from teachers to class schedules to restroom breaks and everything in between.  The difference between my project and everyone else's was that mine was not fictional.

I called my project "The ABC's of CBA."  That  project is still the parent/student handbook we use today (though edited quite a bit).  You will be glad to know that I received an "A" in school administration.

The next fall we began the Cozaddale Baptist Academy.  That first year we had 23 students. (I remember because that was Michael Jordan's number).  We all met in one room with each student a desk attached to the wall in our learning center.  The year went well with my dad overseeing the year very closely.

As the years went on, the school grew and with every year, my dad gave me the reins more and more.  We took the school from a learning center to a traditional class room school.  By the year 2003, the school had 120 students.  While I like to believe we made a lot of positive influence on a lot of children, I also know that I made many mistakes I would love to go back and change.  I began to see that some of my philosophies, while the student's were happy, wasn't the best philosophies.  There was a lot going on behind the scenes that I was too young and ignorant to see.  I guess, my head was in the sand some what.  

Most everyone from those days can tell you about the long recesses, sports programs, and such.  Again, much good can be related and there are young people still faithfully serving the Lord, but I began to notice a trend that the majority of our graduates were not staying faithful to church.  I, as there youth pastor, principal, and teacher, take a lot of that blame.  The Lord began to stir my heart and I began to search the Scriptures more about this ministry.   I studied every aspect from "Is it even Biblical to have a Christian School" to "Why a Sports Program?"

Then, in 2004, my dad was moved of the Lord to Kansas to pastor a church there.  Soon, I was the pastor at Cozaddale Baptist Temple.  I turned over the job of CBA administrator to my good friend Bro. Carr.  We had many talks about philosophy and the direction of our school.  I thank Bro. Carr for years of faithfulness in leading the school and  implementing positive changes as we were led of the Lord.

We limited who was able to enroll their children into our school, we removed all the "dating spirit" out of our academy, we began to focus more on academics and less on entertaining.  We desired for our students to learn what a walk with God is.  Our school schedule was so full, that we eliminated all sports programs, for it had become too much of a priority.  There were many changes, and the school began to shrink.  By 2010, the school had 30 students, but the Lord was blessing.

We began to see changes in the young people.  We had a different spirit amongst students and teachers.  Our graduates are still faithful to church. To God be the glory.  In the last few years, we have brought back again a limited sports program, but now the priority is not a sport and practices are very limited.  Will we be a powerhouse in volleyball or boys basketball?  No, but if our young people are still in church serving God years after graduating, I'm fine with it all.

Some of our earlier graduates from the early days would never consider sending their children to our academy.  Some because they don't care for the spiritual as they should, others because they know some of the foolishness that went on that I wish I could change. But regardless, what everyone will find is a different school than what it was.

I am thankful for the 58 students planning to attend Cozaddale Baptist Academy this year.  I am thankful for their spirit, their love for the Lord, their walk with God, their sweetness.  I am thankful that we do not have to focus on disciplinary actions, but on maturity.   I am looking forward to this year and am thankful for every parent who has entrusted us with the opportunity to be of a help to them in rearing their kids.  You see, this is the greatest difference the Lord has led me in.

The Lord had to show my that it is not my responsibility to rear other people's children, but can be used  of the parents in helping them.  I do see the mandate in the great commission to teach others to "observe all things."  I do see in Psalm 1 the necessity of not sitting our children under the counsel of the ungodly.  Thus I am convicted that parents must lead in the training of their children via home schooling them or the church being a help to them in this way.

So, we begin the 2015/2016 school year.  I am thankful for every student and every graduate that has ever come to CBA and I do not think that any would doubt that I truly loved them. I pray the Lord continues to lead and guide in the upcoming year and years ahead.  Praise the Lord for His blessings and leadership at the Cozaddale Baptist Academy.

Five Reasons Why I Am NOT Leaving My Independent Baptist Church

In the last few years articles keep being written and shared on social media as to why people are choosing to leave their IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) church.  Seems almost weekly someone else is posting another person's reasons for their getting out of church or going to some non-denominational church; the whole time pointing the finger at the pastor, preaching, program, and people of these church's for their leaving.

Each posts says basically the same thing:  First it's the "to each their own, I don't want to offend anyone, just sharing my thoughts..."  You know, you can come across as being judgmental and that is one of the reasons you are upset at these churches.  You of course are justified in leaving because you are not judgmental and all these "thoughts" you have about why these churches are wrong are not judgmental at all...right?...well...um.....
Second, you will read the "I don't want to influence anyone in making a decision to leave their church..."  Oh, well of course not.  Why would someone consider leaving their church after reading about all the reasons why you left your church just like the one they are attending?  Makes perfect sense.  We will continue...
Next you will read about how the authors "are sure there are pastors who are not like this out there..."  Shew,  I feel better.
Then the onslaught begins.  You will read about the lack of expository preaching, the apathetic worship, judgmental spirit, and true lack of spiritual teaching and knowledge (you know, the kind you get from John Piper).  Then the writer of the post, who doesn't want to offend anyone or judge anyone, will give some correction to these churches (in love of course).
Oh man do people love reading this who are either out of church today or find themselves as former IFB attendees.  I mean, FINALLY, they are justified in their actions.  Then all those who the Devil is trying to get out of church FINALLY have good reasons to leave their church.  Well done non judgmental, Christian love endorsing, knowing God deeper brother.
But then we take a step back and look at the whole picture.
First, to be fair, sadly there are some churches that have lost their first love.  I pray they can be restored.  I read some of these posts about how awful all these churches are and think to myself, "Wow I am blessed to attend my church!"  We love preaching from the Word of God and really don't have much of an appetite for the "fluff" preaching.  When we sing, it is Christ honoring music sung by believers who sing for one purpose, to worship God.  One elderly man who recently sang in our church paused before singing and said, "This is for the Lord, but you are welcome to listen."  Spot on brother!  Judgmental spirit?   I am sure some would like to challenge me on this, but I will get to that.  I will just say, a strong stand against sin is not judgmental-it's Biblical.  Loving people is Biblical.  Speaking the truth in love is Biblical.
We could go on, but let's get to the nitty-gritty.  Those who write these posts or share these posts need to stop also and evaluate. First, many who share these things are out of church now.  You can read why on those posts and then read their comments "I fully agree," "Spot on article," "Couldn't agree more.."  Then we stop and think.  We read how Christ loves the church (Eph. 5:25).  How can you not like or attend what Christ loves?  Oh, I know some response: "The church is all believers."  Actually no, if you studied the Bible expositionally you would see that there are only local, visible, called out assemblies (John Piper needs to get a little deeper in the Book on this issue).  So Christ loves the church, shouldn't you?  How can you not attend what Christ loves?  Some may say, "But the church I attended was dead, or wrong, or backslidden, or whatever..." Fine, but why aren't you in church today?  There sure are a lot of churches out there preaching the truth, and I will help you find one.  You see, the problem is not the church, it's you.  Can a church go wrong? Sure, it's made up of people.  If my local church went the way of the world this weekend and everything right about it disappeared, I'd go to church next Sunday somewhere.  You see, I don't go to church for people, I go because Christ loves the church and I love Christ. He said I needed church, so I need church.
Many who post and share such articles about why they have left their IFB church need to ask themselves why they haven't been to church in a years.  Let's assume your church you used to attend did go the wrong direction; there are plenty that haven't.  So maybe the problem is not just that church.
Those who have left their old church and now attend a non-denominational church or something like, I would just encourage to pray and ask the Lord to lead you and study your Bible.  Is what is preached there line up with God's Word?  You see, I trust the Holy Spirit will guide the believer to Truth (1 John 4:6).  If you are led to error...well...you might want to try spirit or study salvation.
Then to those who are still in a good church, but you like sharing those posts about why people have left the Truth, will you stop and think what you are doing?  You may agree with some points (i.e.-I agree we need more expository preaching), but you sharing such things helps no one make the right decisions.  You are pointing people away from the truth.  If you are burdened for your church, talk to the pastor. If there are unbiblical things going on in your church and you have prayed, spoken to leadership, and nothing is going to change, let the Holy Spirit lead you, but don't post on Facebook why Independent Fundamental Baptist are failing, because there are many that are not.  No church is perfect, but there are plenty striving to hold to Truth and honor God.   And can I counsel you?  Be careful, your eyes are leading you astray.
So I finish with five reasons why I am NOT leaving my Independent Baptist Church:
1. I love the Lord and He loves the church.
2. I need the Word of God preached to me and my church is preaching the Truth.
3. The worship in my independent Baptist church is Christ honoring, flesh denying, and from the heart.
4. The people in my church love the Lord, love His Word, and love each other.
5. Not a Sunday goes by that I have not learned, grown, and fallen more in love with my Lord and His church.

If You Are Interested

I recently have finished putting together a short book of messages for the elderly.  These messages are what the Lord gave to me while preaching at our nursing home ministry.  The book contains just under 60 pages and includes why to have a nursing home ministry, how to have a nursing home ministry, and 25 messages for the elderly.  The messages are a study of the elderly in God's Word.  The messages are a study of the elderly's life and lessons from them that can be applied to elderly today.  The book is being printed and will be available in print in a month for $5; or you can purchase a PDF copy of the book for $2.  Just email me at cozaddalebapt@zoomtown.com or you can pay via paypal on the link on this page.

Also, I recently finished writing a short play for our Christmas service at church.  The play should last approximately 30 minutes and is simple to act out with only 8 actors (5 of which should be children).  The play is titled "Shalom".  You may have a copy of it should you desire for $1.  All offerings given towards the play will go towards our church camp.

Gunnison Day 2

"That's beautiful!"  These words were spoken one...two...maybe three hundred times today. The beauty of God's creation is truly astounding!  Here in Colorado, it is on grand display.
Waking up early, I was able to take a walk this morning in the brisk cool Gunnison air.  I was able to meet a lady who also was visiting the area from Arizona.  As I asked where exactly in Arizona, she replied, "Oh you will never have heard of this place.  It's in the Mojave Desert in the middle of nowhere."  I finished her statement by adding "Bullhead City?"  Long story short, she was raised Lutheran, but I was able to share a witness with her and shared information about Mojave Baptist Church (our church plant in Bullhead City).

Following my walk, I joined up with Bro. Roberts and Bro. Davis and we headed out looking for housing for both of these men's families.  Our goals today were to find them both housing, Bro. Roberts possible employment, and a meeting place for the church plant.  Yes, I know that is a bit much to ask for in just less than  a day, but we do serve a big God!

By 10:45 a.m., the Lord had allowed us to meet Floyd who offered a completely furnished home to Bro. Davis to rent at a very great rate.  The house can fit all his family and has "hunting ground" if he is interested.  If you know Bro. Davis, you know this is amazing!

We then began driving, calling, and asking God to lead us to a place for the Roberts family.  We found quite a few leads, but the cost has been very high.  This evening, one person we had left a message with called back.  It was near dusk, but we agreed to go and look at the home.  The home has room for the family, a nice size yard, is extremely clean,  and has a huge separate garage and work shop for someone who would like to work out of their house.  We have not been able to go in the house yet, but have an appointment to do so in the morning.  If you know the Roberts family (and his profession) you know this is amazing!  Please pray for our meeting in the morning!

While visiting one of the homes today and touring it, we heard construction sounds.  The house next door to that one was being built.  Upon meeting and speaking to these men, the owner of the business invited Bro. Roberts to call him when he returns in October as he could use some help with someone with carpentry experience.

We then went across the street to the Gunnison Recreation Center.  Bro. Roberts explained to them that they were coming to plant a church there in Gunnison.  He asked if they had any ideas for a meeting place when needed.  Just so happens that something was open.  They had a room that could accommodate up to 60 that was available.  Bro. Roberts asked about the cost, to which the lady said she would love to have them, "how about $20 a week?"  Yeah, we can handled that!

We were able to pass out tracts to quite a few, Bro. Roberts was asked to preach every Sunday at a local camp ground, we enjoyed great fellowship, and shared our hearts with one another.  

It is now 10 p.m. here in Gunnison.  Let's review what the Lord did today.  Housing for the Davis family-YES.  Housing for the Roberts family-seems like a YES.  A meeting place for a church plant-YES.  Bro. Roberts to find employment-YES. Gospel passed out, fellowship shared, and God knitting hearts-YES, YES, Yes!  Can God do all these things in 14 hours-YES!!!!!

Please pray for us as we look at the house in the morning.  Pray for the Lord's will there.  We then will make a four hour drive to Denver and Lord willing a 3 hour flight home followed by an hour drive home.  Please pray for safety!

All we can say after today is "To God be the Glory, Great Things He has Done!"

Trip to Gunnison Part 1

Bro. Bryon Roberts surrendered to the Lord to take his family to Gunnison, Colorado to plant a church.  Bro. Roberts is sent out under the authority of the Cozaddale Baptist Temple.  Bro. Shane Davis just a few weeks ago, surrendered to the Lord's leading to go with Bro. Roberts to Gunnison to help do the work of an evangelist.  These are exciting days for our church!
Both men and their families will leave for Colorado the first of October.
In preparation for this move, I have joined these two men for a quick trip to Gunnison.  We left today, Wednesday, and will return Friday.  We have many goals for this trip and I am praying the Lord leads us to reach these goals in accordance to His will.
First, we desire to find housing suitable for both families.  Prices to rent are very high and we will need the Lord's leading in this area.  We also are seeking the Lord's leading as to a place where contacts to meet to have Bible studies and eventually meet as a church as homes are outgrown.  We will be looking at some community centers and such.  Possible part time work opportunities will be sought out as well.
Secondly, as pastor, I am praying the Lord gives me wisdom and counsel to share with these men the next few days.  Serving in the ministry is truly an honor and I am thankful for all the men who have shared with me counsel so vital to me today.  I seek to answer questions they may have, share dangers to avoid, and counsel to help serve.  I also seek to get a greater burden for Gunnison as our men are here serving.  This burden can then be taken back home to our church and prayerfully shared with our folks.
Thirdly, we seek to be a witness.  How awesome would it be to plant seeds, water seed, and possibly even see a soul accept Christ these next few days?  Already, God has enabled me to pass out the Gospel.  Would you especially pray for our shuttle bus driver in Denver whose son graduated from the University of Cincinnati.  We were able to speak to him and give him the Gospel.
Lastly, pray for good fellowship.  These men will need to be close and have their hearts knit together as they will serve in the ministry here.  It is my prayer that this Biblical team of 2x2 will be used of God to help establish a work for the Lord in Gunnison, Colorado.
As I flew in the plane to Denver, Bro. Davis was asking questions about the ministry, to which I was trying my best to answer  He then spoke of what sacrifices I have made to be a pastor.  I thought for just a second and said to him, "Brother, I don't understand what sacrifice is like you and Bro. Roberts know.  I have not been asked by God to sell my land, possessions, and leave my home to go to a field where I know no one.  It is you that have made the sacrifice."
I am thankful for these two men.  I am thankful for the friendship.  I am thankful for their testimonies.  I am thankful for their sacrifice to our Lord.  I am thankful for time to share with them, invest in them, and assist them in preparing for this work God has called them to do.
Isn't serving God great!!

#notyourenemy

One phrase I was never allowed to say when I was growing up, which we too don't allow our children to say, is "It's not fair!"  I thank my parents for never letting me get by with saying such a phrase, for it taught me to deal with it.  Sometimes things don't go our way, but God is still in charge and may His will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven.  The issue is not fairness, but submission.  It is not situations are unjust, but rather we are prideful.  So, when life doesn't go your way, you deal with it trusting God to take care of matters.  He always does.

That brings me to my post today.  Internet and social media has opened up so many avenues for the believer to share his faith.  I am thankful for this opportunity. I have embraced it and can say that over 60% of the visitors that have visited our church the last year first "checked us out" on the internet.  The days of the Yellow Pages are gone, people are going to check you out by your webpage and Facebook account.  Welcome to 2014.

Years ago I had a Facebook account, but I became inactive for a few reasons.  One of which, I was out of control.  I was addicted to seeing what everyone else was doing and then when I saw what many were doing, it made me upset and hurt that they would ignore God's Word and do such things. I then would start preparing sermons to "let them have it" for all the things I saw they were doing.  For me and my immaturity, it was good that I stepped away.

A while back, embracing the world we live in, I sought to establish our church on Facebook and social media and I would need to have a personal account to administer a page for our church.  So, I find myself back, but this time, I like to think I am a little more mature.  I set some boundaries as to who I would have as "friends" and have blocked any who would put me "in the flesh."  It's gone well thus far and I enjoy staying up with pastors, missionaries, family, and friends.

Still, there are those times when you read something or see something that makes your jaw drop or your blood pressure rise.  I will think, "I can't believe they would say such a thing," "how could you post a picture like that?", "why are you mouthing off like that?", etc.  I find myself in amazement how bold the carnal can be.  I then get upset in my heart, hurt in my heart, revengeful thinking, but usually by walking away can get over it and go on.

My mind then at times goes back to that little child in me that says, "It isn't fair!"  Why can the carnal all express their beliefs and carnality, but I have to be quiet because it may offend them.  You can point fingers at me and call me spineless, but when your church member or another well known pastor puts pictures of themselves dressed carnally, you don't say anything either-at least to them, or I would read it.  We will take strong stands against the people we never speak to or come in contact with, but those "in our circle", well...we just take it and deal with it.

But, I've been thinking lately about this.  Consider these verses:

"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience, the aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine, shewing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity, should speech, that cannot be condemned: that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you...  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;... these things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.  Let no man despise thee."  Titus 2

"This witness is true.  Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" Titus 1:13

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:2

"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." 1 Timothy 5:20

"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 

There are many more verses, but you get the picture.
Now, I know we should do these things with long-suffering and treating others not as an enemy, so I am letting everyone know that I am not your enemy, and I love you, and will always love you not matter what; but, when you see the #notyourenemy, you will understand.

So, if you know better, but decide to be carnal and put a half naked picture of  yourself for the world to look at, be ready for the #notyourenemy.  When you say, "If I see that preacher I will punch him in the face," expect to get a reply #notyourenemy.  When I put a Scripture verse that deals with your carnality, remember #notyourenemy.  When you start mouthing off about doctrine, holiness, or a church doing right, don't be surprised to see the #notyourenemy.  When you put up your worldly music and you know better, the #notyourenemy is coming.
I encourage other believers to get a spine with me, and without being hateful, in love, simply add a #notyourenemy.  Soon, just the #notyourenemy will speak enough.

In our family devotions last night, we were reading 2 Thessalonians 3 and I was speaking to my children about these verses and I paused at vs. 14 and the "that he may be ashamed."  I told my children that the reason people who claim to be saved are so bold in their sin many times,  is that no one ever makes them feel ashamed. We should be doing this.  We can still speak the truth in love.  We can still be long-suffering and kind.  We can live in a 21st century and still take a stand because we want to see others do right.  We need others to tell us when we are wrong that they are #notyourenemy.  We need to bring back some holiness by standing with the Word of God and may others know we love them, desire God's best for them, and we are #notyourenemy, but will stand with God!

 

 

I Have A Weird Church

I attend and have the privilege to pastor the Cozaddale Baptist Temple.   I truly LOVE what the Lord has called and enables me to do.  I've been pondering a motto the Lord gave to me the last few days for our church:

"A 21st Century Church Just Like Your Baptist Grandfather's"

I think that would adequately apply to us, and for this, I praise the Lord.  I have intently studied our church's history, I have read about the past and spoken to to past members, I have been at the church since 1994, and I am thankful that our church, for many years has stood for the Truth.

I guess living and serving in my little world around me caused me to grow ignorant on some things.  Recently, it was said of Cozaddale Baptist Temple that:

"That church is a little weird and believes things no other churches do."  

At first, I was a little taken back, then a little upset, then a little proud, then a little convicted I was proud, then...well...here I am.  It was the word "weird" that got me.  Why would any one say my church was "weird?"  I looked up the definition of weird:

"Bizarre, unnatural, unearthly."

I am good with it! Now, I know the pastor is a little weird, but I don't think that is what is meant in the statement.  The focus is on the second part of the person's statement "...believes things no other churches do."
First of all, there are plenty of churches which believe very much like we do.  Every church is going to have differences, that is part of being autonomous.  Every church should preach the Truth as the Lord teaches us in His Word.  Every pastor should teach and preach the Word of God.  Will there be differences?  Yes.  Can there be fellowship still?  Yes and no.

Yes, we can love every believer and treat every believer with respect.  No, we cannot compromise what we believe the Word teaches by ignoring Scriptural truths.  Here is the thing, for every standard our church holds, I can think of a church that has a higher standard than we do.  My daddy taught me many years ago, "Never criticize someone with a higher standard than yours."  I wish there were more daddy's like mine so I wouldn't have to write this.

Fact is, our church does hold high standards in doctrine and holiness.  Why?  We just strive to live and believe what the Word teaches.
So what makes us weird?  You know it isn't the non-denominational crowd accusing us of being weird.  The world doesn't like us, but by in large respects convictions.  It isn't other denominations that accuse us of being weird.  We have some serious doctrinal differences, but never has another denomination accused Cozaddale Baptist Temple of being weird.

So why would "the brethren" think us weird?  Why would communion, modesty, the bride of Christ, preaching a divorced person remarrying is adultery, desiring music that glorifies God and not man, only accepting baptism with authority, ordaining our own men make us weird?  Then again, it is those very things that has become bizarre to many of God's churches, they are most definitely unnatural, and certainly unearthly.

So, I suppose they are right.  I have a weird  church.  Thank God I have a weird church! If you have a weird church, you ought to praise God to!  We may be weird, but praise God we are not dead!!  Our church is growing, reproducing (planting churches), souls are being saved, buses running, academy, nursing home ministries, fellowships, community outreaches...not bad for weird church.  TO GOD BE THE GLORY! GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!

I love my weird church!