Issue 9

You won't dry up and die!

- Ron, Te Aroha, NZ.

Thank you for Issue No. 8. I have been blessed by Hadyn's farewell letter, (so I'm not going mad or backsliding, Hallelujah). I have underlined a lot of what is written in this mag. Jan's letter, from Ohio was good and those comments people make, if you leave church you will dry up and die, well the Lord said to bless those who curse you. It is sad to hear christians saying these things. I went to see a brother yesterday and told him about the New Wineskins magazine, and about John Beaumont's book, The Church of My Dreams, and he said that when they were on holiday a woman that they had not seen before gave them this book, and it changed his whole outlook on church. I have given you his address to send him a magazine. Would it be possible if you could send me contact addresses of those who have come out of the system in the Waikato. Thank you.

P.S. Keep up the good work.

Ron, several people have requested contact details, but we are restricted by the Privacy Act. However I suggest you read the note in the 'Mailbox Index' section of this magazine ... Ed.

Genesis 3

- N&J, Northland

Thank you for sending us your publication. Ken's article on Repentance was a delight. What our Beloved has long taught us, Ken has here put into clear words that others may truly understand and see the difference between the two trees.

Know Jesus as Lord, Not Jesus as something else

- Sue, Whangaparoa

God has certainly answered my prayers with the sending of Stan Firth's book Custom and Command - So many questions have been answered Scripturally. A huge weight has been lifted, Praise His name. He is so faithful to His flock. Your publication has encouraged me and I'm sure it will be a blessing to many. Before I left the church I received from the Lord that He was going to place new wine in new wineskins, Not being sure of what exactly He meant at the time, I now realise I could not have received the new wine in the wineskin I had become! It is reassuring to know that there are many of us who seek to know Him and His ways personally - there is a freedom I never knew was mine; and I pray many will come to know Jesus as their Lord and not Jesus as something else (Customs etc). Anyway, now it's time I got off my soapbox.
Much love in the Lord.

He answers

- J.R. Central Otago

Yes the Lord does care for me very wonderfully and I am learning after such a long time, the blessedness of consulting Him about most things I do, and if I'm prepared to WAIT, He answers and that has been such an encouragement. I did enjoy John's article on Wineskins and I feel the Lord would have me send it to my friends who live in Auckland. They have been out of the Brethren for some years and have been through quite a bit.
My love and prayers.

Air dropped

- Glenda, Silverdale

The article on The Wilderness School of Repentance was wonderful, amazing! For me it was perfect timing - God's answer to me, clearly coming through you. I feel this article needs to be air-dropped in all countries, all over the world. It's clear and understandable to all. Well done. Keep up this wonderful work. God bless you all.
P.S. I hope I wasn't out of line. I had the article photocopied and gave it to a few of my friends.

Go for it Glenda, photocopying of any article is fine as long as it's used in context. Ed.

Uplifting food

- Natalie, Hamilton

I was delighted to receive the latest copy of New Wineskins and my husband joins me as we share its precious contents. This latest issue contained real meat - much uplifting food for thought and praise. Your book-list was truly welcome. Our home group are just discovering the wealth of Andrew Murray. So Spirit filled, life giving. We pray that you will have patience, perseverance and great joy in your task; it is demanding to say the least.

Centred on Him

- Geraldine, Whangarei

I really enjoyed Issue No.8 of the New Wineskins - it seemed deeper, somehow. And what I most appreciated was the focus away from the old wine-skin; to putting the spot-light on the workings of the Spirit. So edifying and it felt like a fresh page turned.

Abiding in His presence is the key to all else - and is indeed an end in itself. We (Gilbert and I, that is) need constant reminders of that. It's too easy to look at our spiritual walk as somewhat of a pilgrimage with a linear road to it. I think I'd rather explore the reality of the wheel - the outer edges of busyness and the centre of stillness about which all else revolves. The very life of the Spirit and all that flows from Him, comes from being in the centre of His presence. I like that.

I endeavour to dwell in, or as close to that centre as I can while letting the cares of the world remain on the periphery of my life. I don't always succeed, unfortunately. I'm the kind of person who needs quality quiet time to remain sane, let alone centred. That hasn't always been possible lately. But, I have found that recently I have been waking much earlier in the mornings, which has been of great benefit. Thank you Lord!