Mailbox: AB - 1: Nov. 1998 – present

To: Anonymous 1 [Name Withdrawn]
Mon, 24 May 1999

Hi —,
Thanks for visiting and sharing your situation.

Isolation is always difficult – I know something about it – but it seems that the Lord is using it to draw you closer to himself.

• Perhaps you will eventually find that it has been a blessing – to hinder you from forming links with groups which might lead to lack of exercise.

• It is good that you are not lowering the standard and going into the worldly religious systems which hold so many of our brethren.

• Reading JND and CHM will fortify you against unscriptural views and lead you into God's best thoughts, as you search the Scripture afresh.

Keep in touch. Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

To: Anonymous 1
Sun, 30 May 1999

Hi —,
Besides JND and CHM, other ministry you may find helpful – as I did as a young man – is that of Mr. C. A. Coates.

From: Anonymous 2
Email: Withheld
Locality: Withheld
Fri, 27 Apr 2001

I have spent the day 270401 reading some of your information and am trying to see and understand your position.

• I was only a child in 1970 and obviously unsure about things then.

I wonder what your position is on the use of computers which would get me withdrawn from!

• It leads me to dishonesty and hiding things etc., however I cannot ignore its potential to reach out to other Christians of any denomination.

I am still in fellowship with Mr JS Hales and much of my family is not in fellowship in —, unknown by me.

• I do not understand your rejection of JTJr. You do not lead on to JHS or JSH, all Godly men.

• You seem to recognize all Christians in your text even if you do not believe in individual's stands.

I believe in the eventual reconciliation of all those who call themselves Brethren

• even though some of what I see in other places links with what you call a licence to do as they please.

If you see your way clear to responding in some way I would appreciate it.

Yours Faithfully, John.
Unfortunately this is a nom de plume!

To: Anonymous 2
Wed, 02 May 2001

Dear "John",
Thanks very much for your email of Fri, 27 Apr 2001. It was a surprise – pleasant indeed – to hear from one still connected with JSH. I'm thankful that the Lord gave you the courage to make contact.

In my brief acknowledgement of Sat, 28 Apr 2001 I said "As you didn't request privacy your email will be posted in the Guest Book – of course in view of your connection it will be without name, email address, or locality etc. If this isn't satisfactory please let me know".

• As I haven't heard otherwise your message has now been posted on 'My Brethren' as 'Anonymous 2'.

In addition to some remarks – and to save some repetition – I will refer you to various pages on 'My brethren' which deal with your questions – or are closely related – in some detail.

• As you are trying to understand my position, I trust you will not reject my necessarily frank comments out of hand but consider them before the Lord.

• Be assured that I have no desire to offend or insult you or any of my brethren.

My Personal Position

See the following: Personal: A Message to My brethren,      Personal: My Journey, Studies: Our Responsibility in the Present State of the Church. On particular issues see Guests: My Stand 1-3.

Despite differences with others known as 'brethren' and with my brethren in denominations, I hold them all in affection as belonging to our Lord Jesus and as of His body and seek to serve all and treat all with respect.

• I am especially concerned for my brethren and young people who have been "damaged, disillusioned or discarded by the legal system which first emerged in 1959".

• Many younger ones who have left since 1970 have gone into the denominations or into the world, some appear to have given up faith or never to have trusted in our Lord.

• This is sorrowful and raises serious questions as to the kind of teaching and practice that has produced such results.

• It would be easy to blame the individuals or the parents, but I am sure that those who have taken, or are now in, the position of leaders and teachers will be held to account.

The Use of Computers

In my judgment, the forbidding of the use of computers and the internet – as well as of other electronic devices – is just another of the legal restrictions imposed since 1959 …

The balance of this section is appended to My Stand 3: Use of the Internet

Rejection of Certain 'Leaders'

My "rejection" of JTJr is not personal. For years I fully supported him …

The balance of this section is on My Stand 3: Rejection of Certain 'Leaders'

Reconciliation of Brethren

Your belief "in the eventual reconciliation of all those who call themselves Brethren" is praiseworthy but idealistic and most unlikely …

The balance of this section is on My Stand 3: Reconciliation of Brethren

I trust that this unexpectedly lengthy reply will answer your questions and be of help in your exercises.

• Be assured of my genuine brotherly interest and that I look forward to hearing from you again.

You will be in our prayers. In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Anonymous 2
Tue, 19 Jun 2001

Dear Gordon,
Many thanks for your answer to my enquiries, obviously it is difficult for me to answer at times however it is of immense value to me spending your time to reply!

It is soon time for the ministry meeting when we will hear the latest from Leicster UK the universal occasion this year!

Kind regards, "John".

To: Anonymous 2
Fri, 22 Jun 2001

Dear "John",
I can understand the difficulties you have in replying but do appreciate hearing from you when you are able. If you have any further queries, don't hesitate. I will do my best to answer them.

I trust you have opportunity to continue exploring MB.

You are in our prayers.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

Please contact 'My Brethren' re above.
Mail Delivery Failed: "user account inactive"

From: Anonymous 2
Thu, 17 Jan 2002

Dear Gordon,
I was glad to be able to visit your site again yesterday 011702. Firstly I noticed that my email was cancelled now it is reactivated, obviously I am not in a position to respond all the time, however I would be pleased to hear from you.

You must have heard that Mr. Hales was taken he was very weak at the end but he went out in victory.

• There is a dignity about his ministry and over the last few years has done a lot to change the Brethren's perspective of how brethren under discipline are viewed. It may be hard for you to understand but this is true.

• Many responsible brothers all over the world are under review for harsh and unreasonable judgments, things that should never have been brought into the assembly.

If you were interested I could make some of his recent ministry available electronically.

Many thanks for your response to my earlier enquiries when next possible I will review them.

Kind Regards, "John"

To: Anonymous 2
Mon, 21 Jan 2002

Dear "John",
Thanks for contacting me again. I understand you cannot always respond and suggest you check 'Mailbox A' under 'Anonymous 2' for any message you weren't able to receive.

Yes I had heard that John Hales had been taken. You are quite right that I find it difficult to understand that "his ministry … over the last few years has done a lot to change the Brethren's perspective of how brethren under discipline are viewed".

You mention that there have been "harsh and unreasonable judgments, things that should never have been brought into the assembly".

• In my personal knowledge there have been many such judgments from 1959-70 and, from reports, this has continued up to the present.

• Many, if not all, of these harsh judgments – and harsh treatment in general – were based on the 'ministry' of the then current 'universal leader' and with his actual, or tacit, approval.

• There is no evidence, of which I am aware, that such matters have ever been put right and they will, doubtless, have to be faced at the judgment seat.

While the harsh, unspiritual and unChristlike behaviour should be judged and put right, the underlying cause is far more serious.

• That is the 'ministry' and attitude that fostered such behaviour in the first place.

• There is no evidence, of which I am aware, that this has been judged and repudiated, by those leaders or brethren generally, nor of any attempt to heal the many – young and old – who have suffered and been damaged.

I appreciate your interest but doubt that you have any idea of the extent of the damage that the legal 'ministry' has done:

• broken hearts, broken lives, broken homes;

• husbands or wives deserted; children separated from parents; old people isolated;

• young people who have left with only a meagre, if any, understanding of the love of God, the gospel and the assembly, and have gone into religion or the secular world or, some alas, into open unbelief.

I realize that what I have said will most likely be rejected but it must be said and, I trust in God's goodness, you will take it to heart.

If you still wish to correspond I will be glad to hear from you.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

Tue, 1 May 2001: In an email charging 'brethren' connected with Mr. Darby with being a cult and further attacking JND, this guest has asked that all email – from and to – be removed from MB. All email from this guest, including name, etc., has been removed. However my own correspondence will remain. See My Stand 2: Privacy of Email.

To: Anonymous 3 [Name Withdrawn]
Sat, 14 Oct 2000

Dear —,
Welcome to MB. Too many stay occupied with their past troubles, hurting themselves, not helping others and robbing God and the Lord Jesus of the worship and praise due to Them.

I would be glad to hear from you again, I don't recognize your name or locality and wonder if we are from different streams.

Yours in our Lord, Gordon.

From: Anonymous 3
Sat, 14 Oct 2000

[Message Deleted]

To: Anonymous 3
Mon, 16 Oct 2000

To: Anonymous 4
Mon, 4 Jun 2001

Dear —
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. It's always a pleasure to hear from one who appreciates JBS and his ministry.

To: Anonymous 5 [Name Withdrawn]
Switzerland
Thu, 30 Nov 2000

Dear –
I'm glad to know that you are interested in the JBS CD. I understand it is nearing completion, but no information on a possible release date in available as yet.

To: Anonymous 6
[Name withheld on request]
Australia
Mon, 24 Dec 2001

Dear —
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. I hope you found it interesting and will return from time to time.

Please feel free to share your background and exercises, as other guests have done in the 'Mailbox'.

In the Lord, Gordon.

From: Anonymous 6
Wed, 2 Jan 2002

Dear Gordon,
Thanks for inviting me back. I have a lot on my plate, as you can imagine, leaving EB and yet still wanting to commit myself to the interests of the Lord. I will admit I love the brethren. And I will continue to do so.

I fell from Grace a couple of years ago and have been striving to take up my links with Christ again. I realise lost ground is hard to make up, but it is in my heart to do so and I'm sincere.

• I came across MB only by surfing the net. I feel it's an answer to prayer. It is what I've been longing for ever since my reconciliation with God nearly two years ago. It was, at the time for me, like the beginning of the barley harvest.

• I believe I have found all the help and encouragement I've been looking for here in MB. I appreciate very much. I have been riveted to the site since the day I found it and signed in.

• Occupation with reading anything here is edifying. I sense an awakening in my spirit as I spend time with the ministry and I hope I will find friends through this site.

• Can you put me into contact with anyone in my area that I could spend time with who would be a suitable companion. I feel so alone.

• I would like Walter Howe's email also. I found his name in MB a couple of weeks ago, but have failed to find it again.

I trust you can point me in the right direction for reading material. I have ordered the Darby Disk. I have Mr Coates' volumes. But I don't know what to get hold of next.

Thank you Gordon for everything you have to offer. Please give my love to Betty.

With much love in the Lord Jesus, —

To: Anonymous 6
Thu, 3 Jan 2002

Dear —
Thank you for your reply and for generous comments as to MB. It is gratifying and humbling that MB has been a help and encouragement to you. I do hope it will continue to be so, and that you will enjoy the ministry being added month by month.

Walter Howe's email is wc_howeATyahoo.com and corres-pondence with him is in Guest Book 6 and Mailbox GHI.

Regarding ministry, I'm sure you'll find the Darby Disk and CAC's books helpful.

• Kingston Bible Trust – see 'Guests: Site News: KBT Report: Ministry on CD-ROM' – now has all 13 volumes of JBS and his 3 volumes of letters on a CD for £30.00. You will find ordering information there or on links.

• A CD of FER may be available in the next months. Ask KBT for a catalogue.

• If you prefer, I have separate files of JBS but only for Volumes 1-6. They are in PDF format and you would need 'Acrobat Reader 5' to read them. It is available for free download from www.adobe.com/acrobat – if you wish them let me know.

• There are also several files of FER available. See 'Site News: Zip Files' if you would like them.

I'm sorry I don't have any contacts in your area but I'll ask some MB guests who may know of someone with whom you could make contact, and let you know. This might take a few weeks or a month for replies.

Hold on to Him! – and keep in touch.

Betty joins in love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Anonymous 6
Tue, 22 Jan, 2002

Dear Gordon,
Thankyou for what you are doing. It is certainly right that you have opened up this site for people like myself, those genuinely looking for positive relationships and to chat on scriptural ground. There is no other site that offers this at this level. I'm looking forward to hearing from contacts in my area and beyond.

Much love in Him, —

From: Anonymous 6
Wed, 06 Mar 2002

Dear Gordon,
I have been concentrating on Mr. Coates' Outlines and I am interested in understanding more on Mark 2 where on page 31 he speaks about the synagogue.

• "There is no sympathetic or affectionate appreciation of the Lord at all, and no sense of need. The Lord withdraws Himself from that circle". Is the Lord rejecting them in separating from them?

I'm taking this opportunity to get a little bit of understanding because I have been told I am rejecting people who I am not free to socialise with.

• These people I'm referring to are Godless people. I know they do not have a place in their hearts with the Lord. My conscience won't allow me to be a part of their lives at this level.

• They see it as rejection, but I think it is typical of the flesh to judge it in this way.

Could you please shed some light on this issue in a way a person may understand who does not discern the difference between separation and rejection.

With love in our Lord, —

To: Anonymous 6
Thu, 14 Mar 2002

Dear —,
The contacts with you has been stimulating, especially as there seem to be few of our background who have been cast out who still have much, if any interest, in the things of Christ.

To: Anonymous 7
Fri, 26 Apr 2002

Dear —,
I too know the freedom and joy of being "No longer chained". So as Paul say, "Christ has set us free in freedom; stand fast therefore, and be not held again in a yoke of bondage", Galatians 5: 1.

• But we ought always to remember that though we are no longer under a legal bondage we are to be "not as without law to God, but as legitimately subject to Christ", 1 Corinthians 9: 21.

To: Anonymous 8
Mon, 29 Apr 2002

Dear —,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. I'm glad you found it informative.

My answers to your questions may be somewhat disappointing to you. Also I will refer you to several articles which expand on matters.

Your questions were:

To: Anonymous 10
Sat, 3 Jul 2004

Dear —,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. You will be shown as 'Anonymous 10' without an email address but we would appreciate learning your locality and any other details you feel free to share.

No you are not "under a misapprehension" as to the EB's, that is the followers of JTJr on down.

To: Anonymous 12
Tue, 21 Jun 2005

Dear —,
Thank you for writing. Could you please clarify your request? We would enjoy knowing more about you, too, and your history with the Lord.

Yours in Him.

From: Anonymous 12
Wed, 22 Jun 2005

Hello,
I live in —

I would like to learn more about the Exclusive brethren and ask them questions regarding their faith. I have been reading the Bible for 14 years. I am 26 years old.

Sincerely, —

To: Anonymous 12
Wed, 22 Jun 2005

Dear —,
Thanks for your reply. I would be very glad to correspond with you and will do my best to answer any questions you may have.

Yours in our Lord Jesus.

From: Anonymous 12
Wed, 22 Jun 2005

Dear MB,
Thanks so much for your e-mail.

I already know that there are Open and Exclusive brethen. It seems to me that the Open brethren are quite a liberal group, so I am not interested in them. As far as the Excusive brethren go, I read that they have divided into several branches and do not fellowship each other. So what are the reasons for that separation? Are they Biblical? To which branch of Exclusive brethren you belong to?

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

To: Anonymous 12
Wed, 22 Jun 2005

Dear —,
We do not belong to any branch of so-called "exclusives" but try to maintain good relations with all brethren – of the "Plymouth" variety or otherwise.

• There are some who call themselves Exclusive Brethren – as a proper name – as I understand it they more resemble a harsh legal sect more than a group of simple believers but they are not allowed access to the internet – which we obviously do not go with.

It is a very difficult situation and I'm not sure I can give you a satisfying answer.

• In order to get a good hold on the reasons you would really need to look at it over a period of time, rather than trying to get to the heart of it right away.

• Though it is safe to say that where men are involved there is always potential for division.

• I think it would be wise not to commit yourself to any position too quickly and allow yourself time to grow in things. Speaking from personal experience, I don't recommend dwelling on the division too much at once – you will become conversant about it eventually. The history section of the website would be a good start for background.

The importance of looking at ourselves in relation to the Lord should not be underestimated either. Not to disregard history at all – but just to say that if we take care to alleviate any distance with Him, and try to be at peace with others as much as depends on us, our vision will be clear to see all things properly.

Looking forward to hearing more from you, too!

Yours in our Lord Jesus.

From: Anonymous 12
Wed, 22 Jun 2005

Hello MB,
Thanks for your e-mail. Please do NOT publish my correspondence with you.

There are several exclusive brethren groups, branches or circles of fellowship. Do all of them forbid use of Internet? The ones that forbid - do they use phones or snail mail? How do they travel - Amish style around the globe? or they fly on the planes?

Looking forward to hear from you.

To: Anonymous 12
Thu, 23 Jun 2005

Dear —,
In answer to your question, there is as far as I know just the one group I mentioned who does not permit use of the internet. They use snail mail and telephones but not mobile phones. Fax machines are used but not owned or operated by them, in other words, if something needs faxing they will ask someone not "in fellowship" to fax it for them. Cars and airplanes are acceptable transportation as far as I know.

My co-editor Gordon asked if I would obtain your permission to post our correspondence, but do so anonymously – so it would not be possible for someone to identify you. We feel it might be helpful to others who may have similar questions. Would you be all right with that?

Yours in Him.

From: Anonymous 12
Fri, 24 Jun 2005

Dear MB,
If you want, you can use some of our correspondence.

So, you said that some Exclusive brethren use snail mail. I would be interested to correspond with them as well.– could you please give me their address for that – thank you.

So you said that now you primarily fellowship Plymouth – meaning: Open – brethren. Why that? If everyone, anyone and anything is brother, what is the point? The Bible clearly teaches to "withdraw thyself from disorderly people". Paul refers to Alexander Cooper [sic] as "a person who made so much evil." All the Asian brethren left Paul. Jesus says that only those who follow him are brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers.

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

To: Anonymous 12
Thu, 23 Jun 2005

Dear —,
I'm afraid I was unclear. Normally the designation "Plymouth" refers both to open and exclusive brethren in order to distinguish from Protestant or other believers.

• But we would be considered to be exclusive and not open.

The point I was trying to make was that we do indeed seek to walk with all who call on the name of the Lord out of a pure heart and who do not act disorderly, as you say – and even with those who act disorderly, we would attempt to maintain brotherly relations and be at peace.

Allow me to recommend that you read the following pages to give you a better idea of the background of these terms:

Hello –,
Kingston Bible Trust only carries the 1973 reselection of the hymnbook. Gordon Rainbow put together the 1993 supplement himself for those meeting in Toronto and we also use it here in our local meeting.

If it interests you to have the supplement I would be glad to ask Gordon. In the meantime, I'm sure both of us would be very interested to hear more about you and your history with the Lord.

Yours in Him.

Hi,
Thanks for your prompt response.

I'm just a brother in Christ who would like to return to apostolic tradition, i.e. New Testament assembly practices from house to house.

• I have come out of institutional and denominational/independent bondage, but still maintain contact with brothers and sisters from institutional churches.

• But I am not part of some kind of house-church movement either.

Of late, I have begun to see that psalms, hymns and spiritual songs are perhaps the key scriptural means, apart from the scriptures, to instruct the people of God in the spiritual knowledge of Him.

• For these promote the engagement of the whole heart unto God in Christ, and are less likely to make us puffed up with mere head knowledge, for instance, through traditional Bible study.

• Hence, the critical importance of a good hymnal that reflects the apostolic emphasis and proportions concerning Christ and His ekklesia as found in the New Testament.

What else would you like to know?

Anonymous 13.

Dear –,
I'm intrigued about the circumstances of your coming to a judgment about a return to a more scriptural gathering and would like to know more about that if you're inclined to write a bit more.

• Interestingly, I was about the same age when I began to move in that direction – although I'm only going to be thirty-five this year.

I agree that I have certainly found instruction both from hymns and from intelligent teachers. I also think what you say about becoming puffed-up is right.

• We sometimes need reminding that in matters of teaching and worship it is the Holy Spirit who has given us intelligence in divine things – in the scriptures, in the gifts and in His actions upon us individually.

• I believe it is of paramount importance.

• An examination of the Lord's Supper is foundational in this regard and I think you're sure to find encouragement that it is the right place to work things out from.

Hi,
Sorry for the delay, and thanks for the reply.

I saw that even assembly practices ought to be according to the gospel, for they are the means with which the assembly demonstrates the reality of Christ and Him crucified in its midst to a watching world.

The fact is that we cannot avoid traditions in the assembly, or for that matter, any community on this earth!

• The question rather is which tradition do we follow?

• Thankfully, the apostles, esp. Paul, being Christ's apostle to the Gentiles, left us clear instructions concerning this, so that we are without excuse.

And again, when we consider God's instructions in all its fine details, whether for building the tabernacle in the wilderness in the days of Moses, or the temple that David desired to build for God, or the temple which Ezekiel saw in his vision, we cannot help but see that He has not changed His mind concerning the New Covenant assembly. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!

I've read the article on the Lord's Supper. Do you have more literature to recommend, that explores this matter through a more detailed study of the scriptures?

Anonymous 13.

Hi,
I think I haven't been accurate enough in my second paragraph.

It is important for assemblies to be structured according to apostolic tradition, at least for two primary reasons that I can see.

• First, an assembly that adheres to apostolic tradition presents the gospel in its form and structure to a watching world – this in itself is a testimony of the gospel in action in body life, at least in practically demonstrating what it means to live as the 'called-out ones' of God. This is what I mean when I say that assembly practices ought to be according to the gospel.

• Second, an assembly structured in such a manner facilitates the ministry of the Holy Spirit in bringing the assembly to maturity.

In and of itself, the structure cannot bring life, but it can most assuredly constrict the manifestation of the life that is flowing through it. And we know that it is the life of God in Christ that causes the body to grow as a living organism. Hence, I am persuaded that an assembly that does not reform itself to return to the old paths is doomed to stagnation and immaturity, and cannot please God.

Anonymous 13.

Dear –,

Please forgive the delay in my reply.

I agree with what you say in the main. We must be guided by what we can observe in the Acts but we must pay very close attention to Paul's ministry. What do we have for assembly instruction without him?

I think it would also be important to recognize that times have changed and we are left with a heritage that we must own – not that divinely given principles have changed, but the 'battleground' has changed.

From: Anonymous 14
Email address suppressed
UK
Mon, 05 Apr 99

Gordon Rainbow,
Dear Brother,
I recently came across you web site and wanted to drop you a line just to express my appreciation for the excellent work you have put in to providing a site with accurate information that is also uplifting.

• I was also impressed by the similarity in our journey.

• I can't find a personal Email address so am sending this to your "My Brethren" address.

My name is — and I live in the UK.

• I was converted amongst Open Brethren in 1963 when I was 15. I grew unhappy among them for various reasons.

• Primarily, it was because of the differences in the Assemblies depending on what part of the country you happened to be in, and also because a local meeting had divided –
  • they refused to have fellowship with each other, but they were both listed in the OB list of assemblies.

• It seemed to me that this could not be right scripturally.

So I started attending the Exclusive Brethren meeting in Worthing (in 1965) and Brighton between '67 and '68 with a view to requesting fellowship.

• I there learned all about JND's ministry, and FER, JBS, CAC, JT etc.

• There were lots of things that didn't seem right, but because of what I was reading in the ministry of these brothers, I knew there was a lot more truth here than I had been exposed to amongst OBs.

• Therefore, I thought it must be me who wasn't seeing things correctly, or perhaps I wasn't spiritual enough!

• However, I followed instructions and withdrew from the students union (I was at Sussex University by then, and membership was compulsory, so it caused quite a stir – I have no regrets about doing that),
  • stopped seeing my parents (they were not Christians and I much regret that), etc.

• But eventually I found the only answer to many of my questions was 'The man of God says so', and that was the end of any further discussion.

So I had to extricate myself, having cut off all my previous friends.