OPEN BIBLE BULLETIN
VOL54 NO12 DECEMBER2013
FOCUS
MEN FOR GOD
WITH MATTHEW LITTLE
JANUARY 24-25, 2014
WITH BREANNA OWEN
//WISE UP// Matthew 1:1-2 declares, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying where is he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” Who were these “wise men” and what were they like? Some Bible versions call them “magi” which is an acceptable alternative but I prefer “wise men.” God gives us very little information concerning this group of men but He did reveal that they were wise and I would like to assist you in discovering why.
E.M. Bounds once said, “The church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men.” God is looking for men of faith and family; men who are leading the way and not following behind; men who are making their mark for Christ. Satan would like nothing more than to destroy Christian men by weakening their testimony, influence and impact for Christ. This is one of the reasons we host our Men for God Rally. It provides an opportunity to be surrounded by hundreds of other men who share your same struggles and can support and encourage you in your walk with the Lord. This year’s theme will be “Men of Adventure” and it promises to be a powerful weekend. Here are some of the details.
Breanna graduated from the Advanced Biblical Ministries (B.Th.) program in 2011. She writes, “For two years I have been working part-time and prayerfully seeking God’s will for my life - work field or mission field. God placed and nurtured within my heart a love for youth and a passion for discipleship during my time at NBBI, and He has continued to foster that love and passion since. When I learned about Lifebridge, a faith-based, nonprofit organization that offers a mentorship program to at-risk teens in the New England area, there was no doubt in my mind that this was the ministry God had prepared for the next season of my life. I’ve felt God’s peace and confidence as I’ve pursued the necessary steps to work with Lifebridge, full-time. Our
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First, they were wise in seeking Jesus. I want to declare to you, as plainly as I can, that the wisest thing you can do this Christmas is seek CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
MERRY CHRISTMAS from james goode creative director
SERVING IN N.H.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and students of the New Brunswick Bible Institute, I would like to extend the warmest of Christmas greetings. Every year I hear about the “magic of Christmas” and, although much of that phrase is played up by Hollywood and marketing companies, I think there is a genuine closeness and joy that connects friends and family during this time of year. As a believer in the actual, physical birth of my Lord, this holiday is made that much more special for me. Whether you are spending time with your family, close friends, or church family this season, be sure to take time personally to reflect on the amazing gift of our Saviour and to share that gift with someone who needs hope. God has blessed us with a wonderful year at NBBI. I am so very thankful for those who have faithfully prayed for and contributed to this ministry. I am thankful for the many people who have visited our campus over the past year, who have encouraged us as we have encouraged them. I am thankful for our grads who faithfully serve Christ in their home churches, workplaces, mission fields, etc. I am praying for another great year as God leads men and women to this school to prepare for a world that so desperately needs Him. Merry Christmas!
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