New Brunswick
Bible institute GOD’S PURPOSE
OUR PASSION
OPEN BIBLE VOL. 56 NO. 9 SEPTEMBER 2015
FOCUS
BY STEVE WAGSTAFF
LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY Call me odd if you like, but I have always been intrigued by people’s last words before they take their final breaths. For instance, Dominique Bouhours, French grammarian (d. 1702) said this before being declared dead, “I am about to -- or I am going to -- die: either expression is correct.” John Sedgwick (d. 1864) said this, “Nonsense, they couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance,” (in response to a suggestion that he should not show himself over the bunker during the Battle of the Wilderness.) One man was prepared, the other caught off guard. I recently had the pure delight (insert sarcasm) of penning my final will and testament at the lawyer’s office, not wanting to burden my family should the Lord see fit to call me home. What a sobering experience that reminded me there will be a definite end to what I now call “life.” The apostle Paul also thought it important to pen his final will and testament. He did so in writing a two part letter to his “son” in the faith, Timothy. In doing so, Paul left an indelible mark for every Christ follower to strive for if they are interested in leaving a lasting legacy for the generation to follow. Notice in this “will,” three areas of wealth Paul desires his benefactors to inherit.
A Passion for Prayer
“I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day”. 2 Timothy 1:3. “I thank God.” Here Paul was in a cold damp prison, lonely, cut off from the outside world and chained to guards, with possible injuries, deplorable sanitation and poor food. Believers were being tortured and he was awaiting his own execution. Yet, some of his final words to young Timothy were about his prayer life. Prayer and thanksgiving were certainly not circumstantial for Paul. I sometimes get an incredible shrinking feeling when I consider my prayer life upon reading those words. How about you?
Genuine Faith
“...when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” 2 Timothy 1:5. “The real deal,” “sincere,” “genuine” and “legit” are all expressions we use to describe that which is proven to be real. Paul reminds Timothy that a “must have” factor in leaving a lasting legacy, is the characteristic of authenticity in one’s spiritual life. A major factor for the lack of interest in spiritual things among our younger generation stems from an
BULLETIN
observation of a “cheap knock off” in the Christian faith. May we be the Loises and Eunices to a watching world as opposed to the polished pharisees who were “full of dead men’s bones.” Matthew 23:27.
Glowing Gifts
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.” 2 Timothy 1:6. In the original language the meaning of “stir up” is to “fan the flames.” It is what air does when it is blown on to burning embers. It makes them burn hotter and brighter. The Lord gave each of us spiritual gifts at the time of our conversion. We are to use those gifts in coordination with others of like precious faith to fulfil our role in the body of Christ and reach the lost. A gift that is left smouldering is not only useless to the ministry but can also be an irritation to the body. So, in the final analysis, beautiful words spoken in a well-crafted eulogy can stir emotions. But what will be truly beneficial and far more rewarding, are the numerous lives that were changed because of who you really were, not who you portrayed yourself to be.
Thanks to those who participated in Vacation with a Vision 2015. Much was accomplished through your ministry to us! 1
PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE
BY MATTHEW LITTLE
I Just Want to be Happy We live in a strange world, one in which absolutes are constantly being attacked and often the one who stand for truth is shamed back into silence. The world stands in opposition to God and His Word and this is to be expected but it grieves me when Christians try to weaken or drown out God’s Word with their faulty thinking. Over the past several months, I have heard this statement spoken by Christians in response to sinful decisions, actions and lifestyles of others. “The important thing is that they are happy.” This is a destructive, poisonous and outright false statement! People violate the clear and forceful commands of Scripture and we respond with a flippant “all is well as long as they are happy.” I don’t see in Scripture that our happiness is God’s top priority. Furthermore, happiness cannot come from violating God’s Word, rather, true fulfilment and joy comes from lis-
tening to God even when we do not like what He has to say. When we put our trust in Jesus, God takes us on a journey towards holiness, not happiness, and the trail marked “holiness” is filled with a lot of bumps and bruises along the way. This “do what makes you happy” philosophy can only result in a discrediting of Scripture. How? Eventually your happiness will collide with God’s truth. A prime example of this would be homosexuality. Many Christians are showing support for others who are involved in this lifestyle, a lifestyle that God clearly says is sin. Even though the Bible is clear that such a lifestyle is wrong, many who claim to follow the Lord say, “It’s not for me to judge; leave them alone; they are doing what makes them happy.” Let me quote a verse for you, Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called ac-
cording to his purpose.” A faulty interpretation of this passage may lead us to believe that the word “good” equates with “happiness”. God wants to work everything out to make us happy. Our happiness is God’s top concern. But the word “good” has nothing to do with simply making choices in life that please us. The key to what “good” really means is found in the next verse, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son...” (verse 29a). You see, whatever makes you more like Jesus is “good”. True happiness, joy and fulfilment are rooted in becoming more like Jesus. Here is the question that provides a litmus test for all we do, “Is the choice I am making or the lifestyle I am choosing conforming me to the image of Jesus?” The truthful answer to this question is the key that unlocks the door to true happiness.
FIRST SEMESTER CALENDAR PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR STUDENTS AND STAFF
Upperclassmen Registration Sep 3 Upperclassmen & Staff Picnic Sep 4 Freshman Registration Sep 5 Module 1 Classes Sep 7 - Oct 2 Harvest Fest Sep 19 Exam Day Oct 5
FAMILY FILE
KEEP UP WITH OUR GRADS
PROMOTED TO GLORY Robert (Bob) Day, who attended NBBI in 1956-1959, was promoted to Glory on June 15, 2015. Graduate of 1947, Ellen A. “Nancy” (Jones) Baltzer went home to be with her Lord on June 19, 2015. Robert Chamberland, a graduate of 1967, was promoted to Glory on July 9, 2015. Mary Olmstead graduated from NBBI in 1956. She went home to be with her Lord on July 19, 2015. 2
Module 2 Classes Oct 6 - Nov 4 Thanksgiving Weekend Oct 9-13 Ladies’ Retreat Oct 16-17 Exam Day Nov 5 Module 3 Classes Nov 6 - Dec 7 Kids’ Quest (Children’s Retreat) Nov 6-7
College for a Day Nov 12-14 US Thanksgiving Weekend Nov 25-29 Christmas Banquet & Program Dec 4 Exam Preparation Dec 8 Exam Days Dec 9-11 Christmas Vacation Dec 11 - Jan 10
ALUMNI MEETINGS WITH WILBUR MATTHEWS As most of you have heard, the NBBI Board of Directors has asked me to represent the school on a part-time basis. I’m looking forward to this and thrilled at the prospect of seeing many of you again. If you would like me to meet with a group of Alumni and friends, or visit your church, please contact me. My phone numbers are (506) 5862638 or (506) 626-0834 and my e-mail address is willeo59@gmail.com.
August 30, 11:00 am - South Portage Baptist Bible Church, Nashwaak Bridge, NB. September 14, 7:00 pm - home of Carroll & Cathy Hill, 161 McAuley Road, Smith’s Creek, NB. September 15, 7:00 pm - True Life Church, 30 Vincent Road, Quispamsis, NB. September 17, 7:00 pm - Devon Park Baptist Church, 145 Clark Street, Fredericton, NB.
ence! I can hardly wait to see what the Lord has in store for us as we anticipate our campus being filled, once again, with ladies eager to hear God’s Word and fellowship with others of like precious faith! Our theme this year is “Becoming a Woman Whose God Is Enough.” Our speaker, Cynthia Heald, is a gifted speaker and author who comes to us from Tucson, Arizona where she has lived since 1977. She received Christ as her personal Saviour when she was 12 years old. She is a graduate of The University of Texas where she received her BA in English. In 1960, she married Jack, who by profession is a veterinarian, but who has been on staff with The Navigators since 1978. Cynthia is a mother of four children - two girls and two boys and grandmother of eleven. She has authored the following books and Bible studies: Becoming a Woman of Excellence, Intimacy with God, Loving
by Beth McMahon September is here and we are just one month away from our Ladies’ Confer-
WHAT’S UP?
BY MATTHEW LITTLE
WEEKEND OF WELCOME September 4-6... Someone once said, “What good is living the life you’ve been given if all you do is stand in one place?” The 2015-2016 school year at NBBI is the start of a journey for students who are seeking God and finding out His plan for their lives. There are many challenges awaiting us and obstacles to overcome, but we are excited to get moving and see these students grow and become all that God wants them to be.
Your Husband, Becoming a Woman of Freedom, Becoming a Woman of Purpose, Be-
This year our WOW speaker is Pastor Mitch Ross, chairman of our NBBI Board of Directors. He pastors Mars Hill United Baptist Church in Mars Hill, Maine and is a vital part of our ministry team. Pastor Mitch is a blessing to this ministry and we know his challenges to our students will be timely and powerful. Please pray that this school year will begin well and that God will bless.
coming a Woman of Prayer, and a Gold Medallion willing devotional book: Becoming a Woman Who Walks With God (Abiding in Christ), Drawing Near to the Heart of God, Becoming a Woman of Grace, Dwelling in His Presence, Becoming a Woman of Faith, I Have Loved You, Becoming a Woman Who
Loves, Maybe God is Right After All, Uncommon Beauty, Becoming a Woman of Simplicity, and Becoming a Woman of Strength. Cynthia speaks frequently for church women’s retreats and seminars, both nationally and internationally. She loves to share the Word of God, be with her husband and family, have tea parties and eat out! Why not plan on joining us this October 16-17, 2015 to meet Cynthia and hear what God has taught her about Becoming a Woman Whose God is Enough? We would love to see you! To register or for more information visit us online at nbbi.ca/ladies or call (506) 375-9000.
Interested in a Solid Biblical Education? Just a mouse click away
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ON THE ROAD
STAFF ITINERARIES
MATTHEW LITTLE September 7, 14, 21, 28 Hudson Baptist Church Hudson, ME Extension Classes
SUMMER WORK ACCOMPLISHMENTS VACATION WITH A VISION
JOHN HOAG September 7, 14, 21, 28 Hudson Baptist Church Hudson, ME Extension Classes DAVID DOHERTY September 10, 17, 24 Open Bible Campus Church Victoria Corner, NB Prayer Meeting September 27 Open Bible Campus Church Victoria Corner, NB Worship Service
CHAPEL SPEAKERS Canadian publications mail product sales agreement #40012001
September 22 Albert Dean One Hope Canada September 24-25 Ron Grossman Israel’s Hope
Men, get ready! Men for God Rally 2015 January 29 & 30 4
Printed in Canada
November 12-14, 2015 March 31-April 2, 2016
New Brunswick Bible Institute 2335 Route 103 Victoria Corner NB Canada E7P 1C7 Phone: (506)375-9000 Fax: (506)375-1800 Website: nbbi.ca Email: nbbi@nbbi.ca
Editor........................................Larry Rushton Writers........NBBI Faculty, Staff & Students Typist........................................Brenda Cabral Layout & design.............................Larry Rushton Copy proof.................................... Rose Meed Printer....................................... Merritt Press