The Open Bible Bulletin - January, 2021

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our website or call us closer to the time of each event for further updates and cancellations.

Happy New Year

FAMILY FILE Marriages

Lydia Violette (ABM/B.Th. ’20) to Ben Coolidge (ABM/B.Th. ’20) on October 10, 2020.

Jessica Hase (ABM/B.Th. ’17) to Chris-

toph Hribernig (ABM/B.Th ’15) on October 14, 2020.

Homegoings

Eunice Pearl (Long) Boone, graduate of 1961, went home to be with her Lord on October 21, 2020.

Robert (Bob) Allan Putnam, graduate of 1980, was promoted to Glory on November 6, 2020. In his years following graduation from NBBI, Bob had pastored churches in Amity, Auburn and Lewiston, Maine.

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1. Given the unique situation this pandemic has presented, our school has had to make necessary policy changes.

One of these changes was to limit the number of guests that are coming and going from our campus. This was done so that we could assure our students and their loved ones that we are doing our best to maintain a safe environment in which they could live and study. If we opened up our campus to guests coming from different areas, we would jeopardize that commitment.

also have a responsibility to maintain a good testimony. The province of New Brunswick has currently adopted very strict guidelines provincially and we feel it would be counterproductive and potentially misunderstood by the public if we were having a mass-gathering of people (even if we could assure social distancing.)

3. One of the major goals of our conferences is to provide meaningful opportunity for men to fellowship and, even if we were to host a rally, that aspect of our conference would be greatly hindered due to the need to enforce distancing guidelines.

4. Due to NBBI’s unique location, we also enjoy hosting many men who come to our campus from the U.S. It does not look like the border will be opening any time soon, preventing all of those men from coming.

We continue to look to the Lord, knowing He has a plan through all of this. Please continue to pray for NBBI and we appreciate your care and support for us.

Watch our brief video update by going to nbbi.ca/connect.

2. Although we are committed to doing what the Lord leads us to do, we

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first College for a Day was cancelled and it is still uncertain whether or not we will be able to hold the one in March. If you live in the Atlantic bubble, you can still visit our campus, though. Please call us

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.............Faculty, Staff, Students & Alumni Typist................................................. Brenda Cabral Layout & design...........................................Larry Rushton Copy proof..............................................Rose Meed Printer.................................................Merritt Press

For weekly updates visit us at nbbi.ca/connect

and we will be glad to schedule a day for you to be here, meet some of our staff and students and even sit in on some classes. It will just be in a more controlled environment. Email us at registrar@nbbi.ca or call (506) 3759000. Hope to see you soon!

PARTNER WITH US

nbbi.ca/donate

Give online: Click the Donate Now button. Make a one-time gift or choose the recurring option for automatic monthly support.

Give by mail: Send your cheque payable to: New Brunswick Bible Institute 2335 Route 103 Victoria Corner NB E7P 1C7 U.S. Donors: East Hodgdon Bible Church Attn: NBBI Fund PO Box 828 Houlton ME 04730-0828 Give by e-transfer: Send an e-Transfer via the bank of your choice to nbbibusiness@gmail.com.

Printed in Canada

One of the highlights of our year is hosting our Encounter Retreats. We love having teenagers on our campus laughing, having fun and learning about God’s Word. Unfortunately this pandemic has caused NBBI to cancel most of our planned conferences and retreats for 2020-2021. We are not certain when COVID-19 will be under control and so we are seeking to be responsible and forthright in our communication.

We have currently decided to cancel our February 19-21, 2021 retreat. However, we are not canceling our March 19-21, 2021 retreat yet. Our March retreat is still many months away and we are reluctant to make a decision about something so far in the future. Up-to-date information can be found on our website. nbbi.ca/retreats

NBBI has spent much time praying and thinking through whether we would host our Men for God Rally 2021.

After much prayerful consideration, we have decided to cancel our rally for 2021 with hopes that we will host one in 2022. We have held off as long as we can in making this decision with hopes that the pandemic would be under control. This has not happened. We have always valued the many opportunities to host our various conferences and have enjoyed the times of spiritual growth and fellowship they have afforded. We are praying that things will return to normal soon. Here are a few of the considerations that led to our decision.

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MEN FOR GOD RALLY

OPEN BIBLE BULLETIN VOL. 62 NO. 1 JANUARY 2021

FOCUS

BY LARRY RUSHTON Who Will Rule?

Last night, November 3rd, I watched the US elections on television. Of course, those in the media who were reporting the event all had their opinions of who would win and how this election would turn out, but, as I sit here this morning and write this article, the declaration has not been nor can be made. It is an extremely close race. By the time you receive this article, maybe even before I finish writing it, we will know who the President of the United States will be for the next four years. That final declaration will be made.

I’m a Canadian so this election isn’t as crucial to me as it is to my American readers, even though, what happens in the US usually has an effect on Canada, and politics is not my cup of tea any way.

There is too much deceit and hatred. I get frustrated even watching the candidates do battle on TV. But I would not lead off talking about this event if it didn’t have any bearing on my article.

We are living in a chaotic world. Hatred for those in any kind of authority is

rampant even to the point that people would harm one another, even innocent people, and destroy another’s property just to get their point across or to get ahead. Our nations, speaking of Canada and the United States, seem to be coming apart at the seams. Instead of becoming stronger, more united, loving one another and growing together, we are becoming more and more fragmented and dysfunctional. Over the years, our nations have made their mistakes but we have also made huge strides in building nations that would recognize the equality of women and different ethnic groups. Have we arrived? No! I believe that all men and women of every nationality and ethnic group are equal in God’s sight and His desire is to see me love my neighbour as myself. But as I watch what is happening around me, I do not see a coming together. I see a bitter division which is festering and growing. I know some would like to erase history but it cannot be done. We can only make history and I ask myself, what will be said in the history books of our generation?

Having said all that, let’s switch our focus just a bit. The end is not here; the heated battle rages; Satan throws out his false accusations and hatred runs high in

his camp. On the other side, “His-story” is in the making. If we were to take a poll today, I believe many would say that the battle is close but the Christian party looks like they will lose the race. Satan is in control and will win the final election in all nations and for all humanity. To others, the final tally is yet unclear. However, in spite of the polls, the outcome of this race is certain. It has nothing to do with electoral seats or the popular vote.

It has only to do with the Creator of all things. For the battle really ended when Christ said, “it is finished!” One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:911). Unlike the US President, claiming victory even though he may lose, God, in His foreknowledge, can say, I have won!

When you read this article, either Donald Trump or Joe Biden will have won the US presidential election and in either case, trouble will still abound. Pray for your President! He is the most influential person in your country and, believe it or not, God can move him. And cheer up! Whether you won or lost, life will go on - until Christ takes His ultimate place on the Thrown. The victory will then be ours!

For additional options: Call us toll-free at 1-800-771-NBBI (6224).

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PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE

BY MATTHEW LITTLE

More Than Words Has North American Christianity become nothing more than impressive words followed up with mediocre living? Sometimes we may wonder if much of what transpires in evangelical circles is Christian professionalism that is, in all truthfulness, nothing more than empty rhetoric.

In speaking to the Corinthian believers, Paul said, “But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” 1 Corinthians 4:19-20. Certainly no serious believer would discount the power and proper place of words. When Jesus asked His disciples if they would leave Him, their response was fitting. Peter said, “…to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” God’s Word is a “lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” Psalm 119:105. Over my years of ministry,

STUDENT TESTIMONY

BY ALEX FREELAND

Student Body President

I honestly cannot thank those people enough who have encouraged me to pursue Bible school, and helped make it available. Throughout my time here, I have learned what it means to be truly holy and pleasing to God in practice.

Having stripped away from me false notions of “sanctification by rules”, and learning instead of the Holy Spirit’s ministry to every believer, I have come to see 2

In Luke 7, Jesus was invited by a Pharisee named Simon to eat at his home.

Other guests were no doubt there. The dinner table was buzzing with stimulating, theological conversation from some of religious society’s best. Then along comes a woman who anoints the feet of Jesus while she is weeping (verse 38). The

how invaluable He is to Christians. Offering direction in all my decisions, both great and small, the Holy Spirit purposes to make me like Jesus. God was so good to send Him (John 16:5-14)!

As I delve into the Scripture to see what is sin and what is good, I can avoid grieving and quenching the Spirit by learning what characterizes His leading (Galatians 5:22). Over the last three years, this simple change in emphasis, from keeping rules to following the Spirit, has been revolutionary!

Again, God is so good to bless us believers with the indwelling Guide.

I am grateful to be able to testify that my Father in Heaven is faithful to bless true obedience, no matter how seemingly small.

text reveals that she never spoke a word, but her actions were telling a powerful story. The Pharisee, who had invited Jesus to this dinner party full of empty words, was livid that this woman, whose actions said more than all of their conversations combined, would dare interrupt. Luke 7:44a says that Jesus, “…turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman?”. Simon the Pharisee had never gotten past his words and labels. He was caught up in a religious machine that was more concerned with saying the right things than being the right person. Jesus wanted these men to get past the words and see what this woman had done.

CAMPUS NEWS

we can grow in our relationship with Him and wants us to “press on towards the goal” as we walk with Him. We were blessed this year to play softball together and are very excited to see what God will do with the remaining time we have together this school year.

BY TIM LEUBNER

Intramural Softball

was played under the lights in Hartland, NB and was quite a chilly evening. The game was very tight through five innings.

An absolutely huge home run by one of our freshmen, David Stokdijk, gave the Delinquents a three run lead and they never looked back. Jana Gerardi, a junior, made the final out on a close play

When Christianity becomes more than just words, we begin to see people the way God sees them. 1 John 3:18 says, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

Currently, I can see Him doing a great work in my heart and in the hearts of my peers in the dorm.

After this year, I am planning to do the 4th year program where I would intern at a church, do NBBI correspondence courses, and practice more fully some of the things I have learned so far. After that...we’ll see! Wherever He leads me, I’ll be benefiting from my time here at NBBI. If you have invested in this school through your prayer-life, volunteered your time or gave monetarily, as a chief beneficiary, I want to extend a hearty “Thank You!”

The 2020 championship team was Davis’ Delinquents! Our runner-up this year was Cook’s Crumbs. The game was officiated by our English teacher, Derek McKinnon and our President, Matthew Little. Davis’ team went the entire regular season and playoffs without losing a single game. The championship game

at home base to seal the deal and bring home the trophy.

Sports can teach us many different lessons and can also teach us much about ourselves. We grow to understand how we can be better, and also what our gifting is. God too wants to teach us how

VacationVision with a

Are you looking for a way to serve the Lord this summer? Plan on being a part of our Vacation with a Vision program.

Every year, we are blessed by many of our supporters who come and get involved in helping us with various projects around campus. It is a great time of fellowship; we enjoy good food; and much work is accomplished for God’s glory. Come be a part of what God is doing at NBBI.

2021

What a privilege it is to be allowed to tell so many that God is very good, and very gracious. This is my third year studying at NBBI and I am finding it the most enjoyable year yet. After six months away, I am so glad to sit under live teaching once again. All of the classes are interesting and they have each played a part in explaining what it is to be a son of God; to be led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14).

I have encountered people who have said, “Would you mind talking to my friend for me?” When I ask why they don’t do it themselves they say, “Because you can say it so much better than I can. You have the right words.” Words are important but if words are not accompanied by a Christ-honouring walk, then those words are empty and hollow. They amount to nothing more than pharisaical, religious pageantry. The religiosity that flows from “word-only” Christianity leads you to say, “... God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are...” Luke 18:11, but in the end, it makes one, “…twofold more the child of hell…” Matthew 23:15b.

The New Brunswick Bible Institute Intramural Softball League was once again a wonderful event. Covid-19 posed some challenges but, praise the Lord, we were able to have our games, following protocol and with regulations in place.

We enjoyed another fun year and, once again, spent many beautiful evenings enjoying getting to know one another through friendly competition. We were able to field five teams this year and they were: Craig’s Crew, Cook’s Crumbs, Grant’s Giants, Davis’ Delinquents and Jed’s Junkyard Dogs. The season was led

by Austin Davis and Jed Grant, two of our resident ABM students.

Dates: Week 1 ~ June 27-July 2, 2021

Week 2 ~ July 4- July 9, 2021

by the end of 2021? You can help us make that happen.

Projects: Our main project will be the renovation of the top floor of Liberty Hall (Ladies’ Dormitory). The middle floor has been completed and looks amazing.

We want to keep the momentum going and complete the renovation of all the rooms. Wouldn’t it be great to have the inside of that building completely done

Financial Goal: Our goal is to raise $60,000 to complete the work. We have come so far in providing a new space for our female students at a fraction of what a new dorm would have cost. Help us get one step closer to bringing this project to a conclusion.

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