B ULLETIN THE OPEN BIBLE
Onward For Jesus!
By Matthew Little, President
Years ago, a group of men found themselves aboard a battered old ship, weathering the uncertainty of each passing day. They lived in a state of constant fear, not knowing if the next wave would be their last. One fateful day, a deckhand mustered the courage to ask the captain, “Are we safe?” The captain’s response was stark: “Let me put it this way. Our boilers are weak and could explode at any moment. The ship is old. It’s leaking, and yes, we might sink. We may go up or we may go down, but one thing is for certain—we are going on.”
As we stand on the brink of 2025, this should resonate deeply with every child of God. The promise of Jesus’ return should be in the forefront of our hearts and minds. What a glorious day it would be if Christ returned as He promised! Matthew 24:44 reminds us, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” This hope is a guiding light for every redeemed believer.
In the meantime, let’s not forget the truth that James 4:14 offers us: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Each day is a priceless gift from God—an opportunity to live fully and with purpose.
While I hope to navigate safely through this upcoming year, God alone holds the future in His hands. So, whether we go up or we go down, let us resolve to go on for Jesus. Stand firm with the bold proclamation of Hebrews 13:6: “… The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Let us embrace the spirit of Paul, who declared in Romans 14:7-8, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” We are children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and regardless of what 2025 may bring, our future shines bright-not because of what may happen, but because of the One who holds our destiny. Let’s go forth with conviction and courage, trusting in His promises!
Paula & Emma
Ladies Of Grace Wrap-Up
By Beth McMahon, Dean of Women
It always amazes me to think back over our weekend and see all that is accomplished in less than 24 hours in the lives of 404 guests, staff and students that were here this year! I continue to praise the Lord for each and every hand that helped, served, greeted and welcomed our guests.
The Lord worked mightily through the ministry of Paula Dunn Egel who shared the Word of God and music along with her lovely daughter Emma. What a beautiful team these two make as they both exemplified hearts that are full of the love of Jesus and have such a desire to make Him known to all who cross their path! Paula extended an invitation to anyone who wanted to begin her own personal relationship with Him and nine ladies accepted the Lord! Praise His name! She also challenged us through the Word that God wants us to thrive in our relationship with Him and with others giving us the opportunity to make the necessary changes we needed to in order to make just that happen. We are beyond grateful for the time we had with them both!
The Lord also used Rita Sonier, a beautiful example of God’s good and gracious care to His children, to share the hope we can have in the Lord when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances.
2025! We would love to have you join us next year for an incredible Ladies of Grace Conference!
Rita Sonier
A New Year and New Beginnings
By Mike Grant, Dean of Men
The calendar has been changed and we have been thrust into a new year! Often, we say or hear, “Where did last year go?” It sure does seem that with age, time speeds up. Yesterday, I received news that someone I went to school with passed away. Anytime we experience something like that, we are reminded anew that life truly is like a vapor. As I was thinking this over, the Lord brought Ephesians 5:15-16 to mind. Considering the new year, the brevity of life, and the times we are in, here are a few thoughts for this new year.
Walk Circumspectly
These certainly are challenging days. It’s hard to believe all that is going on in our world today. We certainly need wisdom in order to walk circumspectly (carefully). I have made it a point to regularly read Proverbs. It seems that regardless of which chapter I read, I see rebuke, correction, instruction, and guidance. As Proverbs 3:3 says, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.” May we walk in truth.
Walk Not as Fools
Fools do not adhere to advice or counsel and are blind to spiritual truth. Fools tend to think they know better and therefore indulge in the foolish pleasures of the flesh and this world. Proverbs has
much to say about the fool. I will list four: 1. The fool is stubborn. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes…” 2. The fool is naive. Proverbs 14:15-16 says, “The simple believeth every word, but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool rageth, and is confident.” 3. The fool is selfish. Proverbs 18:2 says, “A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” 4. The fool is cynical. Proverbs 29:811 says, “Scornful men bring a city into a snare, but wise men turn away wrath. If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” May we not walk as fools.
Walk Wisely, Redeeming the Time
Redeeming the time in this passage doesn’t mean making the most of the time but rather laying hold of (seizing) the opportunities that we have. This is a tall order; in fact, it is impossible in our flesh, which is why we need to be under the control and direction of the Holy Spirit. As we enter this New Year, may we walk wisely and redeem the time for God’s glory.
Feb. 21-23 & Mar. 21-23 Register at nbbi.ca/encounter
Brent Finchum is the National Director for youth ministries for Word of Life. He and his wife Stacy, and their four children live in Birmingham, Alabama. Through his ministry, he is involved in training ministry leaders and helping them implement strategic, discipleship efforts within their local church. Brent also leads a team of ministry coaches serving alongside local churches throughout the southeast region of the United States. Over the past decade of serving churches, Brent has had the opportunity to minister to thousands of students and leaders, both in the U.S. and abroad. Through his ministry, he endeavours to challenge young people to become whollydevoted followers of Christ. Brent’s aspiration is to see this generation rise up and lead a movement that will wake up the church and change the world as we know it.
Family File
Births
To Jesse (’16) and Melissa (Whitters - ’16) Myers a girl, Aurora Madilynn, on October 24, 2024.
To Ben (BTh ’20) and Lydia (Violette – BTh ’20) Coolidge, a boy, Micah Jeremiah, on October 31, 2024.
To Jakob (BTh ’23) and Sophie (Gerrior – Assoc ’21) Ducey, a girl, Marlow Mae, on November 1, 2024.
To Trey (senior student ’24/25) and Chloe VanColen, a boy, Lewis Gary, on November 8, 2024.
The NBBI class of 1985 is planning a class reunion on campus during the Spring Conference, May 2-4, 2025. Forty years have gone by since this class received their diplomas! If you can, please plan to join us. For more information, contact us at nbbi@nbbi.ca or join the facebook group entitled NBBI Class of 1985.
Give Online: nbbi.ca/donate
Give by e-transfer: nbbibusiness@ gmail.com
For additional options: Call us toll-free at 1-800-771-NBBI (6224)
Give by mail:
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
Homegoings
Eleanor (Richard – Att. ’49/’50) Wicks, on November 6, 2024 in Halifax, NS. Eleanor was very devoted to her faith, church and community. She loved reading the Bible and discussing it with her husband, Gordon. She is survived by her children, Sandra McIntyre, Eric Wicks and Cheryl Walker.
Sharon (MacFarlane - ’71) Peterson on November 10, 2024 at her home in Salmon Arm, BC. Sharon and her husband, Malcolm (’70), represented Arab World Ministries for many years. In addition to her husband, mourning her passing are their children, Micaiah, Matthew, Esther, Andrew, Elizabeth, Rhoda and Aaron and their families.
Staff Itineraries
Mike Grant
January 12 - East Hodgdon Bible Church
Chapel Speaker
January 16-17: Albert Dean