As we commemorate NBBI’s 80th year of educating students, we remain steadfast in our belief that the Word of God is the ultimate source of truth, and Jesus Christ is the central focus of truth. Our chosen theme for this significant milestone is “Fixing our Eyes on Jesus” derived from Hebrews 12:12. The passage urges us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...” Within this passage, there are three essential considerations for every Christian.
First of all, it is crucial to recognize that God has a distinct plan and purpose for each individual’s life. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of running the race set before us, drawing attention to the detailed accounts in chapter 11. This chapter introduces a diverse array of indi-
By Talitha Grant
As we settle into another school year, we are grateful for the students that God has brought to our campus. Though our upperclassmen numbers are still low, this year’s freshman class is the largest since 2017. Our students demonstrate an eagerness to learn and a willingness to serve.
During the 2023-2024 school year, NBBI forged some new connections and also faced some new challenges. Our ladies’ and men’s conferences as well as our two youth retreats filled our campus to capacity. With more attention placed on our on-line presence, many connected with NBBI via our social media platforms for the first time. These are important avenues for reaching this generation and highlighting the need for biblical train-
viduals from various walks of life who placed their unwavering faith and trust in God. Despite the diversity of their stories, each person mentioned affirms that God has a unique purpose for every life.
Secondly, it is essential to understand that God has a person that He must prepare. The exhortation to “lay aside every weight;” extends beyond the mere avoidance of sin. It calls to mind the image of an athlete in a race, burdened by unnecessary weight that hinders his performance. Similarly, there may be aspects in our lives that, while not inherently sinful, could impede our pursuit of the path set by God. Reflecting on whether there are elements in our lives that hinder our spiritual journey is crucial. It prompts an examination of any excess baggage that might be slowing down the pursuit of a life aligned with Christ. Lastly, it is paramount to acknowledge
that God desires each individual to push towards a particular prize. Jesus serves as the originator, the prime example, and the enduring focus of our faith.
Suppose someone asked me, “Matt, when you are out of town, who keeps an eye on your wife for you? After all, how do you know she is not being unfaithful or misusing your money?” My response would be, “I am not worried about that at all.” Some might think that makes me a great man of faith. However, I know it’s because I have a great wife. Rather than my faith in Dodi being the focus, it’s about being able to say that in Dodi, I have faith. When considering the concept of faith, it is essential to shift the focus from boasting about our faith in God to boasting in God Himself. This shift emphasizes the greatness of God over the magnitude of our faith. Ultimately, Jesus stands as the embodiment of the great God to Whom we turn, even in moments of wavering faith.
ing. Last year also brought changes and additional challenges for students coming from outside Canada. The federal government implemented new regulations that limited our international student intakes and made obtaining a study permit more involved. Though this policy certainly impacts our student numbers, we know that these changes do not limit God in any way, and we continue to rest in His faithfulness.
MEN FOR GOD CONFERENCE
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Our guest speaker: Dr. Corey Abney serves as the lead pastor at Bell Shoals Church, a con gregation with over 6,000 active members and five cam puses in Tampa, Florida. He also serves on the board of trustees at Cedarville Univer sity and previously served on the board of governors at Gate way Seminary in Los Angeles, California. He is a popular con ference speaker and a pub lished author, partnering with organizations like Answers in Genesis, Word of Life, and the North American Mission Board. Dr. Abney is a graduate of Cedarville University (B.A) and The Southern Baptist Theolog ical Seminary (M.Div, Ph.D). He is married to Christina, a home school teacher extraordinaire, and they have four children. JAN 25-26 nbbica/mfg
By Keith McMahon
One of my favourite songs from my childhood is “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” by Ann Omley. The tune is catchy and the actions are fun, but most importantly the theology is simple to grasp, yet with profound implications. Based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:24-28, the song speaks into lives of all ages, not just the young. In fact, the older I get the more meaningful and consequential this song rings in my ears and heart. The bottom line to Jesus’ teaching is that obedience to His Word brings satisfaction and stability to one’s life whereas disobedience to His Word invites ruin. In this passage, Jesus doesn’t complicate the simplicity of His instruction to us. He speaks plainly and memorably in a way that is comprehensible. Just as with the principle of sowing and
reaping seen in Galatians 6:7-8, we are reminded that the decisions we make today greatly impact the quality of our lives. We know this to be true with our physical lives, but it is also true of our spiritual lives. In Psalms 119:1-8, the unnamed writer is someone who was very familiar with the truth that obedience to God’s Word brings stability to one’s life. I want to offer the following thoughts that I’ve gleaned from this rich passage.
When I am obedient to God’s Word… Verse. 1, I will know God’s blessing (the greatest happiness and satisfaction one can know in life). Verse 2, I will experience intimacy with God as I seek Him with my whole heart. Verses 3-5, I will have confidence that I am living my life in a manner that God is requiring. Verse 6, I will avoid scandal in my life. Verse 7, I will worship Him with a heart that is pleasing to Him. Verse 8, I will enjoy His comforting presence in my life. To know what His Word says to us is one thing. To obey His Word is the difference between stability and ruin. Just as Jesus stated in Matthew 7, the storms will come, and life will be
challenging and may even seem overwhelming at times.
To borrow from John H. Sammis’ great song of similar theme…“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
STAFF ITINERARIES
Keith McMahon
NOV. 1-3 -Sandy Cove Bible Camp - Youth Retreat
MATTHEW LITTLE
NOV. 3 - Calvary Baptist Church, Miramchi, NBSunday Service
The Wise Man Builds His House Upon the Rock
HOMEGOINGS FAMILY FILE PARTNER
Elinor (Clark ’51) McBreairty on August 28, 2024 in Woodstock, NB. Elinor and her husband, Maynard, served the Lord for over 45 years in Newfoundland, and in later years distributed Bibles to those in the trucking industry in New Brunswick. Elinor was known for her hospitality and ministry to women and children. She is survived by her husband, Maynard, four children, Sheldon (Hope), Peter (Noelle), Sheila (Glenn) and Anne (’84), eight grandchildren and ten greatgrandchildren.
BIRTHS
To Benaiah (Assoc. ’20) & Shannon (Willigar ’20) Said, a girl, Elodie Louise, on June 16, 2024.
Emily Luddeke (ABM ’15) and Darren Harris on October 23, 2021 in New Maryland, NB.
To Emily (Luddeke, ABM ’15) & Darren Harris, a boy, Brayden Andrew Travis, on June 17, 2024
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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
college for a day
NOV. 14-16
Are you ready to meet the challenges of life? Is your walk with God growing and strong? Do you want to discover God’s will for your life? Why not consider coming to New Brunswick Bible Institute for at least a year? No matter what God may lead you to do, a solid foundation in God’s Word is a great starting point. Join us for one of our College for a Day weekends. You can see our campus, meet our staff and students, sit in on some classes and discover the difference that Bible college could make in your life. The best year of your life might be waiting around the corner
MacKenzie Bagley (Assoc. ’21) to Connor Albers on August 10, 2024 in Littleton, ME. (pictured above)
