B ULLETIN THE
R ound Two!
By Matthew Little - President
The biblical account in Jonah 3:1 states “And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah a second time.” This raises a pertinent question: how many times must divine instruction be communicated before it is acted upon? In this narrative, God issues Jonah a clear directive to depart from his homeland and deliver a message of repentance to the inhabitants of Nineveh, a city despised by the Hebrew people. It is conceivable that Jonah attempted to elude this assignment, possibly hoping that God would reconsider and assign him a different mission. However, despite Jonah’s determination to seek an alternate Word from God, the Lord remained steadfast in His desire for Jonah to obey His commands.
The commands of God are not intended for mere reflection but for execution. Isaiah 55:11 emphasizes this principle, declaring, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” When God spoke to Jonah a second time, a fundamental question arose: had God altered His position? The answer is a resound-
ing No!; rather, it was Jonah who had undergone a transformation. The period of introspection experienced within the confines of the fish provided Jonah with a renewed perspective.
In contrast, the prophet Jeremiah also experienced God speaking to him a “second time” despite being imprisoned. Importantly, Jeremiah had initially responded to God’s voice, which prompted God to deliver the promise of “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (emphasis mine).” Thus, when God spoke to Jeremiah again, it presented an opportunity for deeper revelation. Conversely, in Jonah’s case, the second message he received was not an enhanced understanding but rather a reiteration of the original directive.
To attain a deeper spiritual walk with God, you must act upon God’s clearly communicated Word to you; otherwise, your walk with God will be at a standstill until you do what He commanded you to do. If you find yourself in a position like that of Jonah, with
How Are You Doing?
By Pastor Wayne Heikkinen - Faculty
How well I remember asking my friend how he was doing one night. His quick response was, “Are you just asking, or do you really want to know”? What used to be a statement to begin a doctor-patient session is now a common phrase we use as a way to greet one another. What I find most interesting is that we don’t expect a detailed response. So that night I was caught by surprise as he talked and I listened. I had no idea of the depth of his struggle. We served on the same team at church where everything seemed normal. He began by saying he had not slept well in months. Then he revealed the broken relationship with his wife and its impact on his family, work and health. He was in trouble, and he needed help.
The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that the Bible “is profitable for doctrine…that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto
previous Divine instructions remaining unheeded, it is essential to recognize that the problem lies not with the Divine will or message but rather within yourself. You may be waiting for a new message from God but God is waiting for your obedience to the old one. When God speaks, He doesn’t stutter. His message to you will not change due to your own unwillingness, but He may have to bring a few storms and the odd fish to change your mind.
THE GENEROSITY OF GOD’S PEOPLE
NBBI thanks all who gave towards our various scholarships and campus projects.
MEN FOR GOD SCHOLARSHIP: ($ 500 each) $7,653
LADIES OF GRACE SCHOLARSHIP: ($ 500 each) $5,561
CAMPUS UPDATES PROJECT: (Laundry machines + guest home furnishings) $43,640
all good works.” God’s Word is profitable for doctrine (teaching) and is the truth. God wants every believer to know this teaching is also for reproof and correction, and reveals things we must stop doing (put off) and the things we must continue doing (put on). This Bible is more than a rule book; it is a training manual for every believer. When God’s Word is applied (practiced), we are perfect (complete) and thoroughly furnished (equipped) for what life brings our way.
Today many questions are being asked, and some people really want answers. Those who are seeking the truth can confidently open God’s Word and allow Him to reveal the truth that will set them free. Sometimes, God uses a friend to show them where they need to be reading.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm
119:105). “It is more to be desired than gold…by them your servant is warned and in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11).
April 9: Don Nickerson – BMW
April 10-11: Rick Mikesh – BMW
April 17: Jon Dowdy – CEF
April 18: Nathan Gerrior – Mount Trabor Bible Camp
Tune in! 9:45 ADT.
youtube.com/@nbbimediaministry
ENCOUNTER WEEK ONE
Encounter 2025 was another impactful weekend! Over 35 teens came forward to give their lives to Jesus.
Spring Conference & Graduation
May 2-4, 2025
Our theme for this year’s conference, Forging Foundational Faith, will highlight that we must understand that the erosion of our faith was accomplished largely by attacking the very foundations of all Christian doctrines- the Book of Genesis. And so, to be able to re-ignite Gospel walk and witness we must fortify believers with rock-solid responses to the world’s attacks based on the authority of God’s Word from the very first verse.
Our speaker, Calvin Smith is the Executive Director of Answers In Genesis–Canada. He has spoken at church conferences across Canada and the world on creation apologetics for well over 20 years now. He is well-known for his ability to engage audiences of all ages and for communicating key theological concepts and scientific information in an easy-to-understand manner. Calvin lives with his wife near London, Ontario.
NBBI Family Update
God has blessed NBBI with another campus kid! Our Maintenance Director, Edward Craig (’17), and his wife, Mikaela (Marshall - ’17), welcomed a daughter to their family on January 14, 2025. Brothers Grayson and Ezra are thrilled to have a little sister. Her name is Eleanor Mae.
With guest speaker : Calvin Smith, Answers In Genesis
FAMILY FILE
BIRTHS MARRIAGE
To Ben (BTh ’22) & Evelyn (Nanninga – Assoc. ’20) Jost, a girl, Esther Penelope, on February 13, 2025.
HOMEGOINGS
Carmen Hood (Att. ’85-’86) on December 26, 2024 in Cape Breton, NS. Carmen graduated from nursing school, drove taxi, loved to cook and bake and shared his creations with many others. He cared about his community and dedicated many years volunteering at the North Sydney Food Bank. Carmen is predeceased by his wife, Kathy, his parents and his brother, Calvin Hood (’82).
To Moriah (Mohl - Assoc. ’15) and Joseph Weeks, a girl, Esther Louise, on January 9, 2025.
Zach Boyd (Assoc. ’19) and Megan Jost (Assoc. ’19) on January 25, 2025 in Buxton, ME.
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
REUNION!
The class of 1985 will celebrate 40 years since graduating on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Please join us at NBBI for a time of fellowship and reminiscing. Limited accommodations are available on campus during the Spring Conference. Meals will be provided in the dining hall.
Joan Sawatsky, dear wife of Pastor Chuck Sawatsky (’78), mother of Cary (’89), Bartley (’91) and Aaron, grandmother of 10 including Summer Sawatsky (Assoc. ’13) on January 25, 2025 in Charlottetown, PEI. Throughout the ministry of her husband, Chuck, Joan endeared herself to each congregation as a faithful and tireless worker who also liked to bring glory to God with her singing.
EXTENSION CLASSES
Wednesday Nights, starting April 2. With Matthew Little & Mike Grant
Wytopitlock Baptist Church 707 ME-171 Reed, ME 04497 United States
All are welcome!