THE OPEN BIBLE
BULLETIN
VOL. 67
ISSUE 1
JANUARY 2026
ENCOUNTER DETAILS
LADIES OF GRACE UPDATES
The Cross and the Christian’s Suffering
By Matthew Little, President
“Ye have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” ~ Hebrews 12:4 There is a tendency in all of us to think that we have it harder than we actually do. Often, we lament our many troubles, at least until we meet someone whose struggles make ours seem like a trip to Disney World. Perspective is everything; however, our viewpoint is often narrow, limited, and biased. Perhaps today you’re asking God that important question: Why me? Why am I facing this trial? Why am I going through this hardship? Why am I experiencing this pain? First of all, know that God cares about your struggles. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” God is not a distant deity who scoffs at your pain and dismisses your discouragement. If God’s Word does anything, it gives us perspective— God’s perspective. The book of Hebrews addressed a Jewish audience living just before the destruction of the Temple in AD 70. Jesus had ascended to heaven, and the gospel was spreading, often through persecution. The author (who I believe was Paul) reminded us that we are still alive. We have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood. The fact that you are reading this article tells me you are still drawing breath, while many around the world have followed Jesus to the point of death. Secondly, you’ve never had to endure suffering like our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:3 states, “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Nothing we will face could rival what Jesus endured. He suffered in ways we cannot imagine, and all at the hands of those He came to save.
Thirdly, we have not resisted in the same way or to the same extent that Jesus did. Many individuals throughout the history of Christianity have given their lives for their faith, but no one has done it while living a completely sinless life, fully surrendered to the Father. On the contrary, all of our suffering is linked to our sinful nature, and some of it is deserved, intended as a form of spiritual discipline (Hebrews 12:7-11). No matter what you are facing today, know that God’s Son has blazed the path of suffering and assures us that the prize awaiting us is glorious and good. In his book Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering, Timothy Keller said, “While other worldviews lead us to sit in the midst of life’s joys, foreseeing the coming sorrows, Christianity empowers its people to sit in the midst of this world’s sorrows, tasting the coming joy.” It makes all the difference when Christians see the cross in the midst of suffering.
23 CFAD January
Encounter Youth Retreats Three Events!
Feb. 20-22 Mar. 20-22 Mar. 27-29
Calvin Smith
Calvin is joining us for the second and third retreats this year. He is the Executive Director of Answers in Genesis–Canada, and has spoken at church conferences across Canada (and sometimes internationally) on creation apologetics for well over 20 years now. He is well-known for his ability to engage audiences of all ages, and for being able to communicate key theological concepts and scientific information in an easy- to-understand manner. Calvin lives with his wife near London, Ontario and his hobbies include music and wrestling.
Keith McMahon Jan 17-18 - Bradford Baptist, Bradford ME
Register Today!
Dr. David Doherty Sunday MorningsBelleville Baptist Church, Belleville NB
nbbi.ca/encounter
Let’s Make Tracks By Mike Grant, Dean of Men
I know a lot of people don’t enjoy the winter season. Sure, there are aspects of winter that I don’t like, but overall, I really enjoy winter. One of the things I love is hopping on my old snowmobile and going for a late-night ride through the fields. I love the crisp air, the moonlight, zipping across a field and making fresh tracks. I always find it exciting to stop at the edge of a field of freshly fallen snow with no tracks in it and think about which way I will go. This New Year before us is similar, like a clean, unmarked field with no tracks. We may have many expectations and goals for the year ahead, and perhaps some fears and doubts, but we do not know exactly what it will look like. Instead of being like me sitting on the edge of a field deciding where I want to go, let’s go through this year seeking the Lord for His leading and guidance, trusting Him and not leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). May we also have the attitude of the children of Israel in Joshua 1:18. 1. May we hear and do what the Lord instructs us to do (James 1:22). 2. May we be willing to go where He sends us (Isaiah 6:8; Hebrews 13:21). At the end of 2026, I hope we will not look back at the tracks we made with regret because our decisions led us astray or our fears and doubts held us back from attempting to serve our great God. Instead, I hope we live out William Carey’s words: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” As we enter this New Year, which is before us like a field of freshly fallen snow, let’s make tracks that bring glory to God.
Ladies Of Grace Wrap-Up By Beth McMahon & Rose Meed
October 24, 2025 found our campus abuzz with the activity of the finishing touches in preparation for our annual Ladies of Grace Conference. 384 ladies came together for this year’s event from all over Canada and the US. What a joy to lift our voices in praise to our God Who is Wild in all His Ways! Our dear and precious friend, Peg Forrest, challenged us to examine our God in a different way through her careful study of His Word. She encouraged us to become a little “Tookish” in our thinking as we allow our God to take us on His adventures for our lives. Our time together in the Word began by Peg challenging us to “Ponder Him,” “what kind of a God do we want” and “are we allowing others to look through the window of our lives and see the God of the Bible?” We were challenged and encour-
aged to see the reality of Who God is - Who He really is! Each year we take up an offering for our Ladies of Grace Bursary which goes, in its entirety, to our lady students. As of November 18, 2025, we have been blessed to receive over $12,400.00 for the Ladies of Grace Bursary. Donations are tallied and then divided into $500.00 increments and are given to returning female students at our annual Spring Conference and Graduation. We are thrilled and humbled by the generous support of our female students. Having served as Dean of Women for these 30 years, I can speak firsthand of the impact such support has on these young ladies who desire to study, serve and prepare for life-long ministry for the Lord. As a school, we want to say “thank you” to all the ladies for coming (or watching on-line) and participating in our annual ladies’ retreat and being a part of the training that is offered here on our campus. May we continue to see that we serve a mighty and wild God -Who may not always be safe, but is always good! If you were unable to attend, I encourage you to view the sessions on our YouTube channel: NBBI Media Ministry. Google the link below to view the videos directly.
tinyurl.com/yxujzzms
FAMILY FILE HOMEGOINGS
Diane (Wood – ’65) Carron Guérette on April 12, 2024 in Sarnia, ON. Following her graduation from NBBI, Diane attended Bible college in Sherbrooke, Quebec where she met her husband of 57 years, Edgard Guérette. As Edgard pastored churches in both Montreal and Toronto, Diane became a busy mother to her children and foster children. Eventually, the family settled in Sarnia where Diane opened her home to provide childcare for many years. Diane is deeply missed by her husband, their four children, Daniel, Jonathan, Melissa and Samuel and their families. Thelma (Derrah - ’69) Robins on November 11, 2025 in Owen Sound, ON. Thelma worked as a secretary at a golf course in Corner Brook, in the zoology department at the University of Guelph, and later as secretary to the head chaplain at the hospital in Owen Sound. She was also a faithful pastor’s wife, supporting her husband in ministry over 48 years in five churches — always serving others with grace, humour, and a song in her heart. She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, David Robins (’68), her loving children, Shane and Shauna, and her adored grandchildren, Aliyah and Kai.
Save The Date! BIRTHS
2nd Semester Registration Monday. Jan. 12, 2026
30-31 January 2026
Men for God Rally, Friday-Saturday, Jan. 30-31, 2026 College for a Day, Thurs. EveningSat. Morning, Jan. 22-24, 2026 First Teen Retreat, Friday-Sunday Feb. 20-22, 2026 March Break, Feb. 27-Mar. 15, 2026
Third Teen Retreat, Friday-Sunday, Mar. 27-29, 2026 Spring Banquet & Program, Apr. 11, 2026 Spring Conference, May 1-3, 2026
GIVE
APPLY
PRAY
Give Online: nbbi.ca/donate Give by e-transfer: nbbibusiness@ gmail.com For additional options: Call us tollfree at 1-800-771-NBBI (6224)
Graduation, Sunday, May 3, 2026 Giving by mail: Canada New Brunswick Bible Institute 2335 Route 103 Victoria Corner NB E7P 1C7
Men For God Join hundreds of men for this weekend of encouragement, fellowship and worshipping our God! More info - nbbi.ca/mfg In our November issue we mixed up the student numbers by province and left out our three students from Ontario. They’re very much here and part of the family. Thanks for the grace as we keep things straight.
U.S.A East Hodgdon Bible Church Attn: NBBI Fund PO Box 828 Houlton ME 04730-0828
Printed in Canada Canadian publications mail product sales agreement #40012001
Go Bills
Andrew (BTh ’16) & Ruth Paterson, a girl, Penelope Eden, on September 24, 2025, a baby sister for Aria.
Second Teen Retreat, Friday-Sunday Mar. 20-22, 2026