B ULLETIN THE OPEN BIBLE
Thanking Matthew Little for 18 years of faithful service to NBBI!
MISSIONS TRIP UPDATE PATHWAYS OF PURPOSE
His Faithfulness Reaches the Clouds: A Final Reflection
By Matthew Little - President
As I write this challenge, I realize it will be my final article as President of the New Brunswick Bible Institute. Reflecting on the past 18 years, I’m continually amazed by God’s unwavering faithfulness.
Growing up in the city, I could hardly wait for summer to come so I could go to my grandparents’ farm. My grandfather was a dairy farmer, and his land presented me with limitless opportunities for fun. Grandpa had a dog named Ginger who was the very personification of faithfulness; she was always by his side, following him wherever he went. When I think of loyalty, it is hard to beat the example of that beloved dog.
My uncle, who worked the farm with Grandpa, used to tease poor Ginger. He would pretend to hit my grandfather in the arm while saying, “Ginger, I’m going to get Grandpa!” Somehow, I think she knew my uncle was only joking, but she would still jump up and grab his arm in her mouth as if to say, “Don’t you dare touch him!” Even in
Urgent Project
Our main building is in immediate need of having the roof coated with paint. As you can see from the pictures, the rust is worsening rapidly. This roof covers our staff offices, auditorium, gymnasium, library, and the Open Bible Bookstore. We are deeply concerned that this situation will quickly escalate into a major problem if not addressed immediately.
Normally, the Pathways of Purpose projects are what we raise funds for, but those funds have already been raised and set aside. The summer months are the ideal time to complete this project, and the rust has progressed to the point where we fear leaving it for another winter. It really cannot be postponed.
We urgently ask you to consider helping us with this critical project so that we can continue to train students in God’s Word and serve the local church. We estimate that it will cost $20,000 to have the roof re-coated. We are looking to the Lord and are confident that He will provide.
her older years, when mobility became a struggle, Ginger would still drag herself out to the barn right behind my grandfather.
As faithful as that dog was, our God is even more faithful. Scripture is full of passages on the faithfulness of God, but three stand out as particularly impressive to me. The first one is Psalm 36:5, which says, “Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.” This speaks to the profoundness of God’s faithfulness. It cannot be matched. When we think of the height of the clouds—or better yet, the very abode of God—we realize His faithfulness is beyond our understanding, it cannot be reached.
The second one, Psalm 119:90, says, “Thy faithfulness is unto all generations.” Here we see the permanence of God’s faithfulness. It has stood the test of time. Has there ever been a generation that could truly claim God failed them? The answer is a resounding “no”!
The third passage, 1 Corinthians 1:9, says, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” In this verse, we see the power of God’s faithfulness. The ultimate symbol of that power is His Son. We were lost, without hope, and destined for hell. Into this hopeless situation, the Lord Jesus declared to the world through the cross that God is faithful.
As I step out of this office for the last time, I’m filled with gratitude. The same God who taught a young boy on a dairy farm about faithfulness has demonstrated His unwavering faithfulness through my 18 years of ministry at NBBI. While leaders change and seasons pass, His profound, permanent, and powerful faithfulness remains constant. To the students, staff, and friends of this great institution, keep looking up, for His faithfulness reaches the heavens. May God alone be glorified!
To God be the glory and power forever and ever amen!!!
My name is Elia S. Aube, I live in New Brunswick, and come from a family of six (I have one brother and two sisters). I am a freshman at New Brunswick Bible Institute. I am 19 and have been a Christian for 10 years! Thank you God!!!
When I was 10, a missionary from Indonesia came to share what the Lord was doing on the other side of the world. He told stories of miracles and wonders and left me in awe at the power and awesome deliverance of God! The missionary asked if I would go to Indonesia to help teach in the schools… I said yes, and meant it at the time… A few months later, I apologised to
Motives for Ministry
By Dr. David Doherty - Academic Dean
Studies have shown a variety of motives leading people to pursue specific vocations…some good reasons, and some not so good. We may ask why a true Christian may seek Bible ministry. The Book of Romans sheds some light on this question as the Apostle Paul opened his heart to the saints at Rome. As one who was called by God to minister, he demonstrated motives including…
I. …SINCERE SPIRITUALITY (1:9-10; 9:13).
God witnessed the fact that Paul served with his spirit in the gospel of Christ. The Greek word translated “witness” is the source of our English word “martyr”. God was not a casual observer of Paul’s unceasing prayers for these Christians. He asked the Lord for a prosperous journey to Rome “if by any means” (v. 10) he might come to them. The depth of this man’s spiritual motive for ministry is seen in that he was almost willing to lay aside his salvation if that would result in his fellow
God, determined to recant my promises, but I never forgot it.
It was after coming to NBBI that I acknowledged that Jesus Christ is supreme! I am only a mouth, made to declare the works of my God and worship Him! I must share the glorious Gospel with all who have ears to hear!!!
I was asked by a local missionary if I would go with him on a trip. I said yes, and this time, I went! It was the best example of answered prayer I have ever personally witnessed. Indonesia is 87% muslim, and 7.4% Protestant. I went during Ramadan, and was grieved at the false hope, and threatening suppression of the Truth! While there, I taught in three schools,
Israelites being saved (9:1-3). Of course, such was not possible.
II. …ABOUNDING AFFECTION (1:11; 5:5).
By Holy Spirit inspiration Paul could declare, “I long to see you”. The thought expressed here presents a word picture of someone panting for a drink of water. He was “homesick” for them. God’s love had been poured into his heart and such was now being evidenced (5:5). Paul was not shy or slow to express his love for fellow believers. God’s servants today do well to suitably express love for those to whom they minister. Bible ministry will not reach its full potential until a holy love is driving it. This love will be honest, to the point, and still be gracious. Holy Spirit driven love will never be hypocritical or harmful.
III. …ENCOURAGING ESTABLISHMENT (1:11-12; 16:25).
A healthy motive for ministry is to
two different Kids’ Clubs, with many opportunities to share my testimony. I met faithful brothers and sisters who followed the commands of Jesus by daily taking up their cross, and following Him. I believe that God is calling me to pour out my life there.
What is stopping you? Please, these people need the Gospel! (Ezekiel 3:1619; John 4:31-38)
May God grant you mercy, peace, and love.
please the Lord by seeing God’s people established in the faith. This is to be accomplished through the preaching of Jesus Christ (16:25). Paul’s desire was to use his spiritual gift(s) for their benefit. Their spiritual strength and ability to refute error was important to him and should be to us. They were to be comforted along with Paul through Bible ministry. The Greek word “comforted” is used only here in the New Testament. It is suggested that the word means “to comfort so as to banish depression.”
Paul’s motives for ministry were pure, transparent, and evident before the Lord and his readers. May the Lord keep our motives holy!
Are you interested in teaming up with NBBI? We’re hosting Pathways of Purpose work days on July 18th and 25th, and we’d be thrilled to have you join us! This year, we’re aiming to wrap up the Alumni Park, which includes the gazebo and walkways, and complete renovations on an existing staff home. In addition, we’re working on a few roofing projects and our wood needs to be processed for another winter season.
There are also a number of smaller tasks to attend to. Keeping our campus running is a big job, and we’d be so grateful for your help to make it happen. Prayerfully consider partnering with us for one of these days. To register and find out more: visit nbbi.ca/path
nbbi.ca/spring-bible-conference
