The Open Bible Bulletin - September 2023

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The Open Bible

Bulletin

Vol. 64 No. 09

September 2023

What’s Inside • Summer Ministry Updates • Biblical Challenges • NBBI Family News

Bob Booker

Focus 3:10) “For all have sinned…” (Romans 3:23) Three times in Romans 1, Paul says, “God gave them up,” referring to mankind and their propensity to sin.

Romans 6:23 tells us that the payment for our sin is eternal separation from God.

The third type of news from God’s Word is “good news.” In case you thought all Biblical news is bad news, here is some very good news. Some of the same chapters in Romans that give us shocking news and unsettling news give us the good news of the gospel.

Romans 3:24-25 tells us that Jesus died The second is “unsettling news.” to buy us or pay the wages of our sin While many today are stating and really so that by His great favour, we can be do believe that there are many ways to set free from the penalty of sin and be God and Heaven, Jesus clearly states guaranteed a home in Heaven. Romans “News” that He is the only way to God and God’s 6:23 says that the penalty for sin is eterHeaven. (John 14:6) Clear logic tells us nal separation from God, but goes on to I have been studying the Book of that if there were many ways to God, say that God provided eternal life by the Romans lately and have been reminded then how would I know which is right gift of His Son, Jesus. of several simple but important facts. I and could I not make my own way and call these facts “news” because some call it correct? If there are many ways to The simple truth is and the facts are, who are reading this may not have God and heaven, then there could be 8 that while I am a sinner by nature, God encountered these true statements billion ways (the world’s current pop- in His great love, mercy and grace sent before, while others are confronted ulation). Jesus also said that there is a His Son Jesus (Who willingly came to with them often. broad way leading to destruction and earth) into this world to be born, to live, that many are going that way. There is to die and to rise again. And it is by this The first is “shocking news.” also a narrow way that few are traveling, grace that all who hear have the opporRomans 1-3 gives us firsthand knowl- but leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:13- tunity to make the following choice – edge that all the world is guilty before 14). My friends, please don’t be deceived do I surrender to Him and give my life God. Adam and Eve disobeyed God in by what you hear from the world sys- to Him for salvation, or do I listen to the the Garden of Eden and because we tem and the world media. Jesus said, lies propagated by this world system are all descended from them, we have “No man comes to the Father except by and say “no” to Him? I urge you to make inherited their sin nature. “There is me.” (John 14:6b) the right decision today! none righteous; no, not one.” (Romans

Summer Ministry

Vacation With A Vision

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Field Report

by Vicki Menzies Isaiah 26:3-4

Jai Masih ki! (Hail Christ...This is the Christian greeting and goodbye here in South Asia).

“Praise the Lord!” These were the first words we heard here from our driver as we started our eleven-week stay in South Asia.

Life here has exposed us to many different/new smells, foods, temperatures, sights, sounds, and trials. Although very dirty and undeveloped in comparison to the West, South Asia is still quite accommodating (vehicles, electricity, AC, filtered water in some places, etc). Although, there are many slums (1-2 small roomed houses) in the city.

The prominent religion is Hinduism, although there are Muslims, Sikhs, and Jains as well. It is illegal to convert people out of their religion, so our approach here is careful. We try not to say certain words like missions, Gospel, or Christian, as these words tend to carry misconstrued assumptions behind them (Christian has become a very broad term and can mean many different beliefs, so to be specific, we say we are followers of Jesus).

We try to look for English speakers to share the Gospel with unless we have national believers who can translate for us.

It is generally easy to start conversations with people, as they are normally interested in foreigners. Our vision is to equip national believers here; so we encourage them to go with us in evangelism and follow-up (Bible studies and prayer) so that when we leave, they can carry on the work.

The main truth God has shown us through our trials here is that attitudes and discouragement are possibly our greatest enemies. When it is hot, when we are sick, when people’s hearts are hard, or when we are frustrated with learning a new language/culture, we are often tempted to forget our purpose here. The only solution for us is to read G0d’s Word, pray, and have fellowship with other believers. Nothing else compares to comforting or encouraging us.

Through it all, we have learned that we should always be able to say: “Praise the Lord!” For it is He who is always with us and has been there every time we got discouraged or confused. He saved us when we were without hope and in darkness; praise Him for His great mercy! This trip has allowed God to grow and stretch us like never before.

unto them that sold doves, ‘Take these Your salvation is secure because it things hence; make not my Father’s does not rest in what you do, but what house an house of merchandise.’” In Jesus has done. But God may clean John 2:18 the Jews responded to Jesus house. What tables in your life does driving out those engaged in godless God need to overthrow to show you that enterprise by saying, “What sign show- you belong to Him? But you might say, est thou unto us, seeing that thou doest “How do I know if my life is stealing “Living for the Glory of God” these things?” In other words, what the tribute that belongs to God?” Take right do you have to claim ownership some time and work through every area Some people are content with the of the Temple? This is a question that of your life – your relationships, hobstatus quo. They never want to rock the you must answer in your own life. Jesus bies, priorities etc. and ask the question, boat; they are uninterested in change owned the Temple in the Old Testament, “Am I doing this and can I continue to and their desire for self-examination is which gave Him the right to act with do this for the glory of God?” Can you non-existent. Former President of the authority, and you are His Temple today. ask, “Lord, the places I am going, the United States, Ronald Reagan, once said, In the Old Testament, God had a Temple things I am watching, the plans I am “Status quo, you know, is Latin for ‘the for His people; in the New Testament making, the priorities I am investing in, mess we are in.’”

God has His people for a Temple. and the relationships that I am pursuing, am I’m doing it all for your glory?”

It was undeniable that the people Paul reminds us in I Corinthians of Jesus’ day were in a spiritual mess. 6:19-20 that our lives have been purThey were God’s chosen people, heirs chased by Christ’s redemptive work Matthew to eternal promises, possessing a rich on the cross and that you and I now Little spiritual foundation, and many cele- belong to Him. This leads to a powerful bratory feasts, and it had all become question. Are the things you are living nothing but empty form. At the heart for worth Jesus dying for? Is your life of this story is a religious people who stealing the tribute that truly belongs were stealing the tribute that right- to Christ? God will not live in a dirty fully belonged to God. John 2:14,16 says, house, but He won’t move out.

“And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting…and said

President’s Challenge

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Family File

Staff On The Road

Homegoings:

Births:

June 20/23 - Former NBBI Staff member, Mardell (Schmidt) Judge grew up on the campus of our “sister-school” Millar Bible School in Pambrun, SK and married Murray (NBBI grad of ‘67) in June 1967. After a short honeymoon, they began their ministry at NBBI in July of 1967 until 1977. The Judges had three children.

April 23/23 Elaine Charlotte to Ben (B.Th./ ABM ‘22) & Evelyn (Nanniga ‘21 Assoc) Jost

July 13/23 Oakley Porter to Jakob (B.Th./ ABM ‘23) & Sophie (Gerrior ‘22 Assoc) Ducey

Sept 17 Community Bible Church, Berlin, NH Sunday Morning Service Sept 23-44 Palermo Community Church, Palermo, ME Evangelism & Tract Ministry

July 5/23 - Dwayne Hunter, (‘63) met his wife, Judy (Elliott ‘64) in the fall of 1961 at NBBI, they were married in September of 1968 and went on to have four children. Dwayne and Judy served together on the mission field in Brazil for 15 years, had other short term mission trips, served as Camp Directors at Circle L Camp (now Camp Goodnews) and Dwayne preached throughout the state of Maine and Florida in these later years.

July 14/23 Daniel Glen to Trey (Senior student ‘23/24) and Chloe VanColen

Keith McMahon

May 20/23 Josephine Louise to Timothy and Angelina (Tice ‘07) Leach

July 23/23 Duke William to Amos (‘14 Assoc.) & Megan (Rushton ‘14 Assoc) Grant

Follow Our Journey

day November 9-11, 2023

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PARTNER WITH US!

Online: nbbi.ca/donate Give by mail: Send your cheque payable to: 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

Upcoming Events for a

Sept 16-17 East Benton Christian Church, East Benton, ME

Bible Conference

July 9/23 - Gerald Nickerson - (Grad of ‘83) was known on campus for his piano skills and being a part of the men’s quartet. He went on to pastor for many years and was known for his “walking / talking” evangelist sticks. He and his wife, Jean, had three children.

college

Mike Grant

Weekend of Welcome

Give by e-transfer: Send an e-Transfer via the bank of your choice to nbbibusiness@gmail.com.

For additional options: Call us toll-free at 1-800-771-NBBI (6224).

ladies of grace

September 7-10, 2023

September is upon us and we are thrilled and excited to see what God Are you ready to meet the chalwill do on our campus this coming lenges of life? Is your walk with God school year.

We are praying that God growing and strong? Do you want to will do a mighty work in and through discover God’s will for your life? Why our students’ lives this year. This year not consider coming to New Brunswe are excited to welcome Alex Bourwick Bible Institute for at least a goin as our speaker.

Alex grew up in year? No matter what God may lead Madawaska and gave his life to the you to do, a solid foundation in God’s Lord at a young age.

He attended NBBI Word is a great starting point. Join us for one of our College for a Day and went on to serve with Child Evanweekends. You can see our campus, gelism Fellowship of Maine for 15 meet our staff and students, sit in on years as local and state director. He some classes and discover the differ- and his wife Lianne have three chilJoin us on October 20-21, 2023. Our ence that Bible college could make dren and currently live in New Lim- campus will fill quickly as we look forward in your life. The best year of your life erick, Maine where Alex owns to hosting our Annual Ladies of Grace might be waiting around the corner. and operates a carpentry business. Conference once again!