B ULLETIN THE OPEN BIBLE
W.O.W. SPEAKER
IT’S GOD’S WORK, NOT OURS
By Matthew Little - President
In recent years, one of the most frequently searched terms on Google has been “hope”. This remarkable trend surpasses searches on political turmoil, technological advancements, and even methods to achieve fame. If Google reflects our collective consciousness, it suggests that our yearning goes beyond mere entertainment and superficial pleasures. We are not just looking for the latest caramel latte or concert tickets; our desires run much deeper. People are desperately seeking something substantial, something that can provide solace during the turbulent times but seems to be lurking just out of sight. We inherently crave certainty—a foundation that is reliable, unwavering, and enduring. In a world marred by shattered dreams, broken relationships, and unfulfilled promises, it becomes painfully clear that many of us are lost, unsure where to turn for guidance or clarity. An essential question surfaces - is there hope?
In Philippians 1:6, the Apostle Paul offers profound reassurance: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” To be “confident” is to be fully persuaded— a conviction rooted in trust. The message of the gospel filled Paul with immense joy and hope; a hope anchored in faith in God’s promises and in His Word.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that what begins as a beautiful work of grace initiated by our Saviour can sometimes be undermined by our own attempts to take control. Paul uses a compelling Greek word for “begun” in Philippians 1:6, indicating a transformative process that starts from within. The moment we place our faith in Christ, we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and a
profound transformation is initiated, sustained, and completed by Christ Himself. Yet, it’s all too common for us to reclaim the reins once we are saved, especially when we feel life is spiraling out of control or when God’s timeline doesn’t align with our expectations. Interestingly, the only other instance of the word “begun” appears in Galatians 3:3, where Paul admonishes, “Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?” This serves as a stark reminder that the initial joy and hope sparked by Jesus’ transformative work can sometimes dim, especially when we attempt to navigate our journey through our own efforts rather than relying on God’s grace.
Never lose sight of this critical truth: salvation is wholly the work of God—from beginning to end. As C.S. Lewis wisely expressed, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” Today, take a moment to express this heartfelt prayer to God: “God, You saved me, You will sustain me, and You will see my salvation through to the end. I’m Yours.” Embrace the truth of this prayer, for therein lies the hope and confidence you seek—an unshakable assurance that you are held in His loving hands.
Matthew’s upcoming Itinerary
Bible Conference @ East Benton Christian Church – Benton, ME
Weekend of
Speaker
Josh Cameron is the Assistant Pastor at True Life Church, located near Saint John, New Brunswick. With over 25 years of pastoral experience across various churches in the province, he is dedicated to delivering the message of Jesus in a way that is accessible, authentic, and transformative. He lives with his wife, Andrea, and their six sons on a small hobby farm situated on an island in the Kennebecasis River.
Grab Your Shovel
By Mike Grant - Dean of Men
Afew days ago, I passed a paving crew. There were a number of dump trucks in line to be unloaded. A few of the drivers were sitting in the cabs of their trucks enjoying the comforts of the air conditioning. Two drivers had gotten out of the trucks to chat with others, and only two drivers had grabbed shovels and jumped in to help with the shoveling. Though all of these men were hired to drive and not to shovel, only two had gone beyond the call of duty.
Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Ephesians 6:6-7 states, “not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men…”
Like the truck drivers, we also have a choice each day. Here a few questions I would encourage you to consider.
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1. Are you just doing the bare minimum for the Lord or are you giving Him your all? (Eph. 6:6b, 7; Col. 3:23)
2. What is your motive for doing what you do? (Eph. 6:8)
3. Do you work hard only when you are being observed or are you faithful at all times? (Eph. 6:6)
I often say, “To the degree we know God, we’ll serve Him.” An understanding of the love of Christ and the benefits of salvation should motivate us to bring glory to God by serving Him wholeheartedly. The precious blood of Jesus paid for our sins. We did nothing to earn it, nor can we repay it, but it should impact us. I believe that our actions reveal what we truly understand and believe. Are you like the truck drivers sitting in the cab enjoying the comforts of life or are you willing to get out of the truck, grab your shovel, and go above and beyond for God’s glory?
24 13 September
October
Harvest Fest
Games, food and fun! Students enjoy time spent together getting to know the freshmen.
Ladies Of Grace
Can’t wait to see all the Lord has for us as we explore how He Is Wild In All His Ways!
November
FAMILY FILE
Jessica McQuarrie (Attended ’14) and Asher Veinotte on June 28, 2025 in Halifax, NS
BIRTHS
To Noah (’21) & Katelynn (Rosa, BTh ’21) Cornish, a girl, Ginny Joy, on June 3, 2025
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Give by e-transfer: nbbibusiness@ gmail.com For additional options: Call us toll-free at 1-800-771-NBBI (6224)
In just a few short months we will be welcoming ladies from all over Canada and the US onto our campus for another sweet time of fellowship, learning from the Word and growing together as we spend a packed full 22 hours of worship during our Wild In All His Ways conference this year! We are so excited to be welcoming back our dear friend, Peg Forrest! Peg’s passion is for living out her calling to teach and disciple women of all ages, whether through the spoken or written word. Peg leans on her years of "on-the-job-training" as a missionary in Kenya, counselor, Bible study teacher, and as Dean of Women at Arizona Christian University to share Jesus-relevantstories that draw women into deeper intimacy and a more secure identity in their Saviour. Peg considers herself a simple woman with a simple message to which ladies everywhere can relate and be encouraged.
Peg and her husband, Bay, a 6' 10" former NBA center for the Phoenix Suns, began FOCUS Ministries in 1992 on their return from Africa and travel world-wide, using their life stories and experiences to share the gospel with a Fresh Outlook Centering Upon the Saviour.
In her extra time, Peg loves to ride horses with her husband in the National Forest behind her Colorado home, paddle board/ kayak, or simply sit and read on her back porch with a cup of coffee. We know you will enjoy her clear, encouraging, biblical approach as she shares with us during four sessions.
Our committee is busy at work getting prepared for your arrival! Please make sure to register at nbbi.ca/ladies. We have t-shirts again this year. If you would like to purchase one, you can do so when you register.
nbbi.ca/ladies
