Dear Friends,
Christmas brings us face to face with the impossible. In Luke 1 we read Mary’s honest question to the angel, “How can I have a baby without ever having known a man?” In the Old Testament we read accounts of God working miraculously through prophets in many naturally impossible ways. In the New Testament, we read about Jesus multiplying fish and bread, using mud and saliva as a means to bring about sight, and touching skin to heal leprosy.
Ultimately, it is through the incarnation, Jesus Christ made flesh, where we see God step into human history to deal with what is impossible for us to overcome. Romans 3:23 and 6:23 tackle sin, how far short it leaves us before God, and what we are to rightly expect as a result. Humanity must face a chapter like Isaiah 64, which equates our best deeds to pollution in light of who God is. In Ephesians 2 we are declared dead. This all sounds impossibly dooming.
And then we get some really good news. Through a story that is physically impossible to man, we are introduced to a new spiritual possibility through Jesus. God, not wishing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9), sent His Son, the incarnation of God Himself, to pay the penalty for our sin and grant us opportunity to be made new. Ephesians 2 continues on to declare Jesus as Saviour who brings us from death to life! John 1:12 gives us great news of official adoption!
Instead of the impossibility of pleasing God through any “effort” or just “trying harder”, we are simply able to attain a right standing before God by accepting, through faith, Jesus Christ’s work on our behalf (Romans 5:1). This year, our NBC students are growing in the riches of knowing God. One third-year shared, “throughout this year I have been learning that Christ alone is my Rock, my Salvation, my Fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken”(Psalm 62:2). They added, “this has been my hardest year, but I know the Lord is growing me and I have been learning to endure, though it is not always easy.” Endurance is possible as we remember our foundation on Christ, and let Him live in us (Galatians 2:20).
On behalf of the students, staff, and the Board of Directors, thank you so much for partnering with us. Perhaps you would consider giving toward the ministry of Nipawin Bible College this season as we press on in the joyous, though sometimes difficult, work of developing passionate followers of this Saviour. Your prayer, your recruiting, and your giving all help us walk with our students toward growth in understanding what Christ has made possible!
Praising God for our salvation,
Jason Elford
President, Nipawin Bible College
As always, we cherish your faithful prayer, your help encouraging students to attend Nipawin Bible College, and your giving as God lays us on your heart. For giving conveniently online click the button below.