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2000-2009

The Cancer of Discontent

EditorialJuly/August, 2021Volume 56, Number 4 Webster defines discontentment as a “lack of satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation. It can be a “sense of grievance: ...
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2010 - Present

What Is the Covenant Brethren Church

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2010 - Present

Priscilla A. Martin – A Tribute

As we look back on 2020, most people will likely remember it for the pandemic that swept across the globe, which created much loss and ...
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2010 - Present

Brethren Mission Fund – Spring 2020

Volume 22 Spring 2020 BMF’s MISSION STATEMENT With the salvation of souls around the world as its chief aim, the Brethren Mission Fund provides a ...
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Over the years the BRF Witness has carried a number of regular columns besides the News and Comments section. They include:

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Discernment

‘The ability to perceive, recognize, and distinguish” is how Webster defines discernment. He says further that discernment is “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what ...
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The Violinist

On January 12, 2007, a young man playing a violin stood at the L’Enfant Plaza subway station in Washington, D.C. In the forty-five minutes he performed that ...
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Regarding Short Prayers

All of us church-going people have endured long prayers at one point or another! Someone once told me that poor prayers shouldn’t be long, and good prayers needn’t be long. ...
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How Can I Know The Truth?

On the great rocks and crags of the California coast near Monterey are Cedars of Lebanon, growing in the very midst of the rock. In some ...
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Harsh and Unjust Criticism

Are you better at receiving harsh and unjust criticism or giving it? Would you rather be on the receiving end or the giving end of harsh and unjust criticism? If we admit it, ...
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Lost Harvest

In the early 1800s a windmill salesman passed through a Midwest farming area. This was long before the days of electricity, and so windmills were ...
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In 2023, Brethren Maine Missions (BMM) purchased the Building Materials Exchange.  The Last Sheaf Building Materials Exchange provides exposure and connection with the community of Lisbon while offering a variety of new, used, and salvaged building materials, tools, and supplies at greatly reduced prices.

Why “The Last Sheaf?”

The Last Sheaf is a reference from the Bible where God says:

When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19 (NKJV)

Links:

  • https://lastsheafbme.org/

Highlights:

   GOD is faithful! The sun shines and GOD is with us, the rain comes down and GOD is with us.

 

   Since we’ve taken ownership of the Last Sheaf BME, we’ve made roof repairs, insulated the ceiling, repaired walls, etc. There were times it felt like every step we took there was another thing to fix. 

 

   We have two people on staff (Craig Keeney and Peter Bucher) assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. We work together to make repairs, do pricing and inventory work, assist customers and more.  Interacting with and helping customers is the highlight of our day. People come with material needs; they need product to build or repair their home. People come with spiritual and emotional needs, as well. We purpose to get to know the individuals who come through our doors in order to share hope, truth, and love.

 

   One individual who had visited the Last Sheaf a couple of times was loud, large, and in charge. He had a “Goliath” personality. He made me quake in my boots a little (maybe a lot). His language was at times not appropriate anywhere, but especially not in a public place. One day he was standing right beside me and was about to speak that which I did not want to hear.  In a very quiet voice, I called him by name and before I could say any more, he apologized and said, “You are right. I shouldn’t be talking like that.”  Then he launched into a spiritual conversation with me. I was totally taken off guard by the change. He has been a different person ever since. Now he is more like a “David” personality. I now look forward to opportunities to speak with him.

 

   Donations of products/materials as well as finances are always appreciated, but the prayers of the saints are as vital a need to the work at the Last Sheaf, as anything.

Just as in biblical times the last sheaves of grain from a harvest were to be left behind to benefit the needy, we are taking leftover building materials, tools, and supplies and making them available at greatly reduced prices to those in need.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to benefit low-income homeowners, and to reduce waste in the environment by repurposing surplus building materials, enabling low income homeowners to better maintain their homes.

THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

CREATED IN HIS LIKENESS

We have been uniquely created by God in His image, which gives each of us incredible value, purpose, and dignity.   Understanding this important concept helps us to know how to live out our identity in Christ, and how to honor God through our actions, relationships, and choices.     

THE SPREADING FLAME: STUDIES IN ACTS

This course will look at the birth of the Church, and its growth, and expansion from a small group in Jerusalem to a world changing faith.  The major themes and personalities of the early church will be noted, and practical applications will be made.

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY

This course will be a general introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures).  Attention will be given to the content, outline, and general theme of each Old Testament book.  Theological implications of each book will also be considered.   This is a two-part class.  Plan to take both parts.

WOMEN SET FREE: A STUDY OF WOMEN IN THE GOSPELS

In a culture where they were often treated as second class citizens, Jesus welcomed women into his kingdom. We will study Mary and Martha, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery and more as we look both at the role of women in the ministry of Jesus and in the church today.

GOING THE NEXT STEP: DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL MATURITY

It should be the goal of every believer to grow more like Jesus Christ and develop and mature in our faith.   This class will focus on several spiritual disciplines or habits every Christian needs to develop in this process of spiritual maturity.

STUDY OF DAVID

From obscurity to kingship, David exhibits a heart devoted to God.  This study will help develop and apply life principles, observe types of Christ, and explore key themes in the life of this exciting Bible character.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS

Systematic theology cannot be complete without including the Book of Romans.  Within its depths, we mine the reality of universal sinfulness; justification made available to all mankind; sanctification as evidence of the new life in Christ; and the future glorification of saints.  The practical applications written at the conclusion of this letter are useful to mature believers and those starting the Christian life.

BRETHREN LIFE AND THOUGHT

This course will acquaint the students with the history and teaching of the Brethren from the early 1700’s down to the present day.  Essential themes of Brethren belief and practice will be highlighted.  This is a two-part class.  Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.