The Scoop

We have been enjoying a new spirit of commitment the last two months. It is wonderful when you see the little steps in peoples live begin to culminate in a core dedication. Please pray as God works in lives that such commitment will spread and encourage others.

In March, we went through a series entitled, "Haben wir eine „Gute Nachricht“ Denkweise?" (Do we have a Good News Mindset?) It was a joy to see how the people began to consider how they could also spread the gospel.

April started a new series called, Sei ein Jünger anstatt ein Christ. (Be a disciple instead of a Christian.) I tweaked a the series that Jürgen Notz develped. The title is decidedly provocative. In our area, Christianity is still paying for the crusades and the two world wars. So many have used the term "Christian" throughout the ages as a cloak. Interestingly Christ called us to make disciples. It is widely accepted that the scrupleless use the term Christian to gain advantage. Politicians and criminals alike hide their deeds and intents behind a vague use of Jesus' name. Being a disciple leaves less wiggle room. The term "Christian" is a title that is not necessarily tied to actions. One can be called a Christian and do or believe just about anything. It makes a very good cloak. "Disciple" is a term that is indicative to action. It is easier to measure through comparison to Christ.

The first sermon in the series was, "Mehr als nur ein Christ" (More than just a Christian). Here we saw that following Christ was the goal, not just using His name as a title. The second sermon was, "Vom Konsumenten zum Nachfolger" (From Consumer to Follower). The point was that although salvation is indeed free, following is not. There is a cost: a sacrifice of self to carry the cross daily. This was followed by the point that he repays all and more.

This coming Sunday we tackle, "Reproducing yourself" We are excited to see the subtle changes God is making in our lives.

For a more up-to-date picture on our ministry, please visit us at:

http://bbfi-europe.org/Sudbrock/blog/blog.html

We are also on Facebook as the Sudbrock Scoop.

God has truly been good to us. We are very thankful for the increases in support. We are astonished how God opens hearts to give so sacrificially. Mark Baptist in Bloomfield, IA, bought us a new Laptop. Irving Baptist Church in TX sent us a one-time gift of $1000. A precious friend in Springfield, MO, sent $500. Our present need is down to $700 more a month. We “skyped” a mission conference back in October and are excited about the possibilities of this new venue. If your church is open to a “skype” conference, please contact us at "paul.sudbrock" on Skype.

Paul Sudbrock