The Gospel of John: Who Will Stick With Jesus | Rev. Nathan Bell

6th July 2025Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠Sermon overviewIn this sermon from John 6:60–71, Pastor Nathan concludes the “bread of life” discourse. After feeding the 5,000 and walking on water, Jesus’ teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood provokes offense and desertion among many followers. Yet Peter’s bold confession—“Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life”—models wholehearted commitment. We’re challenged to follow Jesus on His terms, not ours, fully surrendering every part of our lives to the true Bread from heaven.Sermon NotesIntroductionPastor Nathan situates us in the ongoing John series (running through Easter), noting the heavy travel between Galilee, Jerusalem, and beyond. Crowds have witnessed two major miracles—feeding 5,000 on the mountainside and Jesus walking on the sea—so expectations for a deliverer are high. Last week ended with Jesus’ declaration, “I am the true bread that came down from heaven,” setting the stage for today’s difficult teaching and its fallout.Scripture PassageJohn 6:60–71 (NLT)Main PointsHard Teaching Reveals True DisciplesJesus’ call to “eat my flesh and drink my blood” shocks many into desertion, exposing shallow faith based on signs rather than the Savior Himself.Dependence on the Spirit“The Spirit alone gives life” (v63); human effort and intellect cannot bridge the gap—only divine enabling draws us to Christ.Wholehearted CommitmentPeter’s confession (“Lord, to whom would we go?”) models surrender: recognizing Jesus as the sole source of life and truth, even when His demands are hard.Illustrations & StoriesMiracle Recap: Feeding the 5,000, followed by the storm-tossed crossing and Jesus walking on water.“I AM” Statements: Jesus layers heavy claims—Son of Man, heavenly origin, bread of life—to press His identity and mission.Missionary Story: William Cohen in 19th-century India resisted renouncing Christ under threat, declaring, “Though none go with me, still I will follow.” His martyrdom ignited widespread faith.ApplicationExamine Your Motives: Are you following Jesus for convenience or for His character and promises, even when “His terms” conflict with your comfort?Surrender Control: Identify areas—wealth, opinions, relationships—where you cling to “your way” rather than God’s way.Embrace the Spirit’s Work: Trust the Holy Spirit to equip you for the hard demands of discipleship; human striving falls short.Commit Anew: Like Peter, affirm “To whom would we go?” and resolve to follow Jesus without reserve, regardless of cost.ClosingPastor Nathan invited the congregation to respond by singing “Christ Is Enough” and the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” making a communal commitment to stick with Christ through every trial and teaching challenge.Resources & LinksBible Passage: John 6:60–71 (NLT)Next Steps: Reflect on where you’ve made Jesus a “hobby” rather than Lord; journal prayerfully about areas needing full surrender.#hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon