September 11th, 2025
by Joey Hufstedler
by Joey Hufstedler
Hey Guys,
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to start something, but how much harder it is to finish it? Whether it’s a diet, an exercise program, a project at work, or even a New Year’s resolution—beginning feels exciting, but continuing requires endurance. The same is true in the Christian life.
In John 6:60–71, we find one of the most sobering moments in Jesus’ ministry. After feeding the five thousand and teaching that He is the Bread of Life, many of His followers found His words “too hard” to accept. Verse 66 tells us, “As a result of this many of His disciples left, and would no longer walk with Him.” Imagine the scene—throngs of people who once pressed in to see miracles now turning away in disappointment.
Then comes a question that pierces the soul. Jesus turned to the twelve and asked:
“You do not want to go away also, do you?” (v. 67).
Peter’s answer still echoes through the centuries:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (vv. 68–69).
This passage is not just history—it is a living question for each of us today. When following Jesus gets hard, when His Word confronts our desires, when culture pressures us to compromise, when trials weigh us down—will we turn back or will we press on?
What We’ll Explore Together
This Sunday, we’ll dive into this powerful passage in a sermon titled:
“Turning Back or Pressing On”
(part of our series Believe: A Study of John).
We’ll look at:
Why This Matters
Our series is built on the theme verse of John’s Gospel:
“But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31).
Belief in Jesus is not a casual thing. It is a commitment that requires us to press on when the path is difficult. This message is a call to examine our hearts and to cling to Christ, who alone has the words of eternal life.
Join Us This Sunday
? We invite you to worship with us this Sunday as we open God’s Word together.
? Text: John 6:60–71
? Sermon Title: Turning Back or Pressing On
Series: Believe: A Study of John
Whether you’re new to church, a lifelong believer, or someone wrestling with questions of faith, this passage speaks directly to where you are. The choice before us is clear: Will we turn back—or will we press on with Jesus, the only One who gives life?
Come and be encouraged, challenged, and strengthened to keep pressing on.
Serving Him,
Pastor Joey
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to start something, but how much harder it is to finish it? Whether it’s a diet, an exercise program, a project at work, or even a New Year’s resolution—beginning feels exciting, but continuing requires endurance. The same is true in the Christian life.
In John 6:60–71, we find one of the most sobering moments in Jesus’ ministry. After feeding the five thousand and teaching that He is the Bread of Life, many of His followers found His words “too hard” to accept. Verse 66 tells us, “As a result of this many of His disciples left, and would no longer walk with Him.” Imagine the scene—throngs of people who once pressed in to see miracles now turning away in disappointment.
Then comes a question that pierces the soul. Jesus turned to the twelve and asked:
“You do not want to go away also, do you?” (v. 67).
Peter’s answer still echoes through the centuries:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (vv. 68–69).
This passage is not just history—it is a living question for each of us today. When following Jesus gets hard, when His Word confronts our desires, when culture pressures us to compromise, when trials weigh us down—will we turn back or will we press on?
What We’ll Explore Together
This Sunday, we’ll dive into this powerful passage in a sermon titled:
“Turning Back or Pressing On”
(part of our series Believe: A Study of John).
We’ll look at:
- The Challenge of Christ’s Words – Why some walked away.
- The Crisis of Decision – The moment when Jesus asks, “Will you also go away?”
- The Confession of True Disciples – Why Peter’s response is the heart of genuine faith.
- The Contrast Between True and False Followers – Why Judas reminds us that outward appearance isn’t the same as saving faith.
Why This Matters
Our series is built on the theme verse of John’s Gospel:
“But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31).
Belief in Jesus is not a casual thing. It is a commitment that requires us to press on when the path is difficult. This message is a call to examine our hearts and to cling to Christ, who alone has the words of eternal life.
Join Us This Sunday
? We invite you to worship with us this Sunday as we open God’s Word together.
? Text: John 6:60–71
? Sermon Title: Turning Back or Pressing On
Series: Believe: A Study of John
Whether you’re new to church, a lifelong believer, or someone wrestling with questions of faith, this passage speaks directly to where you are. The choice before us is clear: Will we turn back—or will we press on with Jesus, the only One who gives life?
Come and be encouraged, challenged, and strengthened to keep pressing on.
Serving Him,
Pastor Joey
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Archive
2025
January
That You May BelieveReflections on: That You May BelieveThe Importance of Being Active in ChurchThe Word That Brings LifeReflecting on The Word That Brings LifeBiblical Masculinity: Leading With Strength And HumilityThe Light Revealed, The Heart TransformedReflecting on The Light Revealed, The Heart TransformedGrace Upon Grace: The Overflowing Gift of JesusMale and Female He Created Them: A Biblical View of Gender and SexualityReflecting on Grace Upon Grace: The Overflowing Gift of JesusFearfully and Wonderfully Made: A Biblical View of Life's ValueGod's Image Bearers: Honoring Life From Conception to EternityBehold The Lamb of God: A Message of Hope and SalvationAbolishing Abortion: A Biblical Mandate for Life
February
Reflecting on The Preparer and the Promised OneThe Forgotten Discipline: Why the Church Must Return to Biblical MeditationWhat It Really Means to Follow Christ: Discipleship Beyond Sunday MorningCome and See: A Call to Follow JesusTeaching Our Children the Word: The Role of Parents and the Church in DiscipleshipWhat Happens When You Truly Follow Jesus?The First Sign: Revealing the Glory of ChristWhen Jesus Steps in: Reflections on the First Sign at Cana
March
Finding Rest in His Word: Why You Need the Bible More Than EverResting in God's Word: Applying the Truth We've HeardJesus Knows Your Faith: Is Your Belief Genuine?Jesus Knows Your Faith: A Moment of ReflectionA Conversation That Changed Everything: Are You Born Again?Born Again: What Will You Do With The Truth?
April
A Model For Ministry: Faithful, Focused, and FruitfulLiving Out A Model For MinistryLess of Me, More of Him: A Message we all Need to HearHe Must Increase: Living The Message Beyond SundayThe Death of Death: A Message of HopeLiving in the Victory of the Risen ChristBelieve in the Savior Who Breaks BarriersAfter the Well: What Happens When Jesus Breaks Through
May
The Mission Before Us: Why The Gospel Must Be Above AllAfter the Amen, The Mission is Still Before UsThe Marks of a Godly MotherLooking Back: The Marks of a Godly MotherWhen Faith Hears and Obeys: A Journey That Changes EverythingAfter the Walk—What Happens When Faith Hears and ObeysDo You Want To Be Made Well?
June
He Still Asks the Question: “Do You Want to Be Made Well?”Man on a Mission: A Father's Day Message Every Man Needs To HearAfter the Call: Living the Mission EverydayThe Right Track: Finding Refuge in the Lord — A Message to Launch VBS WeekWe Can Do Better: Reflections on the 2025 SBC Annual MeetingA Time for Clairity and CompassionStaying on the Right Track: Living Out What We HeardFrom Death To Life: Why This Sunday MattersWe've Heard the Voice of the Son
July
August
2024
October
The True Light That Gives LifeBlessed or Barren: A Reflection on Matthew 13:54-58Come to Jesus: The Bread of Life and Our Eternal HopeCome to Jesus: Finding Satisfaction in the Bread of LifeHeld in His Hands: The Eternal Security in ChristReflecting on Held in His Hands: The Eternal Security in ChristCelebrating 110 years of Faith: Building on the Past, Looking Forward
November
Reflecting on Our 110th Anniversary Celebration: Embracing Unity and Looking Ahead with FaithAre You Ready?Looking Back on "Ready and Waiting: Living in Anticipation of His ReturnAuthority & Mission: Embracing Christ's MandateReflecting on Authority & Mission: Embracing Christ's MandateDon't Give Up: The Blessing of EnduranceReflecting on Don't Give Up: The Blessing of EnduranceThe Cost of Freedom: Serving Others to Glorify God
December
Reflecting on The Cost of Freedom: Serving Others to Glorify GodIn the Mirror of God's WordReflecting after In the Mirror of God's WordServing Well Without the Spotlight: Lessons from EpaphrasReflecting on Serving Well Without the SpotlightFrom Eternity to the Manger: Discovering the Majesty of ChristReflecting on From Eternity to the MangerLiving in Light of Eternity: A Life Changing Message From Revelation 22Reflecting on Living in the Light of Eternity
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