In the sermon titled "How Not to Follow Jesus," delivered on August 4, 2024, in Alton, IL, Pastor Mark explores the pitfalls of misguided spiritual following using John 6:24-35. The sermon illustrates how some people in Jesus' time followed Him not out of genuine faith, but for material benefits like food and political liberation. Jesus chastises them for seeking temporary gains rather than the eternal life He offers, pointing out that their focus on physical needs misinterprets the deeper spiritual significance of His miracles. The message warns against following Jesus for superficial reasons and emphasizes that true discipleship involves seeking a relationship with Him for eternal life, rather than expecting Him to simply fulfill earthly desires. The message calls believers to reassess their motivations and prioritize spiritual sustenance over temporal needs, encouraging a steadfast faith regardless of life’s circumstances.