Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0144A recorded on March 2, 1980 teaching from James 4:8-10 – Drawing Near to God.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens explores the reciprocal relationship between humanity and the divine, centered on the biblical promise that God will approach those who first reach out to Him. He argues that spiritual intimacy requires a contrite spirit, which involves a humble subjugation of one’s will and the intentional discarding of ego and past achievements. Using diverse illustrations—from the healing of the woman who touched Jesus’ garment to the radical transformation of the Apostle Paul—Stevens demonstrates that God acts as a responding lover rather than a demanding one, meeting seekers in their moments of greatest extremity. The message concludes with a call for honest confession, urging listeners to allow their hearts to be broken by the divine so they may be washed white as snow and empowered to reflect God’s holiness.