Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0099A recorded on October 14, 1979 teaching from Luke 17:1-10 – Faith Like a Seed.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens explores the essential mechanics of Christian conduct, moving through the interconnected themes of offense, forgiveness, faith, and humility. He warns that while interpersonal conflicts are inevitable, causing others to stumble carries a grave spiritual “woe,” suggesting that it is better to face physical death than to persist in a lifestyle of habitual sin and relational harm. To counteract these offenses, Stevens emphasizes a mandate for limitless forgiveness, instructing believers to abandon their pride and embrace a cycle of perpetual reconciliation, even when the offender appears insincere. He argues that fulfilling such a difficult command does not require an increase in the volume of one’s belief, but rather the activation of living faith, which, like a tiny mustard seed, possesses the inherent power to shatter monumental barriers. Ultimately, Pastor Stevens concludes that true restoration is found in humble service and gratitude, illustrated by the lone leper who returned to thank Christ, reminding the listener that we are merely unprofitable servants reliant entirely on divine grace.