Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0025B recorded on March 4, 1979 teaching from Luke 5 – Followers of Christ.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens explores the transformative power of Christ’s call by examining the miraculous catch of fish and the healing of a leper. He argues that this narrative represents a secondary, more profound invitation to the disciples, occurring after they had initially hesitated to leave their secular occupations and worldly securities. By demonstrating divine omniscience and authority over nature, Jesus meets the disciples in their own environment to prove that He is a reliable provider who pays for what He uses. Pastor Stevens emphasizes that true discipleship requires a total surrender of one’s life, moving beyond mere admiration of a teacher to a state of practical theology and active service. Ultimately, Stevens serves a compassionate appeal for listeners to forsake their own “nets” and follow a Savior who leads with gentleness rather than condemnation.