Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0840A recorded on January 15, 1984 teaching from Luke 7:36-50 – How Valuable is Your Salvation?
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens centers on the contrast between a self-righteous Pharisee named Simon and an unnamed sinful woman, drawing from the biblical account in Luke 7:36-50. Pastor Stevens begins by reflecting on the spiritual significance of being made “white as the driven snow” through forgiveness, contrasting this purity with the deep dye of sin. The core of the message revolves around Jesus’ parable of two debtors—one forgiven a large sum, the other a small amount—to illustrate that the person forgiven more will exhibit the greatest gratitude and love. Simon, the host, is portrayed as judgmental and hostile, neglecting basic courtesies while focusing on the woman’s reputation as a sinner; conversely, the woman demonstrates profound, emotional adoration and repentance by weeping, kissing, and anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Stevens concludes by challenging listeners to evaluate the magnitude of their own sin and the preciousness of their forgiveness, urging them to express gratitude for Christ’s overwhelming mercy.