Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0874A recorded on April 15, 1984 teaching from Psalm 69:32 – And Your Heart Shall Live that Seek God.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens centers on the profound idea that genuine spiritual life, symbolized by “Your Heart Shall Live that Seek God” from Psalm 69:32, is only possible through recognizing Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for sin. Pastor Stevens emphasizes humanity’s inherent tendency to “enjoy sinning” and the insufficiency of mere religious experience to overcome this inclination. He asserts that when believers understand how God “once dealt with sin once and forever” through Christ’s death, they grasp the meaning of redemption and salvation. A major theme is the immense “shame” and “reproach” Jesus endured—a perfect, spotless lamb falsely accused and crucified for the collective sin and wickedness of mankind, which far surpasses any personal injustice or hurt felt by believers. Stevens encourages listeners, especially during the Easter season, to move beyond religious ritual and instead “take time this week to remember Jesus” and realize that every personal fault and external reproach is absorbed in His suffering, enabling the seeking heart to truly live.