Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0493A recorded on February 14, 1982 teaching from John 3:14-16; 1 John 2:15 – God’s Love.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens addresses the nature of love and the complexities of reconciling love for God with love for the world. Stevens focuses on the biblical concept of agape love, a selfless and unconditional love, contrasting it with the love that is directed towards worldly things, which he terms eros (passionate love) and philos (friendly love). The primary argument is that embracing agape love for God necessitates separating oneself from the world’s systems, which are characterized by luxury, covetousness, and ambition (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life). He cautions against these worldly desires, urging listeners to prioritize God’s love and embrace spiritual richness over material wealth and worldly pursuits. The sermon concludes with a passionate call to dedicate one’s life to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of resisting the world’s temptations and embracing the eternal life found in God’s love.