Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. Luke 18:10

Jesus taught a parable about 2 men, one a Pharisee (Religious Leader) and the other a Publican (Tax Collector) Now before we get into this story our first assumption or guess is that a Pharisee is greater in Gods eyes rather than a Publican. However as Jesus teaches in this story, God judges and views us from the heart and not our outwardly appearance.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 18:11-12

The Pharisee loved God but exalted himself too much. He believes his acts make him righteous, however we must understand that none of us are righteous. Even if you got to Church every week, tithe , and sing in the choir, you are a wretched sinner. There is only one who was ever righteous and that is Jesus Christ, because of his works he makes us righteous.

Now you might say, “Why bother doing anything then”? We don’t do things for God to make ourselves righteous, we do things for God because we love him and want to honor him for giving us salvation!

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke 18:13

The sinful Publican came to the temple, not with his righteous acts but with a repentful heart. While the Pharisee boasted about his works, the Publican stood before God with fear and remorse of his sinful state. Until you come to true repentance you cant be saved

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:14

As Jesus said in the Kingdom, the first will be last and the last will be first! What does that mean? Whoever humbles themselves as a servant for God will be exalted and those who exalt themselves will become lowered.

Pride leads to destruction, humble yourself at the foot of the cross! Repent of your wickedness and you shall be saved in Jesus Christ!

And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. Luke 17:26

Many books and movies were made to predict what it will be like before Christs return. Many people are watching the news daily to see if there are signs of his second coming. However Jesus told us what it was going to be like before his return

Jesus said the time of his return will be just like the “Days of Noah”. So what were the Days of Noah like?

They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:27

Even though Noah was preaching to the people to Repent for 100 years, nobody listened, and they went about their daily lives partying and ignoring God. Eventually judgement came to the world and everyone perished except Noah and his family because they had faith in God and listened to his instructions

Now this may not be a popular story to hear and we may not like it. But truth is not dictated by our feelings. If God is just, then there are consequences for our sins. Unless you become reconciled with God through Christ, judgement will be upon You

Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:28-29

The same with the Days of Lot, wickedness and sinfulness filled these cities and everyone refused to repent. Again you see people living and partying, ignoring God. Even though Christ himself came down with Angels (Genesis 18) to warn the people they would not repent

Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. Luke 17:30

So what does the world look like today? Wickedness, evil, and immorality all around us. People partying, distracted with themselves, nobody is listening to God. The times seem very similar , are you ready for the return of Christ?

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. Luke 17:5-6

The Apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith, but notice Jesus response. He didn’t say I’ll give you more faith to believe , he said if you guys actually had some faith you would be able to see Gods glory and power! See faith is a problem with us and not God

We limit Gods works but the limit of our faith in Christ. I was discussing this with a friend the other day, why do we not see the miracles performed today like we seen in the early church? Well how do we compare to the early church? In the book of Acts they sold everything, left everything behind to follow Jesus and serve him, are we doing the same today?

Absolutely not, our faith is pathetic compared to the early church , this is why we don’t see great miracles being performed today. Until we are all in, we will not see all of Gods glory and power!

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10

But we as Christians love to brag about all the things we do. We brag because we worship 1 day a week, we brag because we actually read our Bible, compare this to the early church. It says they were worshipping daily , breaking bread (communion), preaching the gospel in the streets even if it meant losing their life

Jesus said I commanded you to do these things, don’t look for credit or fame. This is your duty as a Christian!

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Luke 17:2

I’m going to talk about a topic nobody wants to, but it has to be addressed. It’s the issue of pedophiles in the Church. This is not just a Catholic Church issue, as we have seen reports of pedophiles across denominations. Nobody wants to talk about it, but we as Christians need to protect our children and call out the heretics in the church!

Jesus made it clear, anyone who harms a child, it would be better if they have never been born. I cant imagine the judgment that these wicked people will face, but I also look forward to justice being served! We as parents, grand parents , guardians, teachers, coaches, pastors, ect. its our duty to protect the innocent children at all cost.

Don’t think having loyalty to your church or organization , when they are engrossed in sin, is going to please God. The wrath of God will be upon this false church and all the people guilty of these crimes. God will not be mocked!

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:5-6

As the Sunday School song says “Jesus does love the little children” and anyone who harms one of them will have “Hell” to pay literally. Jesus is not going to defend or tolerate pedophiles and neither should we! Protect your children, if you suspect your church has pedophiles in it, flee from that church, call them out! Don’t allow the traditions of man to take away the innocence of your children!

Heavenly Father, we pray for all your little children, we pray you put a hedge of protection around them and guard them with your angels. We pray for parents and leaders to give them wisdom and understanding to guard these children and mentor them in Jesus name Amen!