"Two men went to pray in the temple; one was a Pharisee and the other was a taxgatherer. The Pharisee stood up and said his prayer as follows; 'I thank thee, O God, I am not like the rest of men, thives, rogues, and immoral, or even like yon taxgatherer. Twice a week I fast; on all my income I pay tithes.' But the taxgatherer stood far away and would not lift even his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'O God, have mercy on me for my sins!' I tell you, he went home accepted by God rather than the other man; for everyone who uplifts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be uplifted" (Lk.18:10-14, Moff.).

There were once two Christians who went to pray in Church. One was an orthodox, Bible-believing conservative Christian, and the other a New Covenant Christian. The orthodox, Bible-believing Christian kneeled down and, looking up, prayed as follows: 'I thank thee, O God, for Thy Word, that I have the whole truth in your Bible, that I am saved, and that a glorious heavenly inheritance awaits me, and that I am not going down to hell to burn forever. I thank thee, O God, that I am not like that heretic over there who blasphemously claims that there is more of your glorious Word, that his fellowship have visions and revelations, and claim new truths never before revealed.' But the New Covenant Christian kneeled down, and looking down prayed: 'O Lord, how precious is thy Word, and how little I understand of it, but I thank you for opening those parts of it to me that you have. I thank you that you are constantly bringing forth more light and truth to illuminate the poverty of our own souls and to reveal the glory of your Person. May you bless all who are seeking earnestly after the light, whoever they may be, that they may draw close to you and know your love.'

Who do you think went home accepted?

This page was created on 13 April 1998 Last updated on 13 April 1998

Copyright © 1987-2008 NCCG - All Rights Reserved