06/21/2026
In this communion message from Luke 18:9-14, Pastor Rockhill takes up the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to expose the pride and self-righteousness that cling to every child of Adam. His central burden is that genuine faith walks the way of humility, both before God and before others, and that this humility is not optional but the very pattern of life into which Christ calls his people.
Pastor Rockhill contrasts the two men who went up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee trusts in his own works, parading his fasting and tithing while looking down on others with contempt; his prayer is filled with "I" and is really a conversation with himself. The tax collector, by contrast, stands afar off, beats his breast, and cries, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." One leaves justified; the other does not.
Doctrinally, the sermon presses home that our own righteousness is but filthy rags and that justification comes only through the imputed righteousness of Christ, received by the humble, repentant sinner who pleads for mercy. Pastor Rockhill points to Jesus himself, who humbled himself to the death of the cross, becoming sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
The application is searching and pastoral. Pastor Rockhill urges hearers to examine their hearts for hidden pride, to confess their sin honestly, and to put off self-righteousness and contempt while putting on the humility of Christ in every relationship, especially as they prepare to come humbly to the Lord's table.