Bible Thoughts

September 12, 1999

The challenge issued by Nicodemus was directed toward the Pharisees of Jesus' day. Since Jesus was not a part of their elite groups, the religious leaders denied the Lord's right to speak of the things of God. The chief priests and Pharisees had sent "officers" to fetch the Lord and bring him to face the leaders. Their prestige and position, in their own eyes, placed them above the "accursed" multitude. The wisdom of Nicodemus can be seen in his question, "Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth?"

The defender of Jesus offered a most reasonable challenge to the religious leaders of his day. Why not hear what he has to say? Can you condemn a man without hearing him? In fairness to Christ, they should certainly hear him before passing any judgment. Their prejudice prevented them from giving a fair and honest hearing to the Son of God.

Prejudice involves one reaching a conclusion before the facts are known. It is also implied in a refusal to give a just hearing to a subject, especially when it comes to religion. The prejudice of those religious leaders is still prevalent in our society. There are multitudes who will not pause long enough to give an unbiased hearing to what the Bible actually says.

Prejudice can arise out of a satisfaction for what one already believes. It is amazing how people will investigate and change when it comes to the affairs of this world and turn around and refuse to even try to find out if they need to change in religion. The chief priests and Pharisees were satisfied with what they believed and practiced and did not desire to hear anything that would challenge their positions. So sure of themselves(the leaders), they could only point out to those who would listen, that they(the leaders) had not been so foolish as to accept the words of Christ. Never be satisfied with a religious teaching or position unless it is weighed in the light of God's word.

Prejudice can arise because of the unwillingness of people to change. After believing a teaching for almost a lifetime, having ancestors who have been of a particular religion, and knowing the affect a change would have upon their relationship with friends and relatives, one cannot imagine that all of those are wrong. Such a refusal is found, most of the time, in religion. Not many folks live in the same manner as their parents and grandparents. They adjust to the age in which they live. As they believe that something is better and meets their needs in a more effective way, they change when it comes to that which is material. Should not one be willing to turn from any religious practice that cannot be sustained by scriptural authority with equal enthusiasm? The truth is not comparable to error; only the truth can save.

Prejudice toward the church that Christ built can prevent one from accepting the truth. The world has its churches. They have existed almost from the time of the establishment of Christ's body(the church). Many have already decided in their minds what kind of religious organization they are looking for and, most of the time, can find one that meets their personal expectations. When they are exposed to the truth of God's word by learning the nature, worship, and work of the Lord's body, they refuse to accept what Christ built. With thousands of different religious organizations, they can find one that fits their own ideas and desires. Their own concepts become the standard and prevent them from openly considering what the New Testament states about the Lord's church.

Prejudice can also be found among those who are members of the church of Christ. Since the days of the apostles, there has arisen those who would lead the disciples of Christ astray. It happened in the early church and eventually resulted in the Roman Catholic Church; it happened in the Nineteenth Century when the Christian Church came into existence; it has happened since World War II in the denial and rejection of Bible patterns for the work and organization of the church(now has expanded into many areas). For a while, there were discussions and debates on what the scriptures taught about recent innovations. As the years have passed, there has developed a communication gap. Too many made up their minds they were going to have human societies and other departures from the faith. Even when scriptures were presented to affirm the scriptural work of the Lord's church and the pattern for the organization of the church, many refused to listen and/or discuss. Their minds were made up and discussions became a thing of the past. A continued refusal to consider the scriptures and debate the differences has contributed to leading many churches away from the patterns of the New Testament. It is feared that many of today who have become a part of that movement have not considered what the Bible says about the uniqueness of Christ's church, its function, its organization, and its purpose.

Prejudice can be removed from one's mind. Resolve with all of the heart to study the word of God, accept its truths, obey only its commands and strive always to be open- minded enough to learn from the word of God. Be so dedicated to the church that Jesus built that one will accept only what is revealed in the word of God concerning that church. By open study with a desire to have all of the truth of God's word, prejudice can be conquered. So long as our personal beliefs, personal ideas, and personal ambitions direct our faith, rather than the word of God, prejudice will continue to exist. Don't judge the Lord and His word without a careful and thorough investigation of his teachings.

Worshipping God Shouldn't become, "Just a habit." "Going to church"--should be, Because we love doing it.

Love isn't just a continuing practice, Nor, "a disposition due to repetition," But, loving and worshipping God, Should be a living religion. -Cletus M. Beach(date unknown)

(When I preached in Gainesville, sister Beach would often write a poem following a lesson. Her talent for catching and framing the words to get across a message was evident in her writings. While sister Beach died a few years ago, herpoems still live.)