What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 4 / No. 21”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. IV - No. 21 / March 13, 2022
WHAT DID JESUS LOOK LIKE?
The Bible's Answer
No one knows exactly what Jesus looked like, since his physical appearance is not totally described in the Bible. This indicates that Jesus’ physical features are not important. However, the Bible does give us some idea of Jesus’ general appearance.
Features: Jesus was a Jew. (Hebrews 7:14) It is unlikely that his features were especially distinctive. On one occasion he was able to travel in secret from Galilee to Jerusalem without being recognized. (John 7:10,11) And he apparently did not stand out even among his closest disciples. Judas Iscariot had to identify Jesus to the armed crowd that arrested him.—Matthew 26:47-49.
Hair length: It is unlikely that Jesus’ hair was long, because the Bible says that “long hair is a dishonor to a man.”—1 Corinthians 11:14. Jesus would not have bought dishonor to himself and especially to His Father in Heaven.
Beard: Jesus followed Jewish law so he would have had a beard. The Jewish law prohibited adult males from ‘disfiguring the edges of their beard.’ (Leviticus 19:27; Galatians 4:4).
Body: Many indications in the Scriptures bare out that Jesus was physically healthy. During His ministry, He traveled many miles. (Matthew 9:35) He cleansed the Jewish temple twice, overturning the tables of money changers, and once drove out livestock with a whip. (Luke 19:45- 46; John 2:14, 15). Mark 6:3 – Tells us Jesus was a carpenter: Is not this the carpenter the son of Mary. Jesus was not a weak or frail man by physical means at all based on what we can read about him in these verses.
Humanity: Jesus was warm and compassionate, (Matthew 11: 28: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest 29, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” People sought Him out for comfort and help. (Luke 5:12-13). Even children felt at ease in His presence.—Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 9:35-37.
Let us consider what the Scriptures say about Jesus and His teachings. One day we will have to face Him in The Judgement! —David Maddox
"I DON'T WANT TO CHANGE MY RELIGION"
When this statement is made, the implied meaning is that “I don’t want to change what I believe” or “I don’t want to change what I’m practicing”. The saddest thing is when people make this statement after being shown the Bible contradicts what they believe or practice. To make this reply, under those circumstances, is merely a convenient way to dodge the truth and feel justified in continuing what they are doing in religious matters.
If Saul had made this reply to Ananias, he would have continued to believe he was right in doing “many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). There is no question of his being religious and sincere in his persecution of Christians, but that did not make him right. To be right he had to change from the religion of the Pharisees and count all things as loss (Phil. 3:4-9).
The disciples of John are examples of those who had to ‘change their religion’. Even though they had been baptized by John, they were made to realize John’s baptism was no longer valid and “were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:1-7). What if they would have replied to Paul, “We don’t want to change our religion”? Would they have been baptized in the name of Christ? More than likely they would not have done so. That statement is more than a statement. It’s an attitude that “I am not going to change regardless of what the Scriptures teach”.
The Jews of Acts 18:4-8 are another case to consider. Some Jews blasphemed (spoke against) what Paul was teaching. Can you not image that some of them were telling Paul, “We don’t want to change our religion” and they were satisfied with what they were? Other Jews, even a chief ruler of the synagogue, “believed and were baptized”. They were willing to change when shown to be wrong in what they had formerly believed.
We need to be willing to do the same. Regardless of the religion of our forefathers or how long we have been doing something or regardless of whatever loss we may have to suffer, we need to be willing to change. When shown from the Scriptures that what we are doing is contrary to what the word of God teaches, we don’t need to excuse ourselves by saying,”I don’t want to change my religion”. Don’t misunderstand, don’t change for the sake of change but change to conform to what God’s word reveals.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
WHY I GO TO EVERY SERVICE OF THE CHURCH!
A. I Go To Every Service Of The Church Because I Am Made Stronger. Power is given in worship to live a nobler life (Acts 20:32). There is the sweetest fellowship on earth. Why should I want to miss ANY service?
B. I Go To Every Service Of The Church Because God Wants The Church To Grow (cf. Acts 2:47; 4:4). The church always grows when members put God first by loyal attendance. Here is a way all can help in the finest work on earth.
C. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Set A Good Example. Many look my way and follow in my steps (Matthew 5:14-16). Influence is either good or bad. Any hour the church meets, my influence is with or against Christ.
D. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Prove My Love And Gratitude. One who truly loves God does not ask if he must attend all services. His love compels him to! If I show love to God by attendance, I show lack of love by absence (Matthew 22:37-39).
E. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Obey God. The Bible says, "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together" (Hebrews 10:25). Any service where the Bible is taught, prayer is made, and God is worshipped, is good, and "to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not to him it is sin" (James 4:17). If it is good to be present for all services, it is bad to be absent from any.
F. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Put First Things First. "Seek ye FIRST His kingdom" (Matthew 6:33). Jesus said the church must be first to the Christian, even before seeking food, clothing or drink.
G. I Go To Every Service Of The Church Because It Is Safe To Do So. All who forsake an assembly wonder if they sin, but I know I am safe in attending EVERY service (Romans 14:21-23).
H. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Abound In The Lord's Work (1 Corinthians 15:58). A true Christian wants to do ALL he can and not as LITTLE as he can. Since the assemblies of the church are vital, I must abound in attendance.
—Selected
SENTENCE SERMONS
We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.
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Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.
"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….…………… 9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….……… 10:30 AM
Evening Worship …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
Website: www. EastAlbertville.org
