Nobody in this life has ever known what Jesus looked like. As we have observed religious art over the years, we've seen Jesus as simply a man with long hair and a beard wearing a robe. We've seen Him wearing a pleasant and peaceful face, we've seen Him in expressions of agony, doubt, pain, anger, sadness and death.
Regardless of what Jesus really looked like, He did wear the above expressions. He was born a child and lived His short life as a man and while He suffered over and beyond what a common human being would ever suffer, He was still a man. The strange paradox is that He was also Lord, Messiah. He was rejected by His own people because He did not enter the world as they ever imagined their king would, He didn't live the life of a king and He certainly didn't die and be buried like a king. Yet, He was King and Savior of the World for all time.
He even went to great lengths to prove it.
He died for us all.
As you view these artists' renderings of Jesus, please remember they are just that; artists' renderings. There is only one way to know the real Jesus, a Jesus who is not a painting or a bumpersticker or a cheap religious gimmick. The only way to know Him is to commit your life to Him. Let Him walk with you and talk to Him. Read the Holy Word daily, meditate and pray on the scriptures and pray that He will make Himself more real to you.
And He will.
He will show you that He is all He says He is and much more.
Then, and ONLY then, will you begin to experience the REAL JESUS EXPERIENCE.
If you would like to know more about how YOU can experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, just write me. If you would like to know more about Cross Examination Ministries, let me know this too. Cross Examination sends out daily devotionals, uplifting sermons and messages and newsletters to help you be equipped for spiritual battles in your everyday life. We simply tell the old, old story dealing with the FACTS that come straight from God's Holy Word.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Jonathan and Lisa Henschel and all sorts of folks too numerous to mention who taught and are still teaching me about building on this website. I would also like to thank all those who directed me to or sent me the neat images contained therein. You know who you are. I want to express my thanks also to the bands and ministries listed on the links page for their permission to post their sites and the use of their banners. I strongly encourage you to visit them.
Last but not least, I want to thank my first Love, my Lord Christ for loving me just as I am. Without You, Jesus, I am garbage. Thank you for blessing this beautiful mess.
I love You back.
Richard S. Brown
Anniston, Alabama
October 2, 2000
