Our
Church Art
In Stained Glass
In Paint & Print
In Wood & Textile
Our Church Art In Stained Glass
Heilige Schrift (German): The Holy Scriptures
God reveals Himself to man through:
1) natural knowledge (the world and our consciences)
2) revealed knowledge (the Scriptures)
"For this is what the LORD says- He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited- He says: 'I am the LORD, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the Truth; I declare what is right'." Isaiah 45:18-19
We believe that the Bible is Absolute Truth, the Eternal and Inerrant Word of God, fully inspired by God and written by man. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…" 2 Timothy 3:16
Jesus is our Prophet.
He speaks the Word of God. "There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that His command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." John 12:48-50
Jesus is the Living Word of God.
He is the Revelation of God to man. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14
The Ten Commandments
God's Moral Law, what we are to do and not to do, is revealed to us by God, written in His Word and in our hearts.
- You shall have no other gods before me
- You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God
- Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy
- Honor your father and your mother, that it may go well with you, and you may live long in the land the Lord God is giving you
- You shall not murder
- You shall not commit adultery
- You shall not steal
- You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor
- You shall not covet your neighbor's house
- You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 5:6-21
Love is the summary of all the commandments. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37, 39
While the Law serves to curb sinful behavior and guide righteous living, its main purpose is to show us that we are all helpless sinners in need of a Savior. The Law cannot save us. "The wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23
The Triumphant Lamb of God on the Book of Seven Seals
Under the Old Covenant Law, a perfect, unblemished lamb was offered by a priest as a sacrifice; a substitutionary death to cover sin and appease a Holy God.
Jesus is our Priest, our Sacrifice, our Savior
Under the New Covenant, the Gospel, Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves; He lived a perfect (holy) sinless life for us and He offered Himself to be our Sacrificial Lamb to cleanse us of our sin.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son … to be a sin offering." Romans 8:1, 3
"…Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:1-2
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16
"Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?' But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.' Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain… He came and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. And when He had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb… And they sang a new song: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise'!" Revelation 5:1-12
The Cross and the Crown
At Christ's first advent, Jesus came as the humble Lamb of God, willing to die for our sins.
Jesus is our King
But at Jesus' second coming, He will come as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, to triumph over sin, death and the devil, to judge the world and to claim His kingship over all creation.
"…Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the very nature of a slave, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:5-11
"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." Revelation 19:11-16
The Dove and the Olive Branch--Peace With God
The dove first appears in the Old Testament after God's first great judgment of the world- baptism by water. Noah and his family were spared God's wrath by taking refuge in the ark. After almost a year in the ark, the dove was sent out.
"… Noah opened the window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. But the dove could find no place to set its feet because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.
"'I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.' And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth… Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth'." Genesis 8:6-12, 9:11-13, 15-16
Jesus is our Prince of Peace
A dove appears for the first time in the New Testament as a sacrifice at the purification of Mary and the consecration of Jesus (set apart to God). Jesus, whose name means "the Lord saves", became our sacrifice for sin, the propitiation that grants us peace with God.
"On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise Him, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, 'Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord', and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: 'a pair of doves… " Luke 2:21-24
The Descending Dove--The Holy Spirit
A dove appears again at the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descending from heaven on Jesus, consecrating the start of Christ's ministry, and showing His approval by God.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased'." Matthew 3:16-17
The Holy Spirit appears again in scripture with a different baptism- of fire, signifying God's indwelling Presence and power in the hearts of believers, enabling them to live lives pleasing to God.
"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit..." Acts 2:1-4
The Cross and the Anchor
Because our salvation rests entirely on what Christ has done on the cross and on nothing we can do, we can have full assurance of eternal life.
Jesus is our Rock
He is the sure foundation of our faith; His cross is the anchor of our souls.
"…Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things (God and His Word) in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Hebrews 6:12,17-19
The Sheaf of Wheat--The Lifegiving Body of Christ
Jesus is our Bread of Life.
He offers Himself to us, through Sacrament and Word, as a pledge of the coming life (eternal) and to strengthen and sustain this present life (abundant).
The Body of Christ in the Sacrament
"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Matthew 26:26
The Lifegiving Bread of the Word
"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4
"For the Bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Then Jesus declared, "I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:33,35
The Grapevine--The Lifegiving Blood of Christ
Jesus is our Lifeline.
He offers Himself to us, through Sacrament and Word, to give us forgiveness of sins and to enable us live fruitful lives that glorify God.
The Blood of Christ in the Sacrament
"Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins'." Matthew 26:27-28
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 KJV
The Lifegiving, Fruitbearing Vine of the Word
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener... every branch that bears fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit... This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last." John 15:1-2,4-5, 8, 16
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Our Church Art In Paint and Print
Original Painting of Unknown Origin
"Lamb of the Seven Seals"
"Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?' But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.' Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain… He came and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. And when He had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb… And they sang a new song: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:
'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise'!" Revelation 5:1-12
Original painting based on Warner Sallman's
"Christ at Heart's Door"
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:14
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-10
Original painting based on Warner Sallman's
"The Good Shepherd"
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalms 23:1-4
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart." Isaiah 40:11
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:11, 27
Print of Henrich Hofman's
"Christ in the Temple"
"Every year [Jesus'] parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When He was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. Thinking He was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for Him. After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers. When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. His mother said to Him, 'Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.' 'Why were you searching for me?' He asked. 'Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house'?" Luke 2:46-49
Print of Giovanni's
"Christ on the Mount of Olives"
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Matthew 23:37-39
Print of Henrich Hofman's
"Christ in Garden of Gethsemane"
"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.' Going a little farther, He fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.' He went away a second time and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done'." Matthew 26:36-39, 42
Print of Warner Sallman's
"Head of Christ"
"I am the bread of life. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:48, 51
"And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:19-20
Can you find the wafer of bread and the challis of wine in this image?
Print of Warner Sallman's
"Jesus, Light of the World"
"God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5
"The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:16
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'." John 8:12
Poster Copy of Henrich Hofman's
"Christ at Thirty-Three"
Jesus Christ's "I AM" statements:
"I Am the Bread of Life" John 6:35
"I Am the Light of the World" John 8:12
"I Am the Gate" John 10:9
"I Am the Good Shepherd" John 10:11
"I Am the resurrection and the life" John 11:25
"I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life" John 14:6
"I Am the True Vine" John 15:1
"I tell you the truth, Jesus answered, before Abraham was born, I AM." John 8:58
Print (Unknown Artist)
"Unknown Title"
"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:13-16.
Print (Unknown Artist)
"Unknown Title"
"He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in His arms, He said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me'." Mark 9:36-37
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Our Church Art In Wood and Textile
Wisconsin Synod Logo-- Woodcut
Sola Gratia-- Grace Alone
Holy God loves all people of the world, even though they are all sinful and do not deserve His love. Jesus, His Only Son, gave up His heavenly glory, humbled Himself to become a man and willingly gave His life that all may have life eternal.
Sola Scriptura-- Scripture Alone
The Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole foundation for all Lutheran doctrine.
Sola Fide-- Faith Alone
The substitutionary, atoning death of Jesus Christ is the only means of forgiveness and salvation. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers."
The Alpha and Omega-- Textile
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our Faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
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