A.S. Lorenzo

Digital and Traditional art by me /// 31 yo Male /// Commissions Closed /// RIP Biscuit 11/15/2019

[thoughtful-theist]

The Great Spiritual War

Every day, the ongoing spiritual war that encompasses the world grows in intensity. I pray for those whose eyes are being opened to its realities. I pray for those wearied from its conflicts. I pray for those still ignorant to its ravaging.

For many, the mustering of the enemies' forces has become too obvious to ignore, to blatant to deny, to evil to look away from. The enemy believes its victory is assured. Its overconfidence has allowed its facade to slip, and many are awakening to the truth of spiritual warfare.

But the enemy, in its blind overconfidence, has ignored something that it would rather we all forget:

GOD has already won.

GOD is already winning.

GOD will always win.

Do not allow the enemy to deceive you. Do not allow despair and hopelessness to overcome your faith. The enemy knows it is destined for humiliating failure, and it wants to drag down as many people as possible with it. The enemy is, by nature, a LOSER because Christ won long ago when he gave His life for us on the Cross and resurrected from the dead.

Stand firm, brothers and sisters! In Christ, we are more than conquerors!

[as-lorenzo]

Sorry I don’t mean to spam your blog with likes and reposts lol, your stuff is just so awesome !!

No need to apologize! I appreciate it, and thank you!

[thoughtful-theist]

Biblical History

One of the earliest Biblical characters confirmed to exist by archeology is Balaam, son of Beor, mentioned in the book of Numbers chapters 22-24.

In 1967, at Deir Alla, Jordan, archeologists uncovered an inscription that records a story relating visions of the seer of the gods, Bala'am, son of Be'or. The inscription is dated to approximately 840-760 BC.

In both the inscription and the book of Numbers, Balaam is a prophet whose utterances determine the fate of nations. The inscription also mentions one of the titles of God, that is "Shadday."

[carriedbychrist]

Christian spam-evangelism isn’t evangelism. It’s noise.

You’ve seen it—someone posts about their pet, grief, or gaming, and here it comes:

“REPENT.”

“Jesus loves you.”

“Accept Christ before it’s too late.”

Are those messages true? Biblically — yes. But are they helping? Most of the time — no.

In all the years I’ve been online, I’ve never seen someone reply, “Thank you, I gave my life to Jesus because of your one-sentence comment.”

What I have seen? Mockery. Eye rolls. Christians lumped into the “annoying, pushy, tone-deaf” category. And honestly… I don’t blame them.

Jesus never spammed truth at people. He sat with them. Fed them. Listened. He embodied the Gospel before He spoke it. Meanwhile, we’re typing “REPENT” under TikToks and thinking we’ve fulfilled the Great Commission.

Yes, seeds matter.

But seeds don’t grow when you throw them at concrete and walk away. They grow when you kneel in the dirt, plant with care, water with patience, and stay.

This kind of evangelism — real evangelism — requires relationship, compassion, and timing. Not copy-and-paste scriptures with zero context or love.

And it’s not “persecution” when people get annoyed at bad delivery. That’s just consequences.

So… what’s a better way to witness online?

1. Lead with compassion before correction.

See the person, not just the potential sinner.

2. Build relationship first. Earn trust.

Paul debated in synagogues daily — because he showed up daily. He belonged before he preached.

3. Tailor the message to the moment.

Jesus spoke differently to the woman at the well, Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and the Pharisees. One Gospel — many approaches.

4. Let your kindness say “Jesus loves you” before your words do.

Evangelism without love is just religious spam.

Closing Thought

We’re called to preach the Gospel — not to become background noise on the internet. Let’s care enough to do this the hard way — the way Jesus did. Patiently. Personally. With love and truth intertwined.

[as-lorenzo]

I feel like too many of my brothers and sisters in Christ and people who call themselves Christians are too quick to judge and dismiss others for their particular sins as if to say "At least I'm not as sinful as them". It's a tempting mentality to fall into. It's easy to want to elevate oneself and denigrate others, but I would invite my fellow Christians to remember the scriptures:

Romans 3:23

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"

Neither you nor I nor anyone is perfect. None of us deserves heaven or God's grace. We need to repent just as much as anyone else does, especially when we're giving in to the ever-tempting sin of Pride.

Instead of dengrating others for their particular sins lets remember what the Lord says in Mark 2:17

"They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Those that we judge are in the same need of God's grace as we are, but instead of speaking to our neighbors, getting to understand them, and sharing the Gospel we decide within ourselves that they are not worthy of such effort, that they are not worthy of salvation because their particular sin offends us. All sin offends God, yours and mine alike. We are all sick and in need of the Physician.

So invite my brothers in sisters in Christ to be gracious and patient with our non-believing neighbors just as the Lord has been gracious with us. If we are called to "Love our enemies" and "Pray for those who persecute us," how much better then should we treat our average neighbor? Our light is meant to "shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven." Let us not allow pride, the Devil's own sin, to get in the way.

[as-lorenzo]

I'm taking my time with this one, but I'm enjoying where it's going so far. I think I'm nearing the end though.

[as-lorenzo]

[as-lorenzo]

Taking a hiatus from my previous painting and remaking the Burning Bush one I did a while back.

I like the way it's coming along so far. I had debated adding gilding, but I think I'll keep it traditional.

[as-lorenzo]

Since the the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk there has been a surge in people giving their lives to Christ and a general interest in Christianity, largly inspired by Charlies own notable faith.

First, I welcome our new brothers and sisters in the Lord, regardless of denomination. Secondly, to all my new brothers and sisters, those returning to the fold, or those feeling called to investigate, I would encourage you all to please, please, please read the word of God for yourselves. Find a translation that you understand and start with the four Gospels (That's Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), the first books of the New Testament. I recommend the English Standard Version (ESV) or the New King James Version (NKJV) if you have trouble with the regular King James Version.

I am not an expert on the matter by any means, but if any of you need assistance, you are free to message me with any questions about the text. God willing, I can help you.

[as-lorenzo]

"According to my earnest expectations and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

• Phillipians 1:20-21

We should all be so lucky as to die with our last words having been used to spread the gospel and undoubtably welcomed by the Lord with, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Pray for a family who lost a husband and father and witnessed it happen.

Glory to God.

[as-lorenzo]

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

PRINTS AVAILABLE!

Limited First Run!

Prints of my painting "That Which Was Lost" are now available for purchase. Each print features a satin finish of my original artwork on thick 100 lb weight matte paper with 1/4" border. This is a Limited First Run with only 50 of each size available.

Sizes available are:

Small (8"x10") - $15

Full Size (16"x20") - $30

DM me for orders.

[as-lorenzo]

Base color is all blocked in, now to start adding the details! This is going to be a long one.

[as-lorenzo]

Quick preview of my next piece!

Was asked by a local church to make to a piece for an upcoming event involving several vow renewals. I figure the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus famously turns water into wine, would be a good idea.

[as-lorenzo]

Can u be my friend

We're already friends!

[as-lorenzo]

Hi

Hello

[as-lorenzo]

"That Which Was Lost"

Acrylic and Gilding on Canvas

16"x20"

The Parable of the Lost Sheep, found in Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7, tells the story of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find one that is lost. The parable illustrates God's joy over the repentance of a single sinner, emphasizing that He values every individual and seeks their return.

[as-lorenzo]

Sneak preview of me next painting. Still working on a title for this one.