Tru-Expression Art & Crafts - Blog , Christian faith artTru-Expression Art & Crafts - Blog , Christian faith arthttps://www.tru-expressions.co.za/blogs/christian-faith-artMon, 27 Apr 2026 10:25:20 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Here I Am, Send Me: Christian Art Inspired by the Great Commission]]>https://www.tru-expressions.co.za/blogs/post/here-i-am-send-me-christian-art-inspired-by-the-great-commissionFaith is not static. It calls us, shapes us, and sends us outward into the world.  Three powerful scriptures— Isaiah 6:8, Matthew 28:19–20, and Mar ]]>

Exploring Isaiah’s call, the Great Commission, and the disciples’ mission through art that inspires modern faith and daily discipleship.

Faith is not static. It calls us, shapes us, and sends us outward into the world. 


Three powerful scriptures—Isaiah 6:8, Matthew 28:19–20, and Mark 6:7–13 show us what it means to be called by God, empowered by Christ, and sent into mission. Through this new art series, I wanted to capture these eternal truths in visual form, blending the timeless message of Scripture with the expressive beauty of oil-style impasto painting.


Each piece tells a story, and together, they weave a lesson for modern discipleship: God still calls, equips, and walks with us today.

“Here I am. Send me.” – A heart ready to answer God’s call.

1. Isaiah 6:8 – The Call

​“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
​​The first artwork shows Isaiah in the temple, bathed in radiant light. His hand is lifted as he responds to God’s call. Around him, angelic forms shimmer in abstraction, symbolizing the weight of God’s holiness.
​Biblical significance: Isaiah’s response wasn’t about knowing the details of the mission—it was about being willing and available. God seeks hearts ready to say “yes.”

Modern lesson: Today, God still calls us—sometimes in quiet whispers, sometimes through opportunities in everyday life. Our first step is a willing heart.

​

“Go and make disciples.” – Christ sends us, and walks with us always.

2. Matthew 28:19–20 – The Great Commission

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
 
This piece depicts a kneeling believer surrounded by radiant golden light forming a cross. Within the light, the faint presence of Christ can be seen—reminding us that the mission is never carried alone.

Biblical significance: Jesus commissions His followers not just to share the gospel but to disciple, teach, and walk alongside others. His promise is His enduring presence.

Modern lesson: Whether at home, work, or online, we are called to reflect Christ in word and deed. The mission field is not far away—it begins wherever we stand.

“Two by two.” – Sent with authority, serving together in faith.

3. Mark 6:7–13 – The Sending
​“Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority…”

In this artwork, two disciples walk side by side on a dusty road, staffs in hand. Around them, subtle signs of miracles unfold—freedom, healing, and hope. The golden light guides their path, symbolizing Christ’s authority.

Biblical significance: Jesus sends His disciples in pairs, emphasizing community, accountability, and shared strength. Their mission is both spiritual and practical—preaching repentance, healing the sick, bringing hope.

Modern lesson: We, too, are not called to walk alone. Real transformation happens when faith is lived in community, when we serve side by side

“Here and now.” – Living the Great Commission in the modern world.

4. The Modern Disciple

A contemporary believer stands in the midst of a busy city street, arms lifted to heaven. Divine golden light pours over them, illuminating the diverse crowd around. This is the Great Commission re-imagined for today.

Biblical significance: The call of Christ has no expiration date—it extends into every generation, every culture, every nation.

Modern lesson: In our time, the mission field might be our workplace, our neighborhood, our social media presence. To be a disciple today means to shine God’s light in both word and action, wherever we are planted.

“The journey begins.” – Walking the golden road of faith with God’s light ahead.

5. The Open Road of Faith

​A contemporary believer stands in the midst of a busy city street, arms lifted to heaven. Divine golden light pours over them, illuminating the diverse crowd around. This is the Great Commission re-imagined for today.

​Biblical significance: The call of Christ has no expiration date—it extends into every generation, every culture, every nation.

Modern lesson: In our time, the mission field might be our workplace, our neighborhood, our social media presence. To be a disciple today means to shine God’s light in both word and action, wherever we are planted.

✨ The Bigger Picture

These five artworks together carry a single truth:

  • Like Isaiah, we must be willing.

  • Like the disciples, we are sent.

  • Like the early Church, we are never alone.

The message for today is clear: faith is not passive—it is a calling, a mission, and a journey. God still asks, “Whom shall I send?” and the answer for us must be: “Here I am. Send me.”

🙏 From My Heart to Yours


​

Thank you for walking this creative and spiritual journey with me. It is my prayer that these works bless your space, your spirit, and your walk with Christ.

Grace and peace,

​
Ray ErensTru-Expressions Art

 About the Author: 

Ray Erens is a retired executive who now creates digital art that combines travel photography, landscapes, and AI enhancement. His work focuses on creating prints that add meaning and beauty to everyday spaces. Visit Tru-Expressions Art on Etsy to explore his collection of printable wall art.       

]]>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:38:08 +0200<![CDATA[One Hundredfold – The Abundance of Sacrifice]]>https://www.tru-expressions.co.za/blogs/post/one-hundredfold-–-the-abundance-of-sacrificeI’m deeply moved to release the third artwork in my “Come, Follow Me” series: “One Hundredfold.”]]>

 A New Release in the “Come, Follow Me” Series

“Truly, I tell you… no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age… and in the age to come eternal life.”
— Mark 10:29–30

I’m deeply moved to release the third artwork in my “Come, Follow Me” series: “One Hundredfold.”


This painting is a celebration of the promise Jesus gives to those who choose to follow Him with open hands and surrendered hearts. It is not a promise of ease, but one of abundance — a supernatural return of purpose, spiritual family, and eternal hope.


The artwork captures a family standing in harmony, bathed in radiant light, surrounded by bursting color and life. At the heart of the image is the unseen presence of Christ — blessing, holding, and gathering His children in love.


With every brushstroke, this piece seeks to visually declare that nothing surrendered to God is ever truly lost. Instead, it is multiplied in beauty and meaning.


I invite you to explore this piece alongside the full “Come, Follow Me” collection now available in my Etsy store — a visual journey through the Gospel of Mark and Christ’s call to deeper discipleship.


God bless!


                                                                                                                                

—Ray Erens  (Tru-Expressions Art)

Should you feel moved to purchase a copy of the featured artwork, please know that the image you receive will not contain any visible text or watermark. Any text shown in the preview images is purely for copyright protection. What you’ll receive is a clean, high-resolution print—ready to inspire and adorn your spiritual space or home with grace and beauty.


I also glad accept requests for custom commissions in terms of printing, size and framing options.  Feel free to reach out!



See the Artwork on Etsy
]]>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:35:01 +0200<![CDATA[Beyond the Eye of the Needle]]>https://www.tru-expressions.co.za/blogs/post/beyond-the-eye-of-the-needleI’m excited to share the second release in my “Come, Follow Me” series of Christian-inspired artwork — titled “Beyond the Eye of the Needle.”]]>

 A New Release in the “Come, Follow Me” Series

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
— Mark 10:25

I’m excited to share the second release in my “Come, Follow Me” series of Christian-inspired artwork — titled “Beyond the Eye of the Needle.”


This piece reflects one of Jesus’ most vivid metaphors. It’s a powerful image, not just of impossibility, but of divine possibility. Through texture, light, and contrast, the painting invites the viewer to reflect on the narrow way that leads to eternal life — a path not walked by our own strength, but made possible through God’s grace.


This work continues the story from the first painting in the series (“The One Thing You Lack”), where we encounter the rich young man standing at a crossroads. In this second piece, he begins to walk the path — approaching the eye of the needle. The journey now unfolds.


As always, my hope is that these paintings do more than fill a wall — that they open space for reflection, prayer, and inspiration in your life.


I invite you to explore this new piece, along with the full Christian art range now available in my Etsy store. Each painting is a step deeper into the Gospel story — a visual response to Christ’s call: “Come, follow me.”


—Ray Erens  (Tru-Expressions Art)

Should you feel moved to purchase a copy of the featured artwork, please know that the image you receive will not contain any visible text or watermark. Any text shown in the preview images is purely for copyright protection. What you’ll receive is a clean, high-resolution print—ready to inspire and adorn your spiritual space or home with grace and beauty.


I also glad accept requests for custom commissions in terms of printing, size and framing options.  Feel free to reach out!


See the Artwork on Etsy
]]>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:59:39 +0200<![CDATA[Mark 10: 21  -  Come Follow Me]]>https://www.tru-expressions.co.za/blogs/post/mark-10-21-come-follow-meIn the launch post of this series, I spoke about my heart behind creating artwork inspired by the spoken words of Jesus — to explore, visually and spi ]]>

The Invitation to Let Go

In the launch post of this series, I spoke about my heart behind creating artwork inspired by the spoken words of Jesus — to explore, visually and spiritually, what His timeless messages mean for us today. I'm humbled and excited to now share the very first piece in the series: "Come Follow Me – Mark 10:21".

This verse holds a weighty challenge. Spoken to the rich young man who earnestly sought eternal life, Jesus’ words go beyond mere instruction. They pierce the heart:


“Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” — Mark 10:21


What strikes me deeply is that Jesus looked at him and loved him before saying the hard thing. This artwork captures that moment — the divine tension between love and surrender, between what we hold tightly and what we’re called to release. It's a moment many of us know well: the invitation to truly follow, even when it costs us something deeply personal.

This painting captures a visual interpretation of that moment – a city in the distance, a winding path through a field of wildflowers, and faint footprints guiding the way toward a glowing figure of Christ on the horizon. To me, this scene is a reminder that no matter where we are in life, we are invited to step away from the distractions and pressures of the world and follow a higher calling, one of service, simplicity, and love.

A Call for Us All

This artwork is rich in detail and emotion — a visual meditation meant to stir the soul. Every element is crafted to draw you deeper into the message of surrender and trust. Let it speak boldly in your home or prayer space, reminding you daily of Christ’s invitation to walk with Him in faith.

Whether you are wrestling with what you need to release, or simply seeking to go deeper in your walk of faith, my hope is that this piece helps you pause, reflect, and respond.


🖼️ “Come Follow Me – Mark 10:21” is available as a fine art print, perfect for quiet spaces, devotion corners, or gifting to someone on their spiritual journey.


🙏 Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey through the words of Jesus. Stay tuned for the next piece, where we’ll explore another powerful moment in the Gospels.


Should you feel moved to purchase a copy of the featured artwork, please know that the image you receive will not contain any visible text or watermark. Any text shown in the preview images is purely for copyright protection. What you’ll receive is a clean, high-resolution print—ready to inspire and adorn your spiritual space or home with grace and beauty.


I also glad accept requests for custom commissions in terms of printing, size and framing options.  Feel free to reach out!


If this message speaks to your heart, I invite you to explore the full range of artworks inspired by the teachings of Jesus in my Etsy store. Each piece is created prayerfully to reflect His words and stir a deeper connection to your faith. I also welcome custom print enquiries if you're seeking something personal or unique for your sacred space. Let’s create something meaningful together.


Click Here to View Artwork
]]>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:26:07 +0200<![CDATA[✨ New Series: “Come, Follow Me” — An Artistic Journey Through the Words of Jesus]]>https://www.tru-expressions.co.za/blogs/post/✨-new-series-come-follow-me-—-an-artistic-journey-through-the-words-of-jesusAt Tru-Expressions Art, we believe that art has the power to speak to the soul. That’s why I’m deeply moved to share the launch of my new faith-based ]]>

Art reflecting faith, surrender, and discipleship.

At Tru-Expressions Art, we believe that art has the power to speak to the soul. That’s why I’m deeply moved to share the launch of my new faith-based collection: “Come, Follow Me” — a series of artworks inspired by the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 17 to 30.

This powerful passage, known as “The Rich Young Man,” challenges us with one of the deepest questions of our spiritual walk:
What are we still holding onto—and are we willing to let go in order to follow Christ?

🎨 Why This Series?

As I read and meditated on Mark 10:17–30, I found myself not just reflecting on the story of the rich young man, but looking inward—asking what I, too, must surrender to follow Jesus more fully. That moment stirred something in my heart, and I knew I had to express this truth visually.

This series is my personal response—a creative offering born out of prayer, Scripture, and the desire to invite others into a deeper journey of faith.

🖼️ What to Expect

Each piece in the “Come, Follow Me” series explores a key theme from this Scripture through visual symbolism and biblical truth. Some highlight the emotional tension of surrender; others illuminate the hope, freedom, and eternal treasure promised to those who follow Christ.

Here are just a few titles you’ll find in the series:

  • “The One Thing You Lack” – The pivotal moment of decision when Jesus invites the man to let go and follow.

  • “Treasure in Heaven” – A reminder that what we release on earth makes room for the riches of eternity.

  • “The Camel and the Needle” – A surreal visual metaphor of impossibility made possible through God.

  • “With God, All Things Are Possible” – The reassurance that salvation is always a miracle of grace.

Whether you’re a fellow believer, a seeker, or someone who appreciates spiritual art, my hope is that this series will speak to your heart, spark reflection, and draw you closer to the One who lovingly says: “Come, follow me.”

📜 A Living Expression of the Gospel

This is more than an art release—it's the beginning of a broader vision. I plan to explore more of Jesus’ teachings through artwork, turning scripture into visual parables that stir faith and invite connection.

If you’d like to be notified of new pieces as they’re released, or receive devotionals and behind-the-scenes reflections tied to the artworks, I invite you to join my mailing list and  follow me on social media.

🙏 From My Heart to Yours

Thank you for walking this creative and spiritual journey with me. It is my prayer that these works bless your space, your spirit, and your walk with Christ.

Grace and peace,
Ray Erens
Tru-Expressions Art

Get Started Now
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