Christian T-shirts-Hoodies and Gifts

I've always been a bit of a pack rat mixed with magpie. Especially when I was a kid. My dresser was a collection of smooth shiny rocks, large chunks of quartz, chrome emblems. The list goes on. Maybe that's why I like the Web 2.0 graphics so much. The shiny 3D designs. That is the look I went for in this Christian t-shirt design. A shiny blue 3D heart with 3D chrome trim. "Jesus Lives" in shiny blue 3D text with more chrome trim.
I see nothing wrong with modern graphic art in Christianity. As long as the art conforms to the faith and not the faith conforming to the art. Man does have a tendency to remake God in his own image. That is the reason my Christian designs seem to come slowly. Many ideas have entered my mind. Only a select few are ever realized.

Two Bible verses inspire this christian t-shirt design. There are several verses about pride and faith in The Bible. These are the verses that came to mind. At the last minute the decision was made to place the first words at an angle. I felt this more visualized the mountain without a picture of one. Actions may speak louder than words but words can paint a picture :).

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Not all graffiti is vandalism. Some are actually commissioned murals. It is a form of self an cultural expression often telling a story or ideal. A comparison can be made to petroglyphs and pictographs, mans earliest attempt at written communication and expression. You can find examples in nearly every city on the planet. Graffiti is often used to related political, religious, or social experiences. In this Christian design it is used to speak of God's love. Referencing the bible verse John 3:16. I am loved, you are loved.

What appears to be a real newspaper is actually a Christian t-shirt design. I kept hearing and reading the question "Who has a plan." Each time I would say "God has a plan." This design is an Anti-Bailout response to the question and the decision.

It is true. God does have a plan. It seems few want to be a part of it. The world stumbles along by it's on devices. Man will not let go of his own ideals. His ego will not acknowledge failure. We are told we must study history in part to learn from past mistakes. Still it goes on and on. A Bible verse comes to mind concerning such folly.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

To me Grunge design is a way to show the uncleanness of The World. Worldliness is one theme of this Christian grunge design. The splatter and vector brushes help paint a picture in more ways than one. Grunge from the vectors show the corruption of The World. Splatter around Not shows The World's attempt to corrupt those not of the world but failing.

There is another theme in this design. Followers of Christ are sojourners in this world. Strangers in a strange land. I like many have had a sense of being different, of being an outsider. Often this feeling is misunderstood. Wanting so bad to fit in a person my become sad, even depressed. Scripture shows us that this sense of being different is not a bad thing. It is expected and even wonderful. The thing is to see it for what it really is and not what The world has branded it. The following verses from The Bible will shed some light.

John 17:14 "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

Hebrews 1:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

This design is available on different color backgrounds.

Update:

This design has had to be removed from sale. Somehow a group was allowed to claim copyright/trademark to the phrase "Not of this world." Imagine that. Worse is that the group asserts itself as Christian. They have a mission statement proclaiming to spread The Gospel. Their use of the phrase is in the biblical sense. It is not a case of two separate phrases that could lead to confusion or disparagement. That they also use "Not of this world" on t-shirts does not change that they acknowledge these as God's written word. I am disturbed that anyone especially a Christian would do such a thing. Do not get me wrong. I believe they have every right to protect their unique designs and logos. I do not believe they have the right to take a phrase from The Bible spoken by Jesus and say only they are allowed to sell products with it. As I have stated elsewhere their actions belie their mission. I ask that you pray on this matter. We who are not of this world must have no divisions among us.

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

O.G.-Original Gangsta. When I first heard the term my mind changed it around immediately. The Original God, The Only God. There that's much better. I am often saddened by the lifestyles of this world. The gangster lifestyle is one of those. So many lives wasted. So many souls corrupted.

There is plenty of news about crimes committed by gang members. There is gang activity that doesn't get as much air time. The story of those who stand up. Gang members who leave that so called family to be members of God's family. Leaving the gangs often comes with death threats. It makes me so happy each time I hear stories of gang members giving their lives to God. Not only me but there is rejoicing in Heaven.

Luke 15:7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Luke 15:10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

This Christian T-shirt design is a dedication of sorts. It may also serve as a reminder. There is a God in Heaven greater than the men some idolize on earth. This design represents those that have turned their over to Him.