#stephen j. vattimo

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My Waterloo

Hay, anyone out there, have an unhealthy relationship with food? May be it’s time to seek some counseling with Jenny Craig.

Well, my WaterLoo took place at church. Every time someone mention, “Jesus.” I heard, " Cheesus, and I would find myself looking around for a box of cracker to stuff my face.

Written by Stephen J. Vattimo January 9, 2019

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What is the Difference be tween Dreamer and Visionary?

Today I turn fifty-three years old, by the Grace of God. Why do I make this point? Well, My life has always been a hair-raising roller coaster ride. The large uphill battle on my ride has been money. No mater water profession, or company I have worked for, never made more money than just enough to squeak by. I own no property of any value,I have no significant other or children. The loop de loop, on my ride would be not being steadily employed. The longest employment I have had with a company is ten years. Shortest employment has been five months. I am fifty-three years old and I am unemployed again and looking for work again. So accord to most people I am a ghost. Now let's look at some of the thrills in my life. At the age of Fifteen, I took one art class with Caroline Wyeth at N.C Wyeth's 1980 At The age of sixteen, I was doing ink and watercolor illustrations for rich and famous people while on the family vacation at the seclusive Island Captiva .1981-1984 Assigned presidential guard detail for President Bush Sr. for his visit to Ft Sam Houston, San Antonio Texas 1989 Participated Ft. Lewis Art show and won two awards. 1995 I was hired as tutor-er and behavioral manager of the son of an ambassador to the U.S. From the country Luxembourg. I have met a lot of famous people, movie actor, rock stars, pro sports athletes. What I have accomplished in my life. Served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Combat Engineering-1987 Served in U.S. National Army Guard of Pa. Mechanize infantry, TOW missile crewman. 1987-1989 Served U.S Army as Combat Medic: with 232 Field artillery in Giessen Germany 1989-1991 / With a clearing, company support the 1st Green Beret and the 23rd ranger battalion Civilian work, I worked for two years for a sign company building and installing. For fifteen years I have worked for vaporous electrical companies both old and new work, both residential and commercial. Worked for two years in the telecommunication field, was an installer, for a company that installed services for large corporations. I worked for ten years in the supply chain. for a major telecommunication company.

Dreamer or Visionary.

Now since I came across Christian Contemporary music I have always had a burning desire to use my God-given talent in the arts, to spread throughout the world the gospel of Christ. So we come to what is the difference between a dreamer and a visionary? Both people have the same dire, to make their dream become a reality. They both will plan and assassinate action, Now the defining moment that separates the two is how they respond to the roadblocks that will liberally be entrenched along the pathway to success.

Some of the obstacle ones will face:

Very few people will support your vision. The Na Sayers will squawk in your ears until it bleeds and falls off. It's a gamble with resources of time and money, that you do not have a plentiful supply of. Companies you have hired to reach your goal do not provide accurate services. Losing Patients, because the project is not progressing as fast as one thinks it should. Having a lack of faith.that you will regain the money you invested to accomplish the project.

So a dreamer will be turned away from pursuing the path to success when they start getting weighed down by painful obstacles. Where the Visionary hungers down and endures the obstacles, stay committed to the competition of their project.

I had started my visionary journey Back when I was in Bible College, A designed and had printed my first track, which was entitled God Gift. I had one thousand printed, and I distributed them to my fellow college student to have them give them out during the Christmas break.1986-1987 While at Bible college I also did illustrations a professor, and an illustration for a new paper advertisement, that was for a piano concert put on by the college. Shortly after my discharge from the military, I start a ministry called "God, You and the Bible. This was in the early days of the internet, I had a friend who knew how to program, so he was my right-hand man to create and maintain a page on the internet. During this time I also put a book of art and poetry together, which I had Kinko's print them for me, they had a spiral spine. I disturbed them at washing mattes The web page went off the internet because my right-hand man was drinking too much. and I knew nothing about programming. 1997 I had a jacket embroidered with a logo design advertising my ministry " Creative Touch ministries. I also had a sweatshirt made with painting I have done printed on the front and a poem I wrote on the back with my poem number above it. 1998 I had an old Chevy S10 that I use to have outdoor stickers made of my art, and I put them on the cap I had on the back of the truck. Around this time I started a donation and lending program of the originals of my artwork. This was to colleges, and community centers. In 2007 I was given a free computer, and I my place of employment provided discounted internet service. So I started using the internet to reach out with the gospel communicating it through the use of my art and poetry and writing apologetic articles on Christian concepts. This is a major tool of my ministry to this day. From gaining a following through the last fifteen years of posting on internet communities, my public suggested I publish this material in a book. 2016 After getting an inheritance, in just the nick of time to pay my credit card debt. I thought to my self, no matter how hard I try, no matter how much of my life is spent working, I can't stay out of debt. So I had a publishing company call me and ask me if I was ready to put out a book, I had put it off for a couple of years, hoping I would get out of debt to take on the protect. Well, I prayed about it, asking God what is His will in the manner. So I ask God to affirm His answer, giving me a sign by having Christian Faith Publishing company except for my manuscript. If the publishing of the book was not His will, then he would be closed the door of this opportunity, and I would not continue to pursue. Well do to my age, poor health, I decided to take a leap of faith and used my line credit to pay four thousand dollars to have this book published. Sine the book has been out on the market, there is sixteen bookseller on Amazon offering my book, there are three on Barns and Noble. I have three bookstores that have made a commitment to carry my book It is my goal to approach five books to store a week to carry my book, I have personally sold 9 books on my own. the conclusion of this article is that I hope that by sharing my story, you can tell the difference between a dreamer and a visionary. If God is calling to a project that takes you to step out on the unseen bridge of faith don't allow the roadblock stop you. He will lead you to step by step along the path to success.

Written by Stephen J. Vattimo 7/30/2018

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Heal Our Land (drawing by surealworld)

Ink on sketch book paper subject : illustration for national paper Size :11" x 14" Date: 10/20/2017 Artist: Stephen J. Vattimo This ink illustration was created for a pumpkin design for a carving contest. The hands grasped tightly in prayer. The national flag in taters, representing all the trials and tribulation the nation is going through , The compass represent seeking direction. The who illustration making the statement, The need for a nation to look to God for direction,and healing of our land. God made a promise to the nation Of Israel,which I believe is offer to any nation. 2 Chroicles 7:14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo

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Death of the Greatest Society

Dear Friends,A lot has happened this 2020 Presidential election which I find, and I am sure more then half the country finds unsettling.Here is a list of disturbing events that have taken place that are Bladen attack on the constitution and the bill of rights.The press/media: No long reports the news with a none byes ‘political view. They have become the mouth piece for the socialist left.Government Agencies: National intelligent agency both foreign and domestic have been used to spy on the president and his cabinet, and have purchased from foreign governments false intelligence, to concoct false narrative that trump and his cabinet were colluding with the Russians to run our country’s affairs so they will benefit The Russians’ causes.Congress: Failing to up hold A free, a fair, uncorrupted election system that is protected from foreign and domestic interference.Making speeches that encourage their follower to silence, to force their opponent out of society.Failing to uphold law and justice throughout the ranks of government. Many government officials have made a career of abusing their office’s power and influence for their own financial gain.Member of congress have violated their auth to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution against foreign and domestic enemies.Some members have publicly made statements and worn clothes with slogan on them that are anti American and anti-Israel.Trying to impeach a president 2 times, and a third one on its way. All impeachments were bast on false accusation. These impeachments have been a waste of millions of dollars which our country went furth indebt to ChaniaGovernors, Mayors, Senators, Congressman: Guilty of using the Covet 19 pandemic, seize total control of power to intrude into the privet lives of it’s citizens.  Through the shut down of privet owned businesses, to shutting down the education system, to closing churches, to placing their citizen on house lockdown.While politicians trail around the world, attending  parties, go to hair solon appointments, and attend family gatherings.These politicians have failed to provide security and law and order, by allowing leftist anarchists to burn their cities, and lute the property of privet Busses owners, to assault, rape and murder its citizen.By telling their police force to stand down. By not activating their National Guard to restore order.By lie in to the country and calling these sedges peaceful demonstration, calling them the Sumer of Love.Rigging the judicial to let the anarchists that are arrested to be put back out on the street with out any trial or spending time in jail.I Think most disturbing event is that members of Congress are accusing President Trump as an insurrectionist, who incited mod violence against the capital build.I believe President Trump just encouraged his supporter to protest in front of the Capitol so that congress could how many people believe that the election was stolen, and that He won by a land slide.The president did not encourage any one to break into the capital and attack congress of vandalize the building.The President should not be punished for the actions of a few followers who decided to be anarchists take it upon their self and force their way into the capital building and vandalize it.Our government need to get back to reading and understanding the U.S. constitution, and the bill of Rights, to uphold govern our society by their statues.People who serve in government must remember they are a servant of the people, the people are not their servants.Policies need to be made to strength the welfare of our nation, not to strengthen the power of their political party.Our society need to quit the console culture. We need to return respecting our fell man, and threat our fellow citizen, as we want to be treated.WE alt to practice Luke 10:27And he answered, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”Written By Stephen Vattimo 1/9/2021

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This a painting of a first century Gallian Fishing boat, most likely the very type of boat used by Peter when He was called by Jesus to follow him.     This illustration is part of a bigger of mural I am working on, about the ministry Of Jesus The Christ. If you notice the boat is beached facing backward, with the fishing Net coming from the back of the boat.    This to signifies that Peter, like all the other apostle Except Mathew The Tax Collector, would drop their fishing occupation and follow Jesus, Who would make them fishermen of men’s souls.

Here is a true about me as an Artist.        Two parts of this painting gave me trouble in carrying out this illustration.        The fist was illustrating the ropes of the rigging.    My first attempt was horrendous, it took me second try to get it right.     I had to look up pictures of ropes on the internet, to overcome this challenge. The second, was illustrating the rocks on the bottom of Sea of Galilee, and the reflection of the boat on the water.              I must have made about 5 attempts until it finally clicked.   Even when I kept looking at reflection of boats on water, I could not make the break through. In creating the kind of art that I do, it is very rare to find a model that meets all my requirement for what I am illustrating.          So, it takes photos and imagination, and the grace of God to create an illustration that look better than a stick figure, and communicates the message intended. So I figure God has me go through these challenges to keep me humble, because without humility God is not able to use our talents for His glory.

Written Stephen J. Vattimo October 12, 2017

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Study The Genuine So You Can Spot The Counterfeit

Friends, I am writing this short commentary on Revelations Chapter 20, due to witnessing a pastor telling his congregation , " that no where in the Bible,does it say Christians will rein.with Christ on the earth for a thousand years. He told his congregation that Jesus’s rein is a spiritual one ,not a physical one. His kingdom is reining in christians through the Holy Spirit. So while i was listing to his teaching,I open my Bible to Revelations chapter 20 and read it to my self. According to this chapter in the Bible there is going to be a thousand years where the Devil and His Demons will be chain up and place in a pit, and they will not be able to deceive man kind . At this time Christ will rule the Earth as supreme leader,and christian will be His ruling body. After Christ’s thousand year rein, the Devil and his fallen angel will be loosened , and they will deceive all human race that does not belong to Christ. These armies then will surround the City of God to conquer it. But fire will come down from Heaven and consume them. You have to remember that even thou the Devil will not be able to influence the human race for a thousand years , this does not mean that all of the human race will be Christians. It means that The World will be under submission to Jesus’ One World government. After The final conflict between God and Satan takes place,there will be second resurrection, which be made of all the the unbelieving people through the history of man,who will be judged by two books. one the book of life ,which they will be shown that their name is not written in it ,because only those who are Christians have their name in this book. Then the book which has all their deeds recorded in it will be shown to them. Ever one of them who have rejected salvation through Christ will take their part in the eternal lake of fire with the devil and his demons wich they will suffer eternal torment. Revaluation Chapter 21 goes on to tell us that God will do away will the old creation Create a new world which will not be touched by the cruse of sin. The heavenly kingdom will no longer be separated from the Earthly one,because their will be no sin to separated the two.

Here is Revelation Chapter 20

Revelation 20American Standard Version (ASV)

20 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain [a]in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed for a little time.

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as [b]worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no ©power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him [d]a thousand years.

7 And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down [e]out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night [f]for ever and ever.

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire. 15 And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.

Here is my argument for those who think the thousand year rein of Christ began after the crucifixion of Christ.

Since the death ,burial and resurrection of Christ, there has been no time in history that their hasn’t been persecution against Christians and Jews.

Their has been no time in history that war fare between nation has stopped. no world peace.

Their has never been a one world government.or economic system

Evil has never stopped.

Jerusalem has never been the capital of a one world government.

Jesus the Messiah has never set up a Earthly Government which all of mankind has submitted under it’s authority.

Conclusion is, there is no evidence in the history of man that supports the believe that the thousand year time frame where the devil and his demons have been bound,and their influence has been remove from mankind for a thousand years. Their is no evidence of the world ever living in a time of peace, let alone a thousand year period of time of peace.

These thing that have not happened yet,will happen when Christ set up his Earthly goverment rule,over the Earth.

Friends if there there is a whole chapter of the bible that teaches about the thousand year rein of Jesus with his followers over the physical earth,do not listen to some commentator, pastor,teacher who tell you there no where in the bible that teaches there is going to be a thousand year rein of Jesus on the earth. Read the word of God to know the truth, so you won’t be deceived by some one who is mishandling the word of God.

Written By Stephen J. Vattimo Sept 4 2017

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Back Yard Pinic

It's summer time,and someone who has a balding , oblong, miss shaped head, does a brainless thing that ruins you back yard picnic. What do you call them? A Seedless Water Mellon Head ! Written by Stephen J. Vattimo August 28,2017

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Tree Conservancy in The City

I grew up in suburbia America. I am use to every one in my neighborhood having large properties with grass and trees,and our neighborhood had near by wood areas. So it is no wonder I would not like to live in a city. I don’t like cities because almost every where you look ,you see concrete buildings,concrete side walks,and asphalt roads,and all the pollution from all the vehicles in the air . You know trees are so rare in city,they treat them like endangered species. The city places 4 ft high electric fences around the bottom portions of the trees,to prevent dogs from killing the trees by lifting their legs and peeing on the trees. You can tell the cities’ tree conservancy program is successful, because there is a hot dog stand on almost on every corner in the city. Written Stephen J. Vattimo Aug 18, 2017

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Glory Of The Divine

Diversity is found in university, Flows from the Devine, magnified among every kind Shape of eye, size of body, color of hide... The creativity Of Our Creator will blow your mind

Diversity is found in university, The deceiver he is a weaver of webs of lies He want nothing good to flourish, His’s heart pines for everything created by the Devine to die

He poisons the mind toward diversity, Portrays it as a strangling vine Of Hate, violence, death

Diversity proclaims the Glory of the Divine

Diversity in color creates art Diversity in sound creates music Diversity in thought creates poetry Celebrate diversity It proclaims we are created in the image of the Divine

Written by Stephen J. Vattimo Feb 27, 2017

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The Appearance of The King

When you think of the savior Does your faith waver If you found His appearance fell short of your favorite flavor?

Would your faith waver If He was physically round Had a Bolding crown Was not muscle bound?

Would you still contemplate His claims? Consider putting your faith in His name as your savior? Will you turn off your ears off to His voice? Shut your eye to His guidance? When we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.

Written by Stephen J. Vattimo 6/26/2018

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Be Hold the Lamb of God

Medium: Acrylic on canvas size:11”x12” Date 2019-2020 Artist: Stephen J. Vattimo

This illustration is done for a mural portraying the earthly ministry of Jesus the Christ. This is number 8, out of 9 illustraitions. This illustration portrays Jesus after he dies on the cross. Biblical reference : Mark 15 : 33-39

33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[b] 35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” 36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” In doing my research : I found out that the crown of thorns might have been a cap, than a wreath. I t is my opinion that Mel Gibson’s portrayal of the brutality the Roman soldier inflicted on the body of Jesus, through the beatings and the 39 lashes with the cat of nine tails. This event was never visually captured in arts, until he made his movie The Passion of the Christ. Many don’t know what a cat of nine tales is, Roman style. A cat of nine tails are nine leather strap that are woven together at the handle. Each strap is laced with bone and other sharp objects. With each lash, flesh would be ripped from the victim’s body. Most of the illustration I have seen of the crucifixion of Jesus where quite sterile. They fail to illustrate the brutality. Their image of Jesus looks more like an under wear modal doing a photo shoot fore GQ magazine, Then the savor having the wrath of God being pored on his body for the payment of our sins.

In this painting, I am place my viewer in the soldiers shoes, who just witnessed Jesus committing His spirit into God’s hands. Just as the soldier pondered the event he participated in , and looking into the face of Jesus, he proclaims, this man was truly the Son of God.

Written by Stephen J. Vattimo 7/20/2020

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Title: Windows to the Soul Medium: Ink on sketch Book Paper Size: 10” X 14” Year: 01/09/2020 This Illustration is a pulmonary design/study for a future painting. Theme was born from a poem I wrote a couple years ago, by the same title. The main massage is that Christians are to be windows that Jesus Christs can shine His light of, Love, truth, mercy, salvation, hope, new life, in to a darkened world by the power of sin. The power of sin is what subjects all creation under destruction, suffer, death, decay. The Devil, and countless fallen angel use these tools to destroy the human race. Christians Have victory, through faith in Christ, from being a salves to sin, they have obtain adoption into God’s family, and removed from the coming damnation that is for the rebellious angels and the humans. Christian still are still temped to commit sin, and still make bad choices. Christian’s sin, hinder their effectiveness to be a witnesses for God’s kingdom, their short comings are like black drapes, that hang in a widow, that hinder the sunlight from brightening and warming a dark cold room.

The massage communicated by symbolism

The stair well leading down with the railing around it: The railing: The 3 petal flower is a Celtic symbol for the trinity of God. The railing around the stair well: Represents, God’s desire that none should perish but to repent. It also represents that people go to hell by their own choice, through their deliberate rebellious living against God. No ne accidentally end up on the wrong side of the railroad tracks.

The Stairs going down: Represents sinful humanity that is separated from a holy God. Without a spiritual intervention, we all have one destination that is the lake of fire, which is the finale judgement for sin.

The open glass pane door: Represents God wants humanity to except his invitation to commune with Him, receive the new life He offers to provide for them. The stair case without railings: Represents the path to The Heaven, which must me travailed by faith.

The partly open drapes hanging in the Picture widow. Represent sin that try to prevent the light of truth to penetrate the darkness of deception. The railing with the fishes and crosses: This represent the Heavenly destination of Christian. It also stand for Christian being God’s Life guard. While living in the world, their mission is to take the salvation message into all the world. The second Floor open door, the entrance filled with light: This represents the entrance to Heaven.

The globe sculpture represents a world needing to be repossessed, from the power of the curse of sin. By the hand of God, it will made new, absent of rebellious angel and humans. Absent from destruction, suffering, death, decay.

Stephen J. Vattimo 1/10/2020

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Mortally Wounded but not Grounded

d Bird siting on a perch, In a cage with the door wide open. Bird’s soul has been mortally wounded Unable to escape predators and danger. The Savior rescued the bird  Placed it in a safe and clean cage Lovingly nursing the bird back to health. Though the bird’s wings were mended and strong. Though the bird cage door was open. The Bird was afraid to leave the safety of the cage For no matter how hard, the bird flapped it’s strong wing to take flight, The prisoner’s heart of unforgiveness kept it weighted down to the ground. Ask the Lord to create a forgiving heart in you. So, you will have the freedom to take flight and leave your cage behind. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo   11/11/20201

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Black Satin,

Black Satin

Clouds of fascism, blocking out the light of diversity Sheets of rain drowning out the voices of crusaders

Socialist artists with paint brushes and black paint, White wash over the history between God and man

Enforcers try to use fear to drive the children of truth to dwell in The catacombs

Declaring themselves to be master of the universe, Set their thrones above the stars of the Creator. Poring delusions of security, and grander into the wooden heads of all those puppet who allow their strings to be pulled.

Children of Truth, don’t find refuge in hiding in the catacombs Be courageous, Shine the light of truth, in the strength of the Holy Spirit. For there are many who are lost in the heavy black fog, who yarn to be lead to the kingdom of light.

Just as the morning dew melts by the afternoon, just as the grass withers The kingdoms of the masters of the Universe will evaporate, as the true King’s kingdom will touch down on the earth.

Written by Stephen J. Vattimo 2/11/2020

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Stephen Vattimo

·

Dear friends,

I have just published my first book Steward of the Harvest

Description of my book:

This book is a collection of spiritual art and poetry by Stephen J. Vattimo. The artwork and poetry challenge the viewer to open their eyes and ears to the salvation message of Jesus so they can come to a saving relationship with God. The author attempts through his artwork to convey biblical concepts through the skillful use of symbolism, subject matter and the use of color. Through poetry, the author aspires to communicate spiritual principles that encourage Christian living. The writing style makes use of allegory, colorful descriptive language and plays on words. The writings encourage the reader to find hope in God. This hope will strengthen them in adversity and enable them to weather the storms and survive the droughts. As a result, they’ll be able to replant after the locusts of life have devoured the work of their hands. The book can also inspire and equip Christians to walk obediently and serve God. So, when Christians stand before the throne of God and give an account for the stewardship of their lives, they as a faithful servant will be able to present a fruitful harvest to the glory of God. In sharp contrast the unfaithful servants present a harvest of thorns and thistles to their own shame.

This book is available for purchase on Amazon.com and Barns and Noble.com

The book is only available at this time in hardback The book is in full cover and the size is 8"x10"

E-Book from is going to be available soon, keep checking in.

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Myth Vs Truth

Friend, one of my ministries is to challenge mythical believes that have been masquerading as biblical fact. Mythical beliefs are the tools that create idols. Biblical truth is a window to a clear vision of God’s image. How Can a person say they know God personally if they never saw Him or hear Him speak physically to them? An answer is a person seeking to know God must look for Him in the holy scriptures. This is the vestal He has chosen to use to reveal Himself. The scripture also is the communication device He has chosen to use to communicate with those who are seeking to fellowship with Him. Prayer offered by faith is the seeker’s communication device to God.

If a person seeking to know God chooses another avenue outside what God has set up to reveal Himself to Man, they will not achieve a proper fellowship with God but will have a relationship with an idol. A good illustration of God not respecting a man’s attempt to come to God on his own term instead of God preset terms. Is the account of Cain and Abel. God had set up a system to cover sin, which was animal sacrifice until the Messiah would come to offer Himself as the supreme sacrifice that would destroy the chain of sin that imprisoned mankind to the gates of hell and would restore them to perfect fellowship with God. Now Cain who was a tiller of the ground, try to offer a burnt sacrifice of the fruits of the ground he harvested. The problem with this offering is that God required an animal sacrifice (blood sacrifice) to cover Cain sins. So, God rejected Cain sacrifice. Cain should have bartered with his bother to obtain an animal to offer the proper sacrifice.

Here is the account of Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-20 American Standard Version (ASV) 4 And the man knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have [a]gotten a man with the help of Jehovah. 2 And again she bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time, it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto Jehovah. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 but unto Cain and to his offering, he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee shall be its desire, but do thou rule over it. 8 And Cain [b]told Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Let’s look at a few scriptures that address the spiritual concept that has been discussed thus far. A relationship with God begins with hearing or reading the scriptures. Roman chapter 10: verses 13-15 13 for, [b]Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, [c]How beautiful are the feet of them that bring [d]glad tidings of good things!

Testing all spiritual matters by the scripture. 1 John chapter4: verses 1-5 American Standard Version (ASV) 4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God: 3 and every spirit that [a]confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the spirit of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already. 4 Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they as of the world, and the world heareth them.

Jesus is the only mediator between God and man.

Acts chapter 4: verses 10-12 American Standard Version (ASV) 10 be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even in [a]him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 He is [b]the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner. 12 And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.

Walking in fellowship with God

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 English Standard Version (ESV) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Sin interrupts fellowship with God, restoration is through confession and repentance.

1 John chapter 1:8-10 American Standard Version (ASV) 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

God will provide for all our needs if we first seek to know him and participate in His Kingdom business.

Matthew chapter 6:31-34 American Standard Version (ASV) 31 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Let us look at a case of mythical believe VS Biblical teaching. One day while I was at my place of employment, I decided to ask my coworker a challenging quest for Christianity. Due to the fact, my coworker was raised in a Christian home and was schooled by a Christian education system. I ask him, could have Jesus been an average or even an unattractive man of physical appearance? He told me that He most likely looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Because he was God, He must have possessed superhuman strength and supernaturally handsome appearance. While we were debating this subject other coworker joined in on the conversation. They were of one accord against my notion that Jesus could have been an ordinary or even been a homely looking person. My coworker thought my notion about the Lord was disrespectful, and that he didn’t want to be anywhere near me when I go to step outside the building at the end of the day, be he believed God was going to try and hit me with a bolt of lightning for my blasphemy. What does the Bible teach about Jesus Appearance? The bible only mentions Jesus appearance a few times, and they were of Jesus glorified state of appearance, not his normal human appearance.

Jesus’s transfiguration Luke 9:28-36 American Standard Version (ASV) 28 And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and dazzling. 30 And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah; 31 who appeared in glory, and spake of his [a]decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: but [b]when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. 33 And it came to pass, as they were parting from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three [c]tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said. 34 And while he said these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is [d]my Son, my chosen: hear ye him. 36 And when the voice [e]came, Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of the things which they had seen.

Jesus’s glorified appearance to John in a vision on the island of Patmos Revelation 1:12-17 American Standard Version (ASV) 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden [a]candlesticks; 13 and in the midst of the [b]candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle. 14 And his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last, Revelation chapter 2 verse 1 American Standard Version (ASV) These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden [a]candlesticks: Revelation 3 American Standard Version (ASV) These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead

Other than the descriptions of the glorified appearance of Jesus, the bible doesn’t give a description of His normal human appearance. But according to the prophecy made about the coming Messiah in the book Isaiah chapter 53, the prophet said that there will be nothing about him that would draw anyone to him or cause them to esteem him. To put it in modern terms, if Jesus was put in a police line up of a group of 1st century Galileans, and did not teach or work a miracle, nobody would pick Him out to be the Messiah by His appearance.

The prophecy of the messiah’s life and ministry. Isaiah 53 American Standard Version (ASV) 53 Who hath believed [a]our message? and to whom hath the arm of Jehovah been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; [b]and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised, and [c]rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with [d]grief: and [e]as one from whom men hide their face he was despised; and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our [f]griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath [g]laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. 8 [h]By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who among them considered that he was cut off out of the land of the [i]living for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; [j]although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he hath [k]put him to grief: [l]when thou shalt make his soul [m]an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand. 11 [n]He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: [o]by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant [p]justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and [q]made intercession for the transgressors.

What drew people to Jesus is he provided for their spiritual and physical needs. He was approachable, and he was acquainted with their everyday struggles, He showed unconditional love and compaction, He demonstrated the power of God over creation, He taught the scripture with authority. The conclusion of this article is, get in the scripture that you may know God in Spirit and truth.

Written by Stephen J. Vattimo 5/6/2018