This painting represents the first half of the verse Romans 3:23. The heroes of the games represent humanities best, and yet, even they would fall short of getting to heaven on their own merits.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

This painting represents the second half of Romans 3:23 in that all of mankind falls short of God's standard of goodness. I used the 1up mushroom as a stand-in to represent eternal life and instead of using "bad guys" I used the heroes from the games to show that even the good guys would fall short of God's standard.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

In this painting, I broke form and used blatant Christian imagery found in the question block at the center of the bridge to represent the key to being able to gain access to the other side. The star and 1up mushroom represent eternal life, while Bowser and Wario represent Satan and the antichrist, while also alluding to how one day they will be thrown into the lake of fire. This is a companion piece to the other pixel drawing for Romans 3:23b. In that painting everyone fell short when they tried to cross the chasm (i.e. get to heaven) on their own merits and efforts. This piece shows that access to the other side of the bridge (i.e. heaven) is only accessible through the cross (when Jesus, the perfect son of God, gave his life on our behalf to cleanse us from our sins and grant us access to God).

"For God so loved that world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Why would Mario take a bullet for his enemies? That is the question I usually get when people see this painting. I think an even better question is, why would the creator of mankind humble himself by coming down to earth as a man to die for his sinful creation? That is the inspiration for this painting. I wanted people to see the gravity and incomprehensible kindness that God demonstrated for us by using a character such as Mario taking a bullet for his enemies. I would consider this piece the capstone and the jump off point for the entire series.

"But God demonstrated His love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

This is probably one of the more figurative paintings in the series. Mario on the flag pole represents the person who is victorious and has escaped eternal death. I use the invincibility star on the flag as a symbolic stand-in for eternal life. Throughout the series, Bowser is a stand-in for Satan and death, and Wario presents evil and the antithesis of Christ, specifically the anti-Christ. This painting shows that once you cross from death to life you can no longer be touched by the enemy. You are saved.

"If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

Each of the "New Creation" paintings represent how I felt before and after becoming a Christian. Before becoming a Christian I felt like my life was stuck and fixed and dictated to the standards of the world around me- one could even say pixilated. But when I came to Christ, I saw the world with new eyes. Everything became 3D to me. I saw that there was purpose and meaning in every person and in everything and that there was a divine hand behind it all.

"Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Each of the "New Creation" paintings represent how I felt before and after becoming a Christian. Before becoming a Christian I felt like my life was stuck and fixed and dictated to the standards of the world around me- one could even say pixilated. But when I came to Christ, I saw the world with new eyes. Everything became 3D to me. I saw that there was purpose and meaning in every person and in everything and that there was a divine hand behind it all.

"Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Each of the "New Creation" paintings represent how I felt before and after becoming a Christian. Before becoming a Christian I felt like my life was stuck and fixed and dictated to the standards of the world around me- one could even say pixilated. But when I came to Christ, I saw the world with new eyes. Everything became 3D to me. I saw that there was purpose and meaning in every person and in everything and that there was a divine hand behind it all.

"Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Each of the "New Creation" paintings represent how I felt before and after becoming a Christian. Before becoming a Christian I felt like my life was stuck and fixed and dictated to the standards of the world around me- one could even say pixilated. But when I came to Christ, I saw the world with new eyes. Everything became 3D to me. I saw that there was purpose and meaning in every person and in everything and that there was a divine hand behind it all.

"Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

I chose Kid Icarus as a perfect example to illustrate the spiritual truth of the verse. The heart represents the renewal of life given for those who wait on the Lord.

"They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 41:10

Princess Peach is a stand-in for wisdom. The coins on the ground represent the preciousness of wisdom. The 1up mushroom represents how life is given to those who find wisdom. The villains behind her represent potential opposition, but Princess Peach can discern through deception and distraction through the discerning eyes of wisdom.

Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed. Proverbs 3:13-18

Princess Zelda represents the noble woman found in Proverbs 31. The items around her echo the various tasks and abilities that the Proverbs 31 woman embodies.

Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:29-31 (See whole chapter)

Samus, adorned with her body armor, illustrates that beauty does not have to come from frivolous adornment and fine jewelry. Her inner character of bravery and other such traits is what should be commended.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." I Peter 3:3-4

Once a person becomes a believer, God's desire is for them to grow in their faith. That is why I used the super mushroom to symbolize the type of growth a Christian should have once they have given their life to Christ.

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." I Peter 2:2-3

The 1up mushroom represents eternal life, coupled with the reef on his head to represent the victors crown of life that is given to those who overcome.

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

In Scripture the Holy Spirit is at times referred to as a fire, so I used Mario's fire flower as a symbol to represent the Holy Spirit in this series. When Mario gets the fire flower he is able to ward off enemies and becomes much more powerful with the help of the flower's powers.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

In the game the star grants the player invincibility. I use this star many times throughout the series as a representation for eternal life, which is something that, unlike in the game, cannot be taken away once received.

"And this is what He promised us- eternal life." I John 2:25

In the same way that Mario and Luigi have been fighting the forces of evil together since 1985, brothers should always have each other's backs no matter the odds.

"A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17

For the composition of this painting I used an image of Charlton Heston from The Ten Commandments. Mario is in his fire flower costume to represent him being filled with the spirit of God. The two controllers are stand-ins for the tablets. Most people look at God's laws as something that hinders them, but in actuality, much like the controllers in the video game, they actually help guide you and keep you out of danger. The moment you drop the controllers, your character in the game will probably die. In the same way, when you depart from God's law, it will ultimately lead to death.

Exodus 20

The Mario Bros 3 map represents the world. Each castle represents a continent and they are each calling for help because every part of the world needs to hear about the Good News of Jesus Christ. The keyholes represent potential closed doors, while the enemies represent potential opposition in spreading the message. Even despite a difficult task, Mario's demeanor is what should be ours- ready and zealous to complete his mission.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20

I think many times people have a blindspot in life, especially when it comes to spiritual things. This painting is a reminder that there are forces lurking around us ("our struggle is not against flesh and blood..."). For that very reason, we need to be prepared for battle and put on the full armor of God. The Red Arremer that is lurking behind Arthur represents the spiritual forces of evil. Arthur's shield bears the image of the 1up mushroom and the invincibility star to represent eternal life. The background was inspired by a Frank Frazetta painting.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17

This picture alludes to the scene of Calvary in how Jesus literally picked up his cross. Continuing with some of the same imagery, Princess Peach and Toad act as stand-ins for Jesus' disciples, while Bowser (representing Satan) and Wario (representing the anti-Christ) look on the scene with glee. Mario (representing Jesus) is carrying the bomb, which represents Jesus' cross- the cross which all believers are called to bear.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?" Luke 9:23-25

Toad, who is normally cheerful and upbeat, has clearly been affected and negatively influenced by the people he has chosen to surround himself with.

"Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character." I Corinthians 15:33

Bowser represents Satan and Little Mac is engaging in a head-on fight with the enemy. Mario represents God in this painting as the referee. He is there to establish the rules and also to ultimately protect us.

"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

Throughout Scripture, the Christian life is compared to a race and speaks of how we must train and discipline ourselves like an athlete. In this piece I have all of our characters training alongside Little Mac from Mike Tyson's Punch Out. The Statue of Liberty is holding the invincibility star, which represents the life that is promised to those who run the race.

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I [a]discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." I Corinthians 9:24-27

Mega Man has arguably one of the greatest video game rogues galleries. So in this painting I wanted to illustrate Jesus' commandment to love your enemies by having Mega Man give of his life and energy bar to his foes. The background was inspired by the original NES game packaging.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48

This painting represents the dichotomy between good and evil, specifically the forces that directly oppose Christ.

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already." I John 4:1-3

This painting represents the dichotomy between good and evil, specifically the forces that directly oppose Christ.

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already." I John 4:1-3

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelations 20:10

All of the classic NES characters are sporting other character's outfits to show how we need to be willing to step into other people's worlds and meet them where they're at in order to reach them.

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." I Corinthians 9:19-23

This piece was inspired by traditional depiction of Jesus and Mary. I did it to illustrate the theme God with us. The star and mushroom are symbols for eternal life that came through Jesus. The coin represents how the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure. Peach and baby Mario and stand ins for Mary and the newborn Jesus.

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:35-38

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”](which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23

This is the first painting in the sub-series: The Seven Days of Creation.

Genesis 1:1-13

This is the second painting in the sub-series: The Seven Days of Creation.

Genesis 1:1-13

This is the fourth painting in the sub-series: The Seven Days of Creation.

Genesis 1:20-23

This is the third painting in the sub-series: The Seven Days of Creation.

Genesis 1:20-23

This is the fifth painting in the sub-series: The Seven Days of Creation.

Genesis 1:24-28

This is the sixth painting in the sub-series: The Seven Days of Creation.

Genesis 1:24-28

This is the final painting in the sub-series: The Seven Days of Creation.

Genesis 1:29-2:3