Armor of God Series
Armor of God series: “Therefore put on the full armor of God. . . 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, 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 6:13-17
The originals are in private collections.
“Helmet of Salvation” ©Sara Drescher acrylic-private collection
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit…” v.17
This piece’s style was heavily influenced by poster images from the 1970s. The woman has the helmet on and secures it with her hand. Her other hand is raised in worship to God. A dove perches on her head as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and of peace. The helmet of salvation protects your mind(head). It is so important not to let renegade emotions, the voice of the world, and the accusations of Satan run our minds. We are strive to have the mind of Christ and we can have a mind of peace and love for others through His salvation.
The French translates “Helmet of Salvation.”
“Belt of Truth” acrylic © Sara Drescher - private collection
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth bucked around your waist…” v.14
This piece was inspired by a vintage magazine cover. The ancient Greeks believed that emotions originated in the belly. It’s true that many emotions are ‘felt’ in our stomachs! With this idea, the belt covers the mid section of the warrior and truth can have a balancing effect on our emotions. So the high wire artist is balanced on a “belt of truth.” The French translates: “Belt of Truth.”
“Breastplate of Righteousness” acrylic © Sara Drescher-private collection
“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place,…” v.14b
In this piece, a knight is used to illustrate the breastplate of righteousness. The gallantry, chivalry, and honor of the knight is appropriate. The breastplate protects the heart and other vital areas. “Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.” Psalm 97:11 Love for ones fellow man is an important part of righteousness. “Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.” Psalm 36:10 The righteous are also just. “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” Proverbs 29:7 Generosity is also associated with the righteous. “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously…” Psalm 37:21 The French translates “Breastplate of Righteousness.”
“Sheild of Faith” acrylic © Sara Drescher-private collection
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” v.16
In this piece, I was going for the look of a vintage Polynesian travel poster. The woman is not a warrior, but she shows that anyone can be safe with the shield of faith. The rooster on the shield is a symbol of faith because it links to Peter. Peter denied Christ three times before the rooster crowed, but then went on to be an example of faith for the Church. Roman shields were covered in leather and doused in water to extinguish the fire from flaming arrows in battle. That is the reference from this scripture.
The French translates “Shield of Faith.”
“Feet of Peace” acrylic © Sara Drescher
″… with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” v.15
In this piece, I was going for the look of a vintage travel poster. Wings and bodies of doves are springing from her feet. I think having your feet fitted with peace means walking in the peace of God, and bringing His peace with you everywhere you go. Knowing that God is with you allows you to avoid Satan’s bait and traps that will get you into trouble or at the very least cause you anxiety.
The French translates “Feet of Peace.”
“Sword of the Spirit” acrylic © Sara Drescher-private collection
“…the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” v.17
This piece was inspired by a vintage magazine cover. The waves surrounding the sword have a feeling of water which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The sword is based on a sword from the Crown Jewel collection in England. The French translates: “Sword of the Spirit”