This painting (30”x40”) depicts the disciples casting their nets on the other side and hauling in a huge catch of fish, at the command of Jesus.  It was created with pigments, acrylic paint, inks and water.



 

This year Toxteth Tabernacle celebrated 153 years. 153 is also the number of fish miraculously hauled when Jesus met his disciples in John 21, depicted in the painting by Chris Duffett at the Baptist Assembly this year. It spoke powerfully to me of the things that God has been doing recently in Toxteth Tabernacle.

Chris first painted a boat on a moody sea. I thought of migrants crossing dangerous seas in overcrowded boats. I was reminded of the story in Matthew 8, where the disciples were caught in a boat in a storm. Jesus was sleeping, and when they woke him he calmed the storm, encouraging them to have faith. As a church we have seen many migrants joining us, their lives are often perilous, yet there are beautiful stories of Jesus bringing rescue and peace.

Chris then painted a net. The painting actually depicted those same disciples later (John 21), fishing all night with no success. Jesus called for change, resulting in a miraculous catch. In recent years we have been engaging with BigLife (a disciple-making movement), which has meant doing things differently. As we have changed, we have seen those, often in hazardous places, taking courageous steps of obedience, being baptised, and making more disciples.
 

This painting (30”x40”) depicts the falling of the Spirit, a drenching and flowing of Him upon people.
It was created with gold pigments, acrylic paint, inks and water. 
 

Hope Baptist Stourbridge is going through a time of exciting change. We are now a church made of three original Baptist churches. Hanbury Hill, Halesowen and Cradley.

For over a decade in Stourbridge, we’ve been saving and looking for a new building to meet our needs better. In 2025, we will break ground on our new building in an area of reclaimed land by the river Stour. This brings many exciting (potentially scary) opportunities to reach out to our new neighbours more visibly and practically in this area of social need. We desire to demonstrate through our actions that the love of Christ is for all.
 
When I saw this painting entitled “Come Holy Spirit”, I was immediately drawn to it.  Chris’s choice of colour and skill makes this a dynamic piece. The white dove flying tells me of life and living hope—a sense of peace and a time of new beginnings. It will in time hang in the new Hope Centre.

Come Holy Spirit is our desire as we walk forward, with God leading us.

If you would  like to have a print of either painting, Chris is offering a limited edition A3 signed Giclée print in mount or frame available here.