The Cross and Pen

As a member of Amazon Prime, I frequently receive video suggestions based on my viewing history. Such is the nature of technology. One of the suggestions was for The Sopranos, an HBO Original Series about the Soprano family and organized crime. Normally I wouldn’t be interested in such a series. However, one night I decided to give it a try. The show took an interesting approach to Mafia life. After the first episode, I was hooked. For those who may not know, the series is centered around the life of Tony Soprano, a crime family boss. More specifically, he was a ‘made man.’ In order to become a made man, one must meet certain requirements and take the oath of silence known as Omerta. Doing so establishes allegiance to the organization. It also entitles the member to certain benefits. Made men cannot be cannot be touched by anyone without permission of the senior family member. They have authority and clout. Being ‘made’ is the highest status one can achieve in the Mafia. ...

Temptation is often a prelude to sin. In fact, many a sin has been committed after temptation has reared its ugly head. That is not to say that temptation always leads to sin; it doesn’t. Nor is temptation always necessary for sin to occur; it isn’t. Sometimes people intentionally sin without being tempted to do so. It’s in our nature, and those without salvation have a predilection for sin that does not always require temptation. However, we must remember temptation and sin are kissing cousins, so to speak. Sin is often accompanied by temptation, especially in the lives of Christians. In fact, the purpose of temptation, from our enemy’s perspective, is to cause one to sin. The history of sin began with the temptation of Even in the Garden of Eden. As we all know, Eve succumbed to temptation, which was based on deception, and sin entered the world. Since then, it has permeated society and sent it spiraling downward. Ironically, the history of salvation began with the temptation of ...

In Ephesians 6: 11, Paul writes, “Put on the full armor of God…” There is more to his admonition, but I wish to focus on just the opening words. There is a lot going on in his opening sentence. Before exploring the various concepts in Paul’s words, it is worth recapping his life and road to salvation. A great opposer and persecutor of Christianity, Paul, formerly Saul, came to salvation at God’s behest. He didn’t attend a revival; a friend didn’t witness to him; nor did he seek God’s presence due to tragedy. God chose him. In the years that followed, Paul penned much of the New Testament including Ephesians. In chapter six, Paul is giving instructions and guidance concerning the Christian life. The first point to note is that he instructs Christians to put on armor. This isn’t a recommendation; nor is it a suggestion. It’s a command. Paul is telling Christians what they are to do. Thus it is a requirement. Considering this, I began to explore that idea. While it may seem obvious on ...