Author Archives: russellmckinney

Life on the Island

Posted on November 17, 2023 by russellmckinney

In his book 1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching, G. Curtis Jones tells a story from the life of Methodist pastor Roy L. Smith. As the story goes, Smith had a deep concern for an elderly couple who lived by themselves … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Children, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Comfort, Family, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Omniscience, Love, Marriage, Motherhood, Priorities, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Three Factors in Determining God’s Will

Posted on November 15, 2023 by russellmckinney

Like a lot of preachers, I have an extensive collection of file folders where I keep illustrations. For example, in my “A” files I have folders for: “Abortion,” “Alcoholism,” “America,” “Angels,” “Animal Rights,” “Astrology,” and “Atheism.” Next, the “B” files … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, God's Guidance, God's Will, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

J.C. Penny & Chick-fil-A

Posted on November 13, 2023 by russellmckinney

For eight-and-a-half years, I pastored a non-denominational church that I started. Some Sundays, as a part of our services, I would describe an everyday situation and ask, “What would Jesus have us do in this situation?” My original plan for … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Balance, Bible Study, Church, Current Events, Discipleship, Doing Good, Evangelism, Faithfulness, God's Word, God's Work, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy, Marriage, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Scripture, Sex, Sin, The Bible, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What’s Your Weakness?

Posted on November 10, 2023 by russellmckinney

Chuck Swindoll, in his study guide on Samson, makes an excellent point about the value of understanding one’s own weaknesses. He writes: It is important to know your strengths. But it is life-or-death essential to know your weaknesses….it was Samson’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Anger, Backsliding, Choices, Depravity, Discipleship, Drugs, Gambling, Gluttony, Money, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sex, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Pocket Watch Theology

Posted on November 8, 2023 by russellmckinney

Civil War veteran Colonel Robert Ingersoll was the foremost orator of his time. In the years following the war, he traveled the country and delivered long-winded lectures (sometimes more than three hours in length) to packed audiences. He spoke on … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Evangelism, God's Love, God's Mercy, Ministry, Salvation, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

The Problem With an Unequal Yoke

Posted on November 6, 2023 by russellmckinney

A Christian girl once told Charles Spurgeon, the legendary preacher, that she was about to marry a man who didn’t attend church or make any allegiance whatsoever to Jesus. Spurgeon, true to form, quickly reminded her of the command from … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Choices, Discernment, Discipleship, God's Will, Influence, Marriage, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Daily Medicine

Posted on November 3, 2023 by russellmckinney

Back in the days when doctors made house calls, a doctor paid a visit to John, an elderly man who had called for him. Having treated John many times, the doctor had a good idea going in what the diagnosis … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Discipleship, Faithfulness, Humor, Prayer, Problems, Sanctification | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Everybody Is Not Your Friend

Posted on November 1, 2023 by russellmckinney

The story that I want to use for this post is an old one that has been passed around in preachers’ circles for quite a while. I have no idea whether or not the story is true, and if it … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, Communication, Deception, Discernment, Friendship, Humor, Truth, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mud

Posted on October 30, 2023 by russellmckinney

Following a summer storm, a mischievous little boy raced outside and proceeded to splash the water out of every mudhole he could find. By the time he was finished, the mudholes were all dry and he was covered in mud … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Change, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Holiness, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Go Easy on Other People’s Cargo

Posted on October 27, 2023 by russellmckinney

But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Confession, Decisions, Disobedience, Doing Good, God's Will, Influence, Obedience, Rebellion, Repentance, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments