Author Archives: russellmckinney

Doing Church Differently

Posted on July 29, 2023 by russellmckinney

The churches of Asia greet you, Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (1 Corinthians 16:19, N.K.J.V.) Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Balance, Change, Church, Church Discipline, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Money, Music, Prayer, Preaching, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Stewardship, Sunday School, Teaching, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Responding to Criticism

Posted on July 26, 2023 by russellmckinney

Dr. Charles Lowery is a motivational speaker. For years, though, he was a pastor, and some of his observations on the ministry were absolutely hilarious. Consider this one on criticism: I always try to be positive with my critics. One … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Character, Criticism, Humor, Pastors, Personal | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Compel

Posted on July 24, 2023 by russellmckinney

There once was a time when boys sold newspapers on the streets of big cities. One young man, in particular, was top notch at doing the job. As a man passed by him on the street one day, the young … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelism, Faithfulness, Perseverance, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Don’t Try to Wear Someone Else’s Armor

Posted on July 22, 2023 by russellmckinney

When King Saul heard that a teenage boy named David had volunteered to fight the giant Goliath, he called for David and tried to talk him out of it. He said, “David, you are not able to go against this … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Choices, Contentment, Decisions, Desires, God's Will, Individuality, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What Was Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh?

Posted on July 19, 2023 by russellmckinney

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Demons, Problems, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, The Devil, Trials | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Being Bold About Fear

Posted on July 17, 2023 by russellmckinney

In the wake of the infamous terrorist attacks of 9-11-01, our small county held a special service in the high school gymnasium. The service was for the benefit of the students, many of whom were emotionally shaken by the attacks. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Omnipresence, Needs, Personal, Problems, Spiritual Warfare, The Holy Spirit, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A Contest No One Can Win

Posted on July 14, 2023 by russellmckinney

Imagine a contest where the stated goal is: “Jump up and touch the moon.” Contestant #1 is an eighty-year-old woman with a walker. She steps up to the line and gives it all she’s got, but her jump doesn’t even … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Bible Study, Depravity, Eternal Security, Eternity, Faith, Heaven, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

Posted on July 12, 2023 by russellmckinney

Why do the wicked prosper? It’s a question that goes back at least as far as the time of Job, a man who lived during or perhaps even before the patriarchal age of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In Job 9:24, … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Money, Prosperity, Satan, Temptation, The Devil | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Don’t Bail Out

Posted on July 10, 2023 by russellmckinney

Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67, N.K.J.V.) A pilot announced to his passengers that three of the plane’s four engines had conked out. A few seconds later he came out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Choices, Christ's Miracles, Commitment, Complaining, Decisions, Depression, Disappointment, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doubt, Eternal Security, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Will, Obedience, Perseverance, Problems, Rebellion, Service, Suffering, Temptation, Trials, Trusting In God, Truth, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Secret Sin

Posted on July 7, 2023 by russellmckinney

It’s been said that your character is what you are when no one is looking. However, it’s also been said that you can fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Character, Conviction, Drugs, Gambling, God's Omnipresence, God's Judgment, God's Omniscience, Guilt, Homosexuality, Honesty, Hypocrisy, Lesbianism, Lust, Lying, Personal, Personal Holiness, Racism, Rebellion, Repentance, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment