Author Archives: russellmckinney

A Cautionary Tale About Rebellion

Posted on May 19, 2023 by russellmckinney

Sixty-year-old Jan Davis was a professional parachutist. She was also involved in the dangerous sport of “BASE jumping.” “BASE jumping” is leaping off fixed places, plummeting toward the earth for a few seconds, and then pulling your parachute chord. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Backsliding, Character, Choices, Coming Judgment, Decisions, Disobedience, Dying To Self, God's Holiness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Man's Freewill, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Sin, Submission | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“Yes, We Know That Man”

Posted on May 17, 2023 by russellmckinney

A missionary assigned to a foreign land zealously embraced his new ministry by promptly telling a crowd of natives about Jesus. He spoke of Christ’s love, compassion, and power to heal. As he spoke, he was surprised to see the … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Discipleship, Doing Good, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Personal Holiness, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Forgiveness, But Not Change

Posted on May 15, 2023 by russellmckinney

I live in a small, rural county in the so-called “Bible belt.” It’s the kind of place where there is a church on every corner, down every sideroad, and up every holler. Consequently, it can be hard to find someone … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Change, Church Attendance, Discipleship, Disobedience, Drugs, Forgiveness, Hypocrisy, Personal, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Salvation, Sanctification, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Power of a Word of Praise

Posted on May 13, 2023 by russellmckinney

Benjamin West was a famous British artist in the 1700s. He also served as the President of the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts. He was especially known for his paintings of historical scenes. West first become aware of his artistic … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Communication, Encouragement, Fatherhood, Influence, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Sports, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Description of Prayer

Posted on May 11, 2023 by russellmckinney

Christian, have you prayed today? If you have, what motivation did you have for praying? I hope you’re not like the little boy who was asked, “Do you pray every day?” He answered, “No, some days I don’t want anything.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, God's Love, Prayer, Prayer Requests | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Let Me Illustrate

Posted on May 9, 2023 by russellmckinney

All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables, and without a parable He did not speak to them… (Matthew 13:34, N.K.J.V.) Several years ago, at the close of a funeral service we both attended, I talked with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Evangelism, God's Work, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Sunday School, Teaching, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Throw Up Your Cap

Posted on May 5, 2023 by russellmckinney

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, N.L.T.) Years ago, in a small fishing village on the coast of New England, a winter storm blew up suddenly and caught … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Doing Good, Encouragement, Friendship, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Service, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Got a Need?

Posted on May 3, 2023 by russellmckinney

A small Bible college was growing so fast that it desperately needed more dormitory space. If a new dormitory couldn’t be built, students would have to be turned away. So, the school’s president took the matter to God in prayer … Continue reading →

Posted in Comfort, Doubt, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Provision, Money, Needs, Personal, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

1,500 Sheep

Posted on May 1, 2023 by russellmckinney

A few years ago the Associated Press ran a story that came out of Gavas, a town in eastern Turkey. According to the story, one sheep from a very large flock walked to the edge of a cliff and jumped … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Choices, Courage, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Discipline, Dress and Appearance, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Influence, Motherhood, Parenting, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

God Is Not Mocked

Posted on April 29, 2023 by russellmckinney

Dr. R.G. Lee was one of the most famous Baptist preachers who ever lived. From 1927 to 1960, he served as the pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. During those years the church grew in membership from 1,400 … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Depravity, God's Holiness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Rebellion, Sin, Sowing and Reaping | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments