Category Archives: Assurance of Salvation

The Burned Spot

Posted on April 4, 2024 by russellmckinney

In the days when America’s west was being settled, prairie fires were one of the scourges of the land. The very thought of these fires struck terror into the hearts of the people. With dry grass standing high, sometimes as … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Christ's Death, Coming Judgment, Crucifixion, Eternal Security, Forgiveness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Good Friday, Grace, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

You Need Jesus as a Savior More Than as an Example

Posted on December 1, 2023 by russellmckinney

There is a mindset that exalts Jesus as merely being the ultimate example of human potential. Those who hold to this mindset talk about Him as the great teacher and the ideal role model, but they express doubt about His … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Christ's Death, Church, Depravity, Faith, Forgiveness, God's Holiness, God's Love, Grace, Preaching, Repentance, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

How Optimistic Are You About Your Future?

Posted on November 11, 2022 by russellmckinney

Flagstaff, Maine, was chosen as the site for a huge hydroelectric installation. The installation would include a dam that would impound miles and miles of water and bury the town under water. Consequently, in the late 1940s, the process of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Assurance of Salvation, Attitude, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Comfort, Contentment, Depression, Disappointment, Elderly, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Eternity, Faith, Heaven, Peace, Problems, Reward, Salvation, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Once Saved Always Saved

Posted on March 25, 2022 by russellmckinney

There are a few Bible passages that, upon first glance, seem to indicate that a Christian can lose his salvation. For example, Hebrews 6:4-6 speaks of the possibility that those who were “once enlightened” and have “tasted the heavenly gift” … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Doctrine, Eternal Security, Grace, Heaven, Salvation, Scripture, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do You Really Trust God?

Posted on November 26, 2021 by russellmckinney

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Assurance of Salvation, Attitude, Belief, Commitment, Courage, Discipleship, Doubt, Eternal Security, Faith, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Human Life, Needs, Personal, Problems, Sanctification, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Do You Know Jesus as Savior? Or Do You Just Know About Him?

Posted on July 5, 2021 by russellmckinney

I subscribe to a certain Christian publication that recently featured an old sermon from Oswald J. Smith. Smith was a Canadian pastor/church planter/author who is probably best known for founding The Peoples Church in Toronto and serving as the church’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Backsliding, Baptism, Belief, Church, Church Attendance, Church Discipline, Evangelism, Heaven, Repentance, Salvation, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Having Spiritual Discernment

Posted on June 11, 2021 by russellmckinney

1 John series: (post #12) This post marks the conclusion to our series from 1 John. As we have learned from the series, John uses his book to name at least ten identifying characteristics of authentic Christianity. In other words, … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Discernment, Preaching, Salvation, Series: "1 John", The Holy Spirit, Truth | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Receiving What You Request in Prayer

Posted on June 9, 2021 by russellmckinney

1 John series: (post #11) So, you say that you are a Christian. Okay, that leads me to believe that you know how to pray. But let me ask you a question: “Do you regularly receive what you request in … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Will, Grace, Prayer Requests, Salvation, Series: "1 John" | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Purifying Yourself From Sin

Posted on June 7, 2021 by russellmckinney

1 John series: (post #10) Some people say, “There’s no way you can know for sure that you are saved because only God knows who is saved and who isn’t.” These folks have surely missed the purpose of the book … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Assurance of Salvation, Christ's Return, Commitment, Death, Discipleship, Elderly, God's Holiness, Heaven, Personal Holiness, Prophecy, Repentance, Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, Separation, Series: "1 John", Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment