Category Archives: Backsliding

Dead IN Sin or Dead TO Sin?

Posted on October 15, 2026 by russellmckinney

One little word can make a big difference. A Biblical example of this is found in the salvation experience. The difference is the difference between the words “in” and “to.” Ephesians 2:1-5 and Colossians 2:13 teach that each of us … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Baptism, Belief, Commitment, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Work, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When False Teeth Become a Problem

Posted on October 2, 2026 by russellmckinney

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16, N.K.J.V.) In his booklet How to Kill a Church Without Really … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Business, Character, Church, Church Attendance, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Drugs, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Gambling, God's Holiness, God's Work, Holiness, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy, Influence, Lying, Making Restitution, Money, Personal Holiness, Racism, Repentance, Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, Sex, Sin, Temptation, The Tongue, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Ichabod

Posted on September 18, 2026 by russellmckinney

Ichabod is an odd name. When you mention it the average person’s mind goes to Ichabod Crane, the schoolmaster character in Washington Irving’s famous short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Students of the Bible, however, know that the name … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Church, Coming Judgment, Discernment, Disobedience, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, God's Word, Problems, Rebellion, Scripture, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Would You Give Up for Jesus?

Posted on September 11, 2026 by russellmckinney

One day a certain ruler, probably a ruler in a local synagogue, came to Jesus with a question. This ruler was young (Matthew 19:20), wealthy (Matthew 19:22), and lived a moral life by striving to keep God’s commandments (Matthew 19:17-20). … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Brokenness, Business, Change, Choices, Commitment, Decisions, Desires, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Will, Greed, Idolatry, Individuality, Money, Obedience, Politics, Priorities, Prosperity, Sacrifice, Service, Sports, Stewardship, Submission | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Jonah Path

Posted on August 7, 2026 by russellmckinney

Question: “What is the Bible’s only book that ends with a question?” Answer: “Jonah.” Jonah 4:11 closes the book by way of God asking the prophet Jonah: “And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Backsliding, Church, Church Attendance, Complaining, Contentment, Depression, Disappointment, Doubt, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Honesty, Mercy, Ministry, Missions, Obedience, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Preaching, Problems, Rebellion, Service, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Has God Told You Something Lately?

Posted on July 31, 2026 by russellmckinney

Jesus remained completely silent when He stood before Herod Antipas for questioning (Luke 23:6-12). Nothing Antipas said or asked evoked a verbal response from Jesus. What made Christ’s behavior in this instance so strange was the fact that He didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Belief, Choices, Commitment, Conviction, Decisions, Disobedience, God's Wrath, God's Guidance, God's Judgment, God's Will, God's Word, Idolatry, Obedience, Prophecy, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sin, The Bible, The Gospel, Truth | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Thy Rod & Thy Staff They Comfort Me

Posted on July 1, 2026 by russellmckinney

The 23rd Psalm is all about how the Lord leads His people. One of my favorite parts of the Psalm is verse 2: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (K.J.V.) … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Comfort, Depression, Disappointment, Discipleship, Discipline, Disobedience, Encouragement, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, God's Guidance, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, Obedience, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Rebellion, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Submission, Suffering, Temptation, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Getting Right About Being Wrong

Posted on May 15, 2026 by russellmckinney

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13, N.K.J.V.) A businessman stopped at a restaurant and ordered a cup of coffee. The waitress didn’t even try to disguise her … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Attitude, Backsliding, Change, Character, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Love, God's Mercy, Grace, Guilt, Lying, Making Restitution, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Choosing the East Side of the Jordan

Posted on May 4, 2026 by russellmckinney

Numbers chapter 32 provides us with a fascinating twist in the history of Moses and the Israelites. The twist involves the tribes of Reuben and Gad as well as half the tribe of Manasseh, and it holds multiple metaphorical lessons … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Business, Choices, Commitment, Contentment, Courage, Covetousness, Deception, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Disobedience, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Will, God's Work, Lust, Obedience, Patience, Prosperity, Rebellion, Reward, Temptation, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are You Sure You’re a Soldier?

Posted on March 27, 2026 by russellmckinney

An elderly gentleman found himself seated next to a young man who was dressed rather sloppily. The elderly gentleman struck up a conversation to pass the time. After exchanging names and pleasant greetings, he asked the young man, “Son, what … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Bible Study, Disobedience, Dress and Appearance, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Word, God's Work, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Sacrifice, Salvation, Sanctification, Scripture, Separation, Service, Spiritual Warfare, The Bible | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment