Category Archives: Backsliding

Building With the Right Materials

Posted on May 23, 2018 by russellmckinney

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Coming Judgment, Death, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doing Good, Eternity, Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's Will, God's Work, Heaven, Obedience, Priorities, Repentance, Reward, Salvation, Sanctification, Service, Sin, The Judgment Seat of Christ | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Salvation & Works

Posted on May 19, 2018 by russellmckinney

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Backsliding, Belief, Eternal Security, Faith, Good Works, Grace, Heaven, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Charcoal Fire

Posted on May 10, 2018 by russellmckinney

Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. (John 18:18, N.A.S.V.) On the night of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Brokenness, Forgiveness, Grace, Mercy, Ministry, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Seeking Forgiveness, Service, Sin | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Do the Saints Persevere?

Posted on May 5, 2018 by russellmckinney

“Calvinism” series: (post #6) This post brings us to the last of Calvinism’s five foundational doctrines. The doctrine is known as “Perseverance of the Saints,” and it is the “P” in Calvinism’s famous T-U-L-I-P acrostic. And what does the term … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Calvinism, Eternal Security, Perseverance, Salvation, Series: "Calvinism" | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Strange Prayer Request

Posted on April 9, 2018 by russellmckinney

A man and his wife joined a local church. Since the couple was out of work and had precious little food and clothing, it wasn’t long before they asked the church for help. The church lovingly obliged by providing plenty … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Faithfulness, God's Love, God's Provision, Husbands, Money, Pastors, Prayer Requests, Priorities, Prosperity, Repentance, Service, Stewardship, Thankfulness, Wives, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Satan Did to Ananias & Sapphira: Motivation

Posted on March 10, 2018 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #12) But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?” (Acts 5:3, N.K.J.V.) The … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Church, God's Holiness, Lying, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Sin, Spiritual Warfare, The Devil | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

An Interesting Question

Posted on January 3, 2018 by russellmckinney

I once ministered to an elderly man, a member of my church, who was dying from various health issues. During one of our visits, he asked me a question that no one had ever asked me. His question was, “If … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Belief, Doubt, Eternal Security, Evangelism, Faith, Forgiveness, God's Work, Grace, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Salvation, Service, Sin, The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Going Back Home

Posted on December 27, 2017 by russellmckinney

New York’s Bowery Mission was founded in 1879 and still serves today as a rescue mission and men’s shelter. Sam Hadley was once the superintendent there and told a certain story about the place. I’d like to share that story … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Addiction, Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Belief, Brokenness, Change, Children, Confession, Conviction, Disobedience, Family, Fatherhood, Fear, Forgiveness, God's Love, Grace, Guilt, Love, Missions, New Year, Parenting, Problems, Rebellion, Reconciliation, Repentance, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, Youth | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Flesh & its Drag Effect

Posted on December 10, 2017 by russellmckinney

“…The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, N.K.J.V.) For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other… (Galatians … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adversity, Alcohol, Backsliding, Bible Study, Change, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Depravity, Dieting, Doing Good, Drugs, Gambling, Giving, Gluttony, Lust, Perseverance, Prayer, Problems, Sin, Temptation, The Tongue, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Special Antenna

Posted on December 7, 2017 by russellmckinney

As a Christian, I sometimes get frustrated with people who just can’t seem to grasp spiritual issues. No matter how many Bible passages I cite, how many illustrations I use, or how eloquently I explain a subject, these folks simply … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Communication, Discernment, Discipleship, Evangelism, God's Guidance, God's Work, Personal, Salvation, The Holy Spirit, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment