Category Archives: Backsliding

The Oak Tree’s Fall

Posted on December 5, 2017 by russellmckinney

In the center of a town stood a giant oak tree that had been planted there many decades earlier to mark the founding of the town. The tree was massive and had proven that it could withstand any storm. Through … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Alcohol, Anger, Backsliding, Christ's Death, Conviction, Covetousness, Desires, Disobedience, Drugs, Forgiveness, Gambling, God's Judgment, Guilt, Idolatry, Jealousy, Lust, Lying, Pride, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sex, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Temptation, The Tongue | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Lessons from Habakkuk

Posted on October 20, 2017 by russellmckinney

The Old Testament book of the prophet Habakkuk isn’t one that often gets preached. But that doesn’t mean that it won’t “preach.” This is evidenced by the fact that it is quoted multiple times in the New Testament. The apostle … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Belief, Coming Judgment, Complaining, Disappointment, Disobedience, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Chastening, God's Omnipotence, God's Timing, God's Judgment, God's Sovereignty, Impatience, Patience, Persecution, Perseverance, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Fall & You

Posted on October 16, 2017 by russellmckinney

One look out my window today here in the mountains of western North Carolina proves that Fall has arrived. I’ve already got a yard full of dead leaves that have officially made the “fall” from their trees to the ground, … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Conviction, Creation, God's Will, Personal, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Sanctification, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Sin Costs the Christian

Posted on August 25, 2017 by russellmckinney

New Testament Christianity teaches that salvation comes by way of faith (belief) in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 can’t be much clearer: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Belief, Bible Study, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Disobedience, Faith, God's Chastening, God's Holiness, Guilt, Holiness, Inner Peace, Joy, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sanctification, Scripture, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Mixed Multitude

Posted on August 18, 2017 by russellmckinney

Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds — a great deal of livestock. (Exodus 12:38, N.K.J.V.) … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Complaining, Contentment, Counsel, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Discipleship, Friendship, God's Chastening, God's Judgment, God's Provision, Greed, Influence, Lust, Prayer Requests, Rebellion, Separation, Service, Temptation, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Who Are You Dancing With?

Posted on July 28, 2017 by russellmckinney

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world….” (John 18:36, N.K.J.V.) Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15, … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Alcohol, Backsliding, Business, Commitment, Desires, Drugs, Entertainment, Faithfulness, Gambling, Homosexuality, Lesbianism, Personal Holiness, Politics, Priorities, Sanctification, Satan, Sports, The Devil | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two Different Bible School Meetings

Posted on June 15, 2017 by russellmckinney

After a relatively successful V.B.S. at one of my former churches, I called for a meeting of the teachers and workers who had been involved with the effort. My purpose for the meeting was to assess what had gone well … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Backsliding, Brokenness, Christian Unity, Church, Church Attendance, Confession, Criticism, Extending Forgiveness, Forgiveness, God's Work, Humility, Ministry, Pastors, Personal, Pride, Problems, Reconciliation, Restoration, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Following God’s Instructions to the Letter

Posted on May 25, 2017 by russellmckinney

The story of Israel’s conquest of the promised land of Canaan is messy, convoluted, and plays out over many decades. Its record covers the entire book of Joshua, spills over into the book of Judges, and is filled with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Disobedience, Faithfulness, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Idolatry, Obedience, Rebellion, Sanctification, Service, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is Every Christian a Saint?

Posted on April 25, 2017 by russellmckinney

Christianity offers a whole list of strange words that all end with the letters “t-i-o-n.” We have: “justification,” “regeneration,” “glorification,” “propitiation,” “imputation,” “predestination,” and “transfiguration.” One little boy, whose parents made him go to church every Sunday, got into trouble … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Discipleship, Holiness, Personal Holiness, Prophecy, Resurrection, Salvation, Sanctification | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“What Are You Doing Here?”

Posted on April 17, 2017 by russellmckinney

Elijah had recently experienced one of the greatest victories of his life in defeating and executing Queen Jezebel’s 450 prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:17-40). Afterward, he probably hoped that Jezebel would admit defeat and stop her … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Backsliding, Change, Choices, Courage, Depression, Disobedience, Faith, Fear, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Obedience, Persecution, Problems, Service, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment