Category Archives: Backsliding

What Satan Did to Ananias & Sapphira: Motivation

Posted on September 12, 2025 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 , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Remember Lot’s Wife

Posted on August 15, 2025 by russellmckinney

When the burgeoning camps of Abraham and his nephew, Lot, became so large the same area could no longer support their flocks, the two men separated (Genesis 13:1-7). Lot took one look at the lush, fertile, well-watered plain of Jordan, … Continue reading →

Posted in Angels, Backsliding, Choices, Coming Judgment, Conscience, Desires, God's Judgment, Homosexuality, Influence, Marriage, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Building With the Right Materials

Posted on July 28, 2025 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 July 23, 2025 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 , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Charcoal Fire

Posted on June 25, 2025 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 , , , , | Leave a comment

A Strange Prayer Request

Posted on June 9, 2025 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

An Interesting Question

Posted on May 2, 2025 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

The Flesh & its Drag Effect

Posted on April 25, 2025 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 April 23, 2025 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 , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Oak Tree’s Fall

Posted on April 21, 2025 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