Category Archives: Balance

Old Bearskin

Posted on August 30, 2011 by russellmckinney

Notre Dame football has had a long and successful history, but it stood the tallest when Knute Rockne was the head coach. From 1918 to 1930, the team’s winning percentage was .881. They lost only twelve games during those thirteen … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Balance, Character, Criticism, God's Love, Humility, Pride, Problems, Prosperity, Sports, Trials | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Church Attendance in the Summer

Posted on August 3, 2011 by russellmckinney

Memorial Day in America has long been called “the unofficial beginning of summer.” With that in mind, I’d like to talk to you about the “summer slump” most churches experience in regards to attendance in June, July, and August. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Will, Memorial Day, Pastors, Personal, Priorities, Sports, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Problem of Trying to Do Too Much

Posted on June 8, 2011 by russellmckinney

A man boasted that he could whip anybody on his street, but no one took him up on his boast. Then he boasted that he could whip anybody in the neighborhood, but no one challenged him on that, either. Finally, … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Choices, Doing Good, God's Will, Service, Work | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Idolatry

Posted on January 22, 2011 by russellmckinney

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21, N.K.J.V.) The Old Testament’s history of Israel is dominated by the Jews committing the sin of idolatry. Even though the first two commandments of Israel’s law prohibited idolatry, the Jews … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Balance, Commitment, Confession, Discipleship, Idolatry, Priorities, Repentance, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Look for the Best

Posted on January 19, 2011 by russellmckinney

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8, N.L.T.) A … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Balance, Complaining, Criticism, Depression, Disappointment, God's Love, God's Provision, Human Life, Leadership, Loneliness, Praise, Problems, Sickness, Suffering, Trials, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Kind of Shape Are You in Spiritually?

Posted on January 7, 2011 by russellmckinney

Christian, perhaps you are one of the hordes of people who have hit the new year full bore with a new diet or workout routine. Well, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But even as you try to get yourself … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Bible Study, Church Attendance, Commitment, Dieting, Discipleship, Giving, New Year, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Sanctification, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Contemporary Vs. Traditional

Posted on January 15, 2010 by russellmckinney

(This article ran in the January, 2010 regional edition of The Blue Ridge Christian News.) At Disciples Road Church, we feature a balanced blend of music. Unlike churches that offer separate traditional and contemporary services, we just throw everybody together and … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Bible Study, Children, King James Only, Music, Scripture, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

God’s Thoughts, Plans, & Love

Posted on November 11, 2009 by russellmckinney

Jeremiah 29:11 is an often-quoted verse. It says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (N.K.J.V.) The Hebrew word translated … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Belief, Christ's Death, Crucifixion, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Love, Heaven, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is the King James Version God’s “Perfect” Word?

Posted on October 28, 2009 by russellmckinney

There are some Christians who staunchly believe the King James Version of the Bible is a “perfect” translation. This belief is called “King James onlyism.” I encountered this belief early on in my pastoral days and have since spent untold … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Bible Study, Discernment, God's Word, King James Only, Pastors, Preaching, Scripture, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Beer and Boycotts

Posted on July 21, 2009 by russellmckinney

Our little town of Spruce Pine recently voted to turn “wet” by allowing the sale of beer and wine inside the city limits. Needless to say, this was major news. Many of the churches of the area banded together and put … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Balance, Christian Liberty, Holiness, Personal, Personal Holiness, Separation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment