Category Archives: Belief

Behind the Times

Posted on June 17, 2026 by russellmckinney

A devout old Christian was visited by his grandson who was on Spring Break from college. “How are you doing, Gramps?” asked the grandson. “Fine, just fine,” said the old man. “How is school going?” the old man asked. Are … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Aging, Atheism, Belief, Bible Study, Capital Punishment, Children, Coming Judgment, Commitment, Creation, Current Events, Discernment, Discipleship, Discipline, Doctrine, Elderly, Eternity, Faithfulness, Family, Fatherhood, God's Holiness, God's Omnipotence, God's Sovereignty, God's Word, Government, Heaven, Hell, Homosexuality, Husbands, Marriage, Motherhood, Salvation, Scripture, The Bible, The Death Penalty, The Gospel, Trusting In God, Truth, Wisdom, Wives, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Lord Our Provider

Posted on May 27, 2026 by russellmckinney

Series: “The Names of God” (post #2) Most Bible readers know the story of God testing Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering (Genesis 22:1-19). What isn’t so well known is that the story … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Christ's Birth, Christ's Death, Christ's Miracles, Christ's Resurrection, Crucifixion, Eternal Security, Eternity, Forgiveness, God's Love, God's Wrath, God's Mercy, God's Name, God's Provision, Grace, Heaven, Hell, Needs, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Sacrifice, Salvation, Series: "The Names of God", Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

If in This Life Only…

Posted on April 28, 2026 by russellmckinney

Sometimes you’ll hear a preacher make the statement, “Even if there is no heaven, the benefits you receive in this life make it worth it to follow Jesus.” I remember saying this myself a time or two in my younger … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Bible Study, Christ's Resurrection, Church Attendance, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Eternity, Forgiveness, Heaven, Missions, Money, Pastors, Prayer, Preaching, Revenge, Reward, Sacrifice, Salvation, Service, Stewardship, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Can Prayer Change God’s Mind?

Posted on April 8, 2026 by russellmckinney

A reader, Paula Jarvis Garland, wrote to me: “Here’s my question: If everything is predestined, then how does prayer change things? Can our prayers cause God to change his mind?” The question is actually two questions, one concerning predestination and … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Desires, Election, Eternal Security, Eternity, Faith, God's Omnipotence, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, God's Work, Heaven, Influence, Man's Freewill, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Reward, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The 12 Hours of Good Friday

Posted on April 3, 2026 by russellmckinney

In the Jerusalem of Christ’s day, time could be reckoned according to the Jewish system or the Roman system. Both were commonly used. A 24-hour day in the Jewish system began at 6:00 p.m. sundown and ended at 6:00 p.m. … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Crucifixion, Easter, Good Friday, Sacrifice, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

They Should Have Known

Posted on March 30, 2026 by russellmckinney

Consider the following passages (all from the N.K.J.V., emphasis mine): As we read these passages, it’s hard to understand why the apostles didn’t expect Jesus to resurrect. Even if they didn’t believe His predictions when they first heard them, shouldn’t they … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Doubt, Easter, Resurrection, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Rightly Understanding Peter’s Answer

Posted on February 16, 2026 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #4) Peter’s Pentecost sermon, which was the first sermon of the church age, caused his listeners to ask, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). His answer was, “Repent, and be baptized, every one … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Bible Study, Catholicism, Church, Discernment, Evangelism, Faith, God's Work, Repentance, Salvation, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem" | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Peter’s Famous Answer

Posted on February 13, 2026 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #3) To say that Peter’s Pentecost sermon was powerful and impacting would be an understatement. His listeners were so “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37, N.K.J.V.) that he didn’t even have to give an … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Bible Study, Discernment, Evangelism, Faith, Forgiveness, Repentance, Salvation, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem", Speaking in Tongues, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Beginning of the Church Age

Posted on February 9, 2026 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #1) What we call the “church age” began on the Jewish feast day known as Pentecost that is described in Acts chapter 2. It was on that day that God the Holy Spirit … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Church, God's Work, Salvation, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem", The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are You Taking Your Stand with God’s Revealed Truth?

Posted on January 23, 2026 by russellmckinney

One day a teacher set up a telescope in his classroom so that his students could view a certain planet and its moons. The students lined up to peer into the telescope, and one by one each student confidently affirmed … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Belief, Bible Study, Choices, Courage, Criticism, Discernment, Doubt, Faith, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Word, Homosexuality, Personal, Rebellion, Satan, Scripture, The Bible, The Devil, Trusting In God, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment