Category Archives: Belief

The Burned Spot

Posted on April 4, 2024 by russellmckinney

In the days when America’s west was being settled, prairie fires were one of the scourges of the land. The very thought of these fires struck terror into the hearts of the people. With dry grass standing high, sometimes as … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Christ's Death, Coming Judgment, Crucifixion, Eternal Security, Forgiveness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Good Friday, Grace, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Five Good Questions About Water Baptism

Posted on March 6, 2024 by russellmckinney

There is much debate and confusion concerning water baptism. This is sad because the subject is such an important aspect of Christianity. Only by going to the Bible and studying all of the passages that relate to the issue can … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Bible Study, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Church, Conscience, Doctrine, Faith, Obedience, Salvation, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Chemistry

Posted on January 19, 2024 by russellmckinney

My yard is currently covered in snow. Living where I do, I’m quite used to the stuff. But there is one thing about snow that always, without exception, takes me by surprise: how bright it is. Every time I pull … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Christ's Death, Confession, Depravity, Forgiveness, God's Holiness, Personal, Sacrifice, Salvation, The Old Testament Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Does Satan Exist?

Posted on January 15, 2024 by russellmckinney

I once watched an interesting debate on the topic: “Does Satan Exist?” The debate was held at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington and featured four speakers. Two argued for the existence of Satan and two argued against it. Arguing … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Bible Study, Discernment, Doubt, Faith, Satan, Scripture, The Bible, The Devil | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

You Need Jesus as a Savior More Than as an Example

Posted on December 1, 2023 by russellmckinney

There is a mindset that exalts Jesus as merely being the ultimate example of human potential. Those who hold to this mindset talk about Him as the great teacher and the ideal role model, but they express doubt about His … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Christ's Death, Church, Depravity, Faith, Forgiveness, God's Holiness, God's Love, Grace, Preaching, Repentance, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Wonder of Being Childlike

Posted on August 9, 2023 by russellmckinney

My oldest son, Ryan, was a freshman on his high school’s j.v. baseball team, and the team had an away game against a school that was located an hour and a half away. So, I made the drive to watch … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Belief, Children, Desires, Faith, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Provision, God's Will, Grace, Needs, Parenting, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Sports, Trusting In God, Worry, Youth | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

How to Handle a Bad Inning

Posted on August 4, 2023 by russellmckinney

At a Little League game, the visiting team had already scored 21 runs and was still batting in the top of the first inning. The mother of the boy playing the position of right fielder began to worry that such … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Belief, Christ's Birth, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Provision, God's Will, Perseverance, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Contest No One Can Win

Posted on July 14, 2023 by russellmckinney

Imagine a contest where the stated goal is: “Jump up and touch the moon.” Contestant #1 is an eighty-year-old woman with a walker. She steps up to the line and gives it all she’s got, but her jump doesn’t even … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Bible Study, Depravity, Eternal Security, Eternity, Faith, Heaven, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Young Man & His Reason

Posted on June 28, 2023 by russellmckinney

A Christian once asked a young man if he wanted to believe in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. The young man answered, “No.” When the Christian asked him to give a reason for his refusal, the young man said: … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Coming Judgment, Death, Evangelism, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Hell, Salvation, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Addiction

Posted on April 10, 2023 by russellmckinney

A group consisting of linguists and animal trainers set about to train a chimpanzee to talk. For years they pampered the chimp and taught him different sounds. Finally, the day came when he was to verbalize his first words. With … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Backsliding, Belief, Change, Desires, Gambling, Gluttony, Homosexuality, Lust, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Restoration, Salvation, Sex, Sin, Slavery, Temptation, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment