Category Archives: Belief

God’s Delays

Posted on June 6, 2022 by russellmckinney

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “God is taking too long,” you come from a large tribe. I, for one, am very impatient. You know that you are impatient when microwaves, fast food restaurants, and remote controls are too slow for you! … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Christ's Miracles, Doubt, Evangelism, Faith, God's Timing, God's Will, Impatience, Patience, Perseverance, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Thoughts, Plans, & Love

Posted on June 4, 2022 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 there as … Continue reading →

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

The Blessing of Changing a Sermon

Posted on May 9, 2022 by russellmckinney

On Sunday, July 1st, 2009, I had in mind to preach a sermon on prayer. Specifically, I planned to preach on the so-called “Lord’s Prayer.” But as I began to ease into my studying and preparing for that sermon, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Change, Children, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Disobedience, Forgiveness, Obedience, Parenting, Personal, Preaching, Reward, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief”

Posted on April 29, 2022 by russellmckinney

The story of a certain father bringing his demon-possessed son to Jesus is recorded in Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, and Luke 9:37-42. While each of those accounts provides different details about the story, the account that typically gets used as … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Comfort, Faith, Fear, God's Love, Grace, Needs, Personal, Prayer Requests, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

My Runaway Child

Posted on April 8, 2022 by russellmckinney

One night, when my son Royce was eight years old, my wife Tonya had to chaperon a school dance for a couple of hours. That left me at home with not only Royce but also his older brother Ryan, who … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Belief, Children, Christ's Death, Corporal Punishment, Depravity, Disobedience, Family, Fatherhood, Forgiveness, Humor, Parenting, Personal, Salvation, Sin, Spanking | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Giants in the Bible

Posted on February 19, 2022 by russellmckinney

Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Belief, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Provision, God's Will, God's Work, Leadership, Needs, Prayer, Problems, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Temptation, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

You Can Be a “Good” Person and Yet Still Be Lost

Posted on December 10, 2021 by russellmckinney

Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Forgiveness, Good Works, Grace, Salvation, The Gospel | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Do You Really Trust God?

Posted on November 26, 2021 by russellmckinney

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Assurance of Salvation, Attitude, Belief, Commitment, Courage, Discipleship, Doubt, Eternal Security, Faith, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Human Life, Needs, Personal, Problems, Sanctification, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

You Can’t Fool Jesus

Posted on July 12, 2021 by russellmckinney

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Christ's Miracles, Discernment, Faith, God's Omniscience, Salvation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Do You Know Jesus as Savior? Or Do You Just Know About Him?

Posted on July 5, 2021 by russellmckinney

I subscribe to a certain Christian publication that recently featured an old sermon from Oswald J. Smith. Smith was a Canadian pastor/church planter/author who is probably best known for founding The Peoples Church in Toronto and serving as the church’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Backsliding, Baptism, Belief, Church, Church Attendance, Church Discipline, Evangelism, Heaven, Repentance, Salvation, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment