Category Archives: Character

Ministering to Difficult People

Posted on December 6, 2011 by russellmckinney

New Yorker Stephen Merritt was an interesting guy. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, he served Christ as both a minister and an undertaker. (He was the undertaker for the funeral of Ulysses S. Grant.) In addition to these … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Character, Complaining, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Discipleship, Doing Good, Extending Forgiveness, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Persecution, Revenge, Service, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Baptists, Sacrifices, & Mark Twain

Posted on November 14, 2011 by russellmckinney

A man was robbing a train and came to the seat of a preacher. The robber shoved his gun into the preacher’s chest and said, “Gimme your money.” The preacher said, “But you wouldn’t rob a preacher, would you?” The … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Backsliding, Character, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Drugs, Faithfulness, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sin, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Physical Beauty

Posted on November 9, 2011 by russellmckinney

When I think of physical beauty in women, I think of the Bible’s Esther. She won a national beauty contest and became the Queen of Medo-Persia, the most powerful empire of that day (Esther 2:1-18). Working from that position she … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Character, Dress and Appearance, God's Work, Lust, Personal Holiness, Sex, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Cautionary Tale About Rebellion

Posted on October 5, 2011 by russellmckinney

Sixty-year-old Jan Davis was a professional parachutist. She was also involved in the dangerous sport of “BASE jumping.” “BASE jumping” is leaping off fixed places, plummeting toward the earth for a few seconds, and then pulling your parachute chord. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Backsliding, Character, Choices, Coming Judgment, Decisions, Disobedience, Dying To Self, God's Holiness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Man's Freewill, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Sin, Submission | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Yes, We Know That Man”

Posted on October 4, 2011 by russellmckinney

A missionary assigned to a foreign land zealously embraced his new ministry by promptly telling a crowd of natives about Jesus. He spoke of Christ’s love, compassion, and power to heal. As he spoke, he was surprised to see the … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Discipleship, Doing Good, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Personal Holiness, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves

Posted on September 2, 2011 by russellmckinney

In Matthew chapter 10, we find Matthew’s account of Christ’s commissioning of His chosen twelve. It’s a marvelous chapter to study in terms of basic ministry, bold evangelism, and preaching for a decision. With that said, I’d like to draw … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Balance, Character, Discernment, Discipleship, Evangelism, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Revenge, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Life’s Army Barracks

Posted on August 22, 2011 by russellmckinney

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Character, Courage, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Word, Influence, Obedience, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Scripture, Witnessing, Work, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Examined Yourself Lately?

Posted on August 18, 2011 by russellmckinney

In the closing decades of the 1800s, the world’s most well-known evangelist was a man named D.L. Moody. Moody’s quick wit and humor made him immensely likable. He once met a drunk who was tottering along, barely able to walk. … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Change, Character, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Drugs, Homosexuality, Lust, Lying, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sanctification, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Simple Reminder

Posted on June 16, 2011 by russellmckinney

The drunk who has been marvelously delivered from alcoholism by the power of Christ certainly has a testimony. But so does the Christian who by that same power of Christ has never even tasted alcohol. The adulterer who cheated on … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Alcohol, Character, Church, Discipleship, Doing Good, Marriage, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sin | Tagged , , | Leave a comment