Category Archives: Choices

God’s Worst Form of Earthly Judgment

Posted on November 4, 2016 by russellmckinney

Okay, quick, name the worst judgment that God ever inflicted upon someone. If you answered, “Sending that person to hell,” give yourself a gold star. After all, there simply cannot be anything worse than eternal judgment. But eternal judgment involves … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Death, Decisions, Depravity, Desires, Disobedience, Faithfulness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Homosexuality, Human Life, Idolatry, Lesbianism, Lust, Obedience, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sex, Sin, The Heart, The Sin Unto Death, The Unpardonable Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

One Reason Why God’s Will Rarely Gets Done

Posted on October 25, 2016 by russellmckinney

Suppose I wake up tomorrow morning and God burdens me to spend the day working on a new sermon based on John 3:16. Okay class, how many individuals are involved with me either doing God’s will by preparing that sermon … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Church, Criticism, Discernment, Disobedience, Doing Good, Doubt, Dying To Self, God's Will, Obedience, Pastors, Personal, Prayer, Preaching, Rebellion, Reconciliation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

False Expectations

Posted on October 11, 2016 by russellmckinney

During the period of my late teens and early twenties, I spent four years working at Bakersville Quick Mart, a convenience store in my hometown. My job there entailed a wide variety of duties: pump gas, run the cash register, … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Choices, Disappointment, God's Will, Humor, Personal, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Is God Good All the Time? (post 2 of 3)

Posted on October 7, 2016 by russellmckinney

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…” Genesis 1:31 (N.K.J.V.) “Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father…” James 1:17 (N.K.J.V.) In 1st Peter 3:15, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Backsliding, Choices, Demons, Depravity, Disobedience, God's Chastening, God's Holiness, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, God's Sovereignty, Justice, Problems, Rebellion, Satan, Series: "Is God Good All the Time?", Sin, Spiritual Warfare, Temptation, The Devil, War | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Diving Deep Into the Subject of God’s Will

Posted on January 16, 2013 by russellmckinney

I placed my belief in Jesus as my Savior when I was a young boy. That belief was sincere and legitimate, which meant that God the Holy Spirit took up permanent residence inside my body and I was thus “born … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Christ's Death, Decisions, Disappointment, Disobedience, Dying To Self, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Will, Human Life, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Rebellion, Reward, Sin, Submission, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

You would be correct to label me a big fan of the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. I’ve seen every episode many times and have also seen every big-screen movie based upon the series. While I enjoy the … Continue reading →

Posted on January 4, 2013 by russellmckinney | 2 Comments

The Greatest Commandment

Posted on October 11, 2012 by russellmckinney

A group of men went deer hunting. After setting up camp, they separated into pairs to do their hunting. Bob and Joe paired up to hunt together, and Joe killed a huge 10-point buck. Bob then volunteered to help him … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Commitment, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Humor, Idolatry, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Sanctification, Service, The Heart, Worship | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Turning the Other Cheek

Posted on October 2, 2012 by russellmckinney

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Character, Choices, Discipleship, Doing Good, Extending Forgiveness, Influence, Persecution, Personal, Revenge, Sports, The Sermon On The Mount | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Simple Test for Standards

Posted on September 17, 2012 by russellmckinney

You’ve probably noticed that Christians have wildly different standards when it comes to matters of personal holiness. Sometimes these differences stem from nothing more than the generation gap. Other times they are created by the varying diversities of local cultures. … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Christian Liberty, Conscience, Decisions, Discernment, Doubt, Dress and Appearance, Entertainment, Faith, God's Guidance, God's Will, Guilt, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Lesson From Nob

Posted on September 13, 2012 by russellmckinney

Even those who criticize the Bible have to admit that it doesn’t shy away from painting its characters warts and all. Is Noah the man of obedience and faith who saved the human race from extinction? Yes (Genesis chapters 6-8). … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Character, Choices, Decisions, Desires, Disobedience, Gambling, Gluttony, Homosexuality, Influence, Lesbianism, Lust, Lying, Rebellion, Sin, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment