Category Archives: Choices

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

Abraham, Ishmael, & Obedience

Posted on September 10, 2012 by russellmckinney

Most of us know the story of how God tested Abraham by asking him to offer up his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-19). However, in Genesis 21:1-21 we find another story in which God asks Abraham to do … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Commitment, Decisions, Desires, Disappointment, Discipleship, Disobedience, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Word, Obedience, Submission, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Be Fooled by Those South Winds

Posted on August 24, 2012 by russellmckinney

The main point of today’s post takes a little bit of time to set up, so I hope you’ll bear with me as I lay all the groundwork. That groundwork involves a brief overview of Acts chapter 27. In that … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Counsel, Deception, Decisions, Discernment, God's Will, Problems, Seeking Advice, Temptation, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting, Weather | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Three Factors in Determining God’s Will

Posted on August 17, 2012 by russellmckinney

Like a lot of preachers, I have an extensive collection of file folders where I keep illustrations. For example, in my “A” files I have folders for: “Abortion,” “Alcoholism,” “America,” “Angels,” “Animal Rights,” “Astrology,” and “Atheism.” Next, the “B” files … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, God's Guidance, God's Will, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What’s Your Weakness?

Posted on August 10, 2012 by russellmckinney

Chuck Swindoll, in his study guide on Samson, makes an excellent point about the value of understanding one’s own weaknesses. He writes: It is important to know your strengths. But it is life-or-death essential to know your weaknesses….it was Samson’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Anger, Backsliding, Choices, Depravity, Discipleship, Drugs, Gambling, Gluttony, Money, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sex, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The Problem With an Unequal Yoke

Posted on August 6, 2012 by russellmckinney

A Christian girl once told Charles Spurgeon, the legendary preacher, that she was about to marry a man who didn’t attend church or make any allegiance whatsoever to Jesus. Spurgeon, true to form, quickly reminded her of the command from … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Choices, Discernment, Discipleship, God's Will, Influence, Marriage, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

“I Am the Joker”

Posted on July 23, 2012 by russellmckinney

Lately, I’ve been preaching a series on the life of Samson. As you might recall, Samson lived his life under the Old Testament law’s Nazirite vow (Judges 13:5, Numbers 6:1-21). That vow had its definite particulars, but a big part … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Choices, Christian Liberty, Current Events, Discipleship, Dress and Appearance, Drugs, Entertainment, Gambling, Influence, Music, Personal Holiness, Separation, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments