Category Archives: Christ’s Death

Life Is a Vapor, But Then What?

Posted on October 6, 2009 by russellmckinney

I got the call yesterday morning that a faithful member of our church passed away during the night. What made the news so shocking was the fact that Bill had seemed fine Sunday morning. He and his wife, Celeine, had taken their usual … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Christ's Death, Coming Judgment, Death, Evangelism, Heaven, Hell, Salvation, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Got Your Baptismal Certificate with You?

Posted on July 28, 2009 by russellmckinney

The two ordinances that God has given the church are the Lord’s Supper and Believer’s Baptism. The Lord’s Supper points us to Christ’s death, and Believer’s Baptism points us to His resurrection. Each ordinance hinges upon a right understanding of … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Backsliding, Baptism, Character, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Commitment, Conviction, Crucifixion, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Dying To Self, Eternity, Faithfulness, Holiness, Hypocrisy, Idolatry, Lust, Lying, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Racism, Rebellion, Repentance, Sin, Temptation, The Lord's Supper | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Blessing of Changing a Sermon

Posted on July 15, 2009 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 , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Runaway Child

Posted on May 23, 2009 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, Rebellion, Salvation, Sin, Spanking | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why God Hates Gambling

Posted on May 12, 2009 by russellmckinney

God hates gambling. Perhaps your response to that simple statement is, “But what’s wrong with me having a little fun? I can buy a lottery ticket every now and then, go to a casino a couple of weekends a year, … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Christ's Death, Christian Liberty, Contentment, Gambling, God's Will, Greed, Money, Personal Holiness, Prosperity, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Costly Salvation

Posted on May 6, 2009 by russellmckinney

The great preacher G. Campbell Morgan was once approached by a miner who said, “I would give anything to believe that God will forgive sins, but I cannot believe He will forgive me if I just turn to Him. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, Crucifixion, Good Friday, Salvation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Good Friday

Posted on April 10, 2009 by russellmckinney

Today is Good Friday, so called because this is the day we honor Christ’s death on the cross. The traditional timeline puts Jesus on the cross the Friday before Easter (Resurrection) Sunday. I use the words “traditional timeline” because there are other possible timelines. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, Crucifixion, Good Friday | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

God’s Chemistry

Posted on April 7, 2009 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 , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments