Category Archives: Church

Blessed by God or Blessed by Satan?

Posted on August 30, 2024 by russellmckinney

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Business, Church, Discernment, God's Work, Money, Problems, Prosperity, Satan, Sowing and Reaping, Spiritual Warfare, Sports, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Respecting God’s Man

Posted on August 16, 2024 by russellmckinney

Then he (Elisha) went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” So he … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Criticism, God's Work, Ministry, Preaching, Spiritual Gifts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

One Reason Why God’s Will Rarely Gets Done

Posted on August 1, 2024 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 , , , , | 1 Comment

Preaching in a Prison

Posted on June 3, 2024 by russellmckinney

On a few occasions in my ministry, I’ve had the privilege of preaching the chapel service at Mountain View Correctional Institution, a prison in our area. I use the word “privilege” because that’s exactly what it always was. What follows … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Church, Extending Forgiveness, Forgiveness, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Music, Personal, Preaching, Salvation, Stewardship, Tithing, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Church Attendance in the Summer

Posted on May 28, 2024 by russellmckinney

Memorial Day in America has long been called “the unofficial beginning of summer.” With that in mind, I’d like to talk to you about the “summer slump” most churches experience in regards to attendance in June, July, and August. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Will, Memorial Day, Pastors, Personal, Priorities, Sports, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mitchell County (We’re Not All Leaving)

Posted on May 17, 2024 by russellmckinney

In March of 2024, the United States Census Bureau released its 2023 county population estimates for North Carolina. Of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 85 of them had either grown in population or at least remained almost identically the same in … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Business, Church, Commitment, Contentment, Current Events, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Will, God's Work, Individuality, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Pastors, Personal, Problems, Prosperity, Service, Submission, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

That’s What Christians Do Now

Posted on May 10, 2024 by russellmckinney

Here’s a piece that was written some time ago by the late Donald E. Wildmon, who at the time was the President of the American Family Association. The piece has been passed around for several years now, and so maybe … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Church, Church Attendance, Current Events, Divorce, Gambling, Government, Homosexuality, Politics, Sex, Sin, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Christianity in Shoe Leather

Posted on March 21, 2024 by russellmckinney

In my previous post, “For His Name’s Sake,” I talked about how a Christian’s conduct has a direct effect upon Christ’s reputation with the lost people of this world. Summing up the situation, a Christian’s sinful conduct does harm to … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Business, Character, Church, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Honesty, Influence, Lying, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Five Good Questions About Water Baptism

Posted on March 6, 2024 by russellmckinney

There is much debate and confusion concerning water baptism. This is sad because the subject is such an important aspect of Christianity. Only by going to the Bible and studying all of the passages that relate to the issue can … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Bible Study, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Church, Conscience, Doctrine, Faith, Obedience, Salvation, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Constantine & Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2023 by russellmckinney

“The Origins of the Christmas Holiday” series (post #2) The previous post served as the beginning of my series on the origins of the traditions of our Christmas holiday. That post explained the winter solstice and the Roman holiday known … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Christ's Birth, Christmas, Christmas Traditions, Church, Series: "The Origins of the Christmas Holiday" | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments