Category Archives: Communication

Popcorn Poppers and Irons

Posted on March 13, 2019 by russellmckinney

Some of us are old enough to remember eating popcorn made from a popcorn popper rather than a microwave. We’re also old enough to remember when people not only owned irons but actually used them. The following story stems from … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Church, Communication, Current Events, Discernment, Evangelism, God's Work, Ministry, Music, Personal, Preaching, Sunday School, The Gospel, Worship | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lies & Dishonest Scales

Posted on November 30, 2018 by russellmckinney

Two college boys foolishly spent the week before their final Physics exam drinking and partying at their off-campus apartment. They didn’t sober up until the morning of the exam, and that’s when it dawned on them how much trouble they … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Character, Communication, Honesty, Lying, Personal Holiness, Work | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Posted on August 10, 2018 by russellmckinney

Colder weather and the holiday season bring an uptick in requests from various causes and ministries. That makes this time of year a good time for a word about “the social gospel.” So, I’d like to use this post to … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Christ's Second Coming, Christ's Miracles, Christ's Return, Communication, Discernment, Doing Good, Evangelism, God's Work, Good Works, Hell, Human Life, Ministry, Missions, Needs, Priorities, Salvation, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Special Antenna

Posted on December 7, 2017 by russellmckinney

As a Christian, I sometimes get frustrated with people who just can’t seem to grasp spiritual issues. No matter how many Bible passages I cite, how many illustrations I use, or how eloquently I explain a subject, these folks simply … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Communication, Discernment, Discipleship, Evangelism, God's Guidance, God's Work, Personal, Salvation, The Holy Spirit, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What’s Your Love Language?

Posted on October 13, 2017 by russellmckinney

My mother attends Calvary Baptist Church in Winston Salem, NC. Dr. Gary Chapman served on staff there for many years, but he is best known as the author of “The Five Love Languages” series of books. The first of those … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Communication, Doing Good, Family, Fatherhood, Friendship, Husbands, Individuality, Love, Marriage, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Reconciliation, Service, Wives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Speak Up Or Shut Up?

Posted on May 31, 2017 by russellmckinney

The Bible is a big, rich, complex book, one that can be used to seemingly prove virtually anything. This is the primary reason why Christian denominations find it impossible to get together 100% on doctrine. Furthermore, to make matters worse, … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Choices, Communication, Complaining, Counsel, Evangelism, God's Timing, God's Will, Influence, The Holy Spirit, The Tongue, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Story From the Lighter Side of Politics

Posted on November 10, 2016 by russellmckinney

In the midst of all the drama, vitriol, and outright rage that now characterizes American politics, allow me to lighten things up a bit with a story from my one and only foray into the political realm. It involves my … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Communication, Humor, Motherhood, Personal, Politics, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Job’s Wife & Her Tongue of Fire

Posted on October 13, 2016 by russellmckinney

The book of Job consists of 1,070 verses and 42 chapters. First, chapters 1 and 2 feature conversations between God and Satan. Second, chapters 3 through 31 feature conversations between Job and Eliphaz, Job and Bildad, and Job and Zophar. … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Complaining, Criticism, Influence, Marriage, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Do Sequoia Trees Have to Do with Christians?

Posted on October 23, 2012 by russellmckinney

Many times, I have ended a conversation with some fellow Christian by saying, “I’ll pray for you, and you pray for me.” As you might guess, these words have come at the end of talks in which we’ve shared our … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Unity, Communication, Friendship, Influence, Ministry, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Seeking Advice, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Everybody Is Not Your Friend

Posted on July 25, 2012 by russellmckinney

The story that I want to use for this post is an old one that has been passed around in preachers’ circles for quite a while. I have no idea whether or not the story is true, and if it … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, Communication, Deception, Discernment, Friendship, Humor, Truth, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments