Category Archives: Discernment

When a Past Blessing Becomes a Present Problem

Posted on August 17, 2020 by russellmckinney

He removed the high places and broke the sacred pillars, cut down the wooden image and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it, and called … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Choices, Christ's Death, Church, Church Attendance, Decisions, Discernment, God's Will, God's Work, Idolatry | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Price of a Miracle

Posted on August 15, 2020 by russellmckinney

Do you know about the popular website snopes.com? The site describes itself as “the internet’s definitive fact-checking resource.” It was founded by David Mikkelson and his wife Barbara in 1994 as a means whereby people can fact check stories and … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Discernment, Evangelism, God's Work, Lying, Preaching, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Entertainment In This Modern Age

Posted on May 21, 2020 by russellmckinney

“I have the right to do anything,” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” — but not everything is constructive. (1 Corinthians 10:23, N.I.V.) A Christian woman once gave the great preacher … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Christian Liberty, Discernment, Discipleship, Entertainment, Music, Personal, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Separation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Four Answers to Prayer Requests

Posted on May 18, 2020 by russellmckinney

Preachers love to come up with pithy little outlines to describe how God answers prayer requests. So, for today’s post I thought I’d share a couple such examples. Each of these has been passed around so much that I’m not … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Desires, Disappointment, Discernment, Discipleship, God's Love, God's Timing, God's Provision, God's Will, God's Work, Needs, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Don’t All Christians Believe the Same Way?

Posted on May 15, 2020 by russellmckinney

People wonder how sincere Christians can come to such different opinions in regards to what the Bible teaches. Why are there so many denominations? Why are there so many Christian groups? Why are there so many offshoots? Why are there … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Bible Study, Church, Discernment, Discipleship, Doctrine, Eternal Security, Giving, God's Will, God's Word, God's Work, Greed, Marriage, Money, Scripture, The Bible, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pet Verses

Posted on January 4, 2020 by russellmckinney

Why are there so many different denominations, groups, cliques, and movements, with each one claiming the title “Christian”? It is because they all have “pet verses” to which they give favored preference over other verses from scripture. Allow me to … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Baptism, Bible Study, Calvinism, Church Attendance, Discernment, Election, Eternal Security, God's Word, Scripture, The Bible, Truth | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

How Satan Leads Us to Our Own Destruction

Posted on December 7, 2019 by russellmckinney

Noted British pastor Charles Spurgeon once told the story of a preacher who was taking a leisurely stroll through a small village. As the preacher walked along, he saw a farmer leading a herd of pigs down the road. Since … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Decisions, Discernment, God's Will, Satan, Sin, Temptation, The Devil | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Sensibility Required Regarding Doctrine

Posted on November 20, 2019 by russellmckinney

“Right Doctrine For Right Living” series: (post #5) There are certain doctrinal teachings that are absolutely fundamental to authentic Christianity. Stating the matter bluntly, if you don’t believe these doctrines you can’t be a Christian. The hard part, however, is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Second Coming, Christ's Birth, Christ's Death, Christ's Miracles, Christ's Resurrection, Christ's Return, Church, Discernment, Doctrine, Separation, Series: "Right Doctrine For Right Living", Truth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Source of Right Doctrine

Posted on November 13, 2019 by russellmckinney

“Right Doctrine for Right Living” series: (post #2) When you are looking for a church, what should be at the top of your list of criteria? The size of the church? Nope. The location of the church? Nope. The church’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Discernment, God's Word, Scripture, Series: "Right Doctrine For Right Living", The Bible, Truth | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Gamaliel’s Advice

Posted on September 28, 2019 by russellmckinney

“And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Depression, Disappointment, Discernment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Timing, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Perseverance, Preaching, Problems, Prosperity, Reward, Service, Sowing and Reaping, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment