Category Archives: Discernment

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

Royce’s World Civilizations Textbook

Posted on September 21, 2019 by russellmckinney

Royce, our eighteen-year-old son, is currently attending the local community college. He’s in the general-education program, the idea being that he will complete that two-year program and then transfer to a four-year school. Okay, so far so good. He comes … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Current Events, Discernment, Parenting, Personal, Scripture, The Bible, Truth, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Your Mind Is Like a Hotel

Posted on September 16, 2019 by russellmckinney

One writer has compared our minds to a hotel. The hotel manager cannot keep a problem person from entering the lobby, but he can keep that person from getting a room and staying there. Similarly, you cannot cannot keep a … Continue reading →

Posted in Discernment, Discipleship, Entertainment, Music, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Separation, Temptation | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

“Christian Verses” Podcast: Philippians 4:13

Posted on August 25, 2019 by russellmckinney

The verse for this week’s “Christian Verses” podcast is Philippians 4:13. Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” But just exactly what “things” was he referring to? Join Malcolm Woody and me as we discuss … Continue reading →

Posted in "Christian Verses" podcast, Discernment, God's Provision, God's Will | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Is God Calling You to Deal with a Problem?

Posted on August 22, 2019 by russellmckinney

David Livingston, the legendary missionary to Africa, was a man who understood that some jobs God asks us to do aren’t for the faint of heart. On the subject of Livingstone’s work in Africa, one man wrote him, “I would … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Change, Choices, Courage, Discernment, God's Will, God's Work, Problems, Service | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Spiritual Gifts Does the Bible Name?

Posted on August 7, 2019 by russellmckinney

Series: “Spiritual Gifts” (post #2) To find out what spiritual gifts the Bible names, you have to consult three separate passages of scripture. The passages are Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-30, and Ephesians 4:7-16. By combining the lists from all … Continue reading →

Posted in Discernment, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, God's Work, Individuality, Leadership, Mercy, Ministry, Pastors, Preaching, Series: "Spiritual Gifts", Service, Speaking in Tongues, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Warfare, Teaching, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments