Category Archives: Discipleship

Wandering Around

Posted on October 23, 2026 by russellmckinney

In his daily devotional book, The Believer’s Code, O.S. Hawkins offers an excellent word about sheep. He writes: Have you ever been to a circus? If so, you probably saw an array of trained animals. Huge elephants can be trained … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Commitment, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Eternity, Faithfulness, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Good Works, Heaven, Human Life, Individuality, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Sacrifice, Sanctification, Service, Submission, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dead IN Sin or Dead TO Sin?

Posted on October 15, 2026 by russellmckinney

One little word can make a big difference. A Biblical example of this is found in the salvation experience. The difference is the difference between the words “in” and “to.” Ephesians 2:1-5 and Colossians 2:13 teach that each of us … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Baptism, Belief, Commitment, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Work, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When False Teeth Become a Problem

Posted on October 2, 2026 by russellmckinney

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16, N.K.J.V.) In his booklet How to Kill a Church Without Really … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Business, Character, Church, Church Attendance, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Drugs, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Gambling, God's Holiness, God's Work, Holiness, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy, Influence, Lying, Making Restitution, Money, Personal Holiness, Racism, Repentance, Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, Sex, Sin, Temptation, The Tongue, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Church Attendance Decline

Posted on September 30, 2026 by russellmckinney

A school teacher told her students to bring an item that represented their religious faith. The little Jewish boy brought a menorah. The little Catholic boy brought a crucifix. The little Baptist boy brought a casserole. Speaking as a Baptist … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Church, Church Attendance, Current Events, Discipleship, Entertainment, Evangelism, God's Word, God's Work, Intercessory Prayer, Ministry, Salvation, Scripture, Sunday School, Teaching, The Bible, The Gospel, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Ministering to Lost People

Posted on September 25, 2026 by russellmckinney

And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. (Matthew 5:41, N.K.J.V.) This verse has nothing to do with putting in the extra hours required to become a success in the business world. Neither does it have … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Character, Commitment, Complaining, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Evangelism, Extending Forgiveness, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Good Works, Humility, Influence, Ministry, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Problems, Revenge, Service, Suffering, The Sermon On The Mount, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Would You Give Up for Jesus?

Posted on September 11, 2026 by russellmckinney

One day a certain ruler, probably a ruler in a local synagogue, came to Jesus with a question. This ruler was young (Matthew 19:20), wealthy (Matthew 19:22), and lived a moral life by striving to keep God’s commandments (Matthew 19:17-20). … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Brokenness, Business, Change, Choices, Commitment, Decisions, Desires, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Will, Greed, Idolatry, Individuality, Money, Obedience, Politics, Priorities, Prosperity, Sacrifice, Service, Sports, Stewardship, Submission | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Christians Bringing a Touch of Christ’s Kingdom to Earth

Posted on September 3, 2026 by russellmckinney

Series: “Christ’s Kingdom” (post #5) Jesus spent His three-and-a-half-year earthly ministry bringing a touch of His heavenly kingdom to the earth. Then, after being crucified, He resurrected and ascended back to heaven. This left a gaping hole in regards to … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Anger, Character, Discernment, Discipleship, Disobedience, Divorce, Divorce & Remarriage, Doing Good, Extending Forgiveness, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Giving, God's Provision, God's Will, God's Word, God's Work, Good Works, Influence, Lust, Marriage, Ministry, Needs, Obedience, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Priorities, Prosperity, Reconciliation, Revenge, Reward, Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, Scripture, Series: "Christ's Kingdom", Service, Temptation, The Bible, The Heart, The Old Testament Law, The Sermon On The Mount, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Jesus Has a Kingdom

Posted on August 24, 2026 by russellmckinney

Series: “Christ’s Kingdom” (post #1) Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Birth, Christ's Death, Christ's Miracles, Christ's Resurrection, Discipleship, Eternity, Heaven, Series: "Christ's Kingdom" | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Does God Want You to Get Out of the Way or Get Involved?

Posted on August 12, 2026 by russellmckinney

Does God want the Christian to stay out of the way and let Him sovereignly bring His will to pass? Or does He want to actually use the Christian to bring that will to pass? The answers to these questions … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Choices, Decisions, Discernment, Discipleship, Dying To Self, God's Omnipotence, God's Guidance, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, God's Work, Obedience, Parenting, Prayer, Problems, Service, Submission, The Holy Spirit, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Letting Jesus Use You

Posted on August 10, 2026 by russellmckinney

A little girl was prepped and ready for a dangerous operation that could potentially end in her death. In his efforts to comfort her the surgeon said, “Before we can make you well we must first put you to sleep.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Evangelism, Faithfulness, God's Work, Good Works, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Service, Witnessing, Work | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment