Category Archives: Forgiveness

Peter’s Famous Answer

Posted on February 13, 2026 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #3) To say that Peter’s Pentecost sermon was powerful and impacting would be an understatement. His listeners were so “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37, N.K.J.V.) that he didn’t even have to give an … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Bible Study, Discernment, Evangelism, Faith, Forgiveness, Repentance, Salvation, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem", Speaking in Tongues, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Everyday Evidences of Adam & Eve’s Fall (post #2)

Posted on January 14, 2026 by russellmckinney

After God had spoken His words of judgment against the serpent and Satan, He turned His attention to Eve. Even though she had been legitimately deceived by Satan (2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:14), she still had to suffer the … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bible Study, Children, Choices, Christ's Death, Disobedience, Eternity, Forgiveness, God's Holiness, Heaven, Hell, Husbands, Man's Freewill, Marriage, Obedience, Rebellion, Salvation, Series: "Everyday Evidences of Adam & Eve's Fall", Sin, Submission, Temptation, The Bible, Wives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Going Back Home

Posted on January 1, 2026 by russellmckinney

New York’s Bowery Mission was founded in 1879 and still serves today as a rescue mission and men’s shelter. Sam Hadley was once the superintendent there and told a certain story about the place. I’d like to share that story … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Addiction, Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Belief, Brokenness, Change, Children, Confession, Conviction, Disobedience, Family, Fatherhood, Fear, Forgiveness, God's Love, Grace, Guilt, Love, Missions, New Year, Parenting, Problems, Rebellion, Reconciliation, Repentance, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, Youth | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What Satan Did to Joshua: Accusation

Posted on September 1, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” (post #7) Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan: “The Lord rebuke … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, Demons, Eternal Security, Forgiveness, Grace, Salvation, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Spiritual Warfare, The Devil | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Charcoal Fire

Posted on June 25, 2025 by russellmckinney

Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. (John 18:18, N.A.S.V.) On the night of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Brokenness, Forgiveness, Grace, Mercy, Ministry, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Seeking Forgiveness, Service, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Dying in Your Sins

Posted on June 11, 2025 by russellmckinney

If the thought of dying in your sins sounds terrifying to you, it should. What follows such a death is the lifting up of the eyes in hell (Luke 16:23) as the body goes to the grave and the soul … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Choices, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Death, Eternity, Forgiveness, God's Provision, Heaven, Hell, Needs, Salvation, Sin, The Gospel | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An Interesting Question

Posted on May 2, 2025 by russellmckinney

I once ministered to an elderly man, a member of my church, who was dying from various health issues. During one of our visits, he asked me a question that no one had ever asked me. His question was, “If … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Belief, Doubt, Eternal Security, Evangelism, Faith, Forgiveness, God's Work, Grace, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Salvation, Service, Sin, The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Oak Tree’s Fall

Posted on April 21, 2025 by russellmckinney

In the center of a town stood a giant oak tree that had been planted there many decades earlier to mark the founding of the town. The tree was massive and had proven that it could withstand any storm. Through … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Alcohol, Anger, Backsliding, Christ's Death, Conviction, Covetousness, Desires, Disobedience, Drugs, Forgiveness, Gambling, God's Judgment, Guilt, Idolatry, Jealousy, Lust, Lying, Pride, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sex, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Temptation, The Tongue | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Two Different Bible School Meetings

Posted on January 8, 2025 by russellmckinney

After a relatively successful V.B.S. at one of my former churches, I called for a meeting of the teachers and workers who had been involved with the effort. My purpose for the meeting was to assess what had gone well … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Backsliding, Brokenness, Christian Unity, Church, Church Attendance, Confession, Criticism, Extending Forgiveness, Forgiveness, God's Work, Humility, Ministry, Pastors, Personal, Pride, Problems, Reconciliation, Restoration, Worship | 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