Category Archives: Forgiveness

God’s Thoughts, Plans, & Love

Posted on June 4, 2022 by russellmckinney

Jeremiah 29:11 is an often-quoted verse. It says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (N.K.J.V.) The Hebrew word translated there as … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Belief, Christ's Death, Crucifixion, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Love, Heaven, Salvation | Leave a comment

The Blessing of Changing a Sermon

Posted on May 9, 2022 by russellmckinney

On Sunday, July 1st, 2009, I had in mind to preach a sermon on prayer. Specifically, I planned to preach on the so-called “Lord’s Prayer.” But as I began to ease into my studying and preparing for that sermon, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Change, Children, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Disobedience, Forgiveness, Obedience, Parenting, Personal, Preaching, Reward, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Runaway Child

Posted on April 8, 2022 by russellmckinney

One night, when my son Royce was eight years old, my wife Tonya had to chaperon a school dance for a couple of hours. That left me at home with not only Royce but also his older brother Ryan, who … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Belief, Children, Christ's Death, Corporal Punishment, Depravity, Disobedience, Family, Fatherhood, Forgiveness, Humor, Parenting, Personal, Salvation, Sin, Spanking | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Getting Your Toes Stepped On

Posted on March 16, 2022 by russellmckinney

A preacher had just finished a very strong sermon on the subject of sin. One of the officers of his church came to him and asked for a private word in the preacher’s study. Once there, the scolding began. The officer said, “We … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Church, Conviction, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Chastening, God's Holiness, God's Judgment, God's Word, Man's Freewill, Obedience, Pastors, Personal, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Rebellion, Sin, Truth | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

“Vengeance is Mine,” Says the Lord

Posted on January 13, 2022 by russellmckinney

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” (Hebrews 10:30, N.K.J.V.) If you have any fight in you at all, it can be almost impossible … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Coming Judgment, Disappointment, Forgiveness, God's Timing, God's Judgment, Heaven, Hell, Justice, Persecution, Perseverance, Revenge, Reward, Suffering, The Judgment Seat of Christ, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

You Can Be a “Good” Person and Yet Still Be Lost

Posted on December 10, 2021 by russellmckinney

Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Forgiveness, Good Works, Grace, Salvation, The Gospel | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Scarlet Worm

Posted on February 13, 2021 by russellmckinney

But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people. (Psalm 22:6) Early church leaders sometimes called Psalm 22 “the fifth gospel” because it is quoted in the New Testament so many times … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, Crucifixion, Forgiveness, God's Love, God's Mercy, Good Friday, Grace, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Getting Off Your Rock-O-Plane

Posted on February 8, 2021 by russellmckinney

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!’” (Luke 15:17, N.K.J.V.) Many years ago, back when I was 12 or 13 years … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Change, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Love, Grace, Personal, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Salvation, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Good Preaching Doesn’t Have to Take Long

Posted on February 5, 2021 by russellmckinney

Short notice was forcing a pastor to miss the next day’s Sunday morning service, and he needed to find someone to fill the pulpit for him. He called several of his preacher friends, but all of them were already committed … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Return, Church, Forgiveness, God's Provision, Ministry, Needs, Pastors, Prayer, Preaching, Problems, Prophecy, Salvation, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Should the Christian Pray Imprecatory Prayers?

Posted on December 30, 2020 by russellmckinney

The word “imprecatory” means “to invoke evil upon” or “to curse.” In accordance with this definition, many passages from the Bible’s book of Psalms can be accurately described as being imprecatory prayers. Here are seven such examples from a pretty … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Discernment, Discipleship, Forgiveness, Persecution, Prayer, Prayer Requests | Tagged , , | 1 Comment