Category Archives: Giving

Do It Now

Posted on March 21, 2025 by russellmckinney

Here’s a true story. A church in San Antonio, Texas, committed to a fundraising drive to build a new building. On a chosen Sunday morning, a special offering would be taken up to help toward reaching the monetary goal. Each … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Disobedience, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Will, God's Work, Money, Obedience, Service | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Should a Christian Tithe?

Posted on March 12, 2025 by russellmckinney

Allow me to begin with a list of prominent preachers, pastors, theologians, Christian apologists, and Christian authors, ranging from the early days of the church up through today. Here goes: Justin Martyr (AD 100-AD 165): early church apologist, founder of … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving, Money, The Old Testament Law, Tithing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Jesus: The Cosmic Santa Claus

Posted on March 5, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Jesus You Know” series (post #5) I was licensed to preach in October of 1992 and formally ordained into the ministry in February of 1993. Upon my ordination, I began my first pastorate. So, if we do the math, … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Belief, Bible Study, Covetousness, Desires, Doctrine, Faith, Giving, God's Will, God's Word, Money, Needs, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Preaching, Problems, Prosperity, Scripture, Series: "The Jesus You Know", The Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Two Boys Can Teach Us About Christmas

Posted on December 20, 2024 by russellmckinney

One of my favorite Christmas illustrations is a true story that took place many years ago in Paines Hollow, New York. There was a thirteen-year-old boy who attended Mohawk Central School in that city. One year, at Christmastime, he heard … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Christmas, Giving, Personal, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Some Things to Remember This Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2024 by russellmckinney

An old legend tells that Satan and his demons once threw a Christmas party for themselves. As the party was ending and the demons were heading out to resume their worldwide activity, one demon jokingly said to Satan, “Merry Christmas, … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Christ's Birth, Christmas, Christmas Traditions, Complaining, Divorce, Family, Giving, Husbands, Marriage, Parenting, Wives | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Profound Question

Posted on December 16, 2024 by russellmckinney

A missionary was once asked if he liked his work in Africa. His reply was as follows: Do I like this work? No. My wife and I do not like dirt. We have reasonably refined sensibilities. We do not like … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Will, God's Work, Love, Mercy, Ministry, Perseverance, Problems, Prosperity, Sacrifice, Service, Stewardship, Suffering, Sunday School, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Recovering From Helene

Posted on October 11, 2024 by russellmckinney

It has been over a week since I was able to post anything on the blog, but today I’ve finally got the time and the internet connection to do it. Since my last report, I have worked harder than I … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Christian Unity, Current Events, Doing Good, Evangelism, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Personal, Weather, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

John Wesley’s Pound Notes

Posted on September 20, 2024 by russellmckinney

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. (Titus 3:8, N.K.J.V.) The … Continue reading →

Posted in Doing Good, Encouragement, Giving, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Money, Needs, Service | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Word American Christians Don’t Want to Hear

Posted on July 24, 2024 by russellmckinney

But the Lord said him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Commitment, Courage, Disappointment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Work, Loneliness, Ministry, Money, Parenting, Pastors, Persecution, Perseverance, Preaching, Priorities, Problems, Prosperity, Service, Sports, Stewardship, Suffering, Tithing, Trials | 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