Category Archives: God’s Work

Filled With the Spirit

Posted on October 25, 2018 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #5) The group of approximately 120 of Christ’s followers who experienced the famous day of Pentecost were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). This means that each of those believers became indwelt with God … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Disobedience, Doing Good, God's Work, Obedience, Rebellion, Salvation, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem", Spiritual Gifts, The Holy Spirit, The Trinity | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rightly Understanding Peter’s Answer

Posted on October 23, 2018 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #4) Peter’s Pentecost sermon, which was the first sermon of the church age, caused his listeners to ask, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). His answer was, “Repent, and be baptized, every one … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Bible Study, Catholicism, Church, Discernment, Evangelism, Faith, God's Work, Repentance, Salvation, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem" | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Beginning of the Church Age

Posted on October 15, 2018 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #1) What we call the “church age” began on the Jewish feast day known as Pentecost that is described in Acts chapter 2. It was on that day that God the Holy Spirit … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Church, God's Work, Salvation, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem", The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Lesson Samuel Didn’t Learn

Posted on October 10, 2018 by russellmckinney

Of all of Israel’s great spiritual leaders, none rises any higher than Samuel. He was a prophet, a priest, and the last of Israel’s Judges. He personally anointed the nation’s first two kings (Saul and David), and two books from … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Backsliding, Children, Discernment, Discipline, Elderly, Faithfulness, Family, Fatherhood, God's Holiness, God's Work, Headship, Husbands, Influence, Leadership, Marriage, Ministry, Motherhood, Parenting, Pastors, Sin, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Trouble with Power

Posted on October 5, 2018 by russellmckinney

Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, “Not during the … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Character, Church, God's Will, God's Work, Greed, Headship, Leadership, Pastors, Politics, Submission | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The People Had a Mind to Work

Posted on October 3, 2018 by russellmckinney

So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6, N.K.J.V.) The book of Nehemiah tells the story of a Jew named Nehemiah. … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Complaining, Deacons, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Money, Pastors, Sacrifice, Service, Sunday School, Work, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Put on the Whole Armor of God

Posted on September 3, 2018 by russellmckinney

Ephesians 6:10-17 is the famous “armor of God” passage. There Paul tells us that we must put on the whole armor of God if we are to be successful in the midst of spiritual, demonic warfare. That armor consists of: … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Commitment, Deception, Demons, Discernment, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Work, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Righteousness, Salvation, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, The Bible, The Devil, The Gospel, The Heart, Trials, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Depression

Posted on August 22, 2018 by russellmckinney

Depression is a real thing. According to the website http://www.healthline.com, it’s estimated that 21 million adults in the United States have at least one major bout with depression each year. Of course, that number is probably low given the fact … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Brokenness, Depression, Discipleship, Encouragement, God's Work, Humility, Loneliness, Ministry, Perseverance, Preaching, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What I Didn’t Know Back Then

Posted on August 20, 2018 by russellmckinney

I was 27 years old when I accepted what is commonly referred to as “the call to preach.” 32 years have passed now. And what have I learned in those years? I’ve learned what I didn’t know back then. What … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Church Attendance, God's Work, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Service | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Posted on August 10, 2018 by russellmckinney

Colder weather and the holiday season bring an uptick in requests from various causes and ministries. That makes this time of year a good time for a word about “the social gospel.” So, I’d like to use this post to … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Christ's Second Coming, Christ's Miracles, Christ's Return, Communication, Discernment, Doing Good, Evangelism, God's Work, Good Works, Hell, Human Life, Ministry, Missions, Needs, Priorities, Salvation, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment