Category Archives: Grace

You Need Jesus as a Savior More Than as an Example

Posted on September 6, 2012 by russellmckinney

There is a mindset that exalts Jesus as merely being the ultimate example of human potential. Those who hold to this mindset talk about Him as the great teacher and the ideal role model, but they express doubt about His … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Christ's Death, Church, Depravity, Faith, Forgiveness, God's Holiness, God's Love, Grace, Preaching, Repentance, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Wonder of Being Childlike

Posted on March 26, 2012 by russellmckinney

My oldest son, Ryan, was a freshman on his high school’s j.v. baseball team, and the team had an away game against a school that was located an hour and a half away. So, I made the drive to watch … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Belief, Children, Desires, Faith, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Provision, God's Will, Grace, Needs, Parenting, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Sports, Trusting In God, Worry, Youth | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How You Get In

Posted on August 23, 2011 by russellmckinney

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, N.K.J.V.) Dr. Thomas John Barnardo was revered in London for his work with … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Christ's Death, Forgiveness, God's Holiness, God's Love, God's Mercy, Grace, Heaven, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why the Christian Will Be in Heaven

Posted on August 8, 2011 by russellmckinney

“Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Christ's Death, Eternal Security, Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, God's Love, God's Provision, Grace, Heaven, Praise, Salvation, Thankfulness, The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Recalculating

Posted on July 27, 2011 by russellmckinney

In my last post, I mentioned G.P.S. systems as examples of the otherworldly technology that now passes for our normal, everyday lives. I remember the first time that Tonya and I used one of those systems for our family’s vacation … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Disobedience, God's Love, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Grace, Obedience, Repentance, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Mona Lisa

Posted on June 21, 2011 by russellmckinney

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17, N.K.J.V.) In 1911, the famous Mona Lisa painting was stolen … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Complaining, Contentment, Covetousness, God's Love, God's Provision, Grace, Praise, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Does God Hear the Prayers of Lost People? (part 3)

Posted on April 13, 2011 by russellmckinney

The New Testament stories of God hearing the prayers of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48) and the tax collector from Christ’s parable (Luke 18:9-14) shouldn’t surprise us. I say that because even in the Old Testament we find examples of God showing … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Children, Grace, Humility, Mercy, Prayer, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Does God Hear the Prayers of Lost People? (part 2)

Posted on April 12, 2011 by russellmckinney

In Luke 18:9-14, we find another example of a lost man who, like Cornelius, had God hear his sincere prayer. His prayer is what some call “the sinner’s prayer.” Actually, the man isn’t a literal person but is, instead, merely … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Grace, Humility, Mercy, Prayer, Salvation, Series: "Does God Hear the Prayers of Lost People?" | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Foolish Prince

Posted on March 21, 2011 by russellmckinney

A prince left the ease and safety of his father’s castle in order to seek adventure in the world. He left all his riches behind and eventually reached such a low state that he was forced to dress in rags … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Backsliding, Change, Children, Disobedience, Dress and Appearance, Eternal Security, God's Love, God's Provision, Grace, Husbands, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, Wives, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Does God Love You? Yes!

Posted on February 25, 2011 by russellmckinney

Consider a father holding his beautiful baby. Which person in the scene loves the other more? Obviously, the father loves the baby more than the baby loves the father. If the baby is stricken with pain one night, the father … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Fatherhood, God's Love, Grace, Love, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment