Category Archives: Grace

Recalculating

Posted on December 17, 2022 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 , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted on September 23, 2022 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 , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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

Posted on September 21, 2022 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 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Foolish Prince

Posted on August 22, 2022 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 August 1, 2022 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

Is Beautiful Music Coming From You?

Posted on June 22, 2022 by russellmckinney

Old stories are just that: old stories. Some are true and some aren’t. Here’s one that comes from the late seventeenth century. I can’t testify to it’s authenticity, but it’s a good story. As a wealthy man from London was … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Doing Good, God's Love, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Grace, Individuality, Service, Spiritual Gifts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Let’s Get Real

Posted on May 5, 2022 by russellmckinney

I’m fascinated by the story found in Luke 13:10-17. It’s the story of a woman who was stricken with a “spirit of infirmity” for eighteen years. The result of the infirmity was that she was constantly stooped over, unable to … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Complaining, Demons, Depression, Disappointment, Doubt, Grace, Honesty, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Satan, Suffering, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

“Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief”

Posted on April 29, 2022 by russellmckinney

The story of a certain father bringing his demon-possessed son to Jesus is recorded in Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, and Luke 9:37-42. While each of those accounts provides different details about the story, the account that typically gets used as … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Comfort, Faith, Fear, God's Love, Grace, Needs, Personal, Prayer Requests, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Once Saved Always Saved

Posted on March 25, 2022 by russellmckinney

There are a few Bible passages that, upon first glance, seem to indicate that a Christian can lose his salvation. For example, Hebrews 6:4-6 speaks of the possibility that those who were “once enlightened” and have “tasted the heavenly gift” … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Doctrine, Eternal Security, Grace, Heaven, Salvation, Scripture, The Bible | 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