Category Archives: Grace

The Cursed Crown

Posted on April 2, 2021 by russellmckinney

Crowns have historically been the ultimate sign of power and authority. Only kings and queens get to legitimately wear legitimate crowns. The most valuable crown in the world these days is St. Edward’s Crown, which is the centerpiece of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Coming Judgment, Creation, Depravity, Easter, Encouragement, God's Judgment, God's Sovereignty, Good Friday, Grace, Perseverance, Problems, Prophecy, Reward, Salvation, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

So-So

Posted on March 29, 2021 by russellmckinney

In Jones county, Mississippi, there is a little town called Soso. There are different stories regarding how the town got its name. One says that an early settler of the area used to always reply, “So-so” whenever someone asked him … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Christ's Death, Complaining, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Holiness, God's Love, God's Mercy, God's Work, Grace, Ministry, Obedience, Perseverance, Priorities, Repentance, Sacrifice, Salvation, Sanctification, Service, Suffering, Thankfulness | 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

What Charles Blondin Has to Do with Salvation

Posted on February 1, 2021 by russellmckinney

…Even the demons believe — and tremble! (James 2:19, N.K.J.V.) Charles Blondin, whose real name was Jean Francois Gravelet, was a French acrobat who became world renowned as a tightrope walker during the latter half of the 1800s. He began … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Commitment, Faith, Grace, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

Posted on January 11, 2021 by russellmckinney

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1, N.K.J.V.) Some people just have to worry, even when there is nothing happening that is worrisome. They are like the patient in the mental … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Doubt, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Fear, God's Love, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Grace, Inner Peace, Needs, Peace, Problems, Sickness, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A Father’s Sacrifice

Posted on December 5, 2020 by russellmckinney

A pastor stood in the pulpit and spoke of his love for his childhood friend. Afterward, an elderly gentleman stood up from the front pew and walked to the pulpit to speak. He told a story about a father, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Choices, Christ's Death, Evangelism, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Provision, Grace, Parenting, Sacrifice, Salvation | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Knowing Jesus & Being Thankful Should Go Hand in Hand

Posted on November 25, 2020 by russellmckinney

Tony Evans tells the story of two little sisters who were misbehaving badly on Thanksgiving Day. The situation finally reached a point where their father said, “Girls, go to your room. You are not going to be allowed to sit … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Christ's Death, Commitment, Discipleship, Family, Fatherhood, God's Love, Grace, Salvation, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Does God Have Just One Plan to Bless a Person?

Posted on October 26, 2020 by russellmckinney

(“Questions From Israel’s Exodus” series: post #4) Does God have just one plan, custom designed for each person, by which He can pour blessings into that person’s life? No, He doesn’t. If He did, most of us would never see … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Backsliding, Change, Contentment, Disappointment, Divorce, Divorce & Remarriage, Family, God's Love, God's Work, Grace, Perseverance, Problems, Prosperity, Restoration, Series: "Questions From Israel's Exodus", Service, Thankfulness, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A World Filled With George Wilsons

Posted on October 8, 2020 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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Capital Punishment, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, God's Love, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, God's Mercy, Grace, Heaven, Hell, Salvation, The Death Penalty | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment