Category Archives: Heaven

God’s Thoughts, Plans, & Love

Posted on June 4, 2022 by russellmckinney

Jeremiah 29:11 is an often-quoted verse. It says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (N.K.J.V.) The Hebrew word translated there as … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Belief, Christ's Death, Crucifixion, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Love, Heaven, Salvation | Leave a comment

A Walking Civil War

Posted on May 20, 2022 by russellmckinney

William Barclay wrote, “Every man is a walking civil war. Within him there is the tension, the division, the battle between right and wrong, between good and evil, between passion and reason, between the instincts and the will.” Truer words … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Choices, Comfort, Covetousness, Disobedience, Doing Good, Encouragement, Eternity, Heaven, Man's Freewill, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Salvation, Sin, Temptation, The Holy Spirit, War | 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

A Family Resemblance

Posted on March 11, 2022 by russellmckinney

Let me shock you: God’s chief characteristic is not love. “Then what is it it?” you ask. Answer: holiness. Psalm 47:8 doesn’t say that God sits upon his “loving” throne. It says that He sits upon His “holy” throne. When Moses … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Character, Disobedience, Fatherhood, God's Holiness, God's Love, Heaven, Hell, Holiness, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Salvation, Sanctification, Sin, Temptation, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Vengeance is Mine,” Says the Lord

Posted on January 13, 2022 by russellmckinney

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” (Hebrews 10:30, N.K.J.V.) If you have any fight in you at all, it can be almost impossible … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Coming Judgment, Disappointment, Forgiveness, God's Timing, God's Judgment, Heaven, Hell, Justice, Persecution, Perseverance, Revenge, Reward, Suffering, The Judgment Seat of Christ, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Keep the Message Simple

Posted on January 10, 2022 by russellmckinney

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Evangelism, God's Work, Heaven, Hell, Ministry, Preaching, The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two Different Agendas

Posted on January 7, 2022 by russellmckinney

When my son Ryan was in high school and trying to get a chance to play college baseball, I took him to a Prospect Camp at a small college in Georgia. The college had a successful DII baseball program, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Disappointment, Discernment, Discipleship, Elderly, Faithfulness, God's Love, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Heaven, Loneliness, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Prosperity, Sanctification, Sickness, Spiritual Warfare, Sports, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Best Present

Posted on December 2, 2021 by russellmckinney

Since Christmas happens in December, I try to weave in some Christmas posts here and there throughout the month. Today I thought I’d share a story that I picked up somewhere along the way a few years ago. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Birth, Christmas, Eternity, Heaven, Salvation | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

God’s Tear Bottles

Posted on October 4, 2021 by russellmckinney

You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? (Psalm 56:8 N.K.J.V.) Life can sure make us cry. We lose loved ones. Disease strikes. Tragedy occurs. We suffer setbacks. We get our hearts … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Disappointment, Encouragement, Eternity, God's Love, Heaven, Suffering | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How Can a Loving God Send Anyone to Hell?

Posted on July 31, 2021 by russellmckinney

“How can a loving God send anyone to Hell?” is a question that has been asked thousands of times down through the years. You yourself have probably asked it at one time or another. One Bible scholar who has left … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, Depravity, Eternity, God's Holiness, God's Love, Heaven, Hell, Rebellion, Salvation, Sin, Submission | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment