Category Archives: Salvation

Working Out Your Own Salvation

Posted on December 26, 2016 by russellmckinney

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12, N.K.J.V.) A man bought an acreage of hilly … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Work, Ministry, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Salvation, Service, Sin, Temptation, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Worst Form of Earthly Judgment

Posted on November 4, 2016 by russellmckinney

Okay, quick, name the worst judgment that God ever inflicted upon someone. If you answered, “Sending that person to hell,” give yourself a gold star. After all, there simply cannot be anything worse than eternal judgment. But eternal judgment involves … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Death, Decisions, Depravity, Desires, Disobedience, Faithfulness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Homosexuality, Human Life, Idolatry, Lesbianism, Lust, Obedience, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sex, Sin, The Heart, The Sin Unto Death, The Unpardonable Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How’s Your Driving These Days?

Posted on October 29, 2016 by russellmckinney

Lee Strobel, a Christian apologist and author, tells about a police officer who pulled over a car that was traveling at a strangely low speed. As the officer approached the driver’s window, he noticed that the car was full of … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Bible Study, Faith, God's Word, Preaching, Repentance, Salvation, Scripture, Teaching, The Bible, Truth | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Is God Good All the Time? (post 3 of 3)

Posted on October 9, 2016 by russellmckinney

“The Lord is good to all…” Psalm 145:9 “…No one is good but One, that is, God…” Matthew 19:17 With this post I’ll finish up my series “Is God Good All the Time?” In the first post, I explained why … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Adultery, Adversity, Belief, Capital Punishment, Christ's Second Coming, Christ's Return, Coming Judgment, Death, Depravity, Faith, God's Chastening, God's Holiness, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Timing, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Hell, Homosexuality, Justice, Prophecy, Rebellion, Salvation, Satan, Series: "Is God Good All the Time?", Sin, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Death Penalty, The Devil, Trusting In God, War | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The One Advantage of Getting Saved Later in Life

Posted on February 26, 2013 by russellmckinney

In my opinion, it’s difficult for a child who places his or her faith in Christ to properly understand God’s grace. Mind you that I’m not saying a child can’t experience salvation and thus access that grace. I myself was … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Evangelism, Grace, Salvation, Sin, Sunday School, Witnessing, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Changed Heart

Posted on November 13, 2012 by russellmckinney

Each year at this time thousands of people participate in Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program. The names of the children of inmates are placed as “angel ornaments” on Christmas trees in churches, businesses, and shopping malls. Along with each name … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Change, Children, Christmas, Christmas Traditions, Doing Good, God's Word, God's Work, Grace, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Motherhood, Restoration, Salvation, Scripture, The Gospel, The Heart | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Mayonnaise Jar

Posted on November 9, 2012 by russellmckinney

A philosophy professor stood before his class and began an object lesson. First, he sat an empty mayonnaise jar on the table in front of him. Next, he brought out a box of rocks that were each about two inches … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Dying To Self, Family, Friendship, God's Will, Human Life, Needs, Priorities, Salvation, Sanctification, Service | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

An Important Context

Posted on October 16, 2012 by russellmckinney

We Christians are very familiar with Philippians 4:13, where the apostle Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” But how many of us correctly understand the context for this classic verse? Trust me, the context … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adversity, Alcohol, Attitude, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Divorce, Drugs, Encouragement, Fear, Gambling, Inner Peace, Joy, Needs, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Salvation, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Temptation, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Pocket Watch Theology

Posted on August 7, 2012 by russellmckinney

Civil War veteran Colonel Robert Ingersoll was the foremost orator of his time. In the years following the war, he traveled the country and delivered long-winded lectures (sometimes more than three hours in length) to packed audiences. He spoke on … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Evangelism, God's Love, God's Mercy, Ministry, Salvation, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment