Category Archives: Salvation

Mud

Posted on July 18, 2012 by russellmckinney

Following a summer storm, a mischievous little boy raced outside and proceeded to splash the water out of every mudhole he could find. By the time he was finished, the mudholes were all dry and he was covered in mud … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Change, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Holiness, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Transitioning Into the Afterlife

Posted on July 4, 2012 by russellmckinney

An old Scot lay on his death bed, and his family called for their local minister. As the minister entered the room and sat down in a chair next to the bed, he saw that another chair was pulled up … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Comfort, Death, Discipleship, God's Love, Heaven, Prayer, Reward, Salvation, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

How’s Your Contending?

Posted on June 27, 2012 by russellmckinney

Jude was the earthly half-brother of Jesus. He was also the writer of the Bible’s book of Jude, which is a letter he wrote to his fellow Christians. Jude’s original plan was to build the letter around the subject of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Christian Unity, Courage, Discernment, Discipleship, Doctrine, Faithfulness, God's Word, God's Work, Ministry, Pastors, Preaching, Salvation, Scripture, Service, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

An Unpleasant Truth

Posted on May 7, 2012 by russellmckinney

God gave the prophet Jeremiah a thankless task. Jeremiah was to prophesy, for decades, to his own people of Judah. Those people were a sinful, proud, stiff-necked bunch. Their nation stood on the precipice of being conquered by the Babylonians, … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Change, Character, Coming Judgment, Depravity, Disobedience, God's Judgment, Preaching, Pride, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Preaching in a Prison

Posted on April 26, 2012 by russellmckinney

On a few occasions in my ministry, I’ve had the privilege of preaching the chapel service at Mountain View Correctional Institution, a prison in our area. I use the word “privilege” because that’s exactly what it always was. What follows … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Church, Extending Forgiveness, Forgiveness, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Music, Personal, Preaching, Salvation, Stewardship, Tithing, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Praying in Jesus’ Name (part 6)

Posted on March 22, 2012 by russellmckinney

For the past several posts, I’ve been explaining what all is involved with praying “in Jesus’ name” (John 14:12-14). Thus far we’ve covered the following ground: 1. Praying in Jesus’ name can only be done by a Christian. 2. To … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Birth, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Salvation, Series: "Praying in Jesus' Name" | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Praying in Jesus’ Name (part 1)

Posted on March 9, 2012 by russellmckinney

If you’ve spent much time in church, you’ve no doubt heard someone end a prayer by saying, “And we ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.” But have you ever wondered what all is involved with praying “in Jesus’ name”? … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer, Prayer Requests, Salvation, Series: "Praying in Jesus' Name" | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

A Contest No One Can Win

Posted on January 31, 2012 by russellmckinney

Imagine a contest where the stated goal is: “Jump up and touch the moon.” Contestant #1 is an eighty-year-old woman with a walker. She steps up to the line and gives it all she’s got, but her jump doesn’t even … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Bible Study, Depravity, Eternal Security, Eternity, Faith, Heaven, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making Perception Align with Reality

Posted on January 16, 2012 by russellmckinney

The owner of a candy store noticed that one of his salesgirls would have customers lined up waiting for her even as his other salesgirls stood by doing nothing. Perplexed by this, he went to the girl and asked for … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Backsliding, Change, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Faithfulness, God's Work, Honesty, Hypocrisy, Influence, Missions, Personal Holiness, Righteousness, Salvation, Service, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Now That’s a Good Question

Posted on January 11, 2012 by russellmckinney

A great debate was held between a devout Christian and a staunch atheist. The Christian was allowed to speak first, but without saying a word he simply pulled an orange from his pocket and began to peel it. Then, with … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, God's Love, God's Provision, Salvation, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment