Category Archives: Sanctification

Worship Is Both an Act and a Lifestyle

Posted on July 17, 2021 by russellmckinney

Famed radio announcer Ted Malone hosted an early-morning radio show. One day he received a note that had been written by a sheepherder in Idaho. The note said, “Will you, on your broadcast, strike the note ‘A’? I’m a sheepherder … Continue reading →

Posted in Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, Obedience, Priorities, Sanctification, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Submission, Talents, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Purifying Yourself From Sin

Posted on June 7, 2021 by russellmckinney

1 John series: (post #10) Some people say, “There’s no way you can know for sure that you are saved because only God knows who is saved and who isn’t.” These folks have surely missed the purpose of the book … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Assurance of Salvation, Christ's Return, Commitment, Death, Discipleship, Elderly, God's Holiness, Heaven, Personal Holiness, Prophecy, Repentance, Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, Separation, Series: "1 John", Sin | 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

A Few Thoughts About Blessings

Posted on January 28, 2021 by russellmckinney

The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it. (Proverbs 10:22, N.K.J.V.) The Bible teaches that God bestows blessings (eternal blessings and earthly blessings) upon people. It also teaches that Satan, when he so … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Will, God's Work, Sanctification, Satan, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Sports, The Devil, Work | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Spiritual Leaders & Preachers’ Kids (post #2 of 2)

Posted on September 5, 2020 by russellmckinney

People tend to think that being called of God to spiritual leadership somehow causes the called to put on a magic cloak that miraculously changes everything about the person. The cloak corrects wrong thinking, fixes longstanding problems, strengthens weaknesses, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Anger, Backsliding, Character, Church, Church Attendance, Current Events, Deacons, Depravity, Family, Forgiveness, God's Work, Hypocrisy, Leadership, Lust, Ministry, Pastors, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Sanctification, Service, Sin, Temptation, The Death Penalty, The Old Testament Law | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Working on Your Real You

Posted on August 19, 2020 by russellmckinney

Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. (Psalm 51:6, N.A.S.V.) Tony Evans has a wonderful illustration involving Michael Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, and Diana Ross. Since all three of … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Character, Confession, Individuality, Sanctification, Truth | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

When Christians Cuss

Posted on June 5, 2020 by russellmckinney

I wasn’t always a preacher, and I must confess that I used to cuss like a sailor. As a matter of fact, when I did become a preacher, a good friend of mine said concerning my cussing, “If Russell Mckinney … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Discipleship, Influence, Personal, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, The Tongue | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Entertainment In This Modern Age

Posted on May 21, 2020 by russellmckinney

“I have the right to do anything,” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” — but not everything is constructive. (1 Corinthians 10:23, N.I.V.) A Christian woman once gave the great preacher … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Christian Liberty, Discernment, Discipleship, Entertainment, Music, Personal, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Separation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is God Doing Anything With You?

Posted on April 25, 2020 by russellmckinney

Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27, N.K.J.V.) Most of us want God to … Continue reading →

Posted in Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Work, Individuality, Influence, Missions, Prayer Requests, Sacrifice, Sanctification, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Vance Havner’s Take on Worldly Christians

Posted on March 6, 2020 by russellmckinney

Vance Havner was born in Jugtown, North Carolina, in 1901, began preaching at the age of 14, and spent the next 70 years preaching, pastoring, writing, and speaking in revival services and Bible conferences. How much of a legend did … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Character, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Work, Holiness, Influence, Persecution, Sacrifice, Salvation, Sanctification, Satan, Separation, Service, Sin, The Devil | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments