Category Archives: Sin

Swimming at Your Own Risk

Posted on December 26, 2022 by russellmckinney

One summer, when the boys were young, we had one day left on our beach vacation. So, we used that day to give the boys a final opportunity to enjoy the ocean and pool. This had been the first year … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Confession, Disobedience, God's Chastening, God's Judgment, God's Word, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Scripture, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Importance of Speaking Up

Posted on December 13, 2022 by russellmckinney

In the summer of 2011, Tonya and I loaded the boys into the Dodge Caravan and headed down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a vacation. Ryan was fourteen years old at the time and Royce was ten. One experience … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Discipline, Commitment, Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Will, God's Work, Honesty, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Reward, Sanctification, Service, Sin, The Tongue, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Israel & the Old Testament Law

Posted on December 7, 2022 by russellmckinney

M.R. DeHaan was a well known pastor, author, and Bible teacher. He spoke to millions each week through his Radio Bible Class radio ministry. In his Studies in Galatians commentary, he offers a wonderful illustration to explain why God gave His law exclusively to … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Christ's Death, Eternity, Forgiveness, God's Holiness, Good Works, Heaven, Salvation, Sin, The Gospel, The Old Testament Law | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Danger of Silence

Posted on November 18, 2022 by russellmckinney

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Adultery, Coming Judgment, Commitment, Communication, Criticism, Current Events, Doctrine, Doing Good, Drugs, Evangelism, Faithfulness, God's Work, Homosexuality, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Obedience, Persecution, Perseverance, Politics, Preaching, Scripture, Service, Sin, The Bible, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Simple Reminder

Posted on November 4, 2022 by russellmckinney

The drunk who has been marvelously delivered from alcoholism by the power of Christ certainly has a testimony. But so does the Christian who by that same power of Christ has never even tasted alcohol. The adulterer who cheated on … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Alcohol, Character, Church, Discipleship, Doing Good, Marriage, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sin | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Poor Choices

Posted on November 2, 2022 by russellmckinney

Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. (Proverbs 13:15-16, N.I.V.) Two prisoners were on the chain gang digging a ditch. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Decisions, Discernment, God's Will, Humor, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Can a Person Truly Change?

Posted on October 21, 2022 by russellmckinney

Can a person truly change? Mel Trotter did. Trotter was born to a Christian mother and an alcoholic father. By age 19, he was drinking heavily himself as well as gambling. He met and married a young woman and fathered … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Belief, Change, Choices, Depravity, Forgiveness, Gambling, God's Love, God's Work, Husbands, Influence, Marriage, Ministry, Problems, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Test of Prosperity

Posted on September 28, 2022 by russellmckinney

Quick, name the toughest test to pass spiritually. Did you say, “Disease”? Did you say, “The death of a loved one”? Did you say, “Troubles?” Did you say, “Disappointment”? Well, there’s no doubt that none of those tests are spiritual … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Backsliding, Choices, Contentment, Decisions, Desires, Disobedience, Faithfulness, God's Provision, Greed, Lust, Personal Holiness, Prosperity, Sex, Sin, Temptation, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Chain Is Off

Posted on September 5, 2022 by russellmckinney

A mailman was given a new route. His first day he approached the mailbox of a home that had a big German shepherd crouched on the porch. When the mailman put his hand toward the mailbox, the dog started barking … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Choices, Disobedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Foolish Prince

Posted on August 22, 2022 by russellmckinney

A prince left the ease and safety of his father’s castle in order to seek adventure in the world. He left all his riches behind and eventually reached such a low state that he was forced to dress in rags … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Backsliding, Change, Children, Disobedience, Dress and Appearance, Eternal Security, God's Love, God's Provision, Grace, Husbands, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, Wives, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment