Category Archives: Sin

A Simple Test for Standards

Posted on September 17, 2012 by russellmckinney

You’ve probably noticed that Christians have wildly different standards when it comes to matters of personal holiness. Sometimes these differences stem from nothing more than the generation gap. Other times they are created by the varying diversities of local cultures. … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Christian Liberty, Conscience, Decisions, Discernment, Doubt, Dress and Appearance, Entertainment, Faith, God's Guidance, God's Will, Guilt, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Lesson From Nob

Posted on September 13, 2012 by russellmckinney

Even those who criticize the Bible have to admit that it doesn’t shy away from painting its characters warts and all. Is Noah the man of obedience and faith who saved the human race from extinction? Yes (Genesis chapters 6-8). … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Character, Choices, Decisions, Desires, Disobedience, Gambling, Gluttony, Homosexuality, Influence, Lesbianism, Lust, Lying, Rebellion, Sin, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , | 1 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

J.C. Penney & Chick-fil-A

Posted on August 15, 2012 by russellmckinney

For eight-and-a-half years, I pastored a non-denominational church that I started. Some Sundays, as a part of our services, I would describe an everyday situation and ask, “What would Jesus have us do in this situation?” My original plan for … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Balance, Bible Study, Church, Current Events, Discipleship, Doing Good, Evangelism, Faithfulness, God's Word, God's Work, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy, Marriage, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Scripture, Sex, Sin, The Bible, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

What’s Your Weakness?

Posted on August 10, 2012 by russellmckinney

Chuck Swindoll, in his study guide on Samson, makes an excellent point about the value of understanding one’s own weaknesses. He writes: It is important to know your strengths. But it is life-or-death essential to know your weaknesses….it was Samson’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Anger, Backsliding, Choices, Depravity, Discipleship, Drugs, Gambling, Gluttony, Money, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sex, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

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

The Matter of Uriah the Hittite

Posted on June 11, 2012 by russellmckinney

One night a man got drunk and ended up in a bar fight during which he received several cuts and bruises to his face. When he got home, he stood in front of the bathroom mirror and tried his best … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Backsliding, Change, Character, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Chastening, God's Judgment, Guilt, Lying, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Born Liars

Posted on May 17, 2012 by russellmckinney

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. (Proverbs 12: 22, N.K.J.V.) A paratrooper finished basic training and went up for his first jump. As he was about to leap from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Communication, Deception, Discernment, Honesty, Lying, Personal Holiness, Sin, The Tongue, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What’s Your Sign?

Posted on May 15, 2012 by russellmckinney

As a woman was waiting in the checkout line of a grocery store, she noticed a young mother standing in line in front of her. The mother had a baby strapped to her back in one of those baby-backpacks. Attached … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Alcohol, Anger, Backsliding, Baptism, Change, Christ's Death, Christian Liberty, Confession, Conviction, Depravity, Desires, Drugs, Forgiveness, Gambling, Gluttony, Guilt, Lust, Lying, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Sex, Sin, Temptation, The Tongue, Worry | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a 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