Category Archives: Suffering

The Word American Christians Don’t Want to Hear

Posted on July 24, 2024 by russellmckinney

But the Lord said him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Commitment, Courage, Disappointment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Work, Loneliness, Ministry, Money, Parenting, Pastors, Persecution, Perseverance, Preaching, Priorities, Problems, Prosperity, Service, Sports, Stewardship, Suffering, Tithing, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

God: Heavenly Father or Heavenly Commander in Chief?

Posted on July 19, 2024 by russellmckinney

Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, I was a huge fan of the t.v. show M*A*S*H (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital). For that matter, I’ve continued to watch the reruns ever since. I know all the characters, all the episodes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Christ's Birth, Christ's Death, Commitment, Courage, Demons, Dying To Self, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Satan, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

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

Posted on July 12, 2024 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

Is God Good All the Time? (post 1 of 3)

Posted on July 8, 2024 by russellmckinney

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…” Psalm 34:8 (N.K.J.V.) “You are good, and do good…” Psalm 119:68 (N.K.J.V.) “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!…” Psalm 107:1 (N.K.J.V.) Tonya and I had been married … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Adultery, Adversity, Aging, Bestiality, Capital Punishment, Children, Christ's Second Coming, Christ's Return, Coming Judgment, Death, Disappointment, Elderly, God's Love, God's Judgment, Hell, Homosexuality, Motherhood, Parenting, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Racism, Rebellion, Series: "Is God Good All the Time?", Sex, Sickness, Sin, Slavery, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, War | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Storytelling

Posted on July 3, 2024 by russellmckinney

We preachers are constantly encouraged to use effective illustrations and make our sermons more like “storytelling.” It’s advice that I really do try to implement. After all, Jesus was the greatest communicator who ever lived and He often taught by … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Discipleship, Extending Forgiveness, God's Word, God's Work, Persecution, Preaching, Problems, Scripture, Suffering, The Bible, Trials | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

An Important Context

Posted on June 14, 2024 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

Always Victorious?

Posted on June 10, 2024 by russellmckinney

By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me. (Psalm 41:11, N.K.J.V.) David wrote Psalm 41, and it’s simply impossible to understand our text verse correctly unless we view it … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Commitment, Criticism, Disappointment, Eternity, Faithfulness, God's Work, Human Life, Persecution, Perseverance, Prayer Requests, Problems, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Romans 8:28 & Roan Mountain

Posted on June 1, 2024 by russellmckinney

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, NKJV) I grew up in the small town of Bakersville, North Carolina. I would … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Brokenness, Comfort, Complaining, Creation, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Restoration, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Look for the Best

Posted on May 6, 2024 by russellmckinney

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8, N.L.T.) A … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Balance, Complaining, Criticism, Depression, Disappointment, God's Love, God's Provision, Human Life, Leadership, Loneliness, Praise, Problems, Sickness, Suffering, Trials, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Leaping for Joy About Being Persecuted

Posted on April 25, 2024 by russellmckinney

“The Beatitudes” series: (post #8) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Commitment, Criticism, Doing Good, Encouragement, Eternity, Faithfulness, God's Work, Heaven, Ministry, Missions, Pastors, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Reward, Righteousness, Sanctification, Series: "The Beatitudes", Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Thankfulness, The Sermon On The Mount, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments