Category Archives: The Holy Spirit

A Walking Civil War

Posted on May 20, 2022 by russellmckinney

William Barclay wrote, “Every man is a walking civil war. Within him there is the tension, the division, the battle between right and wrong, between good and evil, between passion and reason, between the instincts and the will.” Truer words … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Choices, Comfort, Covetousness, Disobedience, Doing Good, Encouragement, Eternity, Heaven, Man's Freewill, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Salvation, Sin, Temptation, The Holy Spirit, War | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Blessing of Changing a Sermon

Posted on May 9, 2022 by russellmckinney

On Sunday, July 1st, 2009, I had in mind to preach a sermon on prayer. Specifically, I planned to preach on the so-called “Lord’s Prayer.” But as I began to ease into my studying and preparing for that sermon, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Change, Children, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Disobedience, Forgiveness, Obedience, Parenting, Personal, Preaching, Reward, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Body, A Temple

Posted on April 27, 2022 by russellmckinney

I’m well aware that 1 Timothy 4:8 says: “For bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable for all things” (N.K.J.V.). I’m also well aware that overweight Christians love that verse because it seems to dismiss the need for exercise. The fact … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Dieting, Dress and Appearance, Drugs, Gambling, Gluttony, Homosexuality, Idolatry, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Sanctification, Sex, Sin, Temptation, The Heart, The Holy Spirit, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Link Between Christ’s Resurrection and the Christian’s Repentance

Posted on April 11, 2022 by russellmckinney

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11, N.K.J.V.) … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Change, Christ's Resurrection, Easter, Rebellion, Repentance, Sin, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Lord, This Isn’t What I Requested”

Posted on November 4, 2021 by russellmckinney

Perhaps you’ve seen the following piece (or at least some version of it): I asked for strength — and God gave me difficulties to make me strong. I asked for wisdom — and God gave me problems to solve. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Disappointment, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, Prayer, Prayer Requests, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Having Spiritual Discernment

Posted on June 11, 2021 by russellmckinney

1 John series: (post #12) This post marks the conclusion to our series from 1 John. As we have learned from the series, John uses his book to name at least ten identifying characteristics of authentic Christianity. In other words, … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Discernment, Preaching, Salvation, Series: "1 John", The Holy Spirit, Truth | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Having the Indwelling Holy Spirit

Posted on June 4, 2021 by russellmckinney

1 John series: (post #9) How many professing Christians are there in the world today? Figures place the number at approximately 2.3 billion. That’s 31% of the world’s population, and that makes Christians the most numerically dominant religious group in … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Doctrine, Salvation, Series: "1 John", The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Should We Call a Church Building “The House of God”?

Posted on February 24, 2021 by russellmckinney

These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, King James Only, The Holy Spirit, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spiritually Minded vs. Carnally Minded

Posted on September 12, 2020 by russellmckinney

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:6, N.K.J.V.) We don’t have to wonder what the apostle Paul means when he uses the descriptive phrase “spiritually minded.” The man himself … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Decisions, Depravity, God's Will, Salvation, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Fanning Your Inner Flame

Posted on June 12, 2020 by russellmckinney

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you… (2 Timothy 1:6, N.K.J.V.) J. Glenn Campbell tells the story of a family who many years ago ran a sheep farm in Australia. Each year … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Work, Individuality, Ministry, Service, Spiritual Gifts, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment