Category Archives: Worship

The Greatest Commandment

Posted on June 12, 2024 by russellmckinney

A group of men went deer hunting. After setting up camp, they separated into pairs to do their hunting. Bob and Joe paired up to hunt together, and Joe killed a huge 10-point buck. Bob then volunteered to help him … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Commitment, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Humor, Idolatry, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Sanctification, Service, The Heart, Worship | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Preaching in a Prison

Posted on June 3, 2024 by russellmckinney

On a few occasions in my ministry, I’ve had the privilege of preaching the chapel service at Mountain View Correctional Institution, a prison in our area. I use the word “privilege” because that’s exactly what it always was. What follows … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Church, Extending Forgiveness, Forgiveness, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Music, Personal, Preaching, Salvation, Stewardship, Tithing, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Church Attendance in the Summer

Posted on May 28, 2024 by russellmckinney

Memorial Day in America has long been called “the unofficial beginning of summer.” With that in mind, I’d like to talk to you about the “summer slump” most churches experience in regards to attendance in June, July, and August. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Will, Memorial Day, Pastors, Personal, Priorities, Sports, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Idolatry

Posted on May 8, 2024 by russellmckinney

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21, N.K.J.V.) The Old Testament’s history of Israel is dominated by the Jews committing the sin of idolatry. Even though the first two commandments of Israel’s law prohibited idolatry, the Jews … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Balance, Commitment, Confession, Discipleship, Idolatry, Priorities, Repentance, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Are You Too Busy?

Posted on January 17, 2024 by russellmckinney

I live in Mitchell County, way up in the mountains of western North Carolina. Our total population is under 16,000. We roll up the sidewalks at night in our two towns, and we know far too much about our fellow … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Bible Study, Business, Church Attendance, Personal, Prayer, Priorities, Work, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Lost Church Members

Posted on December 11, 2023 by russellmckinney

Dr. Harry Ironside was one of the most respected and beloved preachers that Christianity ever produced. Even though he was best known for his tenure as the pastor of Chicago’s Moody Church from 1930 until 1948, his preaching ministry was … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Return, Church, Church Attendance, Church Discipline, Coming Judgment, God's Work, Ministry, Worship | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Water Lines & Old Paths

Posted on August 28, 2023 by russellmckinney

You don’t have to be a nautical expert to know that boats must be as solid below the water line as they are above it. A boat that looks good above the water line but is rotten below it will eventually sink. Well, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Bible Study, Church Attendance, Commitment, Confession, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Giving, Obedience, Perseverance, Prayer, Priorities, Repentance, Righteousness, Sanctification, Scripture, Service, Sin, Stewardship, The Bible, Trusting In God, Witnessing, Worry, Worship | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Doing Church Differently

Posted on July 29, 2023 by russellmckinney

The churches of Asia greet you, Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (1 Corinthians 16:19, N.K.J.V.) Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Balance, Change, Church, Church Discipline, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Money, Music, Prayer, Preaching, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Stewardship, Sunday School, Teaching, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Remembering Your Homeland & Culture

Posted on June 21, 2023 by russellmckinney

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2, N.K.J.V.) Do not love the world … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Character, Commitment, Desires, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Eternity, Faithfulness, Heaven, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Baptists, Sacrifices, & Mark Twain

Posted on May 31, 2023 by russellmckinney

A man was robbing a train and came to the seat of a preacher. The robber shoved his gun into the preacher’s chest and said, “Gimme your money.” The preacher said, “But you wouldn’t rob a preacher, would you?” The … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Backsliding, Character, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Drugs, Faithfulness, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sin, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments