Category Archives: Worship

The Need for a Blood Sacrifice

Posted on November 17, 2017 by russellmckinney

“Salvation” series: (post #6) In our last post, we looked at the concept of blood atonement. That is the idea of the innocent (sinless) dying by way of the shedding of blood for the guilty (sinful). Adam and Eve were … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, God's Provision, Sacrifice, Salvation, Series: "Salvation", Sin, The Old Testament Law, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bigger Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Better

Posted on November 2, 2017 by russellmckinney

The idea that divine favor manifests itself by way of worldly success goes back a long way. History shows us two things about the races of antiquity. #1: They all worshiped some form of god or plurality of gods. #2: … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Deacons, Evangelism, God's Work, Greed, Ministry, Money, Persecution, Prosperity, The Sin Unto Death, Worship | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Selling Hamburgers

Posted on August 16, 2017 by russellmckinney

I have never served as the pastor of a megachurch, and I don’t figure that I ever will. My pastoral ministry has always involved small, rural churches. Still, I’ll admit that, like megachurch pastors, I feel the internal pressure to … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Church, Church Attendance, Music, Pastors, Personal, Preaching, Worship, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two Different Bible School Meetings

Posted on June 15, 2017 by russellmckinney

After a relatively successful V.B.S. at one of my former churches, I called for a meeting of the teachers and workers who had been involved with the effort. My purpose for the meeting was to assess what had gone well … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Backsliding, Brokenness, Christian Unity, Church, Church Attendance, Confession, Criticism, Extending Forgiveness, Forgiveness, God's Work, Humility, Ministry, Pastors, Personal, Pride, Problems, Reconciliation, Restoration, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Worship Wars

Posted on June 8, 2017 by russellmckinney

I once met with the pulpit committee of a certain church about the possibility of me becoming that church’s next pastor. I don’t normally take Tonya along for such meetings, but this committee wanted to meet her as well. So, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Balance, Change, Christian Unity, Church, Church Attendance, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, King James Only, Ministry, Music, Pastors, Personal, Sunday School, Worship, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Church Attendance Through the Ages

Posted on June 2, 2017 by russellmckinney

I’m a pastor, and so the goal of writing a blog post that gives anybody an excuse to attend church less is pretty far down on my “to do” list. However, with that said, I would like for us to … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Attendance, Discipleship, Salvation, Sunday School, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

God: Your Captain

Posted on March 12, 2017 by russellmckinney

Thomas Stevenson was the father of Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous author. That in itself will get you a brief mention in the history books. Actually, though, Thomas was a touch famous himself, especially in his day. His fame came … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Comfort, Courage, Death, Decisions, Depression, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Holiness, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, God's Guidance, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Heaven, Perseverance, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Micah’s “Church” (part 2 of 2)

Posted on December 3, 2016 by russellmckinney

As we pick back up with our story, the young Levite named Jonathan has just been hired to serve as the priest of the “church” that Micah has set up at his home. This “church” is a shrine Micah has … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Church, Disobedience, God's Will, God's Work, Idolatry, Influence, Ministry, Preaching, Temptation, Trusting In God, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Micah’s “Church” (part 1 of 2)

Posted on December 1, 2016 by russellmckinney

Now there was a man from the mountains of Ephraim, whose name was Micah. Judges 17:1 (N.K.J.V.) The time period of the book of Judges is famously known as the period when “there was no king in Israel; everyone did … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, God's Will, God's Work, Idolatry, Ministry, Money, Preaching, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Greatest Commandment

Posted on October 11, 2012 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 , , , , | Leave a comment